How to Be a More Productive Traveling Freelancer
Do you want to be free, travel anywhere, and still run your business and be connected? That’s exactly what I do. I’m a traveling freelancer (also referred to as a mobile freelancer)! Working behind a desk and working the normal 9-5 isn’t something I consider “ideal” or something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. With technology today, you don’t need to have an office in order to be productive and run and profitable business. In fact, I’m out enjoying nature and scenery while I write this blog. I love being a traveling freelancer — it’s complete freedom.
A common problem that a traveling freelancer can suffer from is loss of battery (charge) on your smartphone or tablet. If I don’t have to, I don’t want to carry around a laptop all day if I don’t need to. I like being minimalistic and only needing to carry my essentials. In order for me to write content or copy for clients, all I need is my smartphone or tablet. I can grab both of them and off I go anywhere I wish. Yet, in order to make my life easier, there are a few key accessories that I cannot live without.
Table of contents
What is a Traveling Freelancer?
A traveling freelancer or mobile freelancer is an individual who works as a freelance writer and creates written content, such as articles, blog posts, social media content, website copy, and more, while having the flexibility to work from various locations using mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This type of freelance writer is not tied to a specific physical location or office and can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
The term “mobile” in this context refers to the ability to work remotely and on the go, using portable devices and digital tools. Traveling freelancer often take advantage of the digital nature of their work to travel, work from different locations, and manage their workload according to their preferences and schedules.
Key aspects of being a traveling freelancer include:
- Flexibility: Traveling freelancer can work from coffee shops, libraries, co-working spaces, their homes, or even while traveling. This flexibility allows them to create a work environment that suits their needs and preferences.
- Remote Work: They can communicate with clients, conduct research, and submit assignments remotely, making it possible to collaborate with clients from different parts of the world.
- Digital Tools: A mobile freelancer relies on digital tools and platforms for writing, editing, communication, and project management. This includes word processing software, content management systems, email, messaging apps, and more.
- Time Management: As with any freelance work, time management is crucial. Traveling freelancer need to be self-disciplined and organized to meet deadlines and balance their work with other commitments.
- Adaptability: A mobile freelancer need to adapt to different work environments and situations. They might need to find ways to work efficiently in various settings, which could include dealing with noise, distractions, or changes in internet connectivity.
- Portfolio Building: Building a strong portfolio of written work is essential for attracting clients and showcasing their writing skills and expertise.
- Client Relationships: Building and maintaining positive relationships with clients is important for securing repeat work and referrals.
Overall, being a traveling freelancer offers the freedom to work from various locations while still maintaining a successful writing career. It’s a lifestyle that suits individuals who value independence, flexibility, and the ability to structure their work around their personal preferences and circumstances.
Who Can Be a Mobile Freelancer?
Anyone with strong writing skills, a passion for writing, and the ability to work independently can become a mobile freelancer. Here are some types of individuals who can pursue a career as a mobile freelancer:
- Aspiring Writers: Individuals who have a love for writing and want to turn their passion into a profession can explore freelance writing as a way to hone their skills and build a writing portfolio.
- Experienced Writers: Professional writers, journalists, bloggers, and authors who have experience in writing for various formats and genres can transition into freelancing to have more control over their work and schedules.
- Creatives: People with a creative flair for storytelling, content creation, and communication can excel in freelance writing. This includes individuals with backgrounds in marketing, advertising, and communication.
- Digital Nomads: Those who want to lead a location-independent lifestyle can become traveling freelancer. This lifestyle allows them to travel and work from different places while maintaining a steady income.
- Stay-at-Home Parents: Parents who want to work from home or have flexible hours can consider freelance writing as a way to generate income while taking care of their children.
- Students: College and university students can take up freelance writing to earn money while pursuing their studies. This can be an excellent way to gain real-world writing experience.
- Retirees: Retired professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in various fields can share their expertise through freelance writing. It’s a way to stay active, earn extra income, and contribute to their chosen industry.
- Specialists: Professionals with expertise in specific niches such as technology, health, finance, travel, or any other industry can become niche freelance writers, catering to clients who need specialized content.
- Career Changers: Individuals looking to shift careers or explore their interests can start freelance writing as a way to enter the writing field without committing to a full-time job.
- Side Hustlers: People who have a full-time job but want to earn extra income or explore their writing skills can take up freelance writing as a side gig.
It’s important to note that while anyone can become a mobile freelancer, success in this field requires dedication, discipline, continuous learning, and the ability to manage clients, deadlines, and administrative tasks. Building a portfolio, networking with potential clients, and delivering high-quality content are key factors in establishing a successful career as a traveling freelancer.
How Much Money Can a Traveling Freelancer Make?
The income of a traveling freelancer can vary widely based on several factors, including the writer’s skill level, experience, niche expertise, the type of writing they do, the demand for their services, and the rates they charge. Here are some key points to consider when estimating how much a mobile freelancer can make:
- Skill and Experience: Experienced writers with a strong portfolio and a track record of delivering high-quality work tend to command higher rates than beginners.
- Niche and Specialization: Writers with expertise in specific niches (such as medical writing, technical writing, legal writing, etc.) often earn more due to the specialized knowledge required for those fields.
- Type of Writing: The type of writing also impacts earnings. For example, long-form articles, whitepapers, and technical content typically pay more per word compared to shorter blog posts or social media content.
- Client Base: Writers who build a roster of high-paying clients or work with reputable companies are likely to earn more compared to those who work with smaller clients or on content platforms.
- Rates: Writers can charge per word, per hour, or per project. Rates can vary significantly depending on factors like the writer’s location, industry standards, and the complexity of the content.
- Demand: High demand for a particular type of writing or expertise can lead to higher earnings as writers may be able to charge a premium for their services.
- Marketing and Branding: Writers who effectively market themselves, build a strong online presence, and showcase their expertise tend to attract higher-paying clients.
- Consistency: Freelance income can be irregular, so consistency in securing projects and maintaining a steady flow of work is important for stable earnings.
It’s challenging to provide an exact income figure because freelance writing income can range from a few hundred dollars per month to a substantial full-time income, and even more for highly specialized writers. Some writers supplement their freelance income with other side gigs or part-time work, while others build thriving full-time careers.
How to Stay Productive as a Mobile Freelancer
In order for me to be a productive mobile freelancer, I need power — and lots of it. In fact, I work so much off of my iPhone and iPad that I’m constantly plugging them both in to charge. Obviously, when I’m working at the lake or in the middle of the woods, there’s no place for me to plug in. For that reason and to increase productivity, I need portable charging devices.
Not only do I carry a solar charger, but I also carry a portable battery pack as well. Both devices allow me to charge my devices quickly. If there is ample sunlight where I am such as at the beach, at the lake, in a park, I tend to use the solar charger. I get it out of my bag, open it up so the panels are directed at the sun and connect it to my phone. I have free and unlimited charging capabilities all day long. If I’m in the middle of the woods with a thick canopy or even a local coffee shop where all the plugs are taken, I simply bust out my battery pack.
When it comes to both of the charging devices above, obviously the solar would be the best bang for your buck as it’s free energy thanks to the sun. But, being that conditions will not always be ideal, having the backup battery pack is always a great idea. Something else that I’m looking to purchase to make my life even easier is a dedicated battery pack that can charge all of my devices, as well as my laptop if I ever chose to take that with me. Something that I can be away from home and the office for days without the need for electricity to charge my devices. Think of the situation where you are in a cabin in the middle of the woods without any electric. You’d still want to use your devices and work as a traveling freelancer, right?
The other device that I can’t live without is a wireless keyboard. Typing on my iPhone or iPad is enough to drive me insane. I’m not saying I can’t type fast on them, but I’m much more efficient when I use a keyboard and I highly recommend using one. The key is to get one that pairs easily, is sleek and slim, and is large enough that you can type quickly with it. Some keyboards are so tiny that it’s like typing on a tablet anyways and therefore wouldn’t give you much benefit or difference.
Last, but not certainly not least, I can’t live without a cloud-based storage program. For that, I use Dropbox. Dropbox allows me to save and access documents while I’m “out of the office.” I can email documents and files directly from Dropbox and give clients access to their dedicated folders which makes my life and theirs easier. In addition, I have my settings set to upload all photos I take from either my iPhone or iPad. This not only saves storage on my devices, but it also makes the images available no matter where I am in the world. If you click here and use my Dropbox link, you can get 500 MB of free storage on me!
It’s time to TRAVEL! I mean… get to work.
Being a mobile freelancer is amazing. If you want to create the life you’ve always dreamed of while making money anywhere in the world, there’s nothing like it. If you want a solid list of the accessories that I use and/or recommend, I have them listed below.
And if I can ever be of service or offer you guidance, please feel free to drop me a note here on the website or over on any of the social media platforms I’m on (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn). I hope you found this blog helpful and cheers to being a traveling freelancer!
- Anker 3-Panel Solar Charger
- Anker 10,000mAh External Battery
- Goal Zero Sherpa 100 Portable Charger
- Apple Wireless Keyboard
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