Meet Julie Friedenberg

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

I was already traveling around as a digital nomad on my own, when my Mom actually found the program. It seemed like a good idea after so much solo travel to be part of a community. It was also becoming increasingly more difficult to work without proper office space.

What are you working on for the year?

I work as a self-employed graphic designer specializing in infographics and all things web.

How did you find yourself a remote role?

My client base is a large mix in terms of how we found each other. Some are just companies I emailed with similar work, some found me through various design portfolio platforms, some word of mouth.

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Where have you lived / traveled to previously?

Lived: DC area, NYC, SoCal. Traveled to: Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe, Central America, Canada, the Caribbean and now South America...all over! :)

Where does your passion for travel come from?

Two years ago I left my job, apartment and even my dog in NYC and bought a one-way ticket to Bangkok on the whim. Something was eating away at me and I knew I had to travel. I havent looked back since.

How do you think traveling will affect your current work?

I think having an office space now and trust of good wifi will greatly improve my professionalism. There is nothing worse than being on the road and not being able to complete a conference call because the wifi is iffy.

Describe your Remote Year experience so far in 3 words.

Whirlwind, social, comfortable.

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

Being with Remote Year is actually taking a step back for me into what normal life would be. I have an apartment and an office now for a whole month versus being on the constant move. I hope by the end of remote year my itchy feet are cured and I can begin to imagine a future place to settle for longer periods of time.

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

Duct tape, coconut oil, refillable water bottle.

What is your secret talent?

Hula Hooping!

Describe your perfect day.

Waking up with the sun for some outdoor yoga. Being surrounded by good people, near a beach and having a day of adventure and unknowns awaiting.

Where is your favorite place on the globe?

Thats a hard one!!! There is this tiny little island in the Komodo National Park of Flores Indonesia. Theres no wifi, no electricity and you camp or sleep in these beach shacks. Only about 50 people stay on the island at once. The water is crystal clear and covered in giant star fish. Absolutely perfect!

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

Just go. The world is not as scary or as hard to navigate these days as you might think. There are always people to meet and you are never alone. Just book a flight a figure out the rest as you go. The time is now.

Words to live by?

Ain't afraid to live, cause I ain't afraid to die.