Hi, I’m Sara Baroni and I am 38 years old. I’ve officially been a digital nomad since January 2015, and unofficially since 10 years ago. I work as an online freelancer.
Tell us more about yourself.
I “officially” started nomading in January 2015, though I wasn’t aware of the term “digital nomad” or the movement at that time. In the past, I have been doing shorter bursts of being a digital nomad as I’ve been an online freelancer for almost 10 years.
I work as a freelance localizer/translator specializing in video games, and I’m also a copywriter. When I have the time, I also work on being a creative writer.
How did you get started as a freelance localizer/translator?
My first gig was before the proliferation of cheap outsourcing websites. I became a member of the translation forum, Proz.com, and started answering small, urgent ads. Things worked out from there, and actually my first client from 9 years ago is still my client till this day! Now, I don’t have to actively look for work as I have steady work from 2-3 clients. I think being considered as reliable in this industry matters a lot.
Where would you say is your favorite place so far?
Probably it’s working out of KoHub, in Koh Lanta, Thailand. I’ve met so many great people and have done so many wonderful things! Having a sunset swim after work always makes me say, “I can’t believe this is my life!”.
How about any down moments?
I think I only struggled when I got sick recently. I was in a new and unfamiliar place where I didn’t know anyone. It was pretty lonely, and boring. So as soon as I was well enough to travel, I jetted off to where I knew friends and comfort awaited.
Most of the people I’ve met this time around have either been friends from before that I’ll go visit or people I’ve met at co-working spaces.
How long do you normally stay in each city, and how do you pick your city?
It varies a lot. I try to stay at least one month, but my longest was 6 months. I like to travel slowly and get a good routine going otherwise I end up being unhealthy, just working and pigging out.
Where to next?
I will be in Europe for the latter part of the year, attending to some family business, and then I hope to do another half year in Asia. After that I think I will settle back in London for half a year and nomad for half a year on a regular basis. I do need to have a home base so I think that works best for me.
Any words to aspiring women digital nomads out there reading this?
Do it! It will be better than you imagine. It’s also harder, but definitely better! And have an open mind 🙂
Follow Sara on her journey at http://sarabaroni.co.uk/wordpress.