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Working from Home on a Tropical Island Paradise?

Posted by Cliff on from the a-work-environment-to-live-for dept.

CarrotLord asks: "I've recently returned from a holiday in Bali, and I liked it far more than I like London, where I live and work. With the growth of telecommuting and outsourcing, surely it should be possible for a technology worker to relocate to a cheaper, more pleasurable location such as Bali, and work from there, living an enjoyable life, working less, earning less, but still being able to afford a good standard of life. Personally, I would take an 80% pay cut quite happily to live there, and I'd still be financially secure. Surely, someone could set up a company, employing skilled workers in locations of their choice, to do remote outsourcing work at a relatively low price? Does anyone do this? Has anyone thought about doing this?"

1 of 85 comments (clear)

  1. I highly recommend it by MarkusQ · · Score: 5, Informative

    I highly recommend it. A few thoughts:

    • If you presently work in IT, especially in a small shop, talk to your employer. You may be surprised at how receptive they are to the idea.
      • Don't mention (or at least, don't get specific) about the pay cut right up front
      • Point out that you'd be glad to have visitors
      • Look for (and point out) other advantages, such as you providing swing-shift support or...?
    • Broadband is available in surprising places. It's also unavailable in surprising places. Do your homework.
    • VOIP
    • Research the climate for a whole year. Quantify things like "the rainy season" and make sure you know what you are getting into. Some places are really nice for six months out of the year, and...interesting...for the rest
    • Make sure you like the local food.
    • If there is a local language other than English, try to learn as much of it as you can.
    • It takes more discipline to work this way. Lots more.
    • Explore the tax consequences, work permits, etc. Many places can be sold on the notion that you are a "tourist" who happens to be being paid by your company back home--the idea being that you really are commuting, and aren't "working" in the country--just spending your money there.

    --MarkusQ

    P.S. My present job (which I'm taking a break from for a few minutes to cruse /.) is in the US. My house is on the side of a (dormant) volcano near the equator.

    Yeah, I'd say you're on to a good idea.