Location Independence: Where have you gone/Where do you want to go?

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- CommentAuthorjdbentley
- CommentTimeSep 25th 2009 edited
I'm sure there are quite a few people here who are actually location independent and a lot who hope to be. So a few questions.

If you are location independent right now:
1. What is your current location?
2. Where will you be going next?
3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?

If you want to be location independent, but currently aren't:
1. Why do you want to be location independent?
2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?
3. Where do you want to go first?

I'm in the latter camp so I'll start

Why do I want to be location independent?

Because I love travel when it's not rushed. I'd love to be able to work from the internet and go anywhere I want to. I went to Mexico in 2004. I had just turned 17 and it was my first really big trip away from home. At the time I was incredibly shy and nervous as heck. I was convinced I'd throw up because not only was it my first plane ride, it was also the first time I was "on my own." I was really surprised when 8 days later, on the way back, I realized I had just had the time of my life. My shyness was completely non-existent. It's like, all the fears you might have about traveling, about meeting new people from different cultures and experiencing new things just melt away in the face of it all. I've been hooked since then. When I found out there were people who had arranged businesses that allowed for near-indefinite travel I knew that's exactly what I wanted to do.

What am I doing right now (professionally)?

Right now I'm a freelance web designer and developer working mostly with WordPress. This is my primary source of income. I'm working on a few side projects (like Wage Slave Rebel and Location Rebel and others) that play a pretty big role in creating sources of automated income, but they are only now really starting to pan out.

If anyone needs web design or WordPress design, check out <a href="http://jdbentley.com">my portfolio</a>

Where do I want to go first?

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It looks to be a charming city and I'm pretty well acquainted with the Portuguese language.Blog: Wage Slave Rebel
- CommentAuthorkwilson
- CommentTimeSep 25th 2009
Why do I want to be location independent?

I'm basically location independent now, in that I can work from anywhere that has wifi, but I usually choose not to. My wife needs a physical space for her business and I like having a home to come back to. Plus the cats get mad when we spend too much time away.

We travel for shorter periods though. We'll be working from London all of next week and then from Reykjavík for a few days after that before coming back to Portland. We spent a couple weeks in Paris last year and have been to various other places around Europe on a handful of other trips. I'm interested in longer term travel and would like to try something for a month or two, but there are some logistical problems to sort out with my wife's work first.

What am I doing right now (professionally)?

Web development (not design) with Wordpress and Ruby on Rails, Linux system administration, and web technology consulting in general. All my work is done remotely; my clients are all over the US and outside it and I've only met a small fraction of them face-to-face. I use Skype and Google Voice for business calls so, for the most part, my clients only know I moved from SF to PDX because I gave them all my new mailing address for checks.

Where do I want to go first?

I'd hardly know where to begin. I'd like my next trip to be Mexico City and Havana (by way of Mexico, obviously). Also near the top of the list are Copenhagen, various points in Central/South America, Thailand, and a number of other cities around Europe. I'd also like to go back to Italy for a time to work on my Italian, probably Rome or Florence.Web Consulting :: Classic Cocktails
- CommentAuthorNomadRip
- CommentTimeSep 25th 2009
I'm in Florida the past 2 years or so after growing up in and around Los Angeles.

We've talked a bit about moving to Thailand or somewhere recently (our friend from Bangkok was staying with us again). The subject of English teaching came up the other night. I've never been there, though she has. We both love to travel, and we've talked about various places like Costa Rica and Panama. My ideal would be Japan, as I've always wanted to be there.

I've set up my work to be able to do it from anywhere, before I even knew of all these different terms for doing so. But until I'm bringing in more money doing it than SWMBO is at her office job, she is not likely to join me in freeing herself from that life. I'm making a lot of changes to it right now, as I wasn't being very efficient at all.

So that's my motivation. She has a lot of barriers to overcome in thinking this way and makes a good living at her "job", so we'll see if we end up moving around much.-James Live Collarfree | Twitter
- CommentAuthorDavid
- CommentTimeSep 25th 2009
1. Why do you want to be location independent?
A common theme amongst peoples thoughts on travel is that it helps them fight their fears. There are situations I'm uncomfortable in and I want to blast through those. Also, being a fan of reading I've always loved books where the protagonist is a wanderer, just exploring the world, meeting interesting people and being content.

2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?
Been self-employed since I was 14. Originally I'd make money through ads and affiliate marketing but over the last year I've really let that go to focus on writing, which is what I really love.

3. Where do you want to go first?
Japan. I know it's not the cheapest place, but a friend of mine wanted to go there (can split the costs) and it appeals to my tech geek side whilst still having plenty of Buddhist temples, Cherry Blossoms and the simpler side of life. :-)Adventures of a Barefoot Geek by David Turnbull
- CommentAuthormarigold139
- CommentTimeSep 28th 2009
1. What is your current location?

I am in Kona, Hawaii right now and will be here for three more weeks--amazing place with a cool vibe.

I am a PhD student and travel while I write my dissertation. My husband is a pro triathlete so we usually plan our travels around his racing. We have no home and our belongings are limited to our suitcases.

2. Where will you be going next?

Tucson, AZ and then Clearwater, FL, Telluride, CO, and St. Augustine, FL--then on to Australia and Europe for 2010.

3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?

Taupo, New Zealand. Amazing landscape and super friendly people.
- CommentAuthorjdbentley
- CommentTimeSep 29th 2009
@marigold139 - Wow! that is awesome. Hawaii sounds so good to me right now. Australia and Europe always sound good.Blog: Wage Slave Rebel
- CommentAuthorLifeExcursion
- CommentTimeSep 30th 2009
I was a LIP for a bit, but now....

If you want to be location independent, but currently aren't:
1. Why do you want to be location independent? Be my own boss. Wave my own flag
2. What are you doing right now (professionally)? Nothing. Blogging, but amateurishly aka not making much money doing it
3. Where do you want to go first? South America and South east Asia...coin toss
- CommentAuthorfindyourselflost
- CommentTimeOct 9th 2009 edited
1. Why do you want to be location independent?
I started traveling at a really young age with my family. Though not to the extent of a military kid, it was enough to get me excited about constantly changing scenery and people. I like to keep things fresh and new and in perpetual need of exploration with endless opportunity for adventure. While some of that can be done close to home, I think we can all agree it is not the same feeling.

2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?
I just started up my own web design studio in Seattle. (ps. JD - just checked out your portfolio, major props, great work on there!) So I'm in the process of building up the skills and client base to make that work full time (full income without being full time?)

And then...

3. Where do you want to go first?
I'm still debating. Honestly, I started saving money for my trip around the world solo when I was nine. I have since had to use that money for other things, unfortunately, but you would think I would know where I wanted to go first before saving all my money. No. I'm just pretty good at saving money without specific goals.

But I am leaning toward somewhere in Eastern Europe right now. But I head to Argentina in a week, and if I love it there, I may not come back! (That's not true. Too much to do before going completely location independent.)
- CommentAuthorTechnomadia
- CommentTimeOct 10th 2009
1. What is your current location?

We're currently nestled up in the mountains of southern California on a friend's awesome huge ranch. The weather is great, we're entirely off grid and running the trailer off solar and we're with amazing inspiring people. We have 3G internet connectivity for getting work done. We go hiking everyday, and Chris is preparing his paramotor for flight.

2. Where will you be going next?

We actually have no clue :) For the first time in 2.5 years of full time location independent nomadic living, we're not on our way to a next destination. It's a new experience for us, and feels great! We currently have no firm plans until Burning Man next August.

So, we'll keep an ear open to nomadic serendipity and go where we feel called. I'm looking forward to seeing where the adventure takes us!

3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?

I always find this to be an odd question to ask a nomad - as, if one place really stood out that much to call it 'best' - we'd settle down there.

Being a location independent nomad means not having to pick a favorite location, and instead embracing and finding the wonderful in everywhere we go.

We do however have many places that we consider homebases that we intend to return to over and over again - St. Louis, San Francisco, Black Rock City, Austin, southern California, Philadelphia, Chicago, etc. The call to these places is the people we know there, not necessarily the location however.Cherie / Technomadia.com
- CommentAuthorcodymckibb
- CommentTimeOct 12th 2009
1. What is your current location?

I'm from northern California near San Francisco, but currently living in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. I travel frequently, at least every 3 months, across the region to places like Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, HK.

2. Where will you be going next?

Back home to the California desert in April. One of my favorite places (but expensive) to go is the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in the middle of the gorgeous Indio desert, surrounded by beautiful mountains, palm trees and sunsets.

In the next year and a half, I will probably make a move to settle down in Argentina somewhere (Buenos Aires) for a while and see what South America's like. I hear BA is now considered even cheaper than Thailand surprisingly, have a few friends (Carlos Miceli, Colin Wright) down there, and will be meeting my buddy Chris (TravelHappy.info) for some traveling escapades.

3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?

Have traveled to almost 20 countries and spent short time in many places. Other than California, Thailand is the place I've lived the longest (almost 11 months now). I tend to stay in Bangkok for the infrastructure and lots of things to do, but my favorite place on earth so far is Krabi province down south (near the famous Phuket, but much better). Railay beach has incredible limestone rock climbing, swimming, snorkeling, great food, good reggae bars and incredibly friendly people. Spent about 3 weeks there on my longest trip, but wish I could stay for longer!

Hope some of you come out and visit Thailand sometime! Get in touch :)Thrilling Heroics || Twitter || LinkedIn
- CommentAuthorDan Haneveer
- CommentTimeOct 13th 2009
1. Why do you want to be location independent?

I've done my time in the 9 to 5, I want to get out of it, do more interesting things, see more of the world and help some people out while I'm at it.

2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?

I work in IT support for the government. I spend a lot of my spare time slowly building up my websites and putting what I learn into improving their potential.

3. Where do you want to go first?

I want to go back to Thailand and Cambodia. Laos, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia are on the immediate agenda as well. I love Asia and I think I'll make my home there but I'd like to see the rest of the world too.Voyagner
- CommentAuthorpaulnorwine
- CommentTimeOct 13th 2009
I currently live in Austin, Texas but am from Santa Barbara, California (actually, Santa Ynez but not many people have heard of it). I've also lived in Davis / Sacramento as well as San Antonio.

1. Why do you want to be location independent?

-It's not so much where I want to live as having the freedom to pick up and go somewhere at a moment's notice and not being tied down. I DO plan on traveling more (I've spent a couple of months in Australia, a few weeks in Costa Rica and Mexico, and travel to Hawaii quite a bit but that's about it) but at this moment I have no plans to move overseas. I'm digging in trying to get my new business up and running.

Katie (my fiance) and I have a bit of a pipe dream to move to Boulder, Colorado when she finishes up school next summer so we'll see about that. Neither one of us have spent more than a few days in Colorado but there's something about it that keeps niggling away at us. Eventually, I see us living in the US either back in Santa Barbara, here in Austin, or somewhere in Colorado if we dig it :)

2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?

I am working with Eric Farewell in identifying narrowed niche markets and developing informational products for that market. I am still new to the game so it's slow going right now but things are starting to pick up some steam.

I also have a blog though I don't see this as a short-term revenue producer. I DO see the blog as a potential long-term self-branding opportunity that may lead to bigger and better things down the road.

3. Where do you want to go first?

Next stop will most likely be Boulder, Colorado. Anybody been there before?

PaulPaulNorwine.com
- CommentAuthorNomadRip
- CommentTimeOct 13th 2009
I've heard of Santa Ynez, but I'm from Agoura ;-)

Haven't been to Boulder, but it's on my list of places to check out as places to check out to live if we buy property in the states.-James Live Collarfree | Twitter
- CommentAuthorCaron Margarete
- CommentTimeOct 13th 2009
I've had some say that because I'm not in my home country and because I'm a writer that makes me LI but I can't agree with that logic. Yes, technically I can write anywhere and yes I am living in China but my income is still reliant on teaching English so until otherwise, I strive.

1. What is your current location?
Harbin, northern China.

2. Where will you be going next?
Two months on an island in Thailand. @codymckibb- Railay Beach sounds amazing! Will send you an email.

3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?
No one place but elements of many. Most beautiful: Canadian Rockies. Most Culture: China. Most Alcohol Infusion: Milwaukee. Most Cost Effective: China. Most Business: China.

1. Why do you want to be location independent?
??? It never occurred to me not to be. I left Aus knowing I would find a way to sustain my travelling passion, but knew in my heart I wouldn't find the way by sitting on my ass.

2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?
Journalist for the Haerbinger (Harbin's English magazine) and an ESL Teacher.

3. Where do you want to go first?
... Once upon a time the sky was the limit ... now we can go into space ... so ... let's start on Earth: South America has always been high on my cards; loving reading along with Colin's experiences to see how it's done. Some African countries are growing on my curiosity list too.Caron FromWhoatoGo
- CommentAuthorSean
- CommentTimeOct 14th 2009
1. Why do you want to be location independent?
I just want to start living a life that is more exciting. I feel that I am young enough right now that I should be out doing all of the things that are more difficult once you get tied down by life's responsibilities. Also, it could pave the way for a great future if I can work full time for myself in a location independent profession.

2. What are you doing right now (professionally)?
Portfolio Analyst for an investment firm, however have recently started exploring more independent endeavors...

3. Where do you want to go first?
Probably travel through Central America, and then down through South America. However, I would also love to see Thailand and Australia (among other places).Becoming Location Independent is easier than you think...
- CommentAuthortravoholic
- CommentTimeOct 15th 2009
1. What is your current location?

I'm sitting in my parent's basement in a city called St. Catharines in the Niagara Region, Canada. I'm catching up on work after about 20 months of travelling and mostly avoiding working.

2. Where will you be going next?

I'm hoping http://www.hodr.org will launch a disaster relief volunteering project in Indonesia and I would like to be there as soon as possible after they do. If not then I might hang around at home until Xmas and head to South Africa in January. I'm locked in for the World Cup but want to do a bit of travelling before.

3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?

I love London and spent five years living there, although I was working a regular job, not doing my own thing. I would like to live in New York or Tokyo for awhile too. I' a huge fan of mega cities but, for the moment, I don't earn enough to be able to spend much time in any of them. I had a blast in Manila too and, though the city gets a bad rap, I think I could spend a bit of time there or elsewhere in The Philippines.Blog :: Twitter
- CommentAuthorShaun
- CommentTimeFeb 25th 2010 edited
This is a really interesting thread to read through so I'll give it a bump:

1. What is your current location?
While technically location independent in the sense that I can work anywhere I'm still in the UK - I work at home, from coffee shops or libraries around here and my girlfriends place - if that counts.

2. Where will you be going next?
Heading to Peru, New Zealand, Indonesia and another SE Asian country from May this year. Still finalising which way round.

3. What is the best location you've lived in so far?
I spent a while in Croatia last year, but it wasn't long enough to really class as 'living'. I did continue to work though. It's a really nice country, a lot like continental Europe but a lot cheaper since they don't use the Euro. I'd like to spend some more time there for sure. Here's a picture from the balcony where I set up my laptop every morning That trip solidified my desire to do this a lot more. Also spent shorter periods in Italy and Spain in the last 18 months where I managed to rack up enourmous roaming phone bills!
- Shaun
- CommentAuthorSean
- CommentTimeFeb 26th 2010
Beautiful photo! I had a few days in Phuket that were just like that. May be heading back down south in a couple weeks, so looking forward to a few more days like that!Becoming Location Independent is easier than you think...
- CommentAuthorCARMELLAWright24
- CommentTimeJul 4th 2010
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- CommentTimeJul 7th 2010
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Location Independence: Where have you gone/Where do you want to go?