Can you introduce yourself in a few words and explain to us how this experience began for you?
Hello, my name is Marie-Eve and I am a digital nomad. Everything changed for me during the pandemic when I lost my job in tourism. This model no longer interested me and I therefore decided to launch my freelance activity at 100% which I was already doing on the side. I was able to work on writing articles, translating and managing social media for multiple companies. Last year I realized that I was looking for a new challenge to evolve, and that's when Milesopedia arrived. I decided to become an employee again given what this company offered me: working from any place in the world with my computer. This made it possible to resolve many problems, notably the irregularity of my missions and my salary. I am currently editor-in-chief at Milesopedia. There are no offices for the company because everyone is working remotely. I no longer see myself living without teleworking.
How did the idea of working remotely come to your mind?
Given the climate of my home country, Canada, I always felt a sort of mild seasonal depression when the weather was gray. During my twenties I backpacked a lot in South East Asia for 3 to 4 months. It was at this time that I discovered that travel was really something that suited me. I decided to join Facebook groups even before becoming a digital nomad, to become interested in the subject. I have found my balance in recent months: spending 6 months in Canada and 6 months abroad to counter the cold. I started in Mexico for 4 months in winter 2021 and it was a revelation.
What is the last destination you explored as a digital nomad?
My last trip was in November, where I spent a month in Morocco. I really liked this destination, which I discovered with my friends I made in Brazil in the winter of 2022. Thanks to these experiences I feel like I have real lasting friendships. I create a lot of contacts that I'm not sad to leave because I do so many things and I enjoy them to the fullest.
How is your return to Montreal going after so many months away from home?
Already, when I am abroad, I sublet my apartment. This allows me to not pay 2 rents and still have a home. My family is on site if there is a problem with my apartment. When I come home I take care to control my fatigue. I take more time during the first weeks and I don't do a lot of things on the side. I don't take a break when I come back because I think vacations are for traveling. When I travel I allow myself a lot of slow days on vacation. We must not fall into the guilt of doing nothing every time we take time for ourselves abroad. You have to get rid of this stress because the main thing is to have already seen the main point of the destination, everything that remains afterwards is a bonus.
My family is very happy to see me have all these experiences, because they see me happy and fulfilled. I think it's in the family DNA, because my brother also travels a lot.
How do you find accommodation abroad?
I do a lot of coliving when I travel. The prices are advantageous, allow you to meet people, and have a coworking space integrated into the structure. Prices are decreasing, and it is therefore more interesting to stay there for a long time. We must also take into account that digital nomads are mainly people with financial means.
How to manage jet lag when arriving in the country, and with colleagues at work?
I am regularly on Canadian schedules. Indeed, if I want to release the news at the right times in real time, I must adapt to Quebec times. That's why if I found myself in Asia, it could be more complicated. This is also the case for the majority of the Milesopedia team. This allows us to communicate on the same times and to be aware of the news at the right time.
How do you think we can ensure remote monitoring of employees? Advices ?
Milesopedia has always been remote, and that is a real source of pride on their part. This creates real trust within the team. There are currently 11 full-time employees in the company. We sometimes send each other a selfie at a specific time to create a bond and find out where each person is.
What qualities do you think you should have as a teleworker? Is everyone made for remote teleworking?
I think we have to have discipline. That means being organized and doing your job even if you find yourself facing a beautiful beach that day. A trip must also be prepared in advance and planned so as not to find yourself without wifi. You also need to have a good sense of responsibility and be flexible with changes because there is always a certain risk (of theft for example). You shouldn't try to control everything. Finally, it is necessary to have a good telephone plan, in case the wifi does not work in a coworking space.
What did you learn during these experiences abroad?
I learned that staying longer in a destination allows you to learn to discover a place differently, to immerse yourself in its culture and to get to know the people better. I also learned about myself, my pace of travel and the importance of routine. You have to follow your own pace and above all not overload yourself with work. Being a digital nomad does not necessarily mean not taking care of yourself and living at 100 miles per hour.
Any advice to give to someone who doesn't dare to take on the adventure?
Go for it, do it! Research the kind of places you want to go, what people you want to meet. Start planning. Don't put pressure on yourself to do too many things by overloading yourself. Spend 1 month in one place then see how it goes. Plan to always have an internet connection.
Have you managed to stick to your remote working hours?
I manage to respect my working hours but I allow a certain flexibility depending on the importance of the task. For example, if my article is very important, I tend to start earlier. I also work staggered days depending on my flights. As a freelancer it was the same and I adapted according to the client and the duration of the task.
Do you think this is a solution to staying within a company and avoiding routine?
Yes, it’s a real advantage, especially since the pandemic. Even if I think the view is a little biased on my part. People are looking for more freedom. Without necessarily traveling but having a better quality of life. Offering remote work in a company means wanting to attract the best talent on the market. At Milesopedia, many people favor short trips but try the digital nomad lifestyle at one point or another.
Do you think this could boost someone’s career?
Traveling allows you to learn important values that you can put forward for the future. I think this is really beneficial and that's why I talk about it openly and I'm proud of it. I will never go to a company that does not respect this freedom. I really feel fulfilled and I think that's a point to highlight. I have developed skills that I can use in my daily work. I see more and more articles and testimonials from digital nomads and this reassures me in my choice of life. I feel less alone than before.
Any final words to share on digital nomadism, advice or something else?
Being a global remote worker is a lifestyle that doesn't suit everyone. I would advise anyone who is intrigued by this way of life to try it and why not question their way of working. I see this as a dream worth pursuing.
I'm looking forward to my next digital nomad experience in Colombia at the end of the month! Follow my adventures via Instagram !