(UPDATED 8/8/22) How a graphic designer from Vietnam tripled her income by quitting her job to become a freelancer. Location-independent solo traveler Giang Cao sheds light on what life is like as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia and how she illustrates the good, bad, and funny in her comic strip, Very Nomad Problems. Learn how Giang's perception of being a traveling freelancer changed during the pandemic when she got stuck for two years on lockdown in Malaysia. Gain insight into dating as a digital nomad, Giang's struggle with loneliness, and the hilarious comics she creates about the plights of being a digital nomad at www.verynomadproblems.com. Check out more of Giang's amazing illustrations in Kristin's book, Digital Nomads for Dummies. Thank you to Ellie, Jeff, and Dave for the coffees this week. ❤️ Buy Kristin at coffee at Buymeacoffee.com. ☕️ EPISODE 166 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How Giang transitioned from a traditional 9-5 job to working independently. [05:55] Tips and strategies for finding freelance clients. [08:28] Giang's experience traveling as a Vietnamese freelancer & The difficulties of applying for visas as a result of the unfair passport strength system. [14:18] Countries in Asia she has traveled to as a digital nomad. [19:09] Overcoming the surprising problems that arise for digital nomads & The inspiration behind Very Nomad Problems. [19:56] Struggling with loneliness as a solo traveler. [26:59] Dating and meeting new people as a digital nomad. [31:31] How Giang's perception of being a nomad changed during the pandemic lockdown. [36:40] Advice for people who are struggling with being a digital nomad. [53:04] QUESTIONS ANSWERED: How did you become a digital nomad? [03:30] How do you teach yourself graphic design? [04:55] When did you start traveling after becoming a freelancer? [10:39] What countries can you travel to with a Vietnamese passport? [16:26] How do you meet people and make friends in a new country? [35:00] How has travel changed you? Do you feel like a different person? [48:14] What are your favorite places to live in Vietnam? [59:38] And more! RESOURCES Episode 166 Special Offers: Donate to Badass Digital Nomads Pre-Order Digital Nomads for Dummies Rate & Review SafetyWing Travel Insurance Related Podcasts: Dating as a Digital Nomad - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly How to Overcome Loneliness While Traveling Leaving Corporate America To Become a Full-Time Traveling Family (World Towning Part 1) How To Find Your Home and Your Community Abroad (World Towning Part 2) Related Videos: How to Become a Full-Time Digital Nomad Luxury Co-Living and Co-Working in Dubai and Singapore Recommended Resources for Digital Nomads: Freelancing Platforms: Upwork, People Per Hour, Fiverr Community: Nomadbase Recommended Destinations to Visit in Vietnam: Da Nang Hanoi Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Connect with Giang: Follow her on Instagram Follow her on Behance Very Nomad Problems website ........................................................................................... Connect with Kristin: Follow on Instagram Subscribe to Traveling with Kristin on YouTube Subscribe to Digital Nomad TV on YouTube Join the Badass Digital Nomads Facebook Group ........................................................................................... Support the Badass Digital Nomads Podcast: Buy Kristin a Coffee Become a Patron Leave a 5-Star Review Buy Official Merch www.badassdigitalnomads.com ........................................................................................... A special thank you to Kristin's Patrons! Warm welcome to new patrons! Become a Patron for $5/month at Patreon.com/travelingwithkristin ........................................................................................... Podcast descriptions may contain affiliate links of products and services we use and recommend at no additional cost to you.