DevLog: Without borders

In 2024, I set out on an ambitious goal to travel the world and write code. I wanted to see more, I wanted to learn more & most of all, I wanted to experience more. This is the story of how I balanced building software with exploring new cultures, and what I learned along the way being a digital nomad.

Bon Voyage

I started my journey in Wellington, New Zealand. At 28, I found myself at an interesting crossroads. I had a great job, some great friends, and a comfortable life. But something was calling me to push beyond my comfort zone.

The decision to leave wasn't just about escaping the notorious Wellington winds or chasing endless summer (though that was definitely a bonus). It was about seizing that sweet spot in life - young enough to be adventurous, experienced enough to work independently, and not yet tied down by mortgages or major commitments.

My plan was simple: explore the world, learn new things, and write code. I had my trusty laptop, a portfolio of clients who trusted me to deliver regardless of my location, and an appetite for adventure. The beauty of software development is that with a decent internet connection, your office can be anywhere in the world.

The Journey

The reality of being a digital nomad hit within my first week. I was in Thailand, perched by a pool with my laptop and coffee, trying to look like one of those Instagram digital nomads you see everywhere. Reality quickly set in during my first client call - battling with spotty Wi-Fi while trying to maintain a professional demeanor. Let's just say the dream and reality of working poolside don't quite align!

I learned quickly that successful remote work isn't just about finding good Wi-Fi (though that's crucial) - it's about creating structure in an inherently unstructured lifestyle. I developed a routine: early mornings for focused coding, afternoons for exploring or local coworking spaces, and evenings for catching up with clients in different time zones.

My journey took me through Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Turkey, and eventually to London. Each location brought its own challenges and opportunities. From coding in ancient cities to debugging in modern coworking spaces, every day brought something new to learn from.

The Stories along the way

One of my most memorable experiences happened while I was in Laos. I was troubleshooting a critical production issue that had taken one of my clients' websites offline. Already exhausted from an all-nighter and a bumpy bus ride from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, it looked like another sleepless night was on the cards. I checked into our hostel, found a desk, cranked the AC, and got to work. Thankfully, the time zones were in my favor, and I managed to get a buddy on the call to help hash out the issue. Nothing quite beats the relief of deploying a fix while watching the sun rise over the Mekong River.

Egypt brought its own unique challenges. While staying in Luxor, I was working on a project with some tight deadlines. What I hadn't counted on was the daily power grid shutdowns - a few hours each day where the entire area would go dark for maintenance and load reduction. This led to some interesting adventures, scouting out restaurants running on generators where I could set up my mobile office. There's something surreal about debugging code while sitting in cities older than the pyramids!

One of the biggest surprises was discovering the incredible digital nomad infrastructure in places like Chiang Mai. Entire neighborhoods have transformed into coworking communities, complete with gigabit-speed cafes, modern office spaces, and countless food options. It's a perfect example of how cities are adapting to this new wave of remote workers.

The Lessons

This journey taught me lessons that go far beyond coding:

• Adaptability is your greatest asset. Whether it's dealing with different time zones, varying internet speeds, or diverse work environments, being able to adapt quickly is crucial.
• Communication is everything. Being clear, proactive, and reliable in your communication becomes even more important when you're working across time zones and cultures.
• Less is more. Both in terms of physical possessions (try lugging full perfipherals through multiple airports) and code. I learned to be more minimalist in my solutions, focusing on reliability and maintainability.
• The tech community is truly global. From Asia to Europe, I found developers eager to share knowledge, collaborate, and help each other grow. Always lookout for a local meetup!

Goodbye 2024... Hello 2025!

As I write this from my current base in London, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible year. The journey has shaped not just how I work, but how I see the world and my place in it.

Looking ahead to 2025, I'm excited to build on these experiences. While London will be my base for now, I'm not quite ready to completely settle down. I'm planning to explore more of Europe, continue building interesting things with interesting people, and maybe finally launch a product of my own!

To everyone who supported this journey - clients who trusted me to deliver regardless of my location, fellow nomads who shared their wisdom, and the countless locals who showed kindness to a wandering developer - thank you. The road goes ever on, and I'm excited to see where it leads next.

Like you, I'm always curious and looking to learn. If you've got your own digital nomad stories or questions about balancing travel with tech, reach out to me on Twitter or BlueSky.

Until then, happy coding! 🚀