Meet Justin Poore

Why did you decide to go on Remote Year?

The short answer is I was tired of working by myself from a living room. I was craving social interaction and that sense of community. I had also just finished traveling around the United States for 8 months and was looking for a way to take my travels to the next level. 

How did you find yourself a remote role?

I took something that had once been a hobby and made it into something that I could do for clients. I had worked for several marketing firms doing social media type marketing, and I saw there was a need for animators and video type people. So I self-taught myself enough to get my first few clients, and now it’s been 4 years working for myself.

What advice would you give to others considering Remote Year?

My advice is that if you’re able to do it, and you can make it work financially… DO IT! You won’t regret it. 

What are you working on for the year?

I’m working on my Vlog! I started a vlog when I left for Remote Year and it’s been my side hustle. If you’re interested in checking it out you can search Justin Poore on Youtube (Shameless plug) :) 

What does your typical work day look like?

It’s basically a lot of me working on my computer doing design, animation, or video editing. With the occasional nap in the middle.

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How has working remotely affected your current work?

To be honest, it really hasn’t affected it too much. I work long days normally, so the time difference is actually kind of nice. It allows me to get most of my work done before most of my clients wake up, and then I can coast through the later part of the day making edits and answering emails. 

Do you plan to sustain this remote lifestyle after Remote Year?

Yes! I’d love to spend a year surfing and snowboarding. Chase the waves in the summer and snow in the winter. 

What is the most challenging part of being a remote worker?

I think for most people it’s learning to take time for yourself. As you travel with the group, you have access to endless activities, side trips, etc… and it can be overwhelming if you don’t take time to relax.

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Your favorite remote working hack?

Get yourself a Priority Pass that gets you access to airport lounges. When you travel a lot, having access to lounges will change your view on airports. 

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

• Computer
• Camera
• Drone 

What has been your favorite Remote Year city? Why?

Lisbon. Surfing! 

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What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned while on Remote Year?

I’ve learned to embrace the chaos. Understand that while most days are awesome, not every day is going to be amazing, and eventually things aren’t going to go according to plan. It could be your computer breaking, you lose a client, you forget a bag on a train, etc… inevitably things are going to go wrong. And when you’re traveling, you have to learn how to embrace that chaos and look for the solutions vs dwelling on something you can’t change.

Follow Justin on his Travel and Lifestyle Vlog and Instagram.