Meet Jo Sprague

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

When I first heart about Remote Year, I was in transition, trying to decide where I wanted to live after a few years of living in the Caribbean. I was thinking about settling down in a tech city like Seattle or Austin, but none of the cities I visited seemed right for me. Then a good friend told me about Remote Year. The combination of being able to explore while forming long term relationships at the same time was too good to pass up.

What are you working on for the year?

I'm working with a team of talented people based in Oakland, California on a variety of software projects for clients ranging from well known musicians, to a startup working on a cure for HIV, and another startup that makes it accessible for people to send science experiments into space. I'm excited to be traveling around the world while doing work that impacts people around the world in a variety of ways.

How did you find yourself a remote role?

I started searching for remote jobs out of convenience when I was living in the Caribbean and didn't know what was next. The number of jobs that can be done remotely is huge and growing at an incredible rate. There are tons of job boards for remote jobs in the software industry and in other industries as well.

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How do you think traveling will affect your current work?

I think being in new and stimulating environments will enrich my work. Sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day can be a little bit dull at times, but knowing that adventure awaits me every night and weekend keeps me interested and passionate.

What are you most passionate about?

Love and connecting people to each other, to the planet, to truth and to life.

Where have you lived/traveled to previously?

I've lived in Ohio, and the Dominican Republic and I've also traveled all over the US, Panama and Colombia.

Where does your passion for travel come from?

I actually don't have a passion for travel as much as a passion for people. The thing that drives me to travel is the opportunity to connect with diverse people and enter into their lives for a brief period of time and see how the world looks from their perspective.

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

Most of the people I've met on Remote Year would be great people to get stuck on an island with; everyone is so positive, tenacious and self-sufficient. But hopefully it would be someone with some mutual attraction because affection is pretty necessary for survival.

What is your secret talent?

It used to be my ability to blow bubble rings under water, but now I'll have to find a new one. Thanks.

What book should everyone read?

It changes all the time, but my recent favorite is The Prophet by Khalil Gibran.

Your favorite quote?

"Que la curiosidad sea mas grande que el miedo", which means "May curiosity be greater than fear".

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What is the most challenging part of being a digital nomad?

Spending so much time far away from people I love.

What is the best part about being a digital nomad?

Getting to visit people I love all over the world.

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

Stay curious. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. Don't be afraid to look stupid. Opportunities are all over the place, but they aren't going to find you, you have to go out looking for them.

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

I see who I am as a constant evolution that won't end after Remote Year, but this year I hope to grow in my ability to connect with and form genuine deep relationships with other people both on the trip and in the places we visit. I want to be someone who is deeply connected with others across culture and geography.