NOW as of 22.09.2024
A little about me
- I’m into running, strength training, and yoga – because all can be done from anywhere in the world.
- Born in Munich, but living globally, fluent in standup comedy.
- My top value is human connection, followed closely by hedonism.
- I’ve started four degrees before finally completing one (I found 1000 ways to fail first!).
- I run a WordPress website development agency, allowing me to work fully remote from anywhere (Munich, Lisbon, Mexico, Thailand) while focusing primarily on German-speaking clients, especially mid-sized businesses.
“Why don’t you live in Germany full-time?“
- To embrace more randomness and open myself up to new opportunities by meeting people and making friends globally.
- Because the richness of life and experiences is amplified. After a year in rural Germany with my (now ex) wife, moving to Lisbon for a month post-divorce felt like living a whole year – going out every night and connecting with nomads and locals.
- I love learning new languages and gaining a more nuanced view of the world. It’s one thing to visit a place as a tourist, but living there and making local friends (shoutout to Pedro and Sergio!) offers a deeper experience. Speaking some Portuguese helps with immersion, and Spanish provides a handy foundation.
- I’m independent (no kids, etc.), so I want to maximize my freedom while I can.
“Where do you see yourself in the coming years?“
- Spending half the year in Europe (for summer) and the other half in Asia, embracing the “Forever Nomad” lifestyle.
- Fully immersed in the nomadic lifestyle, while maintaining home bases in places like Munich, Lisbon, and Bangkok, where I keep up with friends, work, and hobbies.
- Traveling to visit friends and inviting them on trips – because while the nomad life can be lonely, if done right, it’s incredibly social.
- Growing my business while keeping operations lean, working with regular freelancers, and maintaining the freedom to work and live on my terms.
- Keeping an open mind and continuously learning about different cultures, especially in Asia (Book recommendation: The Future is Asian).
“Which advice do you have for for new or aspiring expats?”
- Use Meetup.com to find people with shared interests (business and personal) when in larger cities, and travel to places where you already know people.
- Prioritize your business. While travel is fun, it’s crucial to keep your income steady. In the early years, there’s a lot to learn, so consider starting in familiar places (Lisbon for Europeans/Americans, Thailand for everyone) and doing short “holiday” trips to more exotic spots. It’s essential to separate work and play to sustain the lifestyle long-term.
- Learn to be street-smart by reading blogs, books, and learning from others on how to best integrate into a new location. Just one connection can open the door to many.
- Expect the unexpected – when travel plans go sideways, that’s where the adventure begins.
- Don’t neglect the basics: sleep, hydration, healthy food, exercise, and meditation. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean these core needs should slip. It’s all about finding your routine, wherever you are.
Nownownow.com
This page is inspired by Derek Sivers one of my inspirations. You can learn more about Now pages here, especially why to have one 🙂