If you’re here, you’re probably a lot like me—a globetrotter with a thirst for adventure, fueled by the unquenchable desire to experience the world in all its mesmerizing diversity. But let’s face it, travel can be expensive, and finding ways to fund our nomadic lifestyle is crucial. A few years back, I found the perfect solution—freelancing as a customer support agent. In this blog, we’ll explore the possibilities, the industry dynamics, the practical steps to landing a job, potential earnings, and the pros and cons from my own experience.
The Possibility
Becoming a freelance customer support agent is more than possible—it’s a reality for many digital nomads. With advancements in technology and a shift towards remote work, more companies than ever are turning to freelancers for customer support roles. All you need is a stable internet connection, a laptop, and a knack for helping people.
Understanding the Industry
The freelance customer support industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to Statista, the global outsourcing market was valued at $92.5 billion in 2019, and it’s expected to keep growing1. Businesses, both big and small, are seeking cost-effective ways to deliver quality service to their customers, and that’s where freelancers come in. As a freelancer, you’ll be answering customer inquiries, solving problems, and providing information about products or services. It’s a job that demands excellent communication skills, patience, and a problem-solving mindset.
Getting the Job
If you’re wondering where to start, look no further than online job platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. These platforms connect businesses with freelancers and are a great place to find customer support gigs. You can also check out remote work job boards like We Work Remotely or Remote.co. When applying, highlight your communication skills, any customer service experience you have, and your ability to work independently. Remember, first impressions count, so make sure your profile and proposals are well-written and professional.
Potential Earnings
As a freelance customer support agent, your earning potential is largely dependent on your experience, skills, and the number of hours you’re willing to work. Generally, you can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour. If you’re working full-time hours, that can add up to a substantial income to fund your travels.
Pros and Cons
Being a freelance customer support agent on the move isn’t all rosy. Based on my personal experiences, here are some of the unique pros and cons you might encounter.
Pros:
- Travel-Friendly: Unlike many jobs, freelancing as a customer support agent isn’t location-dependent. As long as you have a strong internet connection, you can take your job with you. This freedom allowed me to explore the diverse landscapes of Peru without worrying about my next paycheck.
- Adaptable Schedule: You typically have the flexibility to create your own schedule. If you want to avoid the scorching afternoon heat in Morocco, you can opt to work during those hours and explore in the cooler evening.
- Cultural Advantage: Working with international clients can deepen your understanding of different cultures, helping you adapt and blend into new environments faster. For me, it was dealing with European clients that made my transition to life in Spain significantly smoother.
Cons:
- Unreliable Internet: One of the significant challenges I’ve faced is inconsistent internet connectivity. Imagine resolving a customer’s issue only to have your connection cut out in the middle of a remote Thai village. Always having a backup internet solution is crucial.
- Time Zones: Working across different time zones can be tricky. There were times when I had to take calls at odd hours in Bali to match my client’s time zone in New York.
- Limited Downtime: While the adaptable schedule is a boon, it also blurs the line between work and leisure. I recall times when I had to cut short a day at the beautiful beaches of Greece to handle a sudden surge in customer inquiries.
Despite the challenges, the nomadic freelance customer support lifestyle has been worth it for me. It offers the possibility to fund your adventures while providing a valuable service to businesses. Sure, there are challenges, but they were small prices to pay for the joy of experiencing the world at my own pace. This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but if you’re an adventure-seeker who loves helping people, it just might be the perfect fit for you. Safe travels, my friends, and maybe I’ll see you on the road!
Statista. (2020). Size of the outsourcing market worldwide from 2000 to 2019. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/189800/global-outsourcing-market-size/ ↩