The Relaunch: Goals and Aims

Since starting this site, my own career has evolved. The origin of this site was a manuscript I was working on. That particular manuscript, which explores opportunities women have to live and work abroad, has been completed for what feels like eons. I’ve had several publishing opportunities fall through and I’ve committed to publishing that particular manuscript as an ebook. It’s not, however, the focus of my interest in travel and work at this point.

I’ve become more interested in the opportunities available to the digital nomad and how individuals can travel and work long-term. I’m interested in the tools, the coworking spaces, the mechanics of the process. To a certain extent, I’m also interested in  what opportunities are the most practical for such a lifestyle.

Personally, my recent travels have been short term: I’m working on my MA in Baltimore, which makes it much harder to get out of town for even a month. I have big plans for the future, but for the present, I’m not going to far.

In light of all of this, one of my goals is to bring someone in to work with me on producing the sort of content for this site that will truly be useful. I want to find someone who is out there, on the road, at this point. Testing out some of the tools I use on a week long trip just doesn’t give me the confidence I need to say that one option is better than another for someone who is on the road all year long.

It’s going to be a slow process, I know, but I do believe in the value of this blog and will continue to build it.

The Relaunch: In the Works!

I’ve been thinking long and hard about what I want to do with this site and I’ve got some cool ideas on the way, along with a full relaunch in January 2011.

One of my standing concerns has been that there are so many other blogs catering specifically to the digital nomad and location independent lifestyles out there. I want to make sure I’m not just rehashing old information or repeating what other sites cover. I think you’ll enjoy what I’m planning to roll out soon.

Is It Weird To Travel Alone?

Janice Waugh saw an unusual question in the Google search terms that led people to her blog, Solo Traveler: Is it weird to travel solo? The question caught my attention because more than a few people heading off on longer trips are going solo. Planning to spend a year or two in another country, or to just travel when the mood strikes you? There’s a chance that you might have a significant other interested in traveling with you, but it’s equally likely that you’re going it alone.

Working In Transit: Where did my routine go?

One of the things I like about picking up and moving to a new place for a long period of time is the fact that I can build new routines for work. Sure, those routines won’t be identicial from place to place but I still know exactly when all my work is going to get done. Right now, I’m in the middle of a four-day trip to Las Vegas. While I’m having fun, I’ve definitely noticed the lack of routine.

The Book: Current Status

Working Your Way Around the World is progressing nicely. I turned in Chapter 5 over the weekend, putting me about halfway through writing the manuscript.

I’m having an incredible time interviewing people for this book. I’ve heard about some of the most amazing trips — and how women have taken their work with them, as well as their families. I can’t wait to share all these great stories with you.

I am still looking for sources for the last couple of chapters, mostly focusing on women who have built businesses that travel with them and how women balance travel, work and family. If you’ve got a story to share, please let me know.