Today we are happy to introduce to you the Head of Business Development at SafetyWing, Enelin Paas. She has been working remotely, continually changing locations as a free spirit who has adopted digital nomadism for quite a while now.Discover Enelin’s story and useful tips for freelancers.
1- Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your work.
I’m Enelin Paas, 28 years old Estonian being nomadic now for more than five years and am not planning to stop any time soon. :)I am the Head of Business Development at SafetyWing - we are building a global social safety net tailored to the needs of online freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote companies.Next to this, I am a teacher, speaker, and consultant on starting affiliate and referral programs for businesses to achieve sustainable growth.
2- What made you choose to live a digital nomad life?
A wish to live life on my terms. The love for traveling and the need to learn, discover, and explore.
3- How and why did you first decide to be a digital nomad? Did a memorable incident steer your decision, and would you like to tell Ruulers about it?
Around five years ago, I took a one-way flight from Estonia to San Francisco while leaving my master’s degree studies and quitting my career and job. With the savings I had at that time, I needed to get an online job fast. I had sleepless nights till I got my first gig via Upwork. Working hard has brought me success and comfortable nomad life.
4- How is your daily routine? Can you share it with us in a few bullet points?
I usually go to sleep around midnight and wake up around 8/9. Then I’ll have a slow morning. While drinking coffee, I am getting started with work. I’m not a morning person and try to avoid meetings in the morning. Then, around midday, I’ll go to a cafe or a coworking space. Later, when things are done, and I feel accomplished, I will meet up with friends for dinner or go to do some light sports like a dance class. On the weekends I try not to work. That’s when I take the time to explore my area by going on road trips, hiking, and such.
5- Which city is your favorite as a digital nomad so far, and why?
I like Bali, Mexico, Spain, Estonia, and Brazil. What a weird combo of countries, I know.My favorite place to live in is Rio De Janeiro. I go every year for Carnival and then stay for three months. It’s simply the most fun and vibrant place on earth. I love it!
6- In three words, how do you reckon a professional digital nomad should be?
Happy, laptop, backpack.
7- Are there any tools you find indispensable as you work remotely? Could you name some?
I am pretty basic with my Whereby, Google Meets, Gmail, Slack, Google Drive, Evernotes, and Notion. Also, I need a laptop stand, keyboard, mouse - all of that to have an ergonomic workspace! Plus, I can’t do without Spotify.
