By blending ambition with the freedom of remote work, you can create a career and lifestyle that transcends traditional boundaries. 

This reimagined approach allows you to optimize for personal growth, professional success, and overall life satisfaction in ways that were previously unimaginable. 

We hope the stories in this issue helps you to remain adaptable, curious, and proactive in shaping your unique path forward.

— Ric, Shellie, Angela & Travis

LIFESTYLE

From Color-Coded Control to Location Freedom

I used to live by my color-coded calendar with every thirty minutes meticulously planned. Despite being a "digital nomad" since 2016, most days found me in my home office at 8:30 am, robotically clocking out at 5 pm.

What kind of nomad stays put? The kind afraid to embrace true freedom.

What Location Independence Really Means

In late 2020, I shifted my perspective on digital nomadism.

Being location independent isn't about constant travel. It's about having the freedom to work whenever and wherever enables your highest productivity.

For me, it started with coffee shops and coworking spaces—small rebellions against my self-imposed office confinement.

As I stepped outside my comfort zone, I discovered something shocking: I thrived in new settings.

Taking the Bold Leap

Emboldened, I sold most of my belongings and traveled to different cities, states, and countries.

I rented short-term apartments, crashed with family, brought my laptop everywhere.

It was terrifying. It was messy. It was the best decision I ever made.

The Surprising Lesson

The most profound lesson wasn't about productivity hacks.

It was about trust.

Trust in myself to adapt. Trust that perfect plans aren't prerequisites for success.

I'd been confusing control with security all along.

Liberation Through Flexibility

I haven't abandoned planning entirely – I still appreciate structure. The difference now is that these tools serve me rather than control me.

My plans have transformed from rigid requirements to flexible frameworks.

My work has improved because I'm not forcing creative insights to arrive during designated time blocks.

My relationships have deepened because I'm more present rather than mentally checking my schedule.

Your Own Freedom Journey

You don't need to sell everything and travel the world (though you could!).

Start small—work from a different room, a local park, or that café you've been curious about.

The true freedom of location independence isn't geographic—it's psychological.

It's discovering that when plans inevitably fall apart, something better often waits if you're willing to embrace the beautiful chaos of possibility.

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

How has embracing remote independence transformed your professional and personal life?

QUICK TAKES

Finding Your Freedom

✅ My Journey to Work-Life Balance in the World of Remote Work. Tips for Achieving Remote Work Harmony

✅ Best Practices for Encouraging Personal Growth in the Remote Workplace

✅ 5 Ways Personal Development Catapults Your Remote Career (+ How to Start)

New collaborative partnership!

You Have the Freedom to Work from Anywhere—So Why Haven’t You?

You went remote for flexibility, but somehow, it still feels out of reach. What if you could break the cycle—and finally give yourself permission to work, live, and connect in a new way?

TulsaBound is a one-month workcation May 30-June 28, 2025 designed to help remote professionals like you reset, find community, and experience remote work beyond your home office—without the stress of planning.

Spots are limited. Maybe this is your sign to finally go.
Learn more and apply: www.tulsa-bound.com

NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE

Share Your Remote Work Joy Story!

For our International Day of Happiness issue, we want to hear from YOU!

How has location independence transformed your life in ways that bring you genuine joy? Whether it's reclaiming time with family, working from dream destinations, or simply designing your ideal workday—we want the real story behind your remote work happiness.

Please share a personal short story on how working remotely (location independence) has helped you create a satisfying life and joy in your life. We’ll use stories for next week’s issue!

THE VIBE

News to Use

💡 Totally Remote Jobs: The Top Work-From-Anywhere Company In 2025. Not all remote-work opportunities aren’t all created equal. There are meaningful differences that might matter to you.

💡 Why Working From Home Is So Exhausting, According To Research. Working from home has its perks, but it might be negatively impacting your health.

💡 The Hidden Impact of Appreciation. The small gestures that foster happiness, connection, and motivation.

Our Partners are Bringing the Goods!

THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES

Breaking Free From the 9-5 Prison

Earlier this year I had a remote work awakening. I discovered just how much my beliefs were holding me back from living a life filled with freedom, joy, productivity, and purpose!

The most obvious place to start? That ingrained belief in the sacred 9-5 workday.

The Old Rules Don't Apply Anymore

In our fully remote world, productivity isn't measured by time in an office.

Success comes from results and added value—it doesn't matter when or where they happen.

So why does work need rigid boundaries? It doesn't.

The Day Everything Changed

Last week, I shifted tasks from midday to evening so I could enjoy perfect spring weather.

The work was getting done either way – so why not live life first?

There was zero difference between completing it at 10:00 AM or 7:00 PM.

The Unexpected Results

The boost to my mood and sense of autonomy was incredible.

Yes, I worked outside traditional hours, but I lived a fuller day instead of dedicating the best hours exclusively to work.

Your Remote Superpowers

This flexibility isn't a problem – it's your superpower.

It enables you to prioritize life experiences when they matter most.

Breaking Free From Meeting Prison

Meetings are another major blocker to remote independence.

They lock you into traditional schedules that your co-workers might be conditioned to follow.

Question the value and necessity of all meetings.

Don't fear declining a meeting to live your life instead. You do not need to justify your decline, meeting organizers need to justify demanding your attendance.

Your Remote Independence Declaration

We're living through a massive cultural shift in work style.

We can't truly thrive until we've ditched outdated workplace norms.

Give it a try.

You might be surprised by how much more alive you feel when you declare your remote independence.

🗓️ COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Your Freedom, Your Events

Ready to break free from your home office? Trail work with SORBA lets you get muddy while networking (Thursday at noon, Asheville). Then triple your fractional professional wisdom with three back-to-back sessions (seriously, they're all at 4pm).

Nomads unite at Vicious Fishes (Thursday 7pm, Cary) or boost your creativity leadership skills (March 19, Asheville).

Bookworms alert: UPDN's first club meeting tackles Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory" (March 20, Greenville).

Your community calendar 🗓️. Your choice. Your adventure awaits!

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Until next Thursday! 🕺