Remote and Rich: Lose the Desk, not the Dollars

Tired of the "laptop on the beach" influencers? Remote and Rich offers realistic strategies for earning while traveling. Here, you can learn how to fund your adventures without emptying your bank account or borrowing money from your parents. This blog is the no bullshit guide to making money online. It is not always pretty. Sometimes you earn pennies per hour. Other times you catch a beautiful sunset on a beach that almost no one knows exists.

Life is a little brighter when it's on your terms.

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and envied those perfectly filtered photos of someone 'working' from a hammock in Bali? Yeah, me too. Then I realized most of them are probably deeper in debt than they are in the water. The truth is, the whole 'laptop on the beach' thing is often more marketing than reality. It's a carefully curated image designed to sell you a dream, and usually one an unrealistic one. Usually these people want you to enroll in their digital marketing course, subscribe to their youtube, and add them on Insta. 

My name is Zachary, and I explore the world and making an adventure out of any situation. But unlike those Instagram gurus, I'm also serious about financial stability. I've spent the last three years building a sustainable income that allows me to travel on my terms. And no, it doesn't involve selling a 'secret course' or pretending I run a Fortune 500 company from my hostel. My journey hasn't been about overnight riches or private jets to Thailand, even though that would be cool. It's been about smart planning, consistent effort, and a healthy dose of realism. I've explored a lot of different avenues, from freelance platforms like Upwork to building my own online businesses, even spending some time in the corporate world with companies like Uber and LinkedIn. Along the way, I've had my share of successes and failures. But those experiences, both good and bad, have given me valuable insights into what actually works when it comes to earning while traveling. And that's what I'm here to share with you, so you can hopefully skip some of the challenges and start making money online more quickly than I did.

So, what can you expect from Remote and Rich? Simply put, I'm here to provide you with the real deal on earning money while traveling. No fluff, no get-rich-quick schemes, just honest, actionable advice based on my own experiences. This blog is your go-to resource for learning how to fund your adventures without emptying your bank account or calling your mom for money.

Below I outline some of the content you can expect out of this blog.

Proven Income Strategies: I'll share the specific methods I've used to generate income online, from freelance work and online business ventures to more creative approaches. We'll dive deep into each strategy, exploring the pros, cons, and the nitty-gritty details of how to make them work for you. And, where possible, I'll share real-life data on my own experiences, including how much time I invested and the returns I saw. This way, you can judge for yourself whether a particular strategy aligns with your goals and time constraints. This also includes the ins and outs of structuring and managing online businesses, from setting up the legal framework to handling the financial side of things. An LLC can be a handy thing. One area where I've found consistent success is in HR freelancing. This involves a range of tasks, from recruiting for companies using platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, to conducting virtual interviews and managing digital contracts. On the other side of the coin, I also coach job seekers, helping them optimize their social media presence, craft compelling resumes, and hone their interview skills. Having hired hundreds of people throughout my career, I understand what companies are looking for and how candidates can effectively present themselves. This type of freelancing can be particularly lucrative, as many businesses are increasingly relying on remote HR professionals.

Practical Travel Tips: Because earning money is only half the battle. I'll also share practical tips on how to travel smarter, whether it's finding budget-friendly flights, navigating local transportation, or securing affordable accommodation. But beyond the logistics, I'll also share insights on something crucial for any traveler: effective communication. Being able to connect with locals, ask for help, and build genuine relationships can transform your journey from a solitary experience to one filled with meaningful connections. Think of it as your crash course in becoming a savvy and socially adept globetrotter. When it comes to practical travel tips, I'll be your go-to source for navigating the world of travel technology and local transportation. We'll explore essential tools for booking flights (Skyscanner.com, Hopper.com), finding accommodation (Airbnb.com, Booking.com), and ordering food (UberEats.com, Didi.com, Rappi.com, DoorDash.com, Grubhub.com). But navigating a new city isn't just about finding your way; it's also about getting around efficiently and safely. We'll discuss how to utilize ride-sharing like Uber.com, Lyft.com, Didi.com, and BlaBlaCar.com (where available), as well as provide guidance on navigating public transportation systems like buses and trains. I'll also share insights on staying connected abroad with services like Google Fi and eSIMs, as well as tips on packing light, choosing the right luggage, and negotiating long-term stays with locals. We'll delve into the pros and cons of different lodging situations, from shared rooms and hostels to Airbnbs, traditional rentals, and hotels. And of course, we'll cover essential navigation tools like Google Maps and communication apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. And crucially, we'll cover essential safety tips for travelers, from protecting your belongings to staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding potentially risky situations. Consider this your comprehensive guide to becoming a tech-savvy, and safe, traveler.

Digital Nomad Lifestyle: The digital nomad life isn't always rainbows and sunshine. It comes with its own set of challenges, from staying productive in new environments to building a community on the road. It also requires a certain level of resilience and adaptability. Traveling to new places, encountering different cultures and languages, and navigating unfamiliar systems (from local cuisine to travel apps) can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming at times. For example, it is pretty much impossible for me to buy a shirt that fits me as I am relatively tall, so I spend a lot of time at the tailor getting small holes in my clothes repaired before they become big problems. l will share my insights on how to cultivate a positive and open mindset, embrace the unexpected, and bounce back from the inevitable hiccups that come with the territory. You will miss flights, and if you are lucky, it will be the best thing that ever happened to you. We'll explore strategies for maintaining mental well-being, managing stress, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

My focus here is on sustainable income and responsible travel. I believe that exploring the world should be an enriching experience, not one that leaves you broke or contributes to over-tourism. We'll talk about building a long-term plan for your travel dreams, one that allows you to enjoy the freedom of the road without sacrificing your financial well-being or the well-being of the places you visit. Remember, leave it better than you found it. 

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the coconut on the beach? The image of the digital nomad sipping cocktails while effortlessly running a multi-million dollar business from their laptop is, shall we say, humorously overblown. Don't get me wrong, the freedom to work from different locations is a fantastic perk. But the reality is often less about pristine beaches and more about… well, reality.

Sometimes, your 'office' is a small Airbnb dinner table at 3 a.m. because your client is in Europe and you're sweating it out in Panama. Sometimes, it's too hot and sandy to even think about working on the beach (let's be real, sand, water, and electronics don't mix). And working in a cafe? Sure, the ambiance is nice, but try focusing with the clatter of espresso machines and the chatter of a dozen conversations swirling around you. I'd bet most people posting those idyllic beach pics are just checking emails, scrolling through Facebook, and catching up on YouTube.

The reality of earning while traveling is often about networking, or in other words, a lot of video calls, some of which actually lead to projects that pay. Or maybe you start a YouTube channel that nobody wants to watch, forcing you to pivot to freelance writing (or something else entirely). Maybe it's about launching an online clothing company only to discover you don't have the capital to market and produce at scale, making your product non-competitive. Or maybe it's about endless corporate Zoom meetings while you're supposed to be "living the dream." Or spending hours crafting and blasting a marketing campaign that yields minimal results. It's about the hustle, the grind, and the constant need to adapt and evolve.

I remember one time I took on a new client. The project was to help them map the market of available Data Executives for a large clothing retailer and then engage them for employment. I was stoked about this project because it paid very well and there was more work behind it should I perform. At the time, I was staying in a small town in Latin America that I hope you never have to visit. It was around 8am so I figured I would shower and get started on this new project. Halfway into the shower my new "employer" calls. I should have let it go to voicemail, but I didn't. I turned the water off, and looked at the phone thinking about what my client wanted so early in the morning. I answered it, and what ensued was an hour long phone call, where I am wet and naked, explaining to my new client what a data warehouse is and the complications of migrating it from physical to cloud. So here is your first tip of earning online, do not answer the phone when you are in the shower. 

While I appreciate the allure of the 'laptop on the beach' dream, I also believe in being realistic about what it takes to achieve it. This blog is about giving you the tools and knowledge to create your own version of the dream, one that's grounded in practical strategies and sustainable practices, not just wishful thinking (or perfectly curated Instagram posts).

Now that you have a better idea of what Remote and Rich is all about, I'd love for you to become part of the community. If you're tired of the fluff and ready for some real talk about earning while traveling, then subscribe to the newsletter below. You will receive updates on new posts, many of which I plan to share my exact earning strategy, time commitment, and earnings. It's the best way to stay connected and never miss a beat.

But this isn't just a one-way street. I want to hear from you! What are your biggest travel dreams? What challenges are you facing when it comes to funding your adventures? Connect with me on social media – the buttons are below! Let's share our experiences and support each other on this journey to freedom and financial independence. I'm excited to hear your stories and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about exploring the world.

Ultimately, Remote & Rich is about more than just making money online. It's about creating a life of freedom, flexibility, and adventure. It's about designing a lifestyle that allows you to pursue your passions, explore new cultures, and experience the world on your own terms. It's about ditching the cubicle grind and embracing a life of purpose and fulfillment.

I'm incredibly excited to start this journey with you. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of travel, regardless of their background or financial situation. And I'm committed to providing you with the honest, practical, and actionable advice you need to make your travel dreams a reality. Join me as we explore the world, one adventure at a time. Let's get remote, and let's get rich (in experiences, if not always in dollars!).

Adventure on!