My Digital Nomad Experiment (2022)

My digital nomad journey began with my departure from a cozy apartment that had been my home for five years. In preparation, I sold all my furniture and gave away items accumulated over the pandemic years. As I set out for the airport, I carried only a large suitcase, a carry-on, a backpack, and a yoga mat, ready for a minimalist lifestyle

My initial destination was the serene town of Chainat, Thailand, located a couple of hours from Bangkok, the capital city. Fortunately, my then co-founder at Umify, Jin, was there to help me settle in seamlessly. Packing my possessions into the back of a Sportwagon, we drove down the bustling Bangkok highways. For a month, I immersed myself in building the startup, starting from scrappy notes on a whiteboard and progressing to a business proposal that garnered our first pre-seed investment. Despite long hours of working, staying in the peaceful countryside allowed me to focus and commit entirely to developing the MVP. Occasionally, I stepped out for a breath of fresh air, admiring the evergreen plantations. To my surprise, I didn't miss the bustling city life and felt happy with my decision to embark on a digital nomad adventure.

Following my stint in Chainat, I settled into a chic British-style apartment in Bangkok found on Airbnb. I relished exploring the lively city scene, frequently getting GrabBike rides to different neighborhoods to visit art centers and attend open mic events. Being in a stimulating environment inspired me to explore new things, such as obtaining a scuba diving license. I traveled to Ko Tao, an idyllic island nearby, to fulfill this long-held aspiration, savoring the soft sand and magical sunsets. Despite juggling the management of my newly funded startup, I remained productive by embracing a location-independent lifestyle.

In late August, I bid farewell to Thailand and traveled to the capital of the Philippines. Staying mainly in Manila during September, I also took a two-week trip to Cebu City, where I indulged in some of the best seafood and homemade Filipino dishes.

For anyone who is looking to work from anywhere, I would recommend a few things to consider aside from the top of mind (e.g. personal finance, visas, accommodations, transportation, etc.).

Wifi - I only started to appreciate a stable wifi network until I had to look for one while traveling in and out of cities. Make sure to inquire about the wifi situation and carry a personal hotspot as a backup.

Health insurance - There is only a handful of health insurance that cater to the needs of digital nomads. Make sure to conduct thorough research and obtain insurance coverage before embarking on any travel.

Routine - Establishing a daily routine can help to maintain focus and productivity, even while adapting to changing environments.

Travel buddies - Solo travel can be isolating, especially over an extended period. Consider seeking out like-minded individuals or establishing bonds with new acquaintances to reduce feelings of loneliness.

I will be adding things to the list as I write on. Thanks for reading!

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