Meet Aaron Bartnick

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

I strongly believe that the act of travel--the physical movement, adjusting to new cultures, and forced expansion of our comfort zones--is one of the highest-yield personal growth opportunities in the world. I've been fortunate enough to travel a decent amount for work and pleasure, but have never lived outside of the northeast United States. I never thought that I would have an opportunity to live and work remotely while doing what I love, so when the opportunity presented itself I seized it.

What are you working on for the year?

I've spent the last four years working in and around politics, including campaigns, startups, and nonprofits. Opportunities to work remotely are pretty rare in the political space, but I was fortunate to find enough projects to make this year busy and sustainable.

How did you find yourself a remote role?

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good!

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How do you think traveling will affect your current work?

It's already making a significant, positive difference. Morale and productivity are up, and I'm tapping into new sources of creativity that I would not have otherwise found.

What would you say to others looking to bring travel into their lives?

This lifestyle can seem out of reach for many people; I certainly felt that way. There is a Spanish phrase: querer es poder -- want is power. If you want it, you can figure out. That seems simplistic, but it's accurate.

Who do you hope to be by the end of Remote Year?

A more empathetic and creative person with a much broader definition of what constitutes success and a well-lived life.

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Where have you lived/traveled to previously?

Lived: New York, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Massachusetts

Traveled: Americas (Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and now Uruguay), Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Bahamas), MENA (Israel, West Bank), and Europe (UK, France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Turkey)

Where does your passion for travel come from?

Great question. I'm not sure, but I think it may be that because I am so immersed in American culture at work I feel a strong urge to get out and see something totally different whenever possible.

Describe your Remote Year experience so far in 3 words.

The right decision.

Your favorite digital nomad hack?

Travel with 74 ambitious, creative, and diverse people.

3 things you can't live without on the road?

Strong. Data. Plan.

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Where's your favorite place on the globe?

Speaking of impossible questions! I'm sure this will change several times over the next year, but the Prince Islands in the eastern Sea of Marmara are a perfect day trip for anyone visiting Istanbul.

What book should everyone read?

That's an impossible question to answer--over 300,000 books are published per year in the US alone. But I'll tell you that the last book I read before accepting the Remote Year offer was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

If you had to be stuck on an island with another Remote, who would it be?

I'll let you know when I figure out who can do the best volleyball impression.

Your favorite quote?

I try to listen to Ted Kennedy's eulogy to Robert Kennedy at least twice a year.

Describe your perfect day.

That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold--all you need is a light jacket.

Where are you in 30 years?

Feeling as optimistic as I do now.