Web Working Around the Globe

Buen dia!  A Clean Design has lain idle for a couple of months now, as I’ve disappeared into the concrete, wine, and beef jungle known as Buenos Aires.  At the same time, we’ve launched two websites at BIG.  If my experience of quitting a corporate job and moving across the world while working as a freelance designer interests you, read on.  Otherwise, hang tight as we get back into the groove of UX and IxD related posts.

It’s easier than I thought

By far, the most difficult part of making these lifestyle changes was committing to them and making the jump.  Once the decision was set in motion, the steps to making it all work appeared naturally.  Some were harder than others, but with a clear path came simple decisions.  I started working freelance with Rod Ebrahimi, forming BIG.  I began using Twitter and blogging, interacting with the community to meet great people, forward thinkers, and potential clients.

Then it was a matter of grabbing my Macbook, making sure most of my documents lived in the cloud, preparing clients for the time change, setting up the trip, and hopping on a plane.

It’s harder than I thought

That isn’t to say that everything has been easy.  There are challenges to working abroad.  The internet is run by a hamster in a wheel here in Argentina.  My workspace environment, at the moment, leaves a lot to be desired.  Tossing out my established routine has until recently disrupted the zen-like days and weeks where I could achieve great productivity.  The side trips, exploration, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, plays, revoluciones, tango, and all that there is to a new country certainly cut into what otherwise would be career time.

But every minute is worth it.  You can’t make up for this type of life experience.

It won’t last

My final, and personal, opinion on the matter is that it won’t last.  Not for me.  Although many of the barriers to working across the world have fallen, some still exist.  Skype has failed me far too many times during client meetings.  I miss all the conferences.  Face time with clients and coworkers is non-existant.  My experience in South America has been an absolute blast, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to take such an extended trip while working.  But I will be returning to the USA on my scheduled date later this year, and will be excited to get closer to the action.