Are you one of these professionals who aspire to work free from the rules of the nine-to-five office environment? Or does the company you work for encourage remote working? Gig economy, which is based on freelance work and short-term contracts, empowers you to apply creativity to your work and lifestyle. If you want to expatriate and experience a new culture while earning a living, you may wish to consider one of the cities below for your freelance career along with some additional information about this satisfying yet challenging field.
Lisbon
Portugal, one of Europe's historical and natural gems, with its welcoming people and delicious cuisine, is home to the number one destination for freelancers according to Hoofdkraan, a Dutch freelance platform. Lisbon, the city of the seven hills, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, is also one of the oldest cities in the world. With its unique culture and architecture, Lisbon offers a work-life balance to those who wish to combine daily productivity with beach time and a vibrant nightlife. Freelancers in Lisbon will enjoy a reasonable cost of living, a variety of coworking spaces where they will network with other entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals, and an easy-going lifestyle. If you are worried about your Portuguese language skills, keep in mind that the local people, and especially the younger generation, are good at English.
Miami
Florida isn't just a popular destination amongst expats but American people too, thanks to the warm, sunny weather year-round and the diverse environment. Miami, Florida's most lively and international city, makes a perfect place for freelancers who love the outdoors and appreciate a never-ending party atmosphere. After a busy day, reward yourself with a relaxing time on the beach or take some time off to visit the wonderful Biscayne and Everglades National Parks. Miami attracts people from different backgrounds and of different age groups — whether you are a millennial who is just setting foot in the freelance world, or an established location independent professional with a family, the city is supporting the freelance community with special meetups and various networking events. If you are looking for new freelance gigs, keep in mind that Miami is highly dependant on tourism, with the industry being its top job market. Miami has its downsides such as the relatively high cost of housing, the occasional hurricane threats, and the lack of public transportation. However, the distinctive art and music scenes, the Caribbean and South American-inspired cuisine, and the city's eccentric personality make up for the flaws.
Seville
The third best city for freelancers, Seville, the capital of Andalusia in Southern Spain enjoys beautiful weather all year round with mild winters and hot summers. The town has a little over half a million people, yet it has one of the busiest international airports in Spain, a good transportation system, and is home to the Regional Government of Andalusia. Here, international freelancers are keen on the creative environment which prevails in the many collaborative coworking spaces, the affordable cost of living, and the fast internet. Whereas the city is fun and modern, it retains its traditional and romantic feel with its charming architecture, a mixture of Moorish and Gothic styles.
Las Palmas
Are you looking to work in a more remote and quiet place with an island vibe? Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria island, offers the ambience of a European city while located just about 150 km off the Moroccan coast, in the Atlantic Ocean. In spite of its small size, Las Palmas hosts many innovative coworking spaces, where an active freelance and digital nomad's community come together. Here, you will enjoy, of course, the warm temperatures throughout the year (but don't underestimate the microclimates), and the friendly attitude of the locals, who are used to interacting with expats and short-term visitors. If your freelance jobs don't pay enough, and you must live on a budget, Las Palmas is an affordable place when it comes to accommodation, transport, and groceries. However, as most tourist places, eating out can be pricey. Also, due to its location, remember that most things have to be imported, so that supply may be limited at times, especially of fresh produce.
New Orleans
This port city is a fascinating destination that attracts millions of people, breaking a record last year with nearly 11 million visitors. New Orleans' boom isn't at all surprising considering all it has to offer — there's a festival for everything and everyone, the city is a culinary paradise, and the birthplace of jazz. One cannot be left unmoved by the noteworthy architecture and the favourable weather all year round, which allows enjoying the city without any restrictions. Freelancers choose New Orleans for one more reason: its free business environment, which makes it an ideal destination for all kinds of entrepreneurial ventures. If you are a conscious and eco-friendly freelancer, you will be happy to know that according to the American Community Survey, New Orleans has the tenth highest percentage of people who cycle to work on a daily basis. The flat landscape and the newly developed infrastructure make bike riding a pleasure, even for beginners.
