Being a Digital Nomad in Southeast Asia With Giang Cao From Vietnam
(UPDATED 8/8/22) How a graphic designer from Vietnam tripled her income by quitting her job to become a freelancer. Location-independent solo traveler Giang Cao sheds light on what life is like as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia and how she illustrates the good, bad, and funny in her comic strip, Very Nomad Problems.
Learn how Giang’s perception of being a traveling freelancer changed during the pandemic when she got stuck for two years on lockdown in Malaysia.
Gain insight into dating as a digital nomad, Giang’s struggle with loneliness, and the hilarious comics she creates about the plights of being a digital nomad at www.verynomadproblems.com.
Check out more of Giang’s amazing illustrations in Kristin’s book, Digital Nomads for Dummies.
Thank you to Ellie, Jeff, and Dave for the coffees this week. ❤️ Buy Kristin at coffee at Buymeacoffee.com. ☕️
EPISODE 166 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- How Giang transitioned from a traditional 9-5 job to working independently. [05:55]
- Tips and strategies for finding freelance clients. [08:28]
- Giang’s experience traveling as a Vietnamese freelancer & The difficulties of applying for visas as a result of the unfair passport strength system. [14:18]
- Countries in Asia she has traveled to as a digital nomad. [19:09]
- Overcoming the surprising problems that arise for digital nomads & The inspiration behind Very Nomad Problems. [19:56]
- Struggling with loneliness as a solo traveler. [26:59]
- Dating and meeting new people as a digital nomad. [31:31]
- How Giang’s perception of being a nomad changed during the pandemic lockdown. [36:40]
- Advice for people who are struggling with being a digital nomad. [53:04]
QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
- How did you become a digital nomad? [03:30]
- How do you teach yourself graphic design? [04:55]
- When did you start traveling after becoming a freelancer? [10:39]
- What countries can you travel to with a Vietnamese passport? [16:26]
- How do you meet people and make friends in a new country? [35:00]
- How has travel changed you? Do you feel like a different person? [48:14]
- What are your favorite places to live in Vietnam? [59:38]
- And more!
RESOURCES
Episode 166 Special Offers:
- Donate to Badass Digital Nomads
- Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies
- Rate & Review
- SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Related Podcasts:
- Dating as a Digital Nomad - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
- How to Overcome Loneliness While Traveling
- Leaving Corporate America To Become a Full-Time Traveling Family (World Towning Part 1)
- How To Find Your Home and Your Community Abroad (World Towning Part 2)
Related Videos:
Recommended Resources for Digital Nomads:
- Freelancing Platforms: Upwork, People Per Hour, Fiverr
- Community: Nomadbase
Recommended Destinations to Visit in Vietnam:
- Da Nang
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Connect with Giang:
- Follow her on Instagram
- Follow her on Behance
- Very Nomad Problems website
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- Follow on Instagram
- Subscribe to Traveling with Kristin on YouTube
- Subscribe to Digital Nomad TV on YouTube
- Join the Badass Digital Nomads Facebook Group
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- Buy Kristin a Coffee
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