Remote Profile: Lauren Hom

LAUREN HOM

ILLUSTRATOR, HOM SWEET HOM

USA


WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

After about a year and a half of working from home in New York, I realized that I wasn't taking full advantage of my location-independent job. I'd also been living in New York for almost 6 years, and I felt like it was time for a change of scenery and pace. The idea that helped me make the decision to join Remote Year was this: New York, your hometown, and all of the other places you hold dear aren't going anywhere, so go out, see the world, and do all the wild things. You can always come back "home", or perhaps you'll find a new home along the way. 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

On the professional side: I've been working as a hand letterer and illustrator for the past two and a half years remotely from Brooklyn, and I plan on doing the same while I'm on the road. I design typographic illustrations for magazines, paper products, advertising campaigns, and more. You can view all of my work at www.homsweethom.com

On the personal side: I knew this year abroad would be challenging, so I decided to make it even harder with a new personal project called No Photos Please. I've made a commitment to taking zero travel photos this year and instead have chosen to document my journey through drawings and lettering in a visual diary. I draw things for a living, so what better way to capture my travels than by sketching, not snapping, my way around the world? You can follow along at www.nophotosplz.com

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

It honestly happened pretty organically. Back in 2013, I was starting to feel unhappy at my full-time job right around the same time my freelance lettering career was blossoming. I decided that I'd rather spend the 60+ hours a week I was working at the agency on my own personal work, so I quit my job and focused all my energy on my illustration work. It's been almost three years now, and I haven't looked back.


WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

I think it comes from my curious nature and love of variety. I'm the kind of person who will try all of the foods on the table. I like to wear a different outfit every day. So naturally, I wanted to see the world. Of course I have my habits and comforts, but as I've gotten older, I've started seeing change as a positive thing. I actually seek it now. Change shakes things up and gives you a chance to learn and grow, and I think traveling is the ultimate expression of that: new places, new people, and new culture. It's a surefire way to get out of your comfort zone.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

Since I've been working remotely for the past couple of years, I don't think it'll affect my workflow much. If anything, I think being on the road will inspire me to create even better artwork, which would ideally result in more client work!

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

I hope to be a kinder, smarter, crazier, and even more open minded person than I was before I began this trip. I want to be more fearless and spontaneous and full of love. I want to be the kind of person who says yes to every new adventure.


WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I can make food disappear with my mouth.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED / TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

I grew up in Los Angeles, California and moved to New York City when I was eighteen. I've been there ever since, with the exception of a brief 4-month stint in Madrid, Spain for a summer internship in college. I've traveled all over western Europe, and most recently I've had the pleasure of exploring Lisbon, Valparaiso, and Seoul.

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

A breezy sundress, my sketchbook, and sunscreen.

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Overwhelming. Inspiring. Wine.

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE / WORDS TO LIVE BY?

"So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." - Jorge Luis Borges

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

Sunshine, sketching, swimming, smoothies, sex, snacks, sleep.


WHERE ARE YOU IN 30 YEARS?

In 30 years, I hope I'm still drawing or creating something new every day. I hope I'm living a life full of love, compassion, and constant growth. I could see myself living in a small seaside house with my family, growing our own vegetables in the backyard. I could see myself never settling down and traveling around the world forever. I have no idea what's in store for me or what my ideal life in 30 years would look like...and I like not knowing. All I know is that as long as I have creativity and love in my life, I'll be happy.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

Do it! Whether you want to take little vacations or make travel a part of your daily life, you can make it happen. I think we should be building our work around our lives not our lives around our work, and it took me a few years to realize that. If travel is something you know you want to do, try to build a career that sustains that by finding remote work or working for yourself.

FOLLOW LAUREN ON HER INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND WEBSITE! 

Remote Profile: Tiago Almeida

TIAGO ALMEIDA

FRONTEND DEVELOPER, HELLOFRESH

PORTUGAL

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

I hate eating in the same place. I hate sitting in the same desk for years. I love change. I love to dig in new places and blend with locals. I love to explore and make new adventures. Being in a 9 to 5 job didn't seem ideal for me and that's when I found the solution. Remote Year will make your life come true by combining travelling with work. 

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

I'm a Frontend Developer working for HelloFresh - a healthy food company - and I love it. I was a customer before working for them, have over 40 recipes and I can proudly say that I've learn how to cook with them. As a side project, I'm working on my personal blog Ain't It Nice which aims to tell my story through short highlight videos from different cities as well my nomad lifestyle experience. P.S. Hit me up for some HelloFresh discounts!

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I didn't know that there was a growing market for remote roles until I started looking for one. There are plenty of job boards which I went through. I started by applying to companies I did care and give my best even though they were not accepting remote roles. Ended up that my first attempt accepted me and were willing to hire me as full-time remote! This was the best thing that ever happened after being accepted to Remote Year!

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?

Portuguese means discovery. We sailed "by seas never sailed before" and discovered places from Brazil to Macau. Even though my family hasn't live abroad, I always wanted to and moved out to a new country when I was 21 years old.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I consider myself quite responsible and will do everything to not affect my work. Normally this means waking up early in the morning so that I can have time to explore the city late afternoon.

WHERE HAVE YOU LIVED / TRAVELED TO PREVIOUSLY?

Lived in Portugal and UK and traveled to Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands as well as US. Will definitely travel more this year, that's a fact.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I've never lost a sock while doing laundry - that's definitely a talent!

IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Any remote on earth would be fine. Remotes always have good mindsets and all have interesting stories to tell!

WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?

The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. A lot of fun facts mixed with good surviving techniques! Did you know that the gills and the eyes are the most sensitive part of the shark? Those are the best spots to hit him in the worst-case scenario!

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?

My portable washing machine - the sink stopper!

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

My paracord bracelet, quick-dry towel and ear plugs!

DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.

Life-changing, cultural and amazing.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

Cooking with amazing people, exploring the unknown and end up watching stars by night.

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

A better person. Travelling makes you visualize yourself in different situations and you will learn a lot from yourself. It's cliché but it will change me, hopefully for good!

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

Take the leap. Get out of your comfort zone. Run for your dreams and please, stop making excuses. You define your own path as long as you want it and that's what life is all about. It's a great feeling to be able to control your own life and live it according to your priorities. Where there's a will there's a way!

GET MORE TIAGO BY FOLLOWING HIS INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND BLOG! 

Remote Profile: Taylor Coil

TAYLOR COIL

MARKETING MANAGER, TORTUGA BACKPACKS

USA


WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME ON REMOTE YEAR?

2015 was a year of change for me. I got divorced and found myself desperately craving a new life. When everything you love shatters around you, drastic change feels like the best path forward. Life after divorce for me is about choosing exactly the life I want to live, a life of my own design. That life is about travel and discovery. Remote Year fits perfectly.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?

Professionally, I am building Tortuga Backpack's brand and have lofty goals for myself in our company's growth. I'm so excited to spearhead Tortuga's marketing. I'm also working on my own personal blog, Colloquial.ly. In regards to skills: I'm hoping to further my photography knowledge as we travel the world. 

HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?

I primarily used WeWorkRemotely.com. Finding a remote role required a fair bit of soul-searching and a different approach than a traditional job search. Using my network wasn't really an option, because nobody in my network hired remote employees. I had to start from scratch with just my resume and just my skills. I wrote more about how I got a remote job here.

HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?

I think it will help, honestly. I'm lucky to work in an industry that fits perfectly with the digital nomad life. Living the routine of our core customers will make me a better marketer.

IMG_8770.jpg

WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?

Me, but better. The specific iteration of 'better' remains to be seen. I'm not sure how this experience will shape me, and how each country will hone my global perspective. But I can't wait to find out.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?

I can do the worm. I've already demonstrated this talent at a bar in Montevideo. No shame.

YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK? 

I swear by Spotify's Deep Focus playlist and Bose noise cancelling headphones. If I can drown out conversations around me and plug into focusing instrumentals, I can be productive anywhere.

3 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?

Water bottle, Nikon DSLR, and my beloved travel journal.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE? 

The ascent to Grinnell Glacier in Montana, USA. I took a camping trip to Glacier National Park with a friend a few years ago, and the hike was the highlight of our trip. It's breathtakingly beautiful. The ascent is a particularly special place because I travelled there with someone I love. 

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD? 

This is a tiring life, physically and mentally. My feet hurt most of the time and I end a day mentally strained. Most interactions will be surface-level, which can be tough for an introvert like me. Small talk is exhausting, but crucial for the whole "understanding local culture" thing. Finding balance and peace in the chaos is a skill. 

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD? 

Freedom from the chains of in-office life. It's an incredible feeling. I didn't quite realize that the structure of my old life, complete with a traffic-filled commute and a fancy office downtown, was impacting my happiness. Working when, where, and how I choose is the best part of this life.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?

It's all about priorities. If something feels like a crucial experience to you, you find a way to make it happen. Many of us quit our jobs and sold everything we owned for the promise of a "great perhaps." That's a terrifying thing to do and not a choice to be taken lightly. If you're not sure if the full-blown nomad life is for you, start with small trips and see how it goes. If you want it, though, find a way. That's all there is to it.

KEEP UP WITH TAYLOR ON HER INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, and BLOG!

Remote Profile: Julie Friedenberg

Julie Friedenberg

Graphic Designer, Self Employed

USA


Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

I was already traveling around as a digital nomad on my own, when my Mom actually found the program. It seemed like a good idea after so much solo travel to be part of a community. It was also becoming increasingly more difficult to work without proper office space.

What are you working on for the year?

I work as a self-employed graphic designer specializing in infographics and all things web.

How did you find yourself a remote role?

My client base is a large mix in terms of how we found each other. Some are just companies I emailed with similar work, some found me through various design portfolio platforms, some word of mouth.

Where have you lived / traveled to previously?

Lived: DC area, NYC, SoCal. Traveled to: Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, Central America, Canada, the Caribbean and now South America...all over! :)

Where does your passion for travel come from?

Two years ago I left my job, apartment and even my dog in NYC and bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok on the whim. Something was eating away at me and I knew I had to travel. I havent looked back since.

How do you think traveling will affect your current work?

I think having an office space now and trust of good wifi will greatly improve my professionalism. There is nothing worse than being on the road and not being able to complete a conference call because the wifi is iffy.


Describe your Remote Year experience so far in 3 words.

Whirlwind, social, comfortable.

Who do you hope to be by the end of Remote Year?

Being with Remote Year is actually taking a step back for me into what normal life would be. I have an apartment and an office now for a whole month versus being on the constant move. I hope by the end of remote year my itchy feet are cured and I can begin to imagine a future place to settle for longer periods of time.

3 things you can't live without on the road?

Duct tape, coconut oil, refillable water bottle.

What is your secret talent?

Hula Hooping!

Describe your perfect day.

Waking up with the sun for some outdoor yoga. Being surrounded by good people, near a beach and having a day of adventure and unknowns awaiting.

Where is your favorite place on the globe?

Thats a hard one!!! There is this tiny little island in the Komodo National Park of Flores Indonesia. Theres no wifi, no electricity and you camp or sleep in these beach shacks. Only about 50 people stay on the island at once. The water is crystal clear and covered in giant star fish. Absolutely perfect!

What would you say to others looking to bring travel into their lives?

Just go. The world is not as scary or as hard to navigate these days as you might think. There are always people to meet and you are never alone. Just book a flight a figure out the rest as you go. The time is now.

Words to live by?

Ain't afraid to live, cause I ain't afraid to die.


Want more Julie? Keep up with her journey on her Instagram and Blog!  

This Is Battuta.

Can't get enough Battuta? To get to know our remotes better, we'll be rolling out a series of Remote Profiles in the coming months. In the meantime, we've compiled a list of their travel blogs here for your stalking pleasure:


"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
- Neale Donald Walsch

- RY

Remote Year 2 Comin' Thru!

You know when you wake up from a dream that's too good to be true and you think, “Nah, that could never happen...”? Well, this particular dream is true and it is happening. Get up now because Remote Year 2 is comin' thru!

The second Remote Year Battuta program kicked off yesterday and there aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe what this means for us. Not only is this a monumental step for the Remote Year team, who've been working their cute butts off moving mountains and working wonders, but also for the 75 people who have embarked on this life-changing year-long adventure with us. 

Our first stop: Montevideo, Uruguay. The Remote Year Ops team arrived in Montevideo early and hit the ground running, crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s in preparation for the February 1st launch. From ironing out logistics with the coworking space, to upgrading wifi at hotels, to printing the fine details of welcome packets, there was no rest for the wicked. 

Our workspace for the month is the beautiful Sinergia Cowork. Equipped with a basement kitchen, 3 working levels, and a grand outdoor terrace, Sinergia will quickly feel like home for our remotes. 

The calm before the storm...

On arrival day, Dave, Heather, and Jason posted up in the Carrasco airport from sun-up to sun-down to pick up our weary travelers descending from all over the globe. Equipped with flashy signage, cold water, and huge smiles, the staff made sure to be a sight for sore eyes. 

Dave sneaking in power naps between delayed flights

Welcome to Montevideo! Groups of happy remotes to be shuttled to the hotel.

Each remote received a welcome packet upon arrival, stuffed with goodies to get them started on the right foot: local SIM cards, welcome week schedules, workspace keys, basic Spanish cheat sheets, and a Battuta mate cup. 

The official first day of Remote Year Battuta! Despite long travels the day before, our remotes are at Sinergia bright and early and excited to work. Mondays take on a new meaning here!

Dave and Jason kick things off with a South America introduction

All the remotes in the same room for the first time. Look at those beautiful faces!

The lovely Sinergia girls give a workspace introduction and show us how to cure mate cups and prepare mate drinks.

#swag

To wrap up a successful first day, Sinergia hosted an After Cowork mixer on the beautiful terrace, complete with cervezas, empanadas y futbolito.

All in a day's work.

As the dust starts to settle, we reflect on how lucky we are to be on this life-changing journey together. Not only do remotes challenge the status quo and redefine work/life balance, but we are paving the way for a new kind of lifestyle where happiness and success aren't defined by a corner office, a fancy title or a meaty paycheck. 

We have an exciting week in store and an incredible year ahead. To stay up to date with everything Remote Year, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Buckle up...it's gonna be one hell of a ride!

- RY

First week in Japan

Throughout our first week, we have learned so much about the unique Japanese culture.  They have lots of traditions, rules and sayings to learn.  One that many Remotes have connected with is Wabi-sabi (侘寂?), which represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.  Some more great Japanese sayings here.

We did a Japanese cooking class at the cooking studio ‘Cooking Sun’. The studio was located in a restored traditional townhouse in central Kyoto. The class began with a shopping tour for ingredients at the famous Nishiki Food Market.

We enjoyed many of the local foods and explored the beautiful city.

The Remote Year team went to see GEAR, a "unique non-verbal performance that stimulates your five senses with a moving story set in the future. Accompanied by impressive stage effects set up using techniques ranging from those used in Kabuki plays to the latest technologies, GEAR is bound to offer you a theatrical experience you will never forget!"

On Saturday we hosted our monthly Junction networking event.  We met some amazing people from Kyoto working on lots of interesting things!

Then we jumped on the beautiful subway and headed our to do karaoke. 

A group of Remotes did a biking tour of temples around Kyoto.

Greg caught a happy moment of Nate taking a picture of Dave taking a picture of Kim taking a selfie with Steph

Jumping to Japan

We celebrated an amazing holiday season with our new Remote Year family as 2015 came to an end and headed over to Japan right after the start of the new year.

Cameron and Greg U. went to Con Dao, off the south coast off Vietnam.  The intention was to do some diving, but the winds were too fierce for too long - 2m+ seas, with very limited visibility.  So they rented some scooters and rode around the island a bit.

Geetika 'Drew' her New Years Resolutions and Plans of building off of the success she had launching Vawaa.  If you haven't heard of it yet, Vawaa, or Vacation with an artist is a platform for finding and booking studio sessions with curated artists around the world.  Check out www.vawaa.com

She also spent a day hanging out and cooking with local Vietnamese artists in a small town called Tam Dao. 

Geetika also visited Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery village with history of seven centuries near Hanoi. It's handmade ceramics can be found in stores globally, including IKEA and Target.  

Joe hosted his famous Joe Matta work-out to get people ready for the holiday feasts.

Everybody brought out their new custom made clothes to celebrate Remote Year Christmas.  Some of them looked like secret service agents and others looked more like members of the Kringle  family.

We all gathered for an amazing Christmas dinner, an early teaser of a new concept Joe is working on around experiential dining events.

At the end of Christmas dinner, Cassie, Nate, Dave and Sam surprised everybody with a Christmas song performance.  

Everybody lounged out for a lazy Christmas day as we hosted a puppy from a local couple.

At our New Year's party, Remotes busted out tons of crazy custom clothing from the expert Vietnamese tailors. 

Throughout the holiday week, many people checked out one of the seven new wonders of the world, Halong Bay.

We boarded a plane and headed into our 8th month of Remote Year in Kyoto, Japan.

Sam was brought good luck by getting his head bit by the traditional Japanese dragon dancers.

Hello Hanoi

As we crossed the half-way mark of our journey, we transitioned from the Thai beaches to the crazy bustle of city life in Hanoi, Vietnam.

We boarded a boat en route to Samui.

Remotes lining up to check in at the Samui airport

Exploring Hanoi has some amazing views and temples.

A local artist hosted us for our welcome party at his creative space.  A dance troupe did an interpretive dance called "The Human Tree"

We got started right away in our new workspace with a town hall meeting.

And then got to work.

Bloom Microventures came and told us about their amazing project that is pioneering a unique business model which harnesses the power of tourism through microcredit. 

Hannah helping Jesse pick out color ways for his new custom blazer.  Vietnam is known for its textile manufacturing and has many great places to get custom fit clothing at affordable prices.

We did a walking food tour through the old quarter of Hanoi.

The ladies did their monthly Ladies' night at a local ice skating rink.

David hosted a Vodka and Latka event to celebrate Hannukah.

IMG_20151210_220028.jpg

A group went on an overnight motorcycle tour across Vietnam.

While others toured the Perfume Pagoda's

A group of Remotes climbed the tallest mountain in Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand).