A decade ago, the idea of simply working from the local coffee shop seemed like a glamorous alternative to heading into the office. Now, with advancements in technology, more flexibility in the workplace, and a rising sense of global interconnectedness, people at all stages of their careers are considering setting up their home offices in some exotic, far-flung places. But now, more than ever, it’s impossible to get ahead at work whilst basking in the sunshine and admiring the scenery!
Digital Infrastructure
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work from anywhere in the world, then the possibilities are endless. But before you get carried away with golden sands and perfect sunsets, you’ll need to look at whether remote work is actually viable; otherwise, you could be in a whole world of trouble with the boss!
Express VPN’s blog piece highlights that, as well as a vibrant lifestyle, remote workers should look for places with a strong tech scene. In the past, places such as UAE, Canada, and New Zealand have been synonymous with expats due to their advanced tech and digital infrastructure. Nowadays, however, reliable internet connections and huge digital developments across the globe mean some wonderful places, previously only associated with escaping from the office, now serve as the perfect exotic retreat from which to work.
Take Bali, for example, which was once upon a time famed for its reputation as the ‘island of the Gods.’ These days, however, Bali is making a name for itself as a go-to destination for remote workers and digital nomads due to significant improvements to its digital infrastructure, with most cafes and public places now having safe and secure WiFi. So, it seems we can have it all when it comes to staying connected and working from an exotic location!
Visas and Paperwork
It’s not the most exciting thing to think about when you’re considering moving abroad but getting visas and all the necessary paperwork is really important! Getting it wrong could be catastrophic, and as every country has different requirements, you’ll need to do your research.
If lengthy documents and paperwork are enough to put you off your inflight meal, look somewhere like Bermuda. As Bermuda is a British overseas territory, the process of getting a visa is far less onerous. When it comes to obtaining permission to work, there is a straightforward online application, and there’s no minimum salary requirement, just a steady annual income.
That’s not to say obtaining a visa should put you off moving abroad; just don’t leave anything until the last minute and do your research!
A Sense of Community
There’s a wonderful freedom in traveling solo, but even the most independent of travelers may be faced with homesickness. You may, therefore, wish to look for somewhere where it’s easy to connect with other expats. Countries such as Thailand attract remote workers from all around the world and offer a growing number of shared workspaces, creating a great sense of community amongst expats.
Once you’re out there, make sure you check out online expat groups and forums to keep you connected.
Even the most mundane of work-based tasks become all the more palatable if they’re done whilst overlooking crystal-clear waters and golden sands. So, whether you’re at the start of an exciting new career or simply looking to move the home office overseas, there is an amazing destination for every lifestyle and vocation out there. Just don’t forget to tell the boss!