Ask HN: Work abroad or telecommute?

#1

Post by mbet10 » Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 9:00 PM UTC

I want to travel and learn new languages, however I also have to support myself. I have the opportunity to work for a startup abroad. I'm also considering simply living abroad and finding a telecommute job to support my travels.

So, which would HN recommend? Finding a telecommute position to support life abroad or taking a job abroad?

Re: Ask HN: Work abroad or telecommute?

#2

Post by frossie » Tue, Aug 24, 2010, 9:14 PM UTC

There's a big difference between living somewhere and traveling through it - which one do you want to do?

Unless you magically have the right nationality, if you want to stay in a foreign place for any length of time you typically will need a visa, so you will need a local employer to sponsor a work permit. So if you really want to live somewhere else, take a job.

As to finding a telecommute job, it can be hard. If you want to go down that plan (i.e. telecommute in your native country and travel around abroad) I suggest you find that job and work a while in it before you start traveling.

Personally while I like traveling very much, there's nothing like really living in a different country to grow your horizons. I have lived in 4 countries - 5 if you count Scotland :-) - and don't regret any of it. If you have the interest and the opportunity, take it.

Re: Ask HN: Work abroad or telecommute?

#3

Post by gexla » Wed, Aug 25, 2010, 3:25 AM UTC

Work abroad will give you Less freedom for travel because you are tethered to one place. However, you may be able to work something out to telecommute for certain periods with this job.

You should probably take whatever job is more interesting to you. Or perhaps you are unable to find a telecommuting job. I'm a freelancer, so I can do pretty much whatever I like. ;)