Lonely Cities: Live The Life Of Your Dreams By Working Remotely 💭

Cities can be stressful and lonely places. With their towering buildings and the fact that no one is ever really looking at you, they can feel like cold and unforgiving places. You can feel alone even in the middle of a crowd because everyone else around you is busy going about their own lives.

People live in their own bubble — sometimes literally, with headphones on or earbuds jammed into their ears — and it's easy for us to forget that there are other people around us who are struggling just as hard as we are. 

It’s not just the emotional impact, living in the city is tough financially. It’s not just the cost of rent, but you pay twice as much to get to the office as you would if you were working remotely, according to a new survey from Owl Labs. With rising costs of living, fuel, parking, public transport and even the cost of getting dressed up (and out of bed at an ungodly hour in order to get there on time…)

The Lonely Cities

Exploring the Loneliest Cities: Where Silence Speaks Volumes

Ever felt like a city can echo your inner feelings? Some cities have this quiet, introspective vibe that makes you think, “Wow, I’m really alone here.” But hey, sometimes loneliness isn’t bad—it’s poetic, thought-provoking, and maybe even beautiful. Let’s take a little tour of some of the loneliest cities, both in the U.S. and Europe, and why they might just be worth a visit or the sanctuary to your remote job for a while. (In case you enjoy lonely cities!)

Buffalo, New York: Where Snow Meets Solitude

Buffalo gets a lot of snow—and I mean A LOT. Winters here aren’t just cold; they’re long, quiet, and a little isolating. It’s the kind of city where you might feel like the only person braving the streets during a blizzard. But Buffalo’s loneliness has a charm. It’s a place where small coffee shops become your sanctuary, and the quiet of the snow-covered streets feels almost meditative. Plus, nothing brings people together like sharing stories about surviving “Snowpocalypse 2023.”

Detroit, Michigan: Echoes of a Past Life

Detroit is like that old soul of a friend who’s been through a lot but still stands tall. Once bustling with the hum of the auto industry, parts of the city now feel eerily empty, with vast spaces where nature is reclaiming its territory. But don’t let the quiet fool you. There’s a growing creative energy here—art installations in abandoned buildings, underground music scenes, and food spots that make the trip worth it. Detroit’s loneliness has a heartbeat if you’re willing to listen closely.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Loneliness Meets Natural Beauty

Crossing over to Europe, Reykjavik might feel like the loneliest capital in the world. With its small population and vast, unending landscapes, it’s a city that whispers rather than shouts. The long, dark winters can amplify that lonely vibe, but here’s the magic: the northern lights dancing in the sky. Nothing beats standing in silence under a green-and-purple-lit horizon, feeling like the only person in the universe. Loneliness has never felt so enchanting.

Venice, Italy: Lonely Among the Crowds

Wait—Venice? Crowded Venice? Stay with me here. Beyond the tourist-packed Piazza San Marco, Venice can feel hauntingly lonely. Walk through its quieter neighbourhoods, and you’ll find empty canals, shadowy alleyways, and a stillness that seems out of place in such a famous city. There’s something haunting yet romantic about being surrounded by so much history, water, and silence all at once.

Tallinn, Estonia: Medieval Solitude

Tallinn is like stepping into a storybook village—except, you might feel like the only character. This small Baltic city has a medieval old town that’s postcard-perfect but eerily quiet, especially in the off-season. The cobblestone streets and ancient walls seem to amplify the silence, making it a perfect spot for some deep introspection (or for pretending you’re in a fantasy novel).

My Story

When I was working in London, I was feeling frustrated with this sort of life. I was tired of the hustle and bustle and and ‘busy conveyor belt’ and I knew I wanted something different.

I thought about the times I was happiest and there were two commonalities:

1- Being by the sea (usually surfing or diving)

2- Being part of a real community

My friend told me how happy he was in Bali. It was his ‘happy place’. So I asked the company I worked for if I could work from Bal. They accepted the request, but just for 2 months. 

Not only did I fall in love with Bali, but I had a completely new lifestyle and was way healthier and happier. 

I surfed before work, and instead of waking up early to catch the tube, I had lunch with friends, instead of a sandwich alone at my desk and I walked on the beach after work to catch sunsets, instead of drinking too much at the pub after work.

So I quit my job and stayed here in Bali and now I help others to find a fully remote job so they can live a happier life!

A remote job gives you the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world who are passionate about what they do. It also allows you to keep in touch with friends and family without having to spend time getting ready for work or commuting to an office every day. You can live wherever you want without worrying about rent or location restrictions at an office building. You have complete control over your own schedule, which means you never have to feel rushed or stressed out about missing deadlines because of traffic or other commitments outside work hours.

If you’d like to know how you too could live the life of your dreams, check out the Remote Job Academy.

Now, here’s a highlight of this week's 100% remote jobs👇

More Remote Jobs

If you want to know the kinds of places you can work remotely around the world, check out DeskHop.

Stay rebellious,

Michelle