Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle: A Journey into Culture, Work, and Adventure

In a world where the conventional 9-5 routine often feels suffocating, people are beginning to break free from the shackles of monotony to explore new cultures, broaden their horizons, and truly immerse themselves in life. Philip Tetley-Jones, a digital nomad and client of Lifetime, has paved a path less travelled and embraced a lifestyle that defies traditional work norms.

A Lightbulb Moment Transforms Winter Woes into Global Adventures

Philip, a copywriter from Auckland, first embarked on his digital nomad journey in June 2015. It all began with a conversation about the dreary Auckland winters. "Well, why don’t you work offshore for a few months?" suggested a friend. And just like that, the idea was born. The very next winter, he booked a ticket to Bali for six weeks, where he found himself working from a co-working space where monkeys roamed about just outside.

From there, Philip caught the digital nomad bug. In the years following, he spent several months each winter in Vietnam, relishing the balance between work, life, and leisure. Eventually, he decided to take the leap and work remotely for 12 months. While Southeast Asia had long captivated him with its food, lifestyle, and cultural richness, he yearned to stretch his boundaries. With the goal of mastering Spanish and navigating new cultures, he set his sights on Mexico.

The choice aligned perfectly with Philip's freelance copywriting career, where his clients were still based in New Zealand and understood the dynamics of online collaboration. The journey wasn't without its hurdles, though. The outbreak of Covid-19 temporarily deferred his plans, but three years later, Philip was finally on his way to Mexico.

A Day in the Life of a Digital Nomad

From the vibrant landscapes of Oaxaca, Philip offered us a glimpse into his daily routine. Nestled within the practical and sociable confines of a co-living space, his day typically begins at 8 a.m. Mornings are dedicated to project work for his clients back in New Zealand, with breaks for lunch, Spanish lessons, and leisurely hammock sessions. The afternoons are often adorned with video calls, bridging the time zones between Mexico and New Zealand.

This still leaves plenty of time for socialising with his fellow travellers, eating out, and sightseeing. The co-living space buzzes with a diverse community of fellow travellers, fostering social bonds and stimulating interactions that extend beyond the confines of a regular office. His peers are from far and wide, including the USA, Europe, Australia, and some Kiwis to provide some familiarity from home.

The Sweet Symphony of Work and Play

Philip's journey highlights a critical truth: The digital nomad lifestyle is not synonymous with leisurely days by the pool. While social media might project a different narrative of relaxing by the pool leisurely sipping on margaritas as you clear your emails, the reality is a balance between productivity and exploration. His years as a freelance writer have instilled a robust work ethic, ensuring that projects are delivered while maintaining seamless communication with clients and colleagues.

The true essence of the nomadic lifestyle lies in the freedom to enjoy one's surroundings. Whether it's sipping cocktails, visiting ancient ruins, or surfing on picturesque beaches, Philip champions the concept of indulging in these pleasures outside the realm of work hours.

A Solid Foundation for Nomadic Pursuits

One of the pivotal factors that fortified Philip's nomadic endeavour was his financial foundation. Having already paid off his mortgage, he unlocked a stream of rental income from his Auckland property. This financial bedrock, coupled with a portfolio of valued clients, provided him with the economic stability needed to traverse the globe.

Sam Walter, Philip’s Financial Adviser at Lifetime, played a crucial role in fine-tuning Philip's financial strategies. This partnership ensured that his financial goals remained steadfast even amidst the travel. Adjustments were made to ensure emergency funds were accessible, strengthening the resilience of Philip's financial framework.

Advice for Aspiring Nomads

Philip's journey serves as an inspiring roadmap for those yearning to break free from the traditional work mould. His most important seed of advice: “Don’t jump on a plane without a plan”. The ability to earn your income remotely precedes the allure of any specific destination. By building a robust income stream, whether through self-employment, investments, or remote employment, individuals can unlock the possibility of living and working in diverse corners of the world.

The final piece of Philip's advice is to remember that remote work isn't confined to the laptop-and-cocktail imagery often portrayed. It's a delicate dance between dedication and exploration, a symphony where work harmonises with play.

In the end, Philip's journey illuminates the possibilities that arise when one dares to step outside the confines of a routine existence. Through calculated choices, diligent work ethics, and a community of fellow explorers, he has crafted a life that merges work with passion, and routine with adventure. His story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing the nomadic lifestyle, where the world becomes both an office and a canvas for life's most colourful experiences.

Philip Tetley-Jones runs The Dispensary, delivering top-notch copywriting and content marketing services to his clients all over New Zealand. Get to know more about Philip and Take a look at some of his work here.

Looking to take control of your future? Lifetime is here to help. Get in touch with Philip's adviser, Sam Walter, to put a financial plan in place to help you get to where you want to be.

Get In Touch With Sam

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held by the author as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.