What happened to Chris the Freelancer?

[@TheFinRevolution]

Stopped freelancing and settled down

[@0rtmasta]

Fell into depression and started playing EVE Online full-time.

[@indie-travel-stories]

😄

[@aguafria9565]

For those considering an IT career as a path to a nomadic lifestyle, especially as a junior with no prior experience, it’s important to be realistic. Starting out now with just a boot camp under your belt makes it extremely challenging to land a job. The IT job market has plummeted in recent years, and even master’s graduates are struggling to find opportunities. The remote-work boom fueled by COVID is largely over, and the landscape has shifted significantly... I was more of a slowmad, mostly EU based, and I was very nearly forced to go back to New Zealand a few months ago after I spent nearly 4 months looking for a job in Finland where I'm based at the moment. Don't believe me, go peruse cs subreddits and get a sight of all the grads pleading for a job.

[@careerstrategynz9612]

I’m from NZ also What actually has demand you can do as a freelancer remotely? I failed trying to launch as a digital nomad with web design and digital marketing… too saturated Then I started a landscaping business in NZ and it was so easy to get clients, so much work I learnt that market demand is the most important factor The problem is what can I do remotely where I can land clients somewhat easily?? Can’t most remote things be offshored cheaply to India and Phillipines

[@aguafria9565]

​@@careerstrategynz9612 When I graduated, back in.. 2011? It was hard then to find a job, just starting out with no real experience. I used to think it was all the fault of India, which was only really possible for me when I left NZ, because to get a job in NZ, you do need experience, no one is willing to give those intern jobs to locals. As I got experience, I realised that not everyone is looking for the lowest price, because you pay a price for that, and it's usually quality. So, as you get more experience, you become more selective with who you work with. You don't really want to work for people who only go for low prices, because the culture of those clients/work places is pretty bad too. So, you need to be good at what you do, and you need to charge a high enough price to justify the quality of your work, you don't want to a race to the bottom scenario, you don't want clients like that either, you'll never win those, and it's just not worth your time. I still think there is a demand, but the expectation is higher now, people just starting out have really, not much hope, unless you're willing to work for free, doing internships/volunteering, is really the only way to get commercial experience in IT. If I had a kid just starting out now and they wanted to that kind of lifestyle, I'd probably highlight the importance of learning languages, spoken languages, not programming languages. I'd probably tell them to shed all the expectations about work and life, only focus on what you love doing, nothing else. Do that first. Everyone is different, so I can't really say, what the formula is. My own observations, large companies like to centralise power, removing it from local communities - that's a big problem in today's society, people want to support local businesses and communities, something has to be more authentic. So, I don't think it is about over saturation, it is about authenticity, and you can only have authenticity if you love what you do. Whether it is web design, or wood working, building log houses, landscaping, building fences and selling them around the world... And you only really learn about what you can do with your life, when you step outside and engage with local schools, clubs, polytechnics - you see what other people are doing, and all the different threads of possibilities of what you might be able to do to earn a living, some of these might be only possibly in local communities, others might have options to do remotely, and if you happent to love it, build a reputation for yourself, you'll find clients and work. I can only speak for myself, I have maybe 10-15 years of work experience in IT, I work in Data space, and finding remote work is not easy, I could never really set myself up for freelancing and expect to be able to live independently, maybe other spaces in IT have those options more than mine, but, the problem is, things change, and you have to continuously adapt to the conditions, so, putting years of work into doing X, only to find out things have changed, it's just not worth it. Just explore the world, find the things you like to do, things you like to make, use your hands, use your brain, make something that other people feel attached to.

[@dalejacobs9631]

@@careerstrategynz9612 My suggestion is look for digital problems that are cumbersome to solve and charge for these services, every second Digital Nomad is selling a course, content creator or is a freelance developer or in marketing [Not a diss at all]. Simply put there's no silver bullet, you're going to have to get great at something and charge for your expertise, I would say AI might be your best bet, while it's all the rage there are lots SME's that just don't know how to leverage it or where to start. Hope this rant helps.

[@BradNewton]

Welcome back bro! Super funny... I took an interest in your videos around 6-7 years ago when I was still working corporate and trying to get out of the rat race. I'd "listen" to your videos on my long walks as inspiration. Was made redundant in 2019 and have been running my KZbin channels fulltime since then. Thanks for the inspo dude and welcome back :)

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Amazing! Thanks for continuing to tune in 💪

[@ProTravel-sp7xq]

Welcome back from your sabbatical 12 months leave, I'm glad you decided to return to Brasil. Hopefully, you will be able to make it to Southern Brasil on your next trip to Brasil.

[@kng6796]

I almost never comment but I just have to thank you Chris! Two weeks into my "dream job" in 2016 and the disappointment of that not living up to expectations, your videos and podcast inspired and opened my eyes to alternative ways of work. Your video with Adrian then got me started on my location independent career, which has completely changed my life. Thrilled to see you back and some of the OG city guide format videos!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Amazing story man! Thanks for the comment.

[@fabruce8]

Mate it is amazing to see you back in action. Long term subscriber since 2018. You have been an amazing inspiration...and now you are documenting Brazil more....can't wait to see more content and meeting you on the road sooner or later. Welcome back you will smash it!

[@Ostricht199]

Amazing! Happy to see you again, I hope to see more of your content over the months. Watching your videos around 2016-17 was one of the inspirations that pushed me to switch careers to become a software engineer and work remotely. Since then I've been to 50 countries and counting!

[@JonM-ts7os]

We miss you bro, this channel is gold

[@AdamVenturesTravel]

Yay, glad to see you are back, looking forward to your videos! 🎉🎉

[@RoamingMarketer]

You were the first 'nomad' I watched on KZbin many years ago. You've inspired me to start my own journey doing this with my family. Thanks for all you do Chris

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thank you man!

[@dalejacobs9631]

Yo Chris!, new here, started watching your videos while researching locations for becoming a digital nomad - thanks for the great insights!. As a very proud Capetonian who has traveled quite a bit, in my (admittedly biased) opinion, Cape Town is the best city! I hope you'll visit during the summer, and I'd be more than happy to show you around. Looking forward to your 2025 content!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Awesome bro. Thank you. I arrive in a few days. Send me a message on Insta.

[@MartinAristia]

You'll love Argentina and Buenos Aires. Fits your lifestyle and vibe

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Was there this time last year!

[@vihodanyet]

Cat died, got into debt spiral from investments in Cumrocket and GameStop

[@ChristheFreelancer]

😂

[@LewisWirth]

Nice mate congratulations sounds great. I made a community post mentioning your official comeback to KZbin. Let's hope that that helps a little bit, glad to see you back man 👌🏻

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Appreciate your support!

[@aquul]

welcome back, sir. following since 2016. looking forward to seeing more of you.

[@felixw3806]

hell yeah I am hyped that you are back!

[@luizdacostaribeiro9168]

I'm glad to have you back! When in Brazil, come to Sao Paulo and I'll buy you a beer🎉

[@TravBell-TheBucketListGuy]

Stoked to part of your KZbin rebirth mate! Excited for this next chapter!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Cheers Trav!

[@clivekingshott4323]

I started following you back in your Chiang Mai days, looking forward to your journey!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

An OG! Thanks for tuning in

[@justinpianetti]

An exciting new chapter! Wishing you the best with this series! 💪🏽

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks mate. See you round the world!

[@TomBedlammusic]

Since you stopped making videos, i discovered your videos, got super inspired, gave the digital nomad life a go, moved to SE asia, lived a year out there, realised it wasnt quite for me and moved back to Europe.... And now youre back to inspire me again... cool cool haha

[@wanderlostfilms]

Loved your videos, it's great that you are back!

[@MagicJohn972]

It's a great bike! When you shared your story and asked for recommendations, I suggested this one. :)

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Ah well thanks for the recommendation!

[@Felixxxxxxxxx]

Great to see that you are back! If you are planning on revisiting Europe Malta might be an interesting destination. I lived there for 2 years and English is one of the official languages, it is very close to Sicily so you'll find many Italian restaurants. The downside is that it is a bit small and you are in the south of Europe so one should expect everything to work as well as in the North.

[@enorat2008]

Hi Chris, Congratulations on your official comeback to KZbin! 🎉 The news definitely made my day, and I couldn’t be more excited to see you back doing what you’re so clearly passionate about. Your videos have inspired so many, and I’m sure this next chapter will be even more impactful. I’m really looking forward to watching your new content, especially as you explore exciting destinations and share your journey with us. Wishing you all the best with the channel and your e-learning platform-2025 is going to be a fantastic year for you! 🙌 Cheers, Erik

[@degreelessdev]

You inspired me back in the day and here I am many years later, watching your latest video while relaxing after a day of working from a hostel in buenos aires

[@AustinShelby]

Welcome back! Been a huge fan for a long time

[@masegraye]

Yes! Missed your videos. Glad you’re back!

[@JooseTheNomad]

Awesome bro! This is exciting🤩

[@zaptosmedia4707]

Oh I sometimes see you at B-Work - Happy to see new videos!

[@Jeremiah-telaviv]

I remember how broke Chris was in Shanghai. It’s good. He went back to Australia and got a real job.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Never been to Shanghai brother but I'm keen to check it out!

[@theveryboringvlog]

glad to see you back ... regards

[@cecillyask4246]

Omg yay! Welcome back.🎉 See you soon friend 😉

[@AnnieSexton1]

Chris!! So excited to see you back at it. :)

[@bryancole842]

Nice to see you again - shocker !

[@CodingIsFun]

Yaay! 🎉 Let's go! 💪🏼

[@JPinMotion]

Dubai is amazing! Happy to welcome you.

[@hiddenevil4131]

Nice to have you back Chris, been watching you since 2017 :)

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Awesome! Hopefully more years to come 💪

[@wildcsgotactics]

Your videos really showed and inspired me to stay away even further from digital nomad/bali kind of people. Thank you for that!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Haha why is that?

[@wildcsgotactics]

@@ChristheFreelancer Just not my kind of people at all.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

@@wildcsgotactics fair. It’s not for everyone.

[@kentsheehey]

SToked for you bro!!

[@NunoBoggiss]

I hope he’s coming back! What a legend

[@doudmine]

Welcome back boss

[@samueldemeyer8521]

Let’s go Chris 🫶

[@alistairrobinson3865]

Great to see you back Chris, you appear to have aged like a vampire! 😂🙏 Suspect Chang Mai on $600 per month might be a challenge though! 😂 Look forward to new stuff, all the best 🙏

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks! Yes, not doing $600 budget challenges anymore haha

[@abhinavrana1990]

Damn that opening is awesome 😂

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Haha glad you appreciate it!

[@Captain_Kebap]

Im so happy to see you are back. But quick question, do you think it is really necessary to learn coding these days?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

necessary? necessary for what exactly?

[@Captain_Kebap]

@@ChristheFreelancer Shopify theme development

[@ChristheFreelancer]

@ the word 'development' literally means coding.

[@eloreneloreneloreneloreneloren]

just found you from a video called «Digital Nomad Life vs "Normal" Life»

[@indie-travel-stories]

yay!! Chris the Freelancer 'back in business'

[@GrahamWinship]

If you need any advice on Dubai or want to meet up let me know!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Any tips on a bar to watch UFC this weekend? :)

[@sergiosala]

LFG! Welcome back, bro 👊🏽

[@MisterJoeMock]

welcome back Chris 👍

[@jouman7611]

Welcome back! 😊

[@alistairrobinson3865]

Guess who’s back …guess who’s back….guess who’s back….na na na n n n n n n na na na 🎶🙏

[@koma7778]

My Shopify training store was always called Christ the freelancer 🎉

[@moistureoner7669]

Mate the world doesnt need another course guru. Another bullshit scam "teaching you how to make money online" when really you're just making money from selling these courses. You were cool cause you did travel and web dev which is what a lot of your followers want to see. If you're not doing dev anymore that's fine but be authentic, dont just start selling another bs course like every man and their dog

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Hey mate. Who says I stopped developing? I’m gonna be doing KZbin on the side. Not quitting web development.

[@emanuelec2704]

What's wrong with selling a course that helps students?

[@Jeremiah-telaviv]

I remember how broke Chris was in CM. It’s good he went back to Australia and got a real job.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Proof that Past ≠ Future ;)

[@oneloren]

If you go back to Brazil pls don't forget to check out Itacaré and Jericoacoara in the Northeast. And if in Rio, Búzios :) Have a good trip.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

All great destinations! We’ll see. There’s a lot on my list.

[@ByronWatts]

My international (for me, Canada doesn't exactly count) travels began in Sub-Saharan Africa. At the time I was not considering relocating offshore (USA), but it was an interesting introduction, just the same. Not quite South Africa, much nearer the Sahara 🙂

[@ByronWatts]

I am offshore in the Philippines na

[@Driesketeer]

Prob at a beach in Bali

[@merifpopins]

Good luck!

[@HippityHoppityLoppity]

You;re lost because you're old enough to have a family and can afford it too.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Your comment somehow implies that I must be lost because I haven't started a family yet?

[@HippityHoppityLoppity]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. My comment wasn’t intended to upset you or suggest anything negative about your choices. What I meant is that, in my view, constantly trying to impress others or chasing external validation - whether through travel or other pursuits; can sometimes reflect a lack of deeper fulfillment. Personally, I believe that raising a family can bring a unique and profound sense of purpose that other experiences might not. That said, I understand that fulfillment looks different for everyone. Some might find joy and meaning in travel or other passions, and that’s completely valid. Life is about finding what truly resonates with you, and I respect your journey to discover that for yourself.

[@travelbug4536]

Great content, always. Joose is great too. Very watchable.

[@rlduncan]

he's backkkkkkkkkkk

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Yeahhh boiii

[@nickrooney7533]

Go Chris go !

[@felipepavao100]

Brazil expets you mate. Cheers

[@christiannikodemus]

Wooh!

[@sutejotan5817]

a friendly reminder to you, be careful with the logo or domain name you use on your website/page or video, once it's getting tractions, their legal departments will ask you to take it down

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I assume you're referring to the 'Shopify' brand yeah?

[@sutejotan5817]

@@ChristheFreelancer yes precisely.

[@tjblackmore7863]

Punspace Chiang Mai?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Haven’t been to that spot in years now

[@lookintothesky123]

Good times

[@jonnokim17]

started following you since chiang mai days before i became a nomad. been to over 60 countries and countless cities since then. welcome back sir 🫡