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Welcome back, everyone! Today’s episode is special because it is the 2 year anniversary of The Offbeat Life.

And what a journey it has been. There has been so many ups and downs, so many goals that have been ticked and a lot more reality checks that have come my way.

But I am so grateful for everything I have learned in this journey and for all of you to be a part of it.

Last year, we did live interviews with some amazing guests that I’ve had on this year, and this year, I just thought to have an intimate talk with all of you and to answer some frequently asked questions I get about becoming location independent.

My biggest goal when I started this podcast is to inspire all of you to take a chance and to get realistic advice from people who are living and working remotely.

So, here are the top 6 questions that I get asked the most. And remember if you have more don’t forget to send me your questions at hello@theoffbeatlife.com and I will make sure to answer all of them.

Here we go!

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Here are the 6 most frequently asked questions:

What should I do if I do not have any remote job experience?

This is an extremely popular question. When I first started doing remote work and a remote business I did not have a lot of experience as well. I decided to learn independently about what to do on social media, how to create and design a website, how to edit my podcast, how to create graphics and so on.

If you are currently doing all of these tasks for your own personal use, then you can do it for other people as well. Your best resume will be your own work if you do not have a current client base. If people like what you do, then they will hire you for it.

You can also take classes in sites like lynda.com or Udemy.com where experts will show you how to do the tasks that you are interested in doing. I will put a link on my website for you to find so you can sign up for classes.

So the biggest tip I can give here is to use your current skills to market yourself, or start learning it!

You can also go on Facebook groups there are a ton of them. Ask for help, if you scroll through long enough you will find that a lot of people will ask similar questions and you will get your answers right away.

And do not be afraid to ask for questions from people who are doing something that you are interested in doing!  Most people are happy to help you.

How to create a resume that will be remote work-friendly?

The best resume that has worked for me is my website. I usually create a cover letter highlighting my expertise- making sure that that expertise can be applied for the remote job such as graphic designing, editing, proofreading, social media management, and so forth. Then I usually have a visual on what I have done such as articles, social media posts, Pinterest graphics and so on.

If you go to theoffbeatlife.com I have created a how-to guide on creating a resume perfect for remote jobs. So go check that out.

Where do I find an online job and how do I know that they are legit?

Well, there are a ton of them out there and it can definitely get overwhelming. I have articles on where to find remote jobs for specific niches so you can go check those out on theoffbeatlife.com

You can use linkedin, flexjobs.com or go on Facebook groups such as Digital Nomad girls and Remote Work and Jobs for digital nomads.

Regarding finding out if the work is legit, remember unless the company is extremely well known and know someone who works there to be cautious. Do your due diligence, do your homework, look at reviews, if you can look for someone who works there and ask them questions.

The biggest red flag is if they ask you to pay before you get hired. Do not do it. The key to landing the job is research, research, research.

How do I price my services properly when I am just starting out?

Pricing your self accordingly can be very tricky especially if you are starting a niche that is fairly new or you have no other comparisons.

If you are doing work that is already established, ask questions, again go on fb group like Digital Nomads around the world, female digital nomads and ask the questions. Ask what the rate if for someone who has your experience.

But remember at the end of the day, you have to create pricing that is comparable to your value. If you are a kick as marketer and can provide proof of your incredible results then you may be worth 10x or more than your competition.

How to find motivation when you are in a slump?

This happens to me a lot of and I can say that I usually feel guilty when I am not doing the work, but it doesn’t matter bc I am so unmotivated to work. There have been weeks that I haven’t done much, I’m just lucky I now have several assistants to take the slack when I am in my moods.

The best way I get out of this slump is by creating a set schedule that works best for me. Find the time of the day that you are at your most productive.

It doesn’t matter if it is early in the day or late at night. I know there are a lot of people out there telling you that you have to wake up early to get the most out of the day. But if you are not a morning person and do not feel productive I say follow your body and do what you must.

But, this is a big but- you have to work when you have scheduled your self to work. Creating this set schedule will help you become more productive!

Another way I have been able to get out of my slumps is to do co-working sessions with other friends who are location independent.

I do not do this every week, because it can become distracting, but when done write and if you are all focused you can get ideas and be motivated by your friends.

The last thing I have to say about this is if you are really feeling burnt out or unmotivated listen to your body. Take a break and refresh yourself. Whether it is to take a break in the middle of your work, or taking a week off! Do it!

This break will get your creative juices flowing, it’ll give you a fresh outlook on your work and will change the dynamic once you return.

It is hard to do this in the beginning, so refrain from going on long breaks that are longer than a day or two. But if you have been doing this for a while, take that vacation.

That is the hardest thing about being location independent is that even if you are traveling on or in a new location, you are still working so it never feels like you ever get a break, and sometimes traveling can also become a distraction from the work.

But learning the balance can definitely be learned as you are in this lifestyle for a longer period of time.

How to balance work and personal relationships.

This has been the hardest for me in the last year. 2018 was the most difficult year for me because Aaron and I were actually apart for most of that year and being with him for 15 years it was like losing a part of my limb.

With all the work I was doing for my business and my day job and he as well it was definitely a strain on our relationship and we separated for almost a year.

If someone listening to this has ever started a business while still doing a day job, maintaining a healthy relationship can be extremely hard, especially if you are with someone for a long time. You begin to take each other for granted and put your relationship in the back burner.

Communication becomes strained and having space is sometimes the best thing that you do.

I can honestly say it was the best thing that we did for our relationship because it allowed us to really understand what we wanted with a clear head. We had been together for half of our lives and having that break gave us the opportunity to understand our own personal needs and to focus on ourselves.

I am extremely grateful for what that break gave me and if you are listening to this episode and going through something similar, take this as an opportunity to really listen to who you are as an individual and what you want without having a partner.

There will be a lot of people who will give you advice, but at the end of the day listen to yourself first. Give your self the time to reflect.

Aaron and I decided to come back to each other not because we need each other but because we want each other.

We don’t need anyone to feel complete, we are already complete, but we chose to be together because we want to spend our lives together.

Remember success does not come without pain, and sometimes it can cost you things that you love. But at the end of the day, you have to determine what you are willing to risk and what you can live without.

Thank you all for being a part of this incredible journey with me. The last 2 years have been the best and worst time of my life, but I would not have it any other way.

This community that I have built has given me the most incredible life and I thank you for helping me grow as a person and as an entrepreneur.

I hope I have answered your questions and if you have any others that I did not discuss make sure to email them at hello@theoffbeatlife.com and I will make sure to get back to you!

Thank you, my offbeat family, and I look forward to doing more wonderful years with all of you and helping you create freedom and location independence. 

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Show Credits

Audio Engineer: Ben Smith