
If you haven’t done it yet, working remotely is an impactful, insightful experience.
Ever since the pandemic, travel has been #1 on everyone’s bucket list. And people are now more open to working remotely. Just think about it: you’ll avoid office politics, save time on commuting, enjoy more flexibility, and see the world while you work. If you’re still considering working remotely but haven’t taken the leap yet, we’re here to convince you of its benefits. Just have a read below to find out how entrepreneurs have been making the most out of their overseas experiences.
1. Pauline Kirk, 45, founder of Femvestors Global

Cultural intelligence is vital in today’s globalised world. Having lived in 10 countries, the key to professional success is being adaptable, open-minded and immersing yourself in the local culture. In Asia, I discovered the power of harmony and collective thinking, witnessing how collaboration and respect for hierarchy drive success. Patience and building relationships are paramount. In Western countries, individualism and direct communication took centre stage. Embracing diversity, creativity and innovation is key. It’s through embracing diverse perspectives that we can truly harness the power of global collaboration and create impactful change.
2. Stephanie Schueller, 49, reiki practitioner at State of Reiki

I feel blessed to do my work using only my hands. As a reiki practitioner, I extend healing through virtual sessions with distant reiki, offering universal life force energy to clients across the world. The beauty lies in its ability to reach people or animals, providing comfort physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I love being able to extend my help across the globe at any time.
3. Jasmin Dhillon, 41, nutritional health coach at Eat with Jasmin

Running my health coaching business remotely has been a game changer. I’m able to connect with my clients through a dedicated app and conduct virtual coaching calls. I spend most of the summer in the UK, so this allows me to remain connected with my clients. The flexibility of working remotely offers the benefit of structuring my day around my family as well.
4. Ivy Yeung, 43, founder and physiotherapist at Heartland Physio

Over the past three years, I was honoured to be one of the team physios for Team Singapore in various major sports games. Working overseas with top athletes meant I was always on my toes, ready for the team 24/7, and shared their emotions. It required me to know my stuff while keeping my mind open to learn from my team of coaches, scientists and athletes. I wouldn’t change a thing for all these experiences.
5. Amanda Lim, 40, owner of Coach Amanda Lim

I moved my fitness and nutrition coaching business online in July 2022 (after over 15 years of working from brick-and-mortar gyms and studios). By October 2022, I’d launched my app. Since then, I’ve worked everywhere from a hotel room in Hanoi to a Singapore Airlines flight over Europe to a stuffy hospital room in California. It’s been one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences of my career.
Not being anchored down by the day-to-day schedule of in-person coaching has revolutionised how I view work, family, and balance in my life. I’d recommend anyone who has a “people-focused” career like mine to consider what percentage of that work is in person and how much of it is an emotional or interpersonal connection – and see whether remote work can afford you more time and space to do that with clients who value it most.
6. Selina Wirz, 41, health and wellness coach and partner at Frolic for Life

When the pandemic reshaped our work dynamics, our team embraced the beauty of remote work. Departing Singapore in 2022, my family and I spent six enriching months in South Africa, soaking up the experience while still guiding my amazing clients. Now, settled back in our home country Switzerland, Frolic for Life travels with me wherever I go.
The best part? Being present for my kids after school, even without extra help. Remote work lets me structure my days, from home-cooked meals to rejuvenating yoga sessions. It’s all about embracing this fantastic journey of adaptability and balance for entrepreneurs seeking flexibility!
7. Dr. Mark Chern, 40s, clinic director at Soma Clinic

Working in Nepal and Indonesia gave me the experience of treating all kinds of women’s health conditions, from pregnancy complications to osteoarthritis to epilepsy. I’m grateful because it allowed me to be a better-informed Chinese Medicine doctor.
From Nepal, I learned so much about the people and Tibetan Buddhism. It made me so grateful when I returned to safe and sanitised Singapore. In Indonesia, living and working in a village setting remains forever etched in the memory of a person accustomed to city life. Ten years ago, I learned the languages and was able to communicate with patients in basic Nepalese and Bahasa Indonesia – this was so fulfilling and meaningful to me.
Working from elsewhere in the world is exhilarating because it allows us to soak in and understand other cultures. You’ll meet different people and face all kinds of challenges, but you’ll also see things beyond the confines of your situation.
8. Melanie Staunton, 38, founder & CEO of Communicate

I’ve worked remotely for nearly a decade and I love it. It’s flexible; you can design your day and work from different locations that inspire you. However, working remotely has its challenges and it’s not for everyone. It can be lonely, you can get distracted, and the boundary between your work and personal life can get blurry.
It’s important to find places that help you feel focused. At home, I have a specific workspace, and I have a cafe that I go to when I need to be productive. I also enjoy the benefits of remote working with walks, swims and catch-ups – these give me joy and energy!
9. Senthilkumar Subramanian, 31, founder of SEO With Senthil

I love working remotely as it saves me travel time and gives me more family time. It also allowed me to support my wife’s ambitions when we had to relocate from Singapore to Sydney for her job. Though it feels lonely at times, communities create a sense of belonging. I’d recommend remote working for solopreneurs, freelancers and entrepreneurs without full-time staff for the flexibility it brings. Just make sure to join like-minded communities and attend face-to-face events sometimes!
10. Parul Bansal, 37, founder of Tides of Tea

Working remotely is beautifully challenging. Over the past 10 years, I learnt that my stamina for remote work was dependent on three variables: time zones (which can make or break your well-being), isolation from your team, friends and family (which can create a feeling of loneliness), and living in a new, unfamiliar place (which can amplify wonder and isolation).
My self-care rituals and practices were anchors – familiar experiences that held me through uncertainty. I evoked all my senses with tea, meditation, incense, journalling, and movement practices. I carried things that made me feel safe and at home, like my favourite tea cup, my skipping rope, and a stack of pens. Don’t skimp on things that help you feel like you, though you’ll also realise you need much less than you think.
Remote work is this generation’s version of backpacking: you want to try it until you don’t want to live that way anymore. The novelty and awe-striking moments are what you do it for, but there’s an exhaustion to newness and lack of familiarity. Maybe you’ll also find a new home in the process. I did!
11. Punam Chopra, owner and founder of SpiceBox Organics

Juggling frequent travel and remote work has become a regular part of my routine, thanks to the advancements in technology which allow me to efficiently manage my tasks and responsibilities. Discipline is key. I dedicate specific times throughout my day to work. I practice yoga every morning to align my body and mind and stay true to my commitment to holistic well-being through nourishing meals, meditation, and reading.
As a business owner, my travels inspire me, occasionally leading to bringing home exciting new products. While I advocate for remote work for fresh perspectives, I also cherish in-person interactions with customers, making it challenging to stay away for extended periods.
12. Lynda Williams, 42, communications expert and coach

Since the start of the year, I’ve worked in Singapore, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK. As I’m a coach, the majority of my sessions are over Zoom – one-on-one life coaching, PR mentoring, and teaching small business owners on Hack Your Own PR.
To avoid any panic, here are my tips. Get to your destination at least a day in advance to test things out for virtual calls. Divide your day so you have set work times and time to enjoy your destination. Be honest about where you are – it’s a good conversation starter! Finally, be prepared to do early and late calls depending on your time zones.
I’d recommend having a mix of a stable office space and getting out and about. In new environments, I found inspiration, met interesting new people and came up with new business ideas.
13. Joyce Lian, 27, founder and creative director of Scent Journer

Before starting Scent Journer, I was a cosmetic formulator. I was tasked to go on an exhibition trip to Bangkok just a few months after joining the company as a fresh graduate. This venture compelled me to be independent, pushing beyond my comfort zone to build meaningful connections. While initially challenging, my industry connections eased the adjustment and taught me resilience and adaptability. The experience shaped my entrepreneurial journey and instilled vital skills crucial in today’s dynamic business landscape.
14. Ong Lee Ting, 27, co-founder of Wake The Crew

Embracing remote work has transformed my approach to business. Working in places such as Vietnam and Malaysia, I’ve learned the value of self-discipline, efficient time management, and clear communication, while embracing diverse work cultures. Although the quest for reliable Wi-Fi can be a hurdle, the freedom and flexibility it brings are truly priceless. I’d recommend remote work for those seeking independence, a more fulfilling work-life balance, and unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth.
15. Fey Wong, 37, founder of Humpty Dumpty Wellness

Picture this: my office is wherever my laptop opens. From the heart of Bali, I gave therapy sessions online, surrounded by nature’s canvas, each session a harmony with the soothing rustle of palm leaves. It wasn’t just work; it was an awe-inspiring journey.
The backdrop of rice terraces and sunsets turned my work into a daily adventure. The freedom to blend work with the wonders of a tropical haven made me realise that remote work isn’t just about the job; it’s a lifestyle. If your work allows it, take the plunge – it’s a liberating experience you won’t want to miss.
So, have we convinced you to take the plunge and work remotely in 2024?