How I left the Office Behind: My Journey to Working Remotely and Living Abroad

In 2019, I was living what many would call a dream, working for an airline, traveling the world for my job. Working for an airline allowed me to travel the world as part of my work. I was constantly on the go, exploring new cities and cultures, all while getting paid. It felt like the perfect life until everything changed.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the world came to a standstill, and so did my job. Like many others, I was sent home to work remotely. At first, the change was disorienting, but I quickly grew to love the flexibility. For the first time, I realized that I could do my work without being tied to an office. I began to imagine a life where I could work remotely from anywhere. I had no idea that a global pandemic would lead me to discover an entirely new way of living and working: remotely, anywhere in the world.

But reality came knocking. In 2021, when the world began to open back up, my company asked us to return to the office. It was a jarring transition. After tasting the freedom of remote work, the idea of going back to a desk every day felt suffocating.

The Spark of a New Dream

As soon as I could travel again, I booked trips to Dubai and Italy, combining work with exploration. It was during these trips that the idea really took root: I could work remotely from anywhere. Sitting in a cafe in Italy, surrounded by the scent of fresh espresso and the hum of life, I thought, why not make this my reality all the time?

When I returned home, I asked my company if they would allow me to work remotely full-time. Unfortunately, the answer was no. I felt Stuck, but I wasn't ready to give up on the dream.

A Bold Career Shift

One day, while going to the gym, I met someone who worked for one of the largest accounting firms in the world, a Fortune 500 company with a global presence. We started talking, and they told me I'd be a great fit for their company. The idea intrigued me. Even though I didn't have an accounting degree, I decided to take a chance and apply.

I was thrilled to get hired. Switching careers felt like a leap into the unknown, but I was eager about the possibilities. With this company having offices all over Europe, I knew I had finally found my ticket to living abroad.

But once again, reality hit. The company had strict policies that didn't allow me to work remotely. On top of that, they made it even harder to transfer abroad. I stayed in the role for a year, learning new skills and growing professionally, but my heart wasn't in it. The dream of exploring the world was still burning inside me.

Finding Freedom

Everything changed when I was contacted by a recruiter for a position at a smaller firm. This job offered something I had been longing for: 100% remote work. I jumped at the opportunity and was hired.

After just four months in the role, I was ready to take the leap. I planned my first long-term trip abroad: three months in Italy. It was a moment I had dreamed about for years. As I packed my bags, I recognized how far I had come—from a traditional office job to a fully remote lifestyle that enabled me to live and work from anywhere.

The Beginning of a New Chapter

That first trip to Italy was beyond my wildest dreams! It confirmed what I had always known: I was destined to explore the world and embrace the exhilarating freedom of being "nomadic adrift."

This blog is my exciting way of sharing that journey with you. I'll be capturing the thrilling highs and challenging lows of life as a digital nomad, offering valuable tips for remote work and travel, and reflecting on what it truly means to chase your dreams with passion.

If you've ever felt stuck or wondered if it's possible to create a life full of freedom and adventure, I hope my story ignites a spark in you to take that first step!

Get excited for my next post, where I'll spill all the details I discovered while planning my first long-term adventure to Italy! From budgeting and packing to nailing the perfect work-life balance abroad, you won't want to miss it!