Can you introduce yourself in a few words and explain to us how this experience began for you?
Hello, my name is Jennifer Therond, better known as JenOnTheRoad.
I began my journey by studying tourism then working in the hotel industry and in a travel agency in Ireland.
With the covid-19 epidemic, I decided to become self-employed. I bought a van that I renovated and decided to travel as a digital nomad. I did online web writing training to be able to do the job I currently do as a freelancer. I consider myself a SEO & print web editor. My former boss actually became a client.
I currently travel mainly in Europe with my van.
How did you manage to convince your employer?
He was not surprised by my decision because I always expressed it clearly. Being a freelancer was definitely a goal for me. I think that even if my manager had offered me the opportunity to work remotely at the time, I would have refused to embark on the freelance adventure.
How to manage jet lag when arriving in the country, and with colleagues at work?
I didn't experience much jet lag. Indeed, most of my trips took place in Europe. I communicate with my clients by email or slack so there is no problem. If I have to have a big difference in schedules, I notify my client. The advantage of being a freelancer still remains flexibility. This is why I am looking for clients with the same vision as me, with freedom and flexibility.
What qualities do you think you should have as a teleworker? Is everyone made for remote teleworking?
In my opinion, above all, you must be rigorous and have good organization, otherwise you can quickly become overwhelmed. You also need to know how to strike a balance between work and visits. It can be complicated to separate tourist life from professional life when you find yourself abroad. But each task should be delimited.
Where do you generally work?
Most of the time, I go on trips with my van. And since I set up an office area, I work in it. But from time to time I go to coworking spaces and cafes. For my most important missions I stay in my van to stay calm.
What did you learn during these experiences abroad?
I think I really changed with these trips. I can now choose my hours, my schedule, make my medical appointments whenever I want, value myself and realize more easily what I am doing.
What advice could you give to someone hesitant to try the experience of teleworking abroad?
My first advice would be to not quit your job straight away and start your freelance activity while being employed. This allows to create your network and to know if this status is really made for us. From a certain point, you have to make a choice because it can become too much work. Talk to freelancers to know their feelings can also help in making a decision. For this, there are Instagram accounts, Facebook groups or even communities on the internet. I also regularly attend masterclasses and conferences on the subject, such as for example the summit of nomadic creators of the Instagram account “Freewheel Travel”.
Have you managed to stick to your remote working hours?
It will depend on my missions. When I'm on the road, I want to see things so I have to plan accordingly. I then free up one of my work slots but it will depend. Even when activity drops, I make sure to work on my planned slots for keep a certain rhythm. Each task completed is timed to allow me to set my prices and notify the client of deadlines.
Do you think this could boost someone’s career?
Yes, especially if the person is, like me, specialized in tourism. During my last teleworking experience in Scotland, I had to update a guide for Le Petit Futé. This was useful because traveling is part of my daily life and allows me to acclimatize quickly. I have the flexibility and freedom to travel to a country requested by the prospect at any time.
What about social security, insurance and your retirement contribution?
My business is based in Ireland. I therefore no longer have any links with France on a professional level. I no longer contribute to my retirement but I put money aside monthly. I find the Irish system much simpler for freelancers. Administration is simplified. You just have to be organized and keep your invoices because on the accounting side, you have to declare the following year. I have a insurance digital nomad which allows me to be quite well protected during my travels.
Where are you planning to go soon?
I want to take a little break right now to enjoy the holidays with my family. But I'm already thinking about leaving afterwards. I don't know where exactly yet, I have a lot of ideas. Greece by van could be nice. More distant destinations also call me like Mexico, Costa Rica and South Africa. I have a preference for English-speaking countries but I devote a certain administration to Asia. I'm thinking of choosing my next destination based on my post-holiday mood.
Do you prefer to be accompanied or go alone and free during your travels?
I have already gone with my best friend on a working holiday. For a first experience I think we must first take stock of the way we traveled here. This allows us to know whether the life of a solo traveler is for us or not. You have to get along very well with the person you decide to try the experience with. Going alone allows you to test your limits and I find that it is simpler for work, to organize yourself as you wish.
Finally, what are your tips for trying the experience?
You have to know how to ask yourself the right questions, to know why you are hesitating. Do some introspection may be necessary to see what you really want. Being a freelancer is a special organization, you have to know how to take care of yourself. It's not for you if you need support. Being a freelancer isn't just about doing what you want.
I feel good because I found my way of working. I have carte blanche in everything I write. But it's not necessarily for everyone.