If you receive an email from Kaleen Weiland, Ph.D., you may notice that she greets you with “kalimera” instead of “aloha.” This is because she is a digital nomad currently working in Greece, where “kalimera” is the traditional way to say good morning.
Weiland’s family faced a crucial decision when their daughter Ashlan was almost old enough for kindergarten but not quite. This prompted them to explore the idea of enrolling her in a school abroad to provide a more enriching experience. With the rising living expenses post-COVID and questions about school, they began considering this new possibility.
At the time, Weiland’s husband, Mike, had just secured Series A funding for his company Govly, and Weiland was also achieving great success in her role at Blazar Technology Solutions.
“This pivotal moment required us to find a balance between our careers and our desire for a more adventurous family life,” she explains. Despite the challenges and initial doubts, their shared desire for a life that combined career success with personal growth drove them forward.
Here’s how their journey unfolded.
Digital nomad companies help you see the world
With successful careers and a young daughter, the decision to become digital nomads required careful planning. Weiland discovered Boundless Life, a company that assists digital nomads in organizing their journeys. Within 24 hours of contacting the company, she had secured a three-month stay in Syros, Greece, a location she had never heard of before. Now, leaving Syros is a difficult thought for her.
Boundless Life is just one of the companies that facilitate logistics for digital nomads, offering comprehensive programs with host locations to help travelers feel at home in a new environment.
“The local team in Syros has been incredibly supportive, assisting us with various tasks and events, showing their care for our well-being and success,” Weiland says. “They are well-versed in the local culture, helping us connect with the community in a meaningful way.”
Weiland recounts a morning when the Syros event manager led families on a hike, sharing the island’s history and unique geography. “It was the perfect start to my day before diving back into work,” she recalls.
Schooling and Boundless Life
But what about Ashlan’s schooling? Her school in Hawaii allowed her a three-month “leave” to explore the world, and she will return with memories and friendships from Greece. Weiland notes the benefits of working with Boundless Life in balancing work and parenting abroad, especially since Ashlan’s school is conveniently located near their accommodations.
“If a work call runs late, I can reach out to our Boundless Life community for help, and there are always offers for playdates to keep the kids engaged while we finish up our tasks,” she explains.
While their decision to become digital nomads initially faced resistance from colleagues due to the lack of precedent, Weiland took steps to ensure their comfort, including creating presentations to explain their plans. The three-month trial period was a success, and they now plan to embark on a year-long digital nomad journey.
“We have shown that living and working abroad can lead to a happier, more productive workforce, fostering a supportive community and reducing stress,” Weiland says. “Our goal has been achieved, and we look forward to a year of growth and exploration.”
Edges of Earth and Remote Year—for solo nomads
For solo nomads, working with a travel company ensures that all logistics are taken care of, providing a sense of community and support.
Andi Cross, a digital nomad and growth strategist, highlights the importance of enlisting professional support to manage life and work effectively while traveling solo. Companies like Remote Year offer locations with exclusive amenities and events for members to enhance the travel experience.
Hacker Paradise and “hand picked” destinations
For those seeking reliable workspaces and seamless travel experiences, companies like Hacker Paradise offer curated destinations for digital nomads, ensuring a productive and enriching journey.
Boundless Life co-founder Elodie Ferchaud emphasizes the diversity of digital nomads in their program and the opportunity to engage with a wide range of professionals in inspiring locations. “We host artists, healthcare workers, and more, fostering meaningful connections and experiences,” she says.
If you find yourself longing for a change from your office routine and daily grind, consider exploring the world of digital nomad companies to embark on a new adventure.
