How Remote Unlocks New Lifestyles - Buildremote Podcast

“Work is something you do, not a place you go.” That quote used to feel radical. Now it’s just reality.

More than 35% of workers globally are now doing their jobs remotely. That’s not a trend. That’s a shift. And it’s unlocking entirely new ways of living—new rhythms, new cities, new versions of success.

But here’s the thing most people get wrong: remote work is just the tool. The remote lifestyle? That’s the outcome. It’s the architecture of your days when the commute is gone, the 9-to-5 loses its grip, and you finally start asking, What do I want my life to look like?

For some, that means chasing sun in Bali. For others, it’s about picking the kids up from school every afternoon without asking for permission.

In this post, we’re digging into how the remote lifestyle actually works—not the polished version on Instagram, but the real one. I’ll walk you through lessons from the Buildremote Podcast, show you what it takes to make this lifestyle sustainable, and share exactly how people are pulling it off without burning out or going broke.

If you’re dreaming of freedom but still clocking into Zoom meetings from your living room floor, keep reading. This might just be your way out.

From Recruiter to Digital Nomad

Michelle’s journey into the remote work world started as a career pivot. In 2021, she moved to Bali, Indonesia, a popular hub for digital nomads and remote professionals. Her experience as a recruiter gave her insights into how the hiring landscape was evolving, and she noticed an increased interest among both companies and candidates in flexible work arrangements. Realizing this growing demand, she established Remote Rebellion, a company that assists job seekers in finding remote opportunities tailored to their lifestyles and personal goals.

This move from traditional recruitment to helping people find remote jobs marked a new chapter in Michelle’s career. By combining her recruitment expertise with a passion for location independence, she now helps clients design their lives around work, rather than designing work around a fixed office location.

The Rising Trend of Americans and Brits Seeking Remote Jobs Abroad

In this episode, Michelle highlights a growing trend: a surge in American and British job seekers looking to work remotely from different countries. With the flexibility that remote work offers, many professionals are seizing the opportunity to explore life abroad while still maintaining stable careers. This trend is partly driven by rising living costs in major cities, a desire for a better work-life balance, and the appeal of experiencing different cultures without sacrificing income.

While remote work allows people to live anywhere, it also introduces unique challenges. These include navigating visas, tax implications, and adapting to different time zones. Despite these obstacles, the freedom remote work provides continues to attract individuals worldwide.

Tips for Thriving in a Remote Work Environment

Want to actually succeed in a remote lifestyle—not just survive it? Start with the basics:

• Create a routine. Freedom doesn’t mean chaos.

• Use strong tools. Notion, Slack, and Loom are your new office.

• Set boundaries. Communicate your working hours clearly, even across time zones.

• Design your workspace. You don’t need a full home office, but you do need one chair that won’t destroy your back.

• Stay connected. Join digital coworking spaces, online communities, or take part in workations.

Thriving remotely means being intentional about your time, energy, and goals. It’s not about working less—it’s about working on your terms.

Key Challenges and Tips for Remote Job Seekers

Michelle also addresses some common challenges remote job seekers face. Many companies have begun to advertise remote roles, but not all positions labeled as "remote" are genuinely location-independent. Some companies require employees to live within certain time zones or countries, and understanding these requirements is essential when applying for remote roles.

For job seekers, Michelle offers valuable tips on identifying genuine remote opportunities. One key tip is to thoroughly research potential employers and ask targeted questions during the interview process. “Look beyond the job title,” she advises. "Some companies use 'remote' as a buzzword without fully embracing location flexibility."

Another piece of advice is to prioritize companies that have a strong, supportive remote work culture. Reading company reviews, especially from remote employees, can offer insights into whether a company genuinely supports work-from-anywhere policies. Platforms like Glassdoor or Blind, for instance, provide reviews that give a clearer picture of what day-to-day life might look like within these companies.

The Future of Work

Michelle’s insights on the podcast underscore the fact that remote work is here to stay. The rapid adoption of remote and hybrid models across various industries suggests that flexibility and freedom will continue to be central themes in the future of work. Innovations like the four-day work week and asynchronous schedules may become more common, allowing employees to achieve a better balance between their professional and personal lives.

As the conversation about the future of work continues, leaders like Michelle Coulson and platforms like Henry O'Loughlin’s podcast provide valuable perspectives. Their stories and insights encourage companies and job seekers alike to rethink how and where they work, offering inspiration and practical advice for navigating this exciting, evolving landscape.

Whether you're a digital nomad at heart or someone seeking a more flexible way to work, Michelle’s journey serves as a powerful example of how remote work can empower individuals to live life on their terms.

Listen to Episode Now

Conclusion

The remote lifestyle isn’t just about where you work. It’s about how you live.

It gives you choices—big ones. Where you wake up. Who you spend time with. What your days feel like. That’s powerful, but only if you’re intentional about it.

Because flexibility without structure? That’s chaos. And freedom without a plan? That’s just procrastination in disguise.

If you’re serious about building a life around remote work, treat it like a lifestyle—not just a logistics hack. Create boundaries. Prioritize deep work. Pick places that feed your energy, not just your Instagram grid.

You don’t need to become a digital nomad overnight. You just need to start asking better questions. What do I want more of? What do I want less of? What kind of life am I actually building?

Start there. Because remote work isn’t the goal. Living better is.

And now? You’ve got the blueprint to make it happen.

FAQ

• What is remote lifestyle?

  A remote lifestyle is a way of living that prioritizes flexibility and location independence, made possible by remote work. It allows people to work from anywhere while designing their daily routines, travel plans, and living environments around personal goals instead of office schedules.

• What does living remote mean?

  Living remote means working and living outside a traditional office or urban center, often in a location of your choice. It can involve travel, living abroad, or simply working from home while avoiding daily commutes and rigid schedules.

• What is remote working style?

  Remote working style refers to how someone approaches work outside a traditional office. It includes self-management, digital communication, asynchronous collaboration, and using tools like Slack or Zoom to stay connected with a distributed team.

• Are fully remote workers happier?

  Yes, studies show fully remote workers report higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance. They often experience less stress, greater autonomy, and more time for family or travel—though staying socially connected and setting boundaries is key to long-term happiness.