Hi guys! I want to share with you my experience on How I Got My First Freelance Remote Job While Traveling Abroad.
I would have laughed a few years ago if someone had told me that I would be living out of a backpack and drinking coffee in a foreign country while landing my first freelance remote job. I once believed that remote work was reserved for techies or those with flawless resumes. Neither did I have. All I had was a laptop, a connection to the internet, and a strong will to get out of my current situation.
There was nothing I was fleeing from. I was pursuing a different kind of life, one that was unrestricted by my residence or a 9–5 job. The “traditional path” wasn’t what I wanted. Freedom was what I desired. However, I was clueless about how to earn money while traveling. This is how everything came together.
Leaving Home with Only a Plan and No Job
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I only had enough money saved up when I first left home to last me two or three months overseas. I had no intention of taking a holiday. I was searching for something more significant, a means of creating a life that included travel and employment. I didn’t want to revisit the same emails of rejection and job applications.
How I Got My First Freelance Remote Job While Traveling Abroad
I began in a small city in Portugal. Rent was affordable, food was cheaper, and I understood I had time — but not indefinitely. During the first two weeks, I conducted research on the real ways that people generate income online. Not that phony “get rich overnight” crap. I desired genuine, long-term employment.
Step 1: I evaluated my skill set.
The most difficult thing was this. It’s simple to undervalue your contributions when you’re accustomed to working regular employment. Despite my lack of any technical training, I was well-organized, had good communication skills, and could write.
“What difficulties can I help solve?” I asked myself.
I discovered that I could assist content producers and small enterprises with:
- Writing a blog and proofreading
- Captions for social media
- Simple email marketing
That’s where my journey started. You do not have to be a specialist in everything. You simply have to be a few steps beyond whomever is hiring you.
Step 2: I Built a Basic Profile (Even with No Expertise)
The element that no one discusses is that you can produce freebies without ever having a customer. I reviewed a friend’s essay, created three blog posts on subjects I was knowledgeable about, and created two weeks’ worth of Instagram posts for a made-up company.
I shared the URL as if it were a treasure trove after organizing everything into a Google Drive folder.
I didn’t hold out for flawlessness. I wanted to demonstrate my ability to complete the task.
Step 3: I joined freelance marketplaces and took the long view.
I started up on Fiverr and Upwork, realizing full well that rivalry would be strong. I wasn’t anticipating magic. Even though the money was minimal, I applied to at least five gigs every morning, treating it like a part-time job. I customized every proposal. Don’t copy and paste.
Additionally, I joined Facebook communities for remote job seekers and digital nomads. Posts like “Need a blog writer ASAP,” “Looking for a VA,” and “Who can assist me with Instagram captions?” began to appear there. I was in that lane. I didn’t respond in desperation, but with worth.
Here’s an illustration of what I would say:
“Hi [Your Name], I’d be happy to assist! Writing clear, interesting material that fits your voice is my area of expertise. Here are some samples that I’ve attached. If you want to talk, let me know.
Brief. Self-assured. Simple.
The Moment of Breakthrough
I received a message from a Canadian small business owner after three weeks of pitching. For her eco-friendly skincare company, she required someone to write two blog entries per week.
“You sound like exactly the person I’ve been looking for,” she wrote.
I was anxious, sitting in a hostel kitchen with headphones on, when we jumped on a brief Zoom call. I explained to her my background, the type of writing I do, and how I could support her in realizing the mission of her company.
That same day, she employed me.
Each blog article costs $50. Yes, it was modest, but it was money. It meant more time on the road, food, and rent.
That one job became a consistent customer. And I was suddenly no longer “new” after gaining one client. I worked as a freelancer.
What I Discovered During the Process
This section is for you if you’re reading this and are unsure of where to begin. This is what I found to be effective:
Just be useful; you don’t have to know everything.
The majority of clients don’t care if you were a Google employee. If you can meet their needs, they are interested. You will be hired if you make their life easy.
It’s likely that your first client won’t find you; you must find them.
Putting up a profile and hoping is insufficient. You must make a pitch. Each day. Indeed, it is initially uncomfortable. However, it’s also how you develop.
As You Proceed, You Can Build
I didn’t wait to have the best-looking portfolio or the ideal website. As I went, I built. Momentum is the first thing you need. The rest follows.
Maintain a Low Overhead
Budget travel forced me to reconsider my purchases. I chose cities and nations where the cost of living was low. I gained time from that. And time is everything when you’re building something from scratch.
Community Support
This cannot be overstated. I learned more quickly, received leads, and felt less alone when I was a part of co-working spaces, Facebook groups, and online forums.
My Current Location
The initial freelance employment led to further ones. I have a few regular clients now, I’ve raised my prices, and I can work from anywhere. I’ve written for travel brands, coaches, and startups.
It took time for it to happen. It wasn’t simple either. But it was feasible. And if you’re serious about making the leap, it can be doable for you too.
Concluding remarks
In addition to being noisy, competitive, and uncertain, the world of distant freelance employment is also full of opportunities. You don’t need to have the ideal background or the flawless plan. You just need to start.
Find your lane. Package your worth. Be present each and every day. The rest will come.
Take this as a sign if you’re unsure about trying. One message could land you your first job.
