Video: https://youtu.be/ao8Hw3RL4z4 Ruby Meditation #19 November 25, 2017 Kyiv

1. How freelancing and
remote work is changing
the world

2. Hi, I’m Ines
• I’m from Sarajevo. I’ve traveled to 20
countries and visited more than 45 cities
in the last 2.5 years.
• I’m a Technical Sourcer and a
Community Leader for Toptal.
@nesuss

3. • Developers
• Designers
• Finance experts
The top 3%
@nesuss

4. All over the world
@nesuss

5. How many of you
have worked
as a freelancer?
@nesuss

6. How many of you
have worked
remotely?
@nesuss

7. @nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views
Keeping it
casual
@nesuss
Remote freelancer in the wild
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017
Keeping it
casual
Good views
@nesuss@nesuss
Remote freelancer in the wild
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017

8. @nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views
Keeping it
casual
@nesuss
Remote freelancer in the wild
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017
Keeping it
casual
Good views
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017

9. @nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views
Keeping it
casual
@nesuss
Remote freelancer in the wild
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017
Keeping it
casual
Good views
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017Shot in Santo Domingo, 2016

10. @nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views
Keeping it
casual
@nesuss
Remote freelancer in the wild
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017
Keeping it
casual
Good views
@nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views Keeping it
casual
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017

11. @nesuss@nesuss
Computer
Remote freelancer in the wild
Good views Keeping it
casual
#WINNING
Shot during Toptal Snow Trip 2017Shot in Santo Domingo, 2016

12. Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/waldleventhal/2014/11/24/5-predictions-for-the-freelance-economy-in-2015
35% 50%
Freelancer workforce in the US
(expected)2017 2020
@nesuss

13. Source: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8456-freelance-work-increasing.html
63%
of independent workers started
freelancing by choice, not necessity.
@nesuss

14. Source: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8456-freelance-work-increasing.html
80%
of the independent workers surveyed said they view
freelancing as better than working a traditional job.
@nesuss

15. Working remotely has
become much easier
@nesuss

16. Better salary,
lower costs
@nesuss

17. Work whenever you want,
from wherever you want.
@nesuss

18. Already got a job?
No problem!
@nesuss

19. And… do all of this regardless
of where you’re from or what
their education level is.
@nesuss

20. @nesuss

21. Freelancing
challenges
• Finding clients and logistics
• Job security
• Getting paid
• Feeling part of a community
and professional development
(Historically)
@nesuss

22. @nesuss
!

23. @nesuss

24. Freelancing best
practices
@nesuss

25. Decide what
you want to do
• Freelancer
• Remote worker
• Digital nomad "
@nesuss

26. How to tell if you’re
ready to freelance?
@nesuss

27. Style
@nesuss

28. Financials
@nesuss

29. Make that portfolio sparkle
@nesuss
http://www.danielfischer.com/

30. Ruby or Ruby on Rails?
#WINNING
@nesuss

31. Productivity
@nesuss
Pomodoro, Rescue Time, Freedom, Time doctor, etc.

32. Remote work
@nesuss

33. Work organization
(Track your hours)
@nesuss

34. Coordination (time and
online presence)
@nesuss
World Time Buddy

35. Stay healthy!
(Physical and mental health)
@nesuss

36. Work/life balance
@nesuss

37. Digital nomadism
@nesuss

38. @nesuss @nesuss

39. Travel the world
#Toptal@nesuss @nesuss

40. Save up!
@nesuss

41. @nesuss

42. Have a plan B
@nesuss

43. Be safe!
@nesuss
• Travel insurance
• Visas
• Read up on local laws and be
respectful

44. Pack light
@nesuss

45. Use your networks
@nesuss

46. Community
#workinglikeaboss
@nesuss

47. “95% of great programmers
are born outside the US.”
– Paul Graham, Co-Founder of YCombinator, Let The Other 95% Of Great Programmers In
@nesuss

48. дякую!
Thank you!
@nesuss

49. Ines Avdic-Zekic
Technical Sourcer/Community Leader
@nesuss
ines.avdic@toptal.com