Nathannn

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Remote: Yes

Willing to relocate: Yes, to San Francisco

Technologies: iOS, Node.js, Android

Résumé/CV: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/nathan-arnold-876ba537

Email: nathan@bourbonandgingerapps.com

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My name is Nathan and I’m an iOS developer that likes to branch out to other technologies. I have successful apps on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. I can make RESTful APIs with Node.js and would love to continue working on the back end if I could.

I’m a US citizen that’s currently living in Amsterdam but I’m looking to move back to SF before the end of the year.

And 1/3 just got there. The cycle continues.

I'm currently doing this. I've been out for about 3 months, currently in Taipei, and hopefully I'll be out for a year. I did quit my job but I didn't quit working. There's contract work that I've done on and off for the last month. It's only part time though, which is good.

Since I make iOS and Android apps, it's fairly easy to get contracting work, and it's nice to not have to worry that much about money. I've happy that I can get private apartments and not have to stay in hostels. I'm not 19 anymore.

A lot of other commenters have hit the nail on the head about travel. Here are a few things that I totally agree with:

1. Traveling will not instantly make your life amazing. You will worry about money, you'll get lonely, and you'll probably really want some food that you don't have. Every city I go to I try to find coffee that's on par with Stumptown or Four Barrel. You'd be amazed what a Google search for "Hipster Coffee shops in xxxx" will turn up. However, many many times I have to settle for Nescafe, especially in Thailand.

2. Loneliness can be a big problem. I'm lucky enough to be traveling with my fiance so at least we have each other, but I've seen other travelers and digital nomads that are having a rough time after about the 6 week point.

3. After a while, if you're not working, you'll get bored. It happened to me. Being on a beach for a week is great if you're stressed. It's not so awesome if you're already a little bored. Find something you like doing. Make a list of books you want to read, programming topics you want explore, or whatever floats your boat and do that for 4 hours a day while you're out. It keeps your brain sharp and gives you a purpose.

Other observations: 1. Many digital nomads are software developers (including myself) but many aren't. The ones that aren't tend to be in pyramid schemes. Have you heard of the drop shipping lifestyle? Would you like to? It can get irritating, especially since every blog post or Facebook comment is about how they're winning at life and you should too!

2. Coworking spaces are great for meeting people that are also traveling or starting their own companies. They would also totally be down to hangout and grab a drink. See point #2 above. They can clue you in to where the best expat bars are or where to find an IPA.

3. It's ok if you don't actually want to go to museums, temples, or whatever. Finding the best coffee shop in town can be so much more enjoyable than making the trek to temple #5 and seeing the second tallest Buddha statue in the country.

4. Move slowly. The days when I'm in the worst mood are the ones that I have to put on my pack, navigate to the train station, hop on a plane, and somehow find my AirBnB in a new city. It's a pain. Spend at least a week or two in a city if you're doing long term travel. You can get cheaper rates if you do weekly or monthly rates anyway.