I microwaved my pants today

by Jul 28, 2017

Get the ‘Secrets of a Six Figure Freelancer’ ebook today for $1

As a digital nomad, people are always asking what I miss from home. The food? Rarely. The culture? Nope. Medical care? Just my acupuncturist. My friends? Of course. No one ever guesses what I miss most… my laundry room.

I realize this makes me sound like a clean freak, but I assure you I am not. After 7-months of poor laundry service, washing machines that left clothes stiff or smelling of sewage, and washing skivvies in the sink I’ve reached a new low by microwaving my pants in an effort to dry them faster.

You see, I don’t have a backup pair of workout pants. I have an essential wardrobe as I carry my entire life in a backpack as I move from city to city. So if my basement apartment doesn’t have the airflow to dry my pants in 18-hours I either go to the gym in jeans or I don’t go.

So, I microwaved my pants today.

It’s interesting the things we acclimate to. I never would have guessed Remote Year would lead to such innovative laundry techniques (I’ve also ironed with a hair dryer before, my friend uses her hair straightener), much less a non-plussed attitude towards not having creature comforts.

I’ve gone from living in a 1,200ft2 condo alone, filled with awesome “things” I love, to not knowing where I’ll live next month and carrying less than 20kgs (30lbs) of baggage, which includes everything I need to run a business.

It’s liberating as hell.

It’s hard to describe the experience of life on the road and what this year has really been about, but if I had to break it down it would be this:

This lifestyle is about letting go.

“Let go of preconceived notions, fear, the need for certainty, the social constructs we live with, the stories we tell ourselves, expectations and, of course, material goods.”

In February, I had the honor of participating in a lantern ceremony where we wrote our hopes for Remote Year on a lantern before releasing it to the sky. One of my mates hoped for all ‘Remotes’ to find themselves & at the time I remember thinking, “I already know who I am.”

But I could not have been more wrong. I only knew myself in certain terms.

I knew who I was in the context of my old life — of being a great designer & a trusted advisor for the startups I worked with — not as a coach and new online marketer. I knew who I was in my social group and as a solo traveler, not as a community member of 60 new faces. I knew who I was with my makeup and hair the way I like it, wearing the clothes I want, not in the 1,000 degree heat of Asia where makeup becomes pointless and I have a 20-piece wardrobe.

I’ve learned I’m stronger than I think I am. That I’m an eternal optimist capable of looking for the lesson or the good in anything. I’ve learned I’m a survivor and a hustler and I’m not willing to settle for mediocrity. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what I have, or don’t have, in my life when it comes to being happy and being loved. Those things come from within.

And I’ve learned it all by letting go of one thing at a time.

Crossposted on Medium

Other Posts You Might Like

Three benefits of studying business

Studying business may sound intimidating, but the skills that you’ll develop along the way can be life-changing. A business course...
Read More

Three AI tools for freelancers, that’ll help you work smarter

AI is revolutionising the world of business. Industries of all different descriptions are capitalising on the latest advancements that are...
Read More

UI vs UX: Are They The Same Or Different, And What Is Their Impact On A Website? 

The phrases ‘User Interface’ (UI) and ‘User Experience’ (UX) are frequently used in tech-related settings. What does a UX or...
Read More

Get Your Creative Business on the Map

As a creative professional, obviously you want to get your work out there. Often, though, that’s easier said than done....
Read More

How to Write Compelling Email Copy that Converts

In 2022 alone, there were a total of 333.2 billion emails sent out and received globally. Sounds outrageously high? That...
Read More

Running A Business & Having a Life

Running a business brings many challenges, and so does running a household. While the two aren’t mutually exclusive, keeping all...
Read More

Legal Issues Every Freelancer Should Know About

You may not have the resources of a larger company to handle legal matters, but it's important to know the...
Read More

Why You Should Become a Freelance Writer

Writing is a skill that doesn’t come easy to everyone, but if it’s something you do well and enjoy then...
Read More

How to Get Out and Promote Your Brand

As a small business owner, it's important to get out and promote your brand. You can't just sit behind your...
Read More

The Benefits of Working as a Freelancer

Freelance work has become more popular, but for many people, it can still be an unfamiliar idea. While there are...
Read More

Hi, I’m Kate

Hey, I’m Kate! I’m a designer, digital nomad and founder of Six Figure Freelancers – I love to help talented tech pros start businesses.

Work with Me

Get The Book

AppSumo badge

Featured Post

Would You Like Help Finding Freelance Clients?

Learn more about the Six Figure Freelancers training programs, and learn how to take your freelance business to the next level.

Pin It on Pinterest