Hello, my name is Adam Watters (yes, the person writing this blog), and I currently work for Identity Agency as a freelance marketing executive. What that basically means is that I do a bit of everything, from social media posts and website design to the occasional bit of video production.

The reason for this blog today is that, over the past four weeks, I’ve shifted to working fully remotely for Identity Agency. I’m now working as a digital nomad while travelling across Southeast Asia. So, when the idea came up to write a blog about remote work, I figured it was only right that I do it.

Anyway, here are my 5 top tips for working remotely (or abroad):

Having the right equipment is key. Whether it’s your laptop, mouse, keyboard, work phone, or eSIM, you need to work out everything you might need before you leave. There’s nothing worse than opening your bag at the start of your workday and realising you’ve forgotten something important.

Think it through in advance, your setup can make or break your workflow when you’re not just down the road from your office.

Now I’ve found this is the only point that really matters, to be honest. As a digital nomad, having Wi-Fi is the most important aspect, because without it we can’t work.

So, find a café, co-working space, or even your own accommodation that has good Wi-Fi. And if you can’t, make sure you have a high-quality SIM that can connect to 4G or 5G to reduce the delays you may face.

There’s even equipment (that I haven’t tested yet), like Elon Musk’s Starlink, that works in some countries and can get you connected almost anywhere.

Personally, I’ve found that working remotely isn’t as easy as it sounds. Beyond the logistics and setup, there’s the mental side of things too, like figuring out a routine that fits your lifestyle.

Since I’m in Thailand and travelling as I work, my days can be a bit scattered. I’ve found a routine where I work in the mornings and on UK time, which works well for me. If you’re remote working in the UK or in a fixed-hours job, that can help, as you can build your day around a set structure.

For you fellow freelancers out there, you’ve just got to be brutal about setting boundaries. Say when you’re working and when you’re off, and actually enjoy the time off.

I’m the kind of person who loves my monitor. One of the things I miss most about home is my proper office setup. Working from just a laptop can be frustrating sometimes, especially for tasks that are just quicker with multiple screens.

That’s why I’ve started looking out for places where I can hot-desk or rent a monitor for the day. These spaces can really help you get into the zone and knock out some focused work. Plus, they’re often full of other remote workers, which helps with motivation and even networking. The world’s becoming more remote-friendly, so do a bit of research and you’ll likely find something nearby.

Finally, I just want to say – don’t worry if remote work isn’t for you. And don’t be afraid to go back to an office setup if that works better.

Remote work can be a lonely place. You’re not surrounded by colleagues who challenge you, and sometimes it’s hard to find that inner motivation. So, give it a go, try a few different routines, and see how it feels. But if it doesn’t work out, that’s totally fine too. Just do what’s best for you.

So yeah, those are my tips. If you want to connect or need a bit more help working remotely, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.

And if you’ve got any questions about marketing, branding, or how we operate at Identity Agency, keep an eye out for future blogs; we’ll be writing more about that side of things soon. Or just reach out directly at https://identityagency.co.uk/contact/.