Andy Howard on remote working

Andy Howard has a good work system going. What’s consistent is his work as a website designer, strategist, and consultant. What’s not is where he sets up his work station. So far, in his seven months on the road, the Aussie has worked while traveling through Asia, the US, Central America, and he’s now making his way through Europe. He kindly answered a few questions from his current outpost, in London.

What was the biggest surprise about remote working?
How many people ask ‘what are you doing?’ when they discover a guy with a weird accent typing/designing/Skyping in a strange location–for instance in a shopping centre or ski lodge. I usually answer with ‘working,’ which results in all sorts of responses. I had an American in upstate New York abuse me, telling me what I was doing wasn’t work. Ha.

Does the fact that you’re traveling change how you keep clients or get new clients? Or is it the same as if you’re back at home?
The only change from being at home is that I can’t network face-to-face–but I can network quite effectively online so the principles stay the same. It’s just the medium that changes.

Do you have a certain work routine, or does it change by location/project/day?
This is what I was most unsure about when I set off. For me, the routine changes by location and the projects vary the volume. Here in London, I like swimming at midday in a heated outdoor pool (the only outdoor pool in the city!), so I work early mornings, have a break during the day, then work into the evening. In other locations, the routine is completely different. The waves were usually good in Central America at about mid-morning, so I’d start work in the early evening, work late until about 2 a.m., and rise later in the morning at around 10 a.m. in time for a surf. No matter what the routine, the workload always fits if the time is managed well.

Any advice for others wanting to telecommute from the road?
Do it. If you’re fairly independent and can work remotely, chances are it’ll work for you. Before you leave, nail down your back-office processes and get everything rocking along such that your operation is as automated as possible. Make sure you have plenty of spending money and some cash reserves to get you through any tough times. Then, give it a shot. Get out there. Travel. See the world. Go to far and away places you never thought you’d go (an organic farm in the countryside of Lithuania comes to mind). Connect with people. Take inspiration from your surroundings, both people and places. Live like a nomad. Don’t buy anything you can’t carry. Rid yourself of material possessions you don’t need–you’ll value personal relationships and experiences more. When people ask why I’m drifting around, working from anywhere with wifi (and some places without) I usually answer ‘why not?’. If you want to do it, you can make it happen.

Posted by | Comments (6)  | November 12, 2008
Category: General, Notes from the collective travel mind


6 Responses to “Andy Howard on remote working”

  1. Lola Says:

    Currently in a similar situation and its great (at the moment).

  2. Irish polyglot Says:

    I’m also working over the Internet as I travel,. I love it!

  3. Dan Says:

    I am planning to do similar on my round the world trip. I am however confused about the situation with visas. Have you been obtaining tourist or work visas? Its a bit of a grey area as I understand it. You aren’t seeking employment from the country you are visiting but you are working whilst there. It makes my head hurt!