A location-flexible role offers the freedom to choose where you work, a better work-life balance, and removes the constraints of a daily commute. It also bypasses the fixed, traditional office environment, which can feel like a cage at times. And even though it sounds like a promising idea, delving into remote work without taking the right steps can land you in trouble. So whether you want to work in various locations across the UK or embrace a full-time global digital nomad lifestyle, you must be adequately prepared. This is how to plan a location-flexible career from the UK to ensure a smooth transition.
Also read: What remote workers should plan before relocating
To set yourself up for a successful location-flexible career, you need to get location-flexible skills. This means you should be able to use your skills remotely and that they should have cross-border relevance. Roles in software development, data, design, content, marketing, consulting, customer success, product management, and research are remote-friendly.
If your current role isn’t remote-friendly, look for ways to make it more remote or switch roles. This could mean looking into freelancing or contract-based jobs. Having a niche improves your odds for success and better pay. Build a portfolio that showcases your capabilities and keep honing your skills.
Also read: Paying abroad from the UK: a simple guide for first-time traveller
Before hopping on a flight to a new work destination, you must ensure that you have the right paperwork to work in that country. A UK passport might give you access to many countries, but confirm this with the right authorities. If you need to apply for a visa, prioritise countries with digital nomad visas.
Another overlooked aspect of a location-flexible career is tax planning. If you are a UK resident, your tax obligations depend on residency status, days spent in the UK, and where your income is sourced. Working abroad doesn’t always mean you don’t have to pay taxes in the UK anymore. Review the Statutory Residence Test, double taxation agreements, and how they apply in your situation.
A location-flexible career requires a location-flexible payment system that works across borders. Traditional UK bank accounts are often not optimised for international payments. Many UK remote workers now rely on multi-currency accounts to receive payments in USD, EUR, and GBP. They can choose to keep their money in foreign currencies and convert whenever they want without excessive fees. You can withdraw to local bank accounts at competitive rates wherever you go.
LDMAG1
In addition to setting up a reliable payment system, you should also plan your finances based on your income. Budget for your monthly expenses and set aside some money for savings and emergencies. Use separate accounts for income and daily spending. A clear financial structure reduces stress and gives you confidence to move freely without the fear of getting stranded. Don’t forget to always track your spending.
Also read: How Grey differs from a UK bank
Planning a location-flexible career means researching destinations in advance. Your destination largely determines your experience, positive or negative. Consider the living costs, security, time zone overlap, digital infrastructure, community, and quality internet coverage.
Flexibility can easily breed indiscipline, and if you don’t check it early enough, you can end up with burnout and lower productivity. If you must be an excellent remote worker, you must have a strict work routine that ensures work doesn’t eat into social life, and your social life doesn’t affect your work. Have defined working hours, communication boundaries, reliable internet plans, and systems for productivity regardless of location.
If you are tired of the rigid traditional work structure holding you back in the UK, then transitioning into a location-flexible career is a step in the right direction. Planning adequately for this transition ensures you have a great experience. The right cross-border payment solutions help you manage receiving payments and withdrawing funds to local bank accounts wherever you go.
Grey offers USD, EUR, and GBP accounts that let you receive payments easily and withdraw funds to various local currencies at competitive rates. You also get a virtual USD debit card to further simplify your payments while travelling. If you are freelancing on global platforms, you can add your Grey account details to withdraw your earnings without delays and cut-throat platform fees.
Get started on Grey today or download the app for a reliable location-flexible payment solution.
.svg)
Back to top
