Being your own boss allows certain flexibilities, especially if you’re a freelancer that can work from anywhere. One week you could be working from the comfort of your own couch, and the next? You might be embarking on a trip to the other side of the world for a few months.

The flexible freelancer

The freelance lifestyle and gig economy removes some of the tethers of tradition. For workers it translates as greater control over your own time, workload, and even location. Pretty handy for freelancers choosing to travel the world as they work.

While this sounds like a dream come true, it can become complicated without proper planning and management. Fortunately our experience of working with freelancers means we’ve gained some pearls of wisdom to help make a nomadic professional life more stable for the business!

Keep your clients in the loop

The client paying the bill is going to expect feedback and transparent communication. It helps them feel more secure, and it’s actually useful for everyone to know what’s going on.

If you’re going to miss a deadline, telling your client in advance gives them opportunity to make alternative plans. Likewise, if you’re going to be going off-grid in a remote area, warn your client in advance.

Plan your work as well as the travel

Your clients will want to know when you’ll be available for work or to talk during your travels. Likewise, it’s useful for your own sanity and the enjoyment of your trip to be able to plan when you’re actually going to complete tasks.

It’s easy to say yes to tasks that actually, you can’t realistically deliver – and that’s whilst working with a structured diary. The travel planner and the work schedule need to work together.

Stay on top of your bookkeeping and accounting

Yes, we’re accountants, so we’re always going to preach the importance of keeping your books up to date! Regular maintenance of your accounts can quickly slip down your list of priorities, especially if you’re moving around a lot. But, dedicating time to this will dramatically reduce your stress levels whilst looking after the health of your cash flow! We developed Pandle, a cloud based accounting software, so businesses could manage their finances even whilst on the move.

Take advantage of local co-working spaces

The freelance life can be lonely, especially in a country where you have no roots or contacts. Don’t stay hidden away in your hostel bar or hotel room though – sniff out nearby coworking spaces to mingle with like minded professionals. It might even produce some unexpected business.

Learn a new language in your spare time

If you do find yourself with any downtime, why not learn to speak another language if continent-hopping is your cup of tea? Not only will it help you along your travels, it will also be another skill to add to your arsenal as a self-employed freelancer.

Leave time to relax and enjoy it!

Life really is short and while it’s important not to neglect your to-do list, it’s also essential that you make time to take a break and absorb the places and cultures you’re experiencing too. It can be easy to feel guilty if your travels feel too much like a holiday but as long as you’re keeping clients happy and earning enough to sustain yourself, you don’t need to overcompensate.

Are you a freelancer travelling the world while still keeping your business on track? We’d love to hear your tips and experiences!  

About The Author

Stephanie Whalley

Serial snacker, compulsive cocktail sipper and full time wordsmith with a penchant for alliteration, all things marketing and pineapple on pizza.