Month: April 2019

Digital Nomad Destinations, SHORT GETAWAYS, Travel tips

Digital Nomad Destinations: England day trips

England is one of my favorite countries to visit, because not only will you get the convenience of the city in London, but a day trip can take you to lovely coasts and scenic hikes.

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

An unforgettable day trip that you won’t want to miss is The Jurassic Coast. Situated on the English Channel coast of Southeast England,  it is an easy day trip from London.

You can take a train from the city center to Wool (London Waterloo to Weymouth Line) and take a bus straight to the site.

I opted to do a Bus Tour with Discover Dorset Tours, there are also 3 bus services to West Lulworth for Durdle Door (numbers 30, X55 and 104).

The bus tour company was great since they pick you up from the train station and also bring you back at the end of the day without having to wait for the public transport bus.

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If an easy hike and if beautiful coast is what you are looking for, this is the place for you. Lulworth Cove is located near the entrance.

You will hike up a hill and take in the breathtaking view of the ocean, the curving rock formations as well as the pool that has formed in between the hill and ocean.

Continue your walk to the Stairway Hole where you will find fishing boats and other visitors taking in the sun along the beach.

The hike to Durdle Door is much longer. You will pass the parking lot and hike up a hill where you will be welcomed by the beautiful scenery of the Jurassic Coast’s  crystal clear blue waters that will make you want to take a plunge, but don’t be fooled.

Even in the summer the water is still chilly, however don’t be deterred – take a plunge and cool off from that hike.

As you get closer to Durdle Door you will immediately see the famous arch. You can walk down the stairs and relax on the beach or continue the hike further out to see more of the coast. Either way you wont be disappointed.

The Jurassic Coast with Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is a definite must as a weekender trip when in England. So the next time you’re in town, make sure to visit!

More England day trips:

Seven Sisters

Seven sisters is located in East of Sussex on the coast of the English Channel.

A short train 50 minute ride from Victoria Station in London it is a wonderful place for a hike and to get a bit of sun on warmer days.

You can expect gorgeous views of the coast and a scenery to die for! It’s a great place to re-charge and enjoy a few hours hike.

You can even visit the beaches that are below the cliffs and stay a bit longer.

Cambridge

Traveling to Cambridge from London may take a bit more time. By train you can hop on to the Great Nothern/Thames Link Railway which takes you to Cambridge Station from London Kings Cross.

The trip can take between an hour to an hour and a half depending on the speed of your train.

If you want to get there faster, there is also the option of renting a car. Sites like rentalcars.com, skyscanner and autoeurope.com are great places to search for the best deals.

Keep in mind that you are driving on the other side of the road. So, make sure to be careful.

Once you arrive in this incredible city, you can immerse yourself in the rich history.

Cotswolds

If you want to discover the beauty of the English country side, make sure to head to the Cotswolds. It’ll feel like you have gone back in time and been placed in a story book fairy tale.

A few ways of getting to the Cotswolds is by train, car or through a tour company like getyourguide.com.

They will give you several stops to visit this quaint town and appreciate the beauty. They even have a Downton Abbey village tour!

Bath

Bath is one of the most appealing cities in England. With its Roman and Georgian architecture and world-renowned spas, it will be hard to resist visiting this incredible place.

If you are looking for a change of scenery and a relaxing weekend getaway, then Bath will be the perfect spot.

Getting there by train you can hop on the   Great Western  trains which runs from London Paddington Station to Bath Spa Station  that ends at Bristol Temple Meads Station. The ride takes around an hour and a half and if you buy your tickets a month in advance you will be able to save on your trip.

If you want to get there by bus you can take the National Express Coaches from London to Bath take about two hours 20 minutes and again if you purchase your tickets a month in advance you will be able to save.

Stonehenge

The world famous Stonehenge is located only 90 miles from central London, so a day trip is a must!

There are a ton of choices in getting to this renowned spot, from guided tours, trains, and car rentals your options are limitless.

There are trains running directly from Waterloo stations to Salisbury, which is the nearest railway to Stonehenge.

You can also catch the Stonehenge tour bus which goes directly to visitor center. There are currently no public bus services to the site so going with a tour bus will be your best bet, if you are planning to go via bus.

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translation job
Blog, Make Money Freelancing, work from home

Bilingual in the Freelancing World? Land Your First Translation Job to Start Earning Some Flexible Income

When considering the idea of switching from your day job to a completely at-home and online career, it can be daunting.

Having a boss isn’t for everyone, but it does take a lot of stress off of you as a worker.

Keeping track of a schedule, finding work, marketing, keeping everyone organized and on task, paying bills, lessening expenditures, doing taxes, and then finding more work-from-home jobs, because that’s obviously what is going to keep you going once the first project is finished, the list goes on.

Having others available to take a load off is definitely much better for helping you to focus on your one particular task, in your case, your online interpreting or translation job.

This is why a typical full-time role at some company is most people’s go-to.

Opportunities very rarely fall in your lap, and if you are not keeping up with all of those positions, you are going to find yourself without work pretty quickly.

At that point, you see yet another task to add to the list, and that is learning how to manage and save money until you figure out how to make some more.

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Don’t be Deterred, finding a Translation Job Online is a Move You Won’t Regret. 

Who can be an online translator? 

Being bi-lingual is not the only criteria to become a good translator. You would need a lot of preparation and the right skills in order to be a successful online translator. 

Make sure to specialize in a fields such as legal, medical, business and arts in order to provide a specific niche for your potential clients.

Remember, the more specialized you are, the more likely you will find the right customers. 

It would also be beneficial for you to become a certified translator in order to provide proof of your proficiency and level of expertise. 

Once you have acquired the specific skills you need to become a translator, it is time to learn how to market yourself.

Many do not realize that just because you have the skills to be a translator, does not mean you will automatically find a job. 

Reach out to different businesses and network with the right people who will benefit from your services.

Knowing your specific niche can help narrow down the places you should approach to find opportunities, 

When you think about it, the benefits are endless. It isn’t easy, and it might take a little while to get the hang of, but you aren’t alone.

Anyone, new or experienced can become a freelance translator or interpreter. Don’t underplay that bilingual skill-set you already have by thinking you need to become certified or go to a translation school. 

translation job

While extra awards and certifications help to make your resume stand out, you don’t always need them to land a translation job.

In fact, a lot of the platforms listed below cater to freelancers just starting out and trying to get any sort of job under their belt.

Experience will make you stand out, but it isn’t necessary.

As long as you have a go getter and persevering attitude, you will succeed, and keep in mind that it will only get easier as you go. 

Here are a few sites that will help you out on your journey to become an online interpreter or nail your first translation job.   

www.unbabel.com

Unbabel is a tremendously useful platform for a beginner to advanced translator wanting to earn some quick extra cash.

What they have you do first is register for one of their open languages pairs and go through a short series of tests to make sure you have a good command of the chosen language pairs.

Be prepared for a delay as acceptance isn’t immediate when waiting for the stamp of approval.

Once you pass their tests though, you are ready to go. A wide range of jobs are then available that may have you translating anything from emails to blog posts.

The unique part of the platform is that they have you correct already generated AI works.

This means that most of the work is already done for you; all you have to do is edit the wording to sound more native.

Once you submit a piece and it is accepted, the money is automatically added to your account.

The amount depends on the languages and job but is great for filling up some downtime.

You can download their app right to your phone, and you will get notifications anytime a position is available.

www.freelensia.com

A newer platform for the online interpreter, these guys allow companies to browse profiles and reserve freelancers based on their needs and timeframe.

After passing tests and joining the site, you can create a profile including your skills, title, and profile pictures that outline a little bit about yourself.

You set your rates, and companies are charged first to reserve you and then to use your time once you accept their request.

Being a relatively competitive platform there are a lot of unique job requests, especially location specific types.

Regular browsing and alert setting might be worth it for niche specific workers 

Freelensia says that they wish to be thought of as an Airbnb of interpreters and have anything you need available to pick and choose.

So far, it appears to be a hit for both companies and freelancers.  

www.upwork.com

This is one of those that most people searching for work-from-home jobs knows about, but might pass on because they’ve heard about the low-quality jobs being offered.

There are pros and cons to this platform and, if done right can be great for finding some work if you are a translator or online interpreter looking to use your bilingual skills.

translation jobs

The key here is to create a decent profile that outlines precisely what you do, includes examples, and sets your rates to let others know you aren’t working for pennies.

Companies can reach out to you on here, but it is more likely that you will find something by searching for jobs as well.

Unfortunately, you can only apply to so many at a time before the platform wants payment, so be picky.

Set your rates, know your limits, and reach out if employers are paying them, have a decent rating, and the position has fewer rather than more applicants.

From that point, be sure you send a good proposal and that your profile matches the skill-sets required.

If everything aligns perfectly and you get in there first, you have a high chance of landing the bid.

The cool part about UpWork too is there are sometimes obscure types of work that might be more interesting than the usual article translation piece.

Bilingual skills come in handy, and you might even find yourself as an online interpreter for an adopted child meeting their birth mother for the first time.     

www.translationdirectory.com

Translation Directory is an online job board for translators and agencies looking to hire out and bid on work.

It is free up to a certain amount, there are no tests involved, and anyone can use it.

The pricing isn’t bad and only costs around five to ten dollars a month (paid annually) if you choose to upgrade.

The reason you may want to consider this platform is that the lists of jobs are endless, and there are some good ones, especially if you have a rare language pair.

The only downfall is that it is set up as a bidding type site where every freelancer gets to submit a quote for each translation job.

This isn’t necessarily bad. You can edit your profile to look good and if you are at the top of the list, have the right language set and skills, you could easily find yourself getting hired.

www.facebook.com

Unlike Linkedin, almost everyone has a Facebook profile, but they often find it hard to get followers on their pages without paying for and learning ads.

Most vastly underestimate the power of Facebook pages and groups though.

Your profile may or may not highlight who you are, what you do, or what types of skills are on your resume, but it does show the kinds of circles you are involved in, and the more you participate, the more likely you are to get noticed.

Search and ask for recommendations about job sourcing in translation and interpreting groups and join as many as you can.

Weed out the ones that seem less helpful, and then start participating.

Asking questions, answering questions, and providing overall general information are all great tips to get others to realize your skill level, from there you may be able to connect and find people that might require a bilingual person.

Not spamming is essential to a group as most don’t even allow you to post self-promotion links, but if you diligently keep up with the posts and look for potential openings, you are sure to come across some valuable opportunities and connections.

www.linkedin.com

Linkedin is a highly underappreciated platform by newbie freelancers that has a lot of opportunities if used correctly.

Here it is all about the connections and skills you have, and anyone can find you to offer you a translation  job if your qualifications fit their needs.

A simple profile with just your picture and a brief description won’t do it though, you have to work on putting this profile together, and it may even be worth it to pay a professional if you aren’t sure where to start.

Look up other professional translators that have a decent amount of connections and see precisely what it is they did to make themselves look good.

Add as many samples as you can and link to any work or portfolios.

Also, be sure to add skill-sets in any area possible that you are available to work.

A lot of jobs and searches are based on skills.

If you were in finance or know a lot about the medical industry because of your post nursing job, then add medical interpreter or other related professions.

The more specific you get, the more likely it is that random hiring agents will find you, be sure you have the background to back it up though.

Once you have a nice profile, you can always ask your colleagues and past employers for endorsements, and then start reaching out to agencies.

A lot of large companies get inquiries from freelancers, so don’t be discouraged if you have to send out a lot before one answers.   

translation job

www.onehourtranslation.com

This is a site good site for finding a translation job if you are relatively experienced in the field and have a good handle on your language pair.

Once accepted to the platform via their online test and review board you will be able to start working.

The thing is you are on a timer, and you are expected to translate roughly 200 words per hour.

If you are a native or near-native speaker in both languages, then this is an excellent job for you. They pay quickly and have a large amount of work available.

As you go, you can earn badges based on how many hours you work, your ratings, and other criteria.

The higher a badge you have, the better your opportunities are.  

www.gengo.com

Gengo is another job board type website  that you have to pass a test to be a part of, but the right language pair might be worth it!

Thousands of jobs are posted each day, and you can pick and choose, you also get paid immediately once you finish a job.

The better-known languages don’t pay as well as the more complicated ones either.

For example, a Tagalog translator earns about $300 less per month than someone who knows traditional Chinese, for example.

They have a nifty calculator on their site that you can calculate  with to see if it’s right for you.

They do also have an online community forum that can be a very worthwhile resource for those looking to learn and get support.    

www.worldlingo.com

This last one on our list is a little more strict and suited to the  advanced translators in the group because they specifically hire out editing work to qualified professionals and target higher-end clients.

Joining the platform is simple as long as you have five years or more of experience, Trados software, a degree, membership to a translating association, and another couple years of specialty training is required to get their higher paying translating jobs.

Once you’ve established yourself a little base, this might definitely be worth looking into to further your career. 

remote resume guide

Before applying to your ideal online job, make sure to create a remote job resume that will stand out above the rest. If you are unsure how to get started, no worries, we have created a resume guide that will point you in the right direction.

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swimming in new york
Digital Nomad Destinations, SHORT GETAWAYS, Travel tips

Top 5 Swimming Holes near New York City to beat the heat!

Summer is almost here in New York and if you have been here during this season, you will know that the humidity can be unbearable. I wake up every morning wishing I can just jump into a pool.

The problem is, unless you live in a penthouse, join an expensive gym or know someone who has an awesome kiddie pool in their backyard, you aint‘ gunna have that refreshing feeling.

This summer I promised myself that I would find the most beautiful swimming spots near and around New York City and guess what?!

I was able to find them folks! I didn’t have to sneak into a luxury apartment building, check in a swanky hotel or blow up a nice kiddie pool in the backyard to do it either.

Before we get to the fun part, I just wanted to give a little reminder that if you do visit these amazing spots, please be respectful of the environment.  Carry out what you bring in, be respectful of the locals and others visiting the area.

So here we go! Below are my top 5 favorite swimming spots. If the refreshingly cool water won’t get you there, the views will!

Kaaterskill Falls

Location: Catskill Mountains, Hunter (town), New York

Highlights: Tallest 2 tier waterfall in New York.

swimming in new york

I stumbled upon this beautiful 2 tier waterfall over 10 years ago.

I had to crab walk my way up and down the falls since they did not have any built- in stairs that would take you to the cascades.

Today, you will find many visitors clamoring to get to these falls and luck is on your side because there is now easy access to the falls.

Make sure to bring your hiking shoes and get ready for a little work before you arrive to the picturesque swimming spots under the falls.

Peekamoose Blue Hole

Location: Grahamsville, New York

Highlights: Clear blue waters that is perfect for diving.

swimming in new york

Peekamoose Blue Hole is as unique as its name, a short walk from the parking lot is this crystal clear blue water, as cold as it is refreshing.

It is the perfect place to cool off when the temperature is high.

Park at the large parking area with a sign for the Peekamoose Mountain area, then cross the road and  walk down a short path to the creek.

Get there early because this incredible pool can get crowded during the summer.

Split Rock Falls

Location: Elizabethtown, New York

Highlights: Multiple steps of cascades where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

swimming in new york

Split rock falls is a unique swimming destination. It has multiple tears of cascades that you can enjoy.

Go to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the calmer water or if you are up for an adventure, head up a little further and dive into the upper cascade.

Be aware of the water current, make sure that it is safe before diving.

Warren Falls

Location: Warren, Vermont

Highlights: Unique rock formations and perfect diving spots for the more adventurous.

swimming in new york

Warren Falls is the only non New York State swimming spot that I included on this list.

First, because I wasn’t able to make it to the others  due to time constraints and second,  it is one of the most beautiful spots that I have been to and I had to share with you!

We arrived in Vermont and was immediately welcomed by torrential downpour. We got there early before more heavy rain came in, which gave us this whimsical effect.

However, it came with extremely strong current and heavy cascades. Make sure to visit this incredible spot, but check the weather before you go!

High Falls Conservation Area

Location: Philmont, New York

Highlights: This hidden gem is still a bit off radar so no huge crowds of people is a win win! 

swimming in new york

The High Falls Conservatory Area is still a hidden gem, so there will be a lot less people compared to the others featured above.

It is a nice  and easy stroll to the  main waterfall and you will also be met by the smaller waterfall along the way.

If you want to get up close to the waterfall, make sure to hike along the stream, or you can continue to the higher ground where you can have a birds eye view of the falls.

Although I listed this area as a swimming hole and there are people who do swim here, I prefer to sunbathe instead of swim in the area.

The water is a bit more cloudy and the algae from the falls creates brown bubbles that may not be too appealing.

If you are more adventurous, you can climb up into the upper falls and there are beautiful pools that are more suitable for a nice cooling dip.

Check it out and decide for your self if you would like to swim here. Even without the swim, it is still an incredible site to see and looks beautiful any time of the year!

Please use caution and common sense when swimming and diving in these locations. It is not uncommon for injury or even death to happen. So be aware and keep safe everyone!

Hope you enjoyed this list and visit them this summer.

Comment below and let me know how your visit goes!

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luxury hotels in Pennsylvania
Travel tips

Weekend getaways: Luxury hotels in Pennsylvania

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Ledges Hotel. While I was sponsored by Ledges Hotel, all opinions are my own.

Living in New York City and being surrounded by the constant energy that can only be described as exhilarating, stressful and competitive, can get overwhelming. The need to leave the city to find nature and “quiet” is a must and weekends are the best time to escape the chaos.

Having explored a few parts of Pennsylvania, I was pleasantly surprised to discover Ledges Hotel. This incredible hotel has found the perfect way to combine nature and luxury. Ledges Hotel’s perfect setting gives the outdoor enthusiast the best place to relax after a long day of hiking. As a waterfall lover, you can already guess that I was absolutely in love with the hotel before even setting foot inside it, since lo and behold the hotel is set right along side a gorgeous waterfall.

Stepping in Ledges Hotel, you are immediately greeted by a friendly face, and the feeling of relaxation is immediate. The plush and comfortable furniture in the lobby and the huge windows show the breathtaking views of the waterfalls. The lobby has doors which leads you to an outdoor space that will make any nature lover swoon with joy. So get those cameras ready because you’re going be taking non stop pictures for days!

So what do the rooms look like you ask? Well, we were fortunate enough to stay in the one bedroom suite and let me tell you, it felt more like an expensive loft apartment than a hotel.  The one bedroom suite boasts a full kitchen,  two floors with a spiral staircase, two bathrooms and an incredible king size bed you can get lost in!

luxury hotels in Pennsylvania

If you are looking for an unforgettable getaway that’s only a few hours from the hustle and bustle of the city, check out Ledges Hotel.

Attractions near the area:

Only 45 minutes from the Ledges hotel is the beautiful Bushkill Falls.  Explore eight unique waterfalls nestled deep in the Poconos Mountains, with the main attraction of the main falls that drops over the edge of a 100-foot cliff.  Take in the beauty and hike the entire trail or go for a leisurely walk.

Do a River Trip, Zipline or Paintball with Kittatinny Canoes. For more information visit Kittatinny Canoes.

Enjoy your adventure during the day and sleep in the lap of luxury at night at Ledges Hotel.

More luxury hotels in Pennsylvania:

The French Manor

Image: booking.com

This boutique spa hotel has old world charm and in the heart of the Pocono Mountains with a fabulous 4-diamond restaurant!

You will be stepping into the French country side without leaving Pennsylvania when you visit this hidden gem.

The Lodge At Woodloch

luxury hotels in Pennsylvania
Image: Travelocity.com

This beautiful resort is a full-service luxury destination spa located on over 400 pristine woodland acres in PA.

It is a great weekend getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the city while getting pampered in the most beautiful location.

Skytop Lodge – Skytop

Image: Skytop lodge/Facebook

This ultimate luxury retreat is only minutes from the hustle of the city, and nestled atop 5,500 acres in the Poconos mountain.

If you are needing a short getaway, these luxury resorts and hotels will be the best place to relax and enjoy nature.

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long term travel
Extended Interview

Extended: How to do slow travel Elena Tchijov

Listen Below:

How to do you prepare for slow travel?

  • Doing a lot of research before you go is crucial to doing slow travel.

How long does it take to get an international driving license?

  • It may take from 2 weeks or longer depending on the country.

How do you receive payments and do banking when you are on the road?

  • Transfer Wise is a great company to receive payment from your clients.

How do you find the right places to live in as a digital nomad?

  • Airbnb is a great place to find the right accommodation.

How long should someone stay in one location, especially if you have to get a visa?

  • It depends on the country, you have to take a look at their requirements. Some you have to get your visa in your home country, while others you can get online. So make sure you do your research.

Blog, Location Independent

How to Transform your Company into a Remote Business to Travel More

Hey there! I am so excited to have an incredible guest post today by Jomie Casas. Jomie helps mission-driven entrepreneurs create automated businesses they love. She is an expert at building teams and systems to create more passive income streams. Jomie is a nomad entrepreneur, travelling one country a month, while scaling the change she wishes to see in the world, one CEO at a time.

To learn how you can transform your mission-driven brand into passive income with Jomie, apply for a Free Strategy Session: http://jomiecasas.com.

You can listen to her podcast episode where she shares how to created an automated business. 

You started your business for freedom and fulfillment but the more money you make, the less time you have. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a company, the bigger you grow, the more you find yourself stuck to your desk, plugging in 14 hour work days. You can’t even remember the last time you actually did something you enjoyed in your business.

With the limited free time you have, you find yourself daydreaming about:

* having adventures every weekend because you travel full time

* working a day or two a week, from anywhere in the world, while your business explodes and improves the lives of more people

Lori Greiner from Shark Tank says entrepreneurs are the only people in the world who would willingly work 80 hours a week just to avoid working 40 hours a week.

I laughed so hard when I heard that one, my belly hurt! It’s absolutely true, especially when getting a business off the ground.

But I know many freelancers, agency owners, and ecommerce CEOs who have several successful years in their business and are still working the same ungodly hours.

At a certain point, you have to ask yourself – when does this change? When does it get easy? When does “freedom” actually happen? DOES it actually even happen at all?

I struggled with the same questions myself, when I built my $6-figure company. Before I was working a day a week (true story), I was working 7 days a week and had no vacations in over 10 years. Before I had a dream team who helped me grow and run my business, I was a toxic micromanager. I was definitely the queen of workaholics before I transformed my company into a remote business.

And I 100% know for a fact that every single business owner struggled with the same problems.

remote business

The question now is… How do you make that leap into small business automation?

Before I outline simple steps you can take RIGHT NOW, this is the first thing you have to do:

DECIDE that business can be easy, and that is how you are going to continue building your business, from this day forward. It doesn’t matter how you’ve done it in the past and how that resulted in what your business looks like right now. What matters is that moving forward, you decide that it CAN be easy.

Debbie says it brilliantly herself with the concept she calls “Lazy Entrepreneurship” where you work hard with the end goal of eventually working a lot less.

RELATED POSTS: 

Once you make that decision that it CAN be easy for you, then you’re ready for the first steps I took to Small Business Automation:

Set Boundaries.

Derek Sivers says life should either be a “HELL YES” or a “NO”.  Meaning, if I don’t absolutely love it, don’t take on opportunities just because they’re available to you.

Learn to set boundaries with your time and energy, so you can LASER FOCUS on the activities that bring you the most results. The 80/20 rule applies here as well.

Be honest about what makes you the most money, and focus your efforts there. I’m a fan of scaling the one or two things that you do REALLY well. List down 100 ways to make money out of this one thing, and focus your energy there.

Everything else on your plate can be done later or by someone else. Which brings me to the next step:

Get the Right Support Team Around You.

I can write an entire article just around this topic. Once you’ve set boundaries for yourself, it’s time to hire other people to do the things you don’t want to do, or can’t do.

For a remote business, there are 2 ways to go about this, and most people like myself, do a mix of both: 1. Start with a VA or Assistant.This will involve a bit more time on your part, to train and onboard a person onto your team. That’s absolutely ok, and that’s where I started as well.

After a couple years, I’ve since become a fan of 2. Hiring specialists and experts who can do their thing with their eyes closed. Doing this has cut my team’s training period to two weeks, and it’s how I’ve set up high-performing teams for my clients too.

remote business

And know that Option 2 doesn’t have to be expensive! You don’t have to hire full-time experts. I am an advocate of entrepreneurship, so I have always preferred to hire solopreneurs to be part of my team whenever possible, on a part-time basis, or project basis.

Whichever method you choose (VA vs experts), effective delegation starts with hiring the right people. And you can only hire the right people if you have a full understanding of your values, and what you and your business believes in.

Which brings me to Step 3:

Start building a Brand Aligned with your Vision.

To be honest, most entrepreneurs who start a business are mostly in the experimentation phase, trying to see what fits and what works. Over time, you become clearer about your personal beliefs that formulate your vision of an “ideal” world, and then you start building a brand and business that resonates with who you REALLY are.

And this is where the magic happens.

For example, if you’re aiming to build a remote business to live the freedom lifestyle, it’s safe to assume that FREEDOM is a key belief of yours. This means that being a micromanager and hovering over your employees goes against the principles of your business. I can guarantee you 100% that this will only lead to more headaches for you.

If you believe in freedom, then give your team the ability to grow, make mistakes, and correct their mistakes. At a certain point, once you’ve decided to place your bets on this person, you have to let this person do her thing. You can only achieve massive growth through effective delegation i.e. harnessing the strengths of the people around you.

This is just one example of how your values can dictate not just what your brand is about, but also how you build your business moving forward.

Know that building your brand is a process, and you don’t get it “perfect” the first time around. It is never finished. It always evolves with who you are, and keeping your brand and business aligned with your values and vision/mission allows you to grow through the years, and have your tribe grow with you.

With the right team behind you, backed by an awesome brand built on your values, you can then:

remote business

Build Systems aligned with your Brand.

Start with what you know is aligned for your brand. Every SOP you build must be aligned with your own personal and business values, OR IT WILL NOT WORK. There are 1 million strategies out there on how to build systems and automate your business, but not everything will fit your scenario. Choose the most aligned systems and support for you.

Get your processes documented in an easy-to-understand sheet, and be as visual as you possibly can. For more complicated processes, supplement with video demonstrations or explanations, because some people learn faster through either visual, auditory, or verbal cues.

Systems come AFTER you have the right support, because I am also a firm believer of having your team refine your systems for you.

You can build it, but give your team ownership of the processes they execute. You then create an environment that encourages ideas and experimentation; and this is where small business automation starts to happen.

Automation happens when your team comes up with ideas that only YOU could come up with in the past. It’s when they start thinking ahead, start taking ownership of your growth, and rally together towards a common goal that benefits you all. And that’s where the magic is! You’ll see your business moving forward with a life of its own, with minimal input from you, and that’s when your company truly becomes a remote business in every sense of the word.

Small business automation does not have to be hard, but it IS a process, and it starts with making the first few steps in the right direction.

Build the right foundations for your business, and see it evolve from just being a remote business to becoming a business that runs on autopilot, generating passive income streams for you.

After all, isn’t that the end goal?

Building an automated business you love, to have more adventures in life, all while your brand brings your vision of the perfect world to life.

Sounds awesome? Yup. It’s totally possible.

 

 

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remote jobs in nyc
Blog, Digital Nomad Destinations, LONG TERM STAYS

A step-by-step guide on how to save money in NYC as a digital nomad.

New York City is probably one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s been shown in so many movies that it seems so familiar even if you’ve never visited.

If you’re one of the millions who come to visit or brave enough to think about living here, then the city may give you a shock.

Having lived here for over 26 years, I can personally say that New York City is not forgiving. It will make you work harder than you’ve ever worked before, but you will never feel as though you’ve done enough.

On the other hand, living here can feel like a drug. That’s why so many people keep coming back!

Career opportunities, entertainment, unique people, and of course the best food you will ever taste that will spoil you from anywhere else. However, it comes with a price.

A hefty price tag that will make you work 2-3 times more than you’ve ever worked before and scramble to find affordable places to live.

In the last decade alone, I’ve seen neighborhoods that were pretty much abandoned become one of the most sought after and expensive neighborhoods in the city.

For example, Dumbo in Brooklyn used to be filled with abandoned warehouses. The first time I stepped foot in this neighborhood, I was afraid I was going to get mugged.

Today, Dumbo is one of the most visited spots and it is definitely NOT one of the cheapest places to live in NYC. 

If you’re lucky you can get a room for $1,200 dollars a month with 3-4 roommates. Shocked? Well, that’s New York living for you, especially in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the City.

So, when I decided to leave my 9-5 to continue to work from home in NYC, I knew that I had to prepare for this new transition. 

The greatest advantage I have is knowing the cheapest neighborhoods to live in, where to shop for cheap eats and most importantly how to survive in this incredible, yet expensive city from years of practice. 

Still got your mindset on living in New York City? No worries I’ll be sharing tips and tricks that only a local can tell you. I’m confident you’ll be able to survive and thrive as you work from home in NYC.

Are you still preparing to start your digital nomad journey? Make sure to read our complete beginners guide to becoming a digital nomad. 

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Where to find affordable apartments

If you’ve lived here or even thought about living in New York City you’ll come to realize how expensive it is to live in this vibrant place.

Living here you’ll either break the bank from rent, live in an unsavory neighborhood or be with 2-4 roommates just to barely pay the rent. 

Here are a few different ways to find accommodations in New York, depending on your budget, I am confident you will be able to find what you are looking for.

Craigslist

Craigslist has been my go-to when finding an apartment in New York. I’ve had three apartments and all of them I’ve found on this site.

Visiting this website may give you a bit of a time warp since it looks straight out of the ’90s but who’s complaining when you are getting that affordable apartment.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on a good apartment just because the posting doesn’t have images. All three of the apartments I’ve lived in did not have any images and I hit the jackpot since a lot of people will just scroll through due to the lack of photos.

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Airbnb

If you are looking for a shorter stay, then Airbnb is the place for you. I’m sure you’ve used Airbnb for a few of your travels, but did you know you can rent an apartment for 30 days or more?

Tip: Make sure to message the owner of the apartment and strike a bargain. If you are looking to stay for 30 or more days, they will be willing to offer you a better discount than what they post on the site.

Gypsy housing

I have not personally used Gypsy housing on Facebook, but a lot of my friends who are digital nomads and many who work from home in NYC have used it successfully. Most of the people listing their place here need someone to sublet their apartment or rooms for a few months.

It is the ideal group to find an apartment or room for sublets.

Now that you have the sites to find the apartments, let’s talk about affordable and cheapest place to live in NYC.

To help you find that apartment unicorn, here are a few neighborhoods that will not completely break the bank. 

how to save money in nyc

Affordable Neighborhoods

Bronx, NY- Kingsbridge

OK, don’t jump to conclusions! There are safe areas in the Bronx. I’ve lived in Kingsbidge and have worked in this borough for over 7 years, so I won’t lead you astray and recommend an area that’s dangerous. 

Kingsbridge is close to the popular neighborhood Riverdale but costs a lot less! For example, the apartment that I had in this area was $1400 for a 650 square ft. one-bedroom apartment. For New York City, this is a steal!

It was not a luxury apartment, but if you are looking for bigger space, less rent cost and a 30-40 minute train ride from the heart of the city then this up and coming neighborhood will be right for you. 

Queens, NY – Astoria 

I grew up in Astoria and I’ve seen how this quiet neighborhood has turned into a popular place for a lot of young professionals.

There are amazing eateries and some of the best Greek food you will ever have and it is only a 15-20 minute ride from Manhattan, aka the “city”.

Even though Astoria is no longer one of the most affordable places to live in New York, you can still find hidden gems. If you don’t mind living with a room mate, you may find great rooms to rent here. 

Example: I rented a room for $800 a month which included all utilities but it also included two roommates. Lucky for me they were extremely quiet and I didn’t even know they were home.

Queens, NY -Flushing 

If you don’t mind living a little further from Manhattan and love Asian food then Flushing is the place for you. 

When I want great Asian food, I don’t go to Chinatown in Manhattan. I go to Flushing, Queens. Why you ask? Well, Chinatown is crowded and the prices have skyrocketed because of tourism.

Visit flushing and you’ll find authentic food that is half the price from China Town in Manhattan.

The rent here will be less since it takes an hour to get to Manhattan when you take public transportation. But if you are able to work from home in NYC and don’t need to go to head to Manhattan very often, then you should definitely check out this vibrant neighborhood!

Brooklyn- Bed-Stay, Sunset Park

I’ve never lived in Brooklyn, but the lower you go in the borough, the cheaper it get’s. I would suggest looking to neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy, Sunset Park or Bay Ridge for a more affordable option than Williamsburg or Dumbo. 

how to save money in nyc

Cheap eats

Finding cheap places to eat is thankfully not as difficult as finding cheap places to live in NYC. 

If you are strapped for cash or a budget-minded person here are tips on
how to save money in nyc.

Go to Whole Foods… kidding. Don’t go there, you’ll end up spending your rent money. 

Eat-in 

Instead of Whole Foods, find your local neighborhood grocery store. One of the biggest reason I’ve been able to afford to live in New York is by eating in a lot and relying on my slow cooker to cook yummy meals! 

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely try to enjoy all the food that New York City has to offer, but you can’t do that every night, am I right?

And since you’re a slow traveler, you do not have to feel like you are missing out and will have the luxury to spread out the amount of time you are going to restaurants so you do not over spend.

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Food trucks

New York City food trucks have some of the best cuisines, some may even rival the 5–star restaurants but more than half the cost.

There are hundreds of them out there like King of Falafel in Astoria, Cookhaus Ice cream sandwiches and a ton more!

There’s always a new food truck coming up, so you’ll never run out new places to eat. 

Lunch specials

The best time to eat at a good restaurant is during lunch time. If you find the right one, they will have lunch specials.

Meaning you will most likely get an appetizer, main course and maybe even dessert for half the price of what they would normally cost! 

Not every restaurant will have this deal, so it’s always good to do some research online before you go.

This is how I’ve been able to afford to eat in expensive restaurants without having to pay for the full price. 

$1 pizza slices

New York is not only known for being the big apple but also for having the best pizzas in the world. 

Personally, I do not have a very discriminate palette and enjoy a good $1 pizza slice. You do not have to look hard to find these pizza shops in New York City.

They are in every neighborhood and you can enjoy a slice or two without breaking the bank while you work from home in NYC. 

how to save money in nyc

Best working spaces for remote workers in NYC

Being able to have remote jobs in NYC is a blessing and curse.

Yes, you have the freedom to work in your own timeline and where you want, but it can also be very lonely. 

You’ll find yourself being cooped up at home and not seeing the sun for a day or more. Socializing can also become harder, even in New York! 

That’s why it is important to push yourself to go outside and work in different spaces and also meet others who know the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cafes

One way that I’ve been able to feel like I am part of the outside world is by working in cafes. For some people having the noise can be distracting, but it actually gives me the opposite effect.

I feel more energized by the activity around me when I am in a public space. I feed off of other peoples energy and start to become more productive. 

If you have the same working style, try going to a local cafe and see if this works for you as well. It also does not cost a lot of money to have a working space in a cafe since the payment is only a cup or two of coffee.

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Co-working spaces

If you need a dedicated work space and want to be with other digital nomads, then having a co-working space may be the right choice for you.

It will cost a lot more than a cup of coffee but depending on which co-working space you decide on, they have a lot of amenities like meeting rooms, after-hour events, and so much more. 

One of the co-working spaces that I really enjoy is The Wing. It is a dedicated co-working space for women only.

There is also Spacious, a co-working space that allows you access to every location, so you do not need to be confined to one location!

There are a lot of co-working space options for anyone who plan to have any remote jobs in NYC.

Libraries

If a co-working space is too expensive and the cafe is too noisy, try a local New York City public library.

You can have the peace and quiet that you need without having to be on your own.

Having online jobs from NYC can be great, and there are so much to do in the city that you will never run out of activities to explore. 

What’s the final consensus?

Pros

  • Living as a digital nomad in New York can be extremely fun! You have a ton of places to see and do, sometimes even too much! 
  • There will be a lot of people to connect with who are doing interesting work just like you and will be willing to do fun activities.
  • Living in a busy city like New York, you will never have any issues with your internet.
  • It is easy to get around in the city because of the NYC transportation. 
  • There will be a lot of networking opportunities.
  • There are a lot of opportunities to find remote jobs in NYC.
  • Learning how to save money in NYC is not as hard as long as you are willing to make some compromise.

Cons 

  • Living in New York comes with a price. A big one. It is an extremely expensive city to live in. Be prepared to live in a small apartment or with several roommates.
  • It can be hard to save your money when most of your income will go to your living expenses. 
  • You will have to hustle more in order to continue to live in this city which means more work hours. 
  • It can be extremely stressful to live in New York due to the amount of work you have to do in order to pay for the cost of living.
  • If you want to keep your cost down, you will have to make sacrifices- which means you can not always go out to eat or travel. 

Still interested in having remote jobs in NYC? Go for it!

Try it out for a couple of months, maybe even a year and see if it’s the lifestyle that suits you.

If you have any more questions feel free to connect with me anytime or if you are a New York City digital nomad who has more info, make sure to share! We would love to hear from you!

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