Work and travel: how I turned my job into a remote lifestyle
- Laura Seeling
How to work and travel at the same time?
Let me start by sharing a bit about my journey. I’m 24 years old, so my career path isn’t that long yet—but it’s definitely different from most remote workers you’ll meet.
My story: from Germany to the Netherlands
I graduated with a degree in International Business Administration in Germany in 2021. Like many students at that time, I was looking for an internship during the height of the pandemic. One thing was clear: I didn’t want to stay in Germany. After three years there, I was craving a change of scenery.
Eventually, I found an internship near Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, I arrived just as the country went into lockdown. I didn’t know a single person there. Everything was closed. I was stuck in a tiny apartment, seeing colleagues only twice a week—the rest of the work was remote. It was lonely and, honestly, quite depressing.
The job that changed everything
Six months later, my internship ended, and it was time to find a full-time job. After such a difficult period, I knew I didn’t want to stay in the Netherlands. I missed my family—most of whom live in Rio, Brazil, and some in Barcelona, Brussels, Portugal, and France. But I couldn’t leave just yet. In my rush to find housing earlier, I had signed a one-year lease and still had six months left to pay. So I decided to stay in Rotterdam and look for a full-time job to cover those last few months.
What I didn’t know at the time was that this job would change my life.
I landed a position in digital marketing, focusing mainly on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). The company had a hybrid setup, with in-office work only once a week—on Wednesdays. That meant I could travel from Thursday to Tuesday and still make it to the office in time. I started taking full advantage of that. I visited Spain often, reconnected with family across Europe, and explored so many new places.
The company was small, and I had direct communication with the CEO. There were no strict rules about where I could work from, as long as I was physically present on Wednesdays and delivered what I was supposed to. This freedom made all the difference.
Working and traveling at the same time
In 2023, even though my work setup was ideal, I still felt isolated. Making friends as an adult is hard—and even harder in a country where the culture feels so different. The few friends I had made ended up leaving the country. I was tired of being alone. So I had an honest conversation with my manager. I explained how the loneliness was affecting my mental health and asked if I could leave the Netherlands and work remotely while traveling—anywhere with a manageable time zone.
Thankfully, they trusted me and valued my work. My proposal was accepted with one condition: I’d return to the office once a month.
So I packed my carry-on, put the rest of my things in storage, and hit the road with a friend. We rented apartments and stayed longer in each location to avoid burnout. I worked and traveled through Greece, Germany, Portugal, Paris, London, Barcelona, Ibiza,—and even spent a full month in Brazil with family. One of the highlights was finally visiting Bali, Indonesia, where I worked remotely for an entire month.
Moving back to Brazil (and making it work)
At the end of the year, I returned to the Netherlands for my monthly office check-in and had another talk with my manager. I asked if I could move back to Brazil permanently and continue working remotely. I explained that I realized, after traveling so much, that being close to my family brought me the most joy. Once again, my request was approved—as long as I came to the office once every six months.
Starting my own digital marketing agency
Now, a year and a half later, I’m still working remotely for this Dutch company, but now as a freelancer. That change has given me even more flexibility. I work on my own schedule, and I’ve also launched my own digital marketing agency. I’m now building my client base, working on projects like SEO strategy, social media management, website design, and helping companies improve their online presence.
It’s honestly a dream come true. I always wanted to have my own business, and thanks to remote work, I can do it from anywhere in the world.
The realities of the digital nomad lifestyle
But this lifestyle isn’t always stable. There are weeks or months when I work a lot, and others when things slow down. It takes serious financial planning and discipline to make it sustainable. You have to be okay with spending less on certain things so you can afford to travel. And my path isn’t exactly the norm. It required an understanding employer, a flexible company culture, and clear, consistent communication on my part to make it work.
Can anyone do it?
That said, I truly believe that anyone can build a similar lifestyle. It takes time, planning, and sometimes a big leap of faith—but it’s absolutely possible. If your goal is to work and travel, start by saving money, improving your skills, and exploring remote job opportunities. And if you dream of starting your own business, begin working on it on the side until you’re ready to take it full-time.
It might not be easy—but I promise, it’s worth it.
And here’s one final piece of advice: don’t be afraid to ask. The worst answer you can get is “no,” but sometimes a single honest conversation can lead you to unimaginable places. That’s how I created my own path—by being open with my manager, with the people around me, and with myself about what I wanted.
This doesn’t just apply to work—it applies to life. Talk to people. Ask questions. Look for opportunities and try to make them work. And if they don’t? Move on to the next one. When you start seeing life this way, it all feels a little lighter. A little more full of possibility.
Ready to start your own remote work journey?
If you’re dreaming of working from anywhere, whether it’s a beach in Bali or a café in Barcelona, start exploring your options today. Save this post for inspiration, share it with a friend, and feel free to reach out if you have questions or want tips — I love connecting with fellow travel lovers!
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