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I moved to Asia with my remote job, and it’s the ‘best thing’ I’ve ever done
More and more people are working from home and it’s easy to see why. From the lack of commute to reduced stress, there are loads of benefits. For an employee with interviewed, travel is the biggest plus, as remote work allowed her to move 6,000 miles away.
Helen Williams is a reality TV journalist who has worked entirely remotely for more than five years. She’s been pondering over moving abroad for that entire time and finally took the plunge this year – and it’s the best thing she’s ever done!
Employee moves to Vietnam
Towards the end of 2023, Helen began planning her big move and a huge change of lifestyle. She’s lived in the same small English town for her entire life and fancied experiencing something new.
“I always wanted to,” she told The Focus. “I always thought that having the flexibility in this job was a good thing but I was never actually brave enough to make the move.”
It was coming up to the new year and she suddenly thought she should “go for it” and “make the most of being able to have a remote job”.
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Initially, she thought about moving to Bali, but after hearing it was overdone and had become a little too touristy, she decided on Vietnam instead.
The country had just released a new three-month tourist visa and offered the “calm” vibe she was looking for, so it was the perfect option.
She asked her boss about the possibility of moving and he was all for it, seeing that the seven-hour time difference could actually be beneficial for the news website.
Remote working in Asia
Helen has settled in Hoi An, a pretty city on Vietnam’s central coast that’s known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. She stayed in a few hotels but has now moved to a homestay, which is like a hotel but run by a “really friendly” family.
“Today Im in a cafe called Roving Chill House which looks out onto loads of rice fields and its very sunny,” she said. “Tomorrow its the Lunar New Year here and they have a week-long celebration so everything is decorated really nicely and there are loads of flowers everywhere.”
However, she usually taps away at her laptop in a co-working space with other digital nomads who are all doing different things. It’s a far cry from the life she was used to, sitting at home on her laptop all day and never talking to anyone.
She’s not used to that much socialisation, which can be a bit tiring and full on at times, but great at the same time – and she feels very happy with life right now.
A 2022 report by Zapier found that a whopping 91% of respondents said the ability to work remotely contributes to their happiness at work, and 61% would quit their job for a fully remote opportunity.
‘Best thing’ she’s ever done
When I asked if its the best thing shes ever done, Helen squealed “Yes!” without any hesitation, adding: “I think everyone should do it if they have the option.”
“Even if I came to Vietnam and hated it, I wanted to at least just try. Im definitely glad I did it,” she continued.
Knowing she already had a job which she could continue doing in Vietnam made the move a lot less scary, and her role hasn’t changed at all bar the time difference.
“I’m quite a cautious person so I definitely feel a lot safer knowing I have a job, I feel quite comfortable with the people I work with,” she said.
Speaking to the same people at work made it an easier transition, and her colleagues were all really supportive which also helped.
If you’ve been thinking of relocating, this is your sign to do it!
