How to Work and Travel as a: Freelance Social Media and Content Marketing Specialist.
An Interview with Trisha Velarmino from P.S I’m On My Way
Many of us dream of leaving the 9 – 5 behind for a life of travel and a job that gives us location independence. For digital nomads that dream has become their reality! There are many ways to become a digital nomad so each week I interview someone to find out how they made their dreams a reality so that you can learn from them too.
Trisha Velarmino is a freelance social media and content marketing specialist from the Philippines. Trisha is one of those people who left their comfortable life to travel the world. After 3 years of backpacking in Latin America, she is back in the Philippines to share what she has learned from her journey on her blog Ps I’m on my way . In a few months, Trisha will be embarking on a new journey in Pakistan to find out more about the situation of women and education in that part of the world.
The lifestyle of a digital nomad is a dream for so many people. So can you explain briefly how you make money online?
I am a freelance social media and content marketing specialist for a company in Seattle, USA. This company handles over 200+ companies in different fields like finance, medicine, travel, etc. I handle their content and social media strategies. Additionally, my blog earns extra bucks from affiliate marketing and advertising. It’s not easy as I have to be in front of the computer all the time but I have learned how to manage my time well. This job allows me to work anywhere in the world and I couldn’t ask for more!
Sounds cool, so what made you decide to work remotely like this and how did you make it happen?
I am someone who cannot stay in one place. Every 2 weeks, I always have the urge to move somewhere else. One day, an Italian company hired me to be a social media strategist. I had no idea how did he find me but I am guessing he accidentally saw my blog somewhere. I studied fashion in college and I don’t know anything about Social Media but they still hired me based on the interactions of my blog accounts. From doing that job, I learned the tricks/hacks of social media and I decided to go for further online studies. Working for this company made me realise I can be wherever I want. Since then, I freed myself from the office desk — I am willing to pursue this kind of job for the rest of my life!
What do you like the best about life as a digital nomad ?
Taking my own time. There will be a big difference in your life when you live it at your own pace. Imagine not hurrying in the morning? Not braving any traffic in the big city just to be in the office? I developed a healthy routine which made me a better person. Now, I am able to do yoga, read a book and enjoy my coffee in the morning. Something really healthy not just for the body but for the soul, too.
But nothings perfect right? Are there any downsides?
Of course, there is! We don’t get paid as much as those corporate workers and sometimes, we have to do double jobs (because we can!). When I first started traveling, I only needed money to move to my next destination so it wasn’t a problem if I was not earning that much. This job is too easy, why would you ask for more? Now that I am thinking of changing the way I travel, money is always in the way. However, I will not exchange my beautiful nomadic life just to earn loads of money. I am okay with this, to be honest.
Do you have one standout highlight or biggest achievement?
My blog. I am happy with where my blog is right now. At first, it was only for my friends and family but when it attracted people, I decided to take it to the business level. Since I was working for a social media company, I applied the things I learned there to my own blog. It’s an endless experiment. It was hard to know what works and what doesn’t. Now I am not expecting too much from the blog. I believe I already reached my target and I am not aiming to be very ‘famous.’ I just maintain it so it will still allow me to do what I want, at my own time. My blog has helped me in traveling as long as I want so I will work on it as much as I can!
And what has been the greatest challenge?
Although this job will allow you to be anywhere in the world, there are some places that don’t have a decent internet connection. I remember when I was in Bolivia (the worst place for Digital Nomads), my boss almost fired me for not being able to report for 3 days! I was almost crying because I will not be able to travel without this job. This is the only job where I get real funds. From then on, before moving to another place, I needed to check the internet connection before deciding if I should come there.
What do you wish you had known before you started working remotely?
I wish I had taken an online course about social media marketing. When I took the course, I was already working for a company and it ate so much of my time. I was really stressed and was working almost 15 hours a day (straight!).
So, what are your plans and ambitions for the future?
I want to go to Pakistan really soon. I want to see how I would be able to help to create a strong generation who will bring peace.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, what tips would you give for people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
There is no trick for this kind of lifestyle because you will learn everything along the way! I can never tell you how I did it because we are all different in our own ways. I am pretty sure if you really want it, you will achieve it. Remember, whatever fits, works. 😉
Thanks so much Trisha for sharing your tips and congratulations for creating a location independant lifestyle that works for you!
You can keep up with Trisha’s travels on Facebook: http://facebook.com/psimonmyway, Twitter: http://twitter.com/psimonmyway , Instagram: http://instagram.com/psimonmyway, Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/psimonmyway and Google Plus: http://plus.google.com/+TrishaVelarmino
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2 comments
Dear Anna,
Thank you so much for having me! I really had fun doing this interview! Xx
Thanks so much for doing it! I loved hearing about your lifestyle! All the best 🙂 x