(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:

• How to Become a Full-Time Digital Nomad
• Luxury Co-Living and Co-Working in Dubai and Singapore

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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Connect with Kristin: 

• 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
• Become a Patron
• Leave a 5-Star Review
• Buy Official Merch 
• www.badassdigitalnomads.com

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