Location independence refers to the ability to work and earn a living from any location, provided there is an internet connection. This concept has gained more traction in recent years due to technological advancements that have enabled people to work remotely while traveling the world. For many people, location independence is the ultimate goal; the freedom and flexibility to work on their own terms, from anywhere they choose, and create a life that aligns with their personal values.
In this blog, we’ll explore some real-life examples of successful individuals and businesses that have achieved location independence. These people have worked hard to create a lifestyle that allows them to travel the world, work on their own terms, and live their dream life. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire and motivate our readers to pursue location independence and create a life they love.
Natalie Sisson: The Suitcase Entrepreneur
Natalie Sisson is a best-selling author, podcaster, and lifestyle entrepreneur who has been living out of her suitcase since 2006. She is the founder of the Suitcase Entrepreneur, a platform that helps people build an online business and create a life of freedom and adventure. Sisson is a shining example of how location independence can be possible for anyone who’s willing to put in the work.
Sisson started her journey towards location independence by quitting her corporate job in 2006 and starting her blog, the Suitcase Entrepreneur. Her blog quickly gained popularity, and soon after, she launched her online course, the Freedom Plan. Through her courses, Sisson helps people build successful online businesses that allow them to work from anywhere and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Sisson’s journey towards location independence started with a desire for freedom and flexibility. After years of working in the corporate world, she realized that she wanted more from life than a 9-5 job. She wanted to travel, explore new cultures, and have more control over her time. With this in mind, she started her blog and began building her online business.
One of the key lessons Sisson has learned on her journey towards location independence is the importance of building a supportive community. Through her podcast, the Suitcase Entrepreneur, she has connected with thousands of like-minded individuals who share her passion for travel and entrepreneurship. Sisson believes that having a supportive community is critical for anyone pursuing a location-independent lifestyle, as it provides connection, support, and inspiration.
Darren Murph: Head of Remote at GitLab
Darren Murph is the Head of Remote at GitLab, a company that has been 100% remote since its inception in 2011. In this role, Murph manages a team of remote workers and helps to ensure that the company culture is inclusive and supportive for all team members, regardless of their location.
Murph is a long-time advocate of location independence, and he has been working remotely for over a decade. Prior to joining GitLab, he worked as a remote journalist for several high-profile publications, including Engadget and The Huffington Post. Through his work, Murph has become an expert in remote work culture, and his insights are highly valued by companies seeking to adopt remote work policies.
Murph’s journey towards location independence started with a desire for more freedom and flexibility. He wanted to be able to work from anywhere and have more control over his time. Murph found that remote work provided him with the lifestyle he was seeking, and he has been a vocal advocate for remote work ever since.
One of Murph’s key insights into remote work culture is the importance of clear communication. When working remotely, it’s critical to have clear communication channels and expectations for how communication should happen. Without clear communication, remote teams can quickly become disjointed and poorly aligned.
Jacob Laukaitis: Digital Nomad and Content Creator
Jacob Laukaitis is a digital nomad and content creator who has been traveling the world and working remotely for the past five years. Laukaitis is best known for his YouTube channel, which features vlogs of his travels and interviews with other digital nomads.
Laukaitis started his journey towards location independence by quitting his corporate job in Lithuania and embarking on a solo trip to Africa. Since then, he has traveled to over 90 countries and worked with brands such as Coca-Cola and Samsung. Through his content, Laukaitis hopes to inspire others to pursue location independence and break out of the traditional 9-5 work model.
Laukaitis’ story highlights the power of taking risks and embracing uncertainty. When he quit his corporate job, he had no idea what the future held. But he trusted in himself and his abilities to make things work, and his journey has been a testament to the power of positive thinking and perseverance.
One of Laukaitis’ key insights into location independence is the importance of creating a flexible and adaptable lifestyle. When traveling the world and working remotely, unexpected challenges are bound to arise. To succeed in this lifestyle, it’s critical to be able to adapt and roll with the punches.
Matt Mullenweg: Co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic
Matt Mullenweg is the co-founder of WordPress and the CEO of Automattic, a fully remote company that has more than 1,300 employees in 76 countries. Mullenweg is a vocal advocate of location independence, and he believes that remote work is the future of work.
Under Mullenweg’s leadership, Automattic has become one of the most successful remote companies in the world. The company’s unique approach to remote work has earned it a spot on the Forbes List of Best Large Employers in the United States.
Mullenweg’s dedication to location independence has inspired many companies to adopt remote work policies, and he continues to be a thought leader in the space. His journey towards location independence highlights the power of innovation and forward-thinking. By embracing new technology and ways of working, Mullenweg has been able to create a successful business that is changing the way we work and live.
One of Mullenweg’s key insights into location independence is the importance of trust. When working remotely, it’s critical to trust your team members and have faith in their abilities. Without trust, remote teams can quickly become disengaged and unproductive.
Pieter Levels: Founder of Nomadlist and RemoteOK
Pieter Levels is the founder of Nomadlist, a platform that ranks cities around the world based on their suitability for digital nomads, and RemoteOK, a job board for remote workers. Levels is a digital nomad himself, and his platforms have made it easier for others to pursue location independence.
Levels started his journey towards location independence by quitting his job as a software developer in Amsterdam and embarking on a seven-month trip to Asia. Since then, he has traveled to over 40 countries and built two successful businesses in the location independence space.
Through his platforms, Levels helps other digital nomads find the best cities to live in and the best remote job opportunities. His work has made location independence more accessible and achievable for people around the world.
One of Levels’ key insights into location independence is the importance of community. When traveling the world and working remotely, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected. But by connecting with like-minded individuals through platforms like Nomadlist and RemoteOK, digital nomads can find a sense of community and belonging that is critical for their success and well-being.
Rob and Mish: Founders of Making it Anywhere
Rob and Mish are digital nomads and the founders of Making it Anywhere, a platform dedicated to helping people achieve location independence. The married couple left their corporate jobs in London to pursue a life of travel and entrepreneurship. Through their platform, they provide resources, advice, and inspiration to others who are seeking a similar lifestyle.
Rob and Mish’s journey towards location independence started with a desire for something more meaningful and fulfilling. They felt trapped in their corporate jobs, and they wanted to break free from the traditional work model. By embracing location independence, they’ve been able to build successful businesses, travel the world, and live a lifestyle that aligns with their values.
One of Rob and Mish’s key insights into location independence is the importance of perseverance. Building a successful online business takes time, patience, and dedication. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way, but with perseverance, anything is possible.
Sean Ogle: Founder of Location Rebel
Sean Ogle is the founder of Location Rebel, a platform that provides resources and support to people who want to achieve location independence. Ogle quit his corporate job in 2009 to pursue a life of travel and entrepreneurship. Since then, he has built a successful online business and helped thousands of people achieve location independence through his platform.
Ogle’s journey towards location independence started with a desire for more freedom and flexibility. He felt trapped in his corporate job, and he wanted to live life on his own terms. By embracing location independence, he’s been able to build a business that allows him to work from anywhere in the world.
One of Ogle’s key insights into location independence is the importance of taking action. To achieve location independence, it’s not enough to just dream about it. You need to take action, set goals, and work towards them every day.
Chelsea Clarke: Founder of Her Paper Route
Chelsea Clarke is a digital entrepreneur and the founder of Her Paper Route, a platform that provides resources and support to female entrepreneurs. Clarke quit her corporate job in 2015 to pursue a life of travel and entrepreneurship. Since then, she has built several successful online businesses and helped other women achieve location independence through her platform.
Clarke’s journey towards location independence started with a desire for more flexibility and control over her time. She wanted to be able to work from anywhere and have more freedom to travel and explore. By embracing location independence, she’s been able to build a successful business and live a lifestyle that aligns with her values.
One of Clarke’s key insights into location independence is the importance of building multiple streams of income. When building an online business, it’s critical to have diversified sources of income to protect yourself from the ups and downs of the economy and the business world.
Jacob Morgan: Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker
Jacob Morgan is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and futurist who has achieved location independence through his work. Morgan travels around the world speaking at events and helping companies navigate the rapidly changing business landscape. His work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and The Washington Post.
Morgan’s journey towards location independence started with a desire to be at the forefront of the digital revolution. He recognized early on that the traditional work model was changing, and he wanted to be a part of that change. By embracing location independence, he’s been able to build a successful career and live a lifestyle that aligns with his values.
One of Morgan’s key insights into location independence is the importance of embracing change. The business world is changing rapidly, and those who can adapt to new technologies and ways of working will be the most successful.
Chris Guillebeau: Author and Entrepreneur
Chris Guillebeau is an author, entrepreneur, and travel hacker who has achieved location independence through his work. Guillebeau is best known for his book, The $100 Startup, which is a guide to building a successful business with minimal startup costs. He’s also the founder of the World Domination Summit, an event that brings together like-minded individuals who are seeking to create a better world.
Guillebeau’s journey towards location independence started with a desire to help others. He wanted to write books and create events that would inspire people to pursue their dreams and live life on their own terms. By embracing location independence, he’s been able to build a successful career while traveling the world and living a lifestyle that aligns with his values.
One of Guillebeau’s key insights into location independence is the importance of taking risks. To achieve location independence, you need to be willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Without risk, there can be no reward.
Conclusion
These real-life examples of successful individuals and businesses that have achieved location independence serve as an inspiration to those seeking a more flexible and fulfilling work lifestyle. While the path to location independence may not be easy, it’s clear that with perseverance, hard work, and dedication, anyone can achieve this dream.
Whether you’re looking to start your own business, join a fully remote company, or become a digital nomad, there are many resources and communities available to support you. We hope that the stories of these successful individuals and businesses have provided you with the inspiration and motivation to pursue location independence and create a life you love.