In the first of our “Digital Nomad Experience” series, we tracked down digital nomad Imogen Cook in Bulgaria where she was visiting and speaking at Bansko NomadFest.
Imogen was kind enough to take time out of her busy day to share some of her digital nomad experiences, favourite places she’s visited and some tips on successfully managing a digital nomad lifestyle.
Your full name
Imogen Cook
What is your occupation?
Entrepreneur
Tell us about your work or business
We help entrepreneurs accelerate their business success through leveraging high-quality yet very affordable Virtual Assistants from the Philippines.
What is your nationality?
English
Where is home when you are not travelling?
I have no home base
Which countries/cities have you remote worked from so far?
Cape Town, Lisbon, Sofia, Bansko, Valencia, Hanoi, Kyoto, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Lima, Bogota, Medellin, Mexico City & all around Mexico, Costa Rica, Paris, London & around UK, Amman, Istanbul, Cairo, Split
When did you begin your nomad journey?
2018
Why did you decide to become a digital nomad?
Unhappy in my corporate career I was running ‘side hustle businesses’ that were starting to take off. I decided to quit my job, do a remote year and then continued travelling whilst building my business at the same time.
Being a Nomad feels much more natural to me than being ‘fixed’ in one place. I’m much more peaceful with the freedom of this lifestyle.
What are your favourite places to visit and live as a digital nomad?
To visit – Cape Town, Medellin, Costa Rica & Thailand
To live – Mexico City, Lisbon & maybe Thailand
What do you love about digital nomad life?
Freedom, variety & continuous learning. The amazing community, many of whom are focused on Entrepreneurship, Personal Development & Lifestyle Design
What don’t you like so much about the digital nomad lifestyle?
The pull between staying in a place you love & moving on
Lack of balance can be an issue depending on travel pace
I know some people experience a lot of loneliness & I had that in my 2nd year of travel but not since then
What have been your best moments?
Taking time to watch sunsets
Feeling free overall
New friendships with likeminded people
Learning about dance, languages & culture
Building my business
What have been your most challenging moments?
Being overwhelmed in my 1st year
Experiencing loneliness in my 2nd year
What tips could you offer to people new to the nomad life?
If your financials aren’t stable live in more affordable places with great Nomad communities until they are more stable
Look to tap into Nomad communities for advice & support
Think about the type of environment that makes you happy
Take less stuff
Be self-aware about your challenges & finding your balance
Be careful about burnout through travelling too fast
Name a few things you never ever travel without
Laptop & phone
Kayak bag
Powerbank & splitter charger
A spare phone
Anything that I can’t easily buy abroad (e,g. cosmetics)
Imogens website if you’re looking for a virtual assistant
http://www.thefreedomgeek.com