I Stop My Company Job to Work Remotely From Koh Samui, Thailand

This as-told-to essay is predicated on a dialog with Martina Smidova, a 29-year-old digital nomad residing in Koh Samui, Thailand. It has been edited for size and readability.

At 25, I felt trapped in my company job.

I used to be working 9-to-5 as a venture supervisor within the automotive subject within the Czech Republic. With an hourlong commute every method, it felt like I used to be all the time both at work or on my method there.

Someday, it hit me: there needs to be one other solution to reside. So I give up.

I made a decision to discover a distant job and reside overseas. I did not have a plan B. I informed myself that I might determine it out, and off I went to Asia. I might visited earlier than on trip, and it felt like the proper place to begin over.

I spent half a yr in Bali earlier than touring across the area, together with to nations like Vietnam and Malaysia. However Thailand caught with me probably the most.

It was the folks, the meals, and the approach to life. I felt comfy right here — virtually like dwelling — so I made a decision to remain.

After spending time in Chiang Mai, about 450 miles north of Bangkok, and assembly my boyfriend in Phuket, we determined to maneuver to Koh Samui collectively.

I needed to expertise island life

On the identical time, I additionally needed entry to fashionable facilities. Residing in Samui, you will have all the pieces you want — plus peace and quiet.

There are components of Samui which might be well-developed and appeal to many vacationers, however for those who journey to the opposite aspect of the island, you will discover villages that really feel frozen in time.

A yr in the past, my boyfriend and I moved right into a two-bedroom rental in Bangrak, within the northeastern area of the island. We discovered it on Fb Market.

I knew I needed to be in an excellent location. Although it is a small island, I did not wish to journey an hour to get to the health club or some place else I wanted to be.

We pay 55,000 Thai baht, or about $1,700, every month in hire. Now we have a standard pool, however the view from the balcony bought me on the unit.

I’ve gotten to know some neighbors as a result of I preserve bumping into them, however as a result of we’re on such a vacation island, lots of the flats are Airbnbs.

It was laborious for me to make associates

I nonetheless really feel that method typically. There are totally different communities of individuals on the island, however they’re usually a bit older than I’m.

I met all of my associates both by way of the health club or by way of different associates. Whereas the digital nomad neighborhood of younger folks is slowly rising, many do not keep for a very long time. That is the unhappy half about this way of life — you meet wonderful folks after which they’re gone.

However the locals are actually open to serving to you, so I attain out after I want one thing.

I do get by simply by talking English, however I imagine my expertise right here could be a lot better if I may converse Thai — that is why I am planning to study the language.

My life right here is so totally different from again dwelling

Now I work in operational administration. However since my shoppers are in Europe, I work European hours, which begin at 2 p.m. in Thailand.

I’ve the entire morning to myself. I will go to the health club, have a pleasant breakfast, head to a espresso store, or meet up with my associates.

I begin work within the afternoon and often end up round 6 or 7 p.m. Then it is time to have dinner or to go for a stroll on the seaside.

Again dwelling, everyone was speeding. I noticed careworn faces on a regular basis, however it wasn’t their fault.

So as to meet up with associates, you’ll want to schedule it three months prematurely as a result of everybody’s so busy. However right here, individuals are so chill.

My mother got here to Samui to go to me final yr. It was her first time in Asia, and he or she skilled tradition shock.

I bear in mind driving her from the airport, and he or she requested me incredulously, “You prefer it right here?” It took her two weeks on the island to alter her thoughts, and in the long run, she did not wish to go away.

Residing overseas broadened my horizons

I will be 30 quickly, and I do not plan on having children but. I am undecided if I ever will, and I feel that is one thing that will not resonate with my associates again dwelling.

Earlier than I began touring, I did not give it some thought as a alternative. You develop up, you get a profession, you then get a household, and that is how life works.

Once I began assembly individuals who made the choice to pursue totally different careers or not have households, I noticed, “Oh, it is a alternative.”

I attempt to replicate on my life now and again. I have been residing Thailand for 4 years, and even as we speak, I nonetheless have moments after I cannot imagine that that is my life.

I do not plan on shifting again within the foreseeable future. After all, I miss my household, however I do not miss the approach to life.