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Financial Case Study: Rachel, Freelance Copywriter

Last Updated: September 28, 2020

Financial Case Study: Rachel, Freelance Copywriter

Rachel (aka The Digital Gypsy) started to work as a freelance copywriter nomadically before she even knew that it was a “thing”. She was working remotely one day when she realized she could be doing it from anywhere. A few days later she booked a one-way ticket to Spain, and has never looked back. Find our more about how Rachel makes ends meet as a digital gypsy here!

In this series, we’re exploring the various careers of world travelers, and how they make ends meet financially while living abroad. Yes, financially sustainable full-time travel is possible!

This post was originally published in 2015. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

How long have you been living/working on the road, and where have you traveled to?

I’ve been on the road for over a year. I started in Spain last summer where I travelled from Cadiz to Barcelona. Since then I’ve been to Turkey, the South of France, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kyoto, and now, I’m in Barcelona.

Please describe what you do for income.

I’m a freelance copywriter. I write copy for the web, ebooks, blog posts and articles.

How many hours per week do you work on average?

I work 40 hours at the most.

How much money do you make?

I make about €24,500 a year from two ongoing clients: ghostwriting ebooks for a business and writing articles for an agency.

Do you make enough money to support your lifestyle?

Yes! I live a frugal lifestyle, and although I earn a fraction of what I used to when I worked “in-house”, my life is way more exciting and colourful. I travel in cheap countries where my money goes much further than it would at home.

What is your vision for the future of your lifestyle on the road?

I’d like to spend this year doing some far-flung destinations whilst I have a smaller and easier workload Next year, my plan is to travel in Europe to be closer to my family, and expand my freelance copywriter business.

Any advice for the aspiring traveler about living and working on the road and managing finances?

Travel slowly. Working on the road means you can’t really have the whirlwind lifestyle of a backpacker where you chop and change destinations every week. It’s much cheaper and easier to stay longer in places and rent rooms like a local rather than pay for hotels and hostels. (See also: The #1 Reason Why I Love Slow Travel)

Soak up the atmosphere of a place rather than rushing out to do all the expensive touristy things in one go. Make friends with locals and spend your money in family run businesses rather than large chains (this benefits your bank balance and the local economy).

Your biggest expense is going to be accommodation, so spend plenty of time checking out the cheapest options before moving to your next destination. House-sitting is a godsend! So are work exchanges like Workaway.info – if you have a few spare hours a day to volunteer you can get free food and accommodation in return (with evenings and weekends to catch up on your work). (See also: How to Get Free Accommodation Around the World)

Anything to add?

Travelling and working over the past year has completely transformed my view of money, my values and my life goals – I absolutely love it. And you will too!

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Filed Under: Financial Case Studies

About the Author: As a former CFP (Certified Financial Planner), Nora Dunn traveled full-time for over 12 years. She is an expert in remote work, long-term travel, financially sustainable lifestyle travel, and much more. She is a celebrated author, speaker, writer, coach, and YouTuber. Read More…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy (Two Drifters) says

    December 28, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    Totally agree with all this! Especially housesitting as a great option. I also work as a freelance copywriter and find it to be very enjoyable

    Reply
    • Nora Dunn says

      December 28, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Very cool Amy – nice to meet a fellow digital nomad! I too have found house-sitting to be an excellent way to enjoy the comforts of home (somebody else’s home, that is!) and to allow the time and space to get work done while enjoying the benefits of travel and living around the world.

      Reply
  2. Cest La Vibe says

    December 28, 2015 at 11:45 pm

    These case-studies have been so helpful. Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Nora Dunn says

      December 29, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Awesome – thanks C’est La Vibe! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Rachel @ The Digital Gypsy says

    December 29, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Thanks for featuring me Nora! It feels quite liberating to bear my finances 🙂 As you can see, you don’t have to be a high earner at all in order to travel as a digital nomad. I’m living proof!

    Reply
    • Nora Dunn says

      December 30, 2015 at 10:34 am

      Thanks for sharing this great info and advice Rachel! You’re an inspiration to many. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Tricia @ The Adventure List says

    January 8, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    Love this series. How did you start out in copyediting?

    Reply
  5. Izy berry says

    January 18, 2016 at 1:03 am

    This is incredible she live a incredible life

    Reply

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I'm Nora Dunn. I traveled the world full-time for 12 years, and I still travel for half the year (pandemics notwithstanding).
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