The Tsunami of Your Career: How to Reflect and Move Forward

Silas Baisch, Unsplash

Hi,

You've worked hard for decades, saved, and planned for the future.

Maybe you've always dreamed of traveling, moving abroad, or living more freely.

But like a tsunami building beneath the ocean's surface, time moves quietly but relentlessly forward.

At first, the change in time is imperceptible while you focus on your career, family, responsibilities, and maintaining stability. Then, one day, you feel it:

🌊 It's harder to stay motivated at work—and you want options.

🌊 You're aging out of traditional job opportunities.

🌊 You're wondering if your savings will be enough.

🌊 time feels more urgent—and you're ready to get on with it.

Then, you crest above the surface, look around, and realize the landscape has changed.

Overwhelm, urgency, and even panic can take hold. You may be ready to move to Costa Rica, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, or Thailand, or you may want to explore the world without financial stress.

But here's the reality:

💸 Many high earners still feel stretched as costs rise.

💸 Many don't want to downsize their lifestyle to retire.

💸 Lifespans are longer, expenses are higher, and savings may not be enough.

💸 And in many countries, earning locally isn't even an option.

If you want income flexibility while living or traveling abroad, you need to build a portable, remote income stream before you go.

The Illusion of "Waiting Until You Have Time"

Many assume they'll figure out how to earn remotely once they've moved or started traveling.

But here's the problem:

🚨 By the time you need income, you're in survival mode.

🚨 Stress and urgency make it harder to learn.

🚨 Without a financial buffer, you're forced into quick (sometimes rotten) decisions.

🚨 Some countries restrict whether and how you earn locally—meaning you can't just pick up a job when you get there.

What is the best time to learn how to earn remotely?

Before you need to.

✔️While you're still earning.

✔️While no one's pressuring you.

✔️While you have the chance to build real momentum.

That's how I did it. I started freelancing before I moved abroad so I could take my earnings with me.

Why Freelancing on a Talent Marketplace is the Best Option for Travelers

You don't need to start a business, build a personal brand, or figure out digital marketing. You already have valuable skills.

Talent marketplaces make it possible to connect with paying clients from anywhere.

You need to know how to:

✅ Identify your most marketable skills

✅ Build a profile (not a résumé) that creates trust

✅ Create a portfolio from your experience

✅ Recognize good jobs and quality clients

✅ Write proposals that get noticed

✅ Understand platform algorithms and visibility

✅ Stay resilient and consistent—freelancing is a skill that compounds

I did this at 58 with a coach, which changed my life trajectory.

I earned my way down to Costa Rica.

Now, I coach others 50+ to do the same... and I'm heading to Spain!

Why This Matters Before You Move Abroad

If you're planning to move overseas or travel long-term, earning online gives you choices:

🌍 Visa Flexibility – Many countries require proof of income or remote work for long-term stays.

🌍 Financial Flexibility – The ability to earn when and where you need to.

🌍 Freedom to Travel on Your Terms – Work a little and explore!

🌍 No Pressure to Work Locally – Many countries don't allow expats to earn locally without residency.

Trying to figure out how to earn digitally after you move can be stressful. Setting it up before you go means you land confidently—already earning and knowing how it works.

How to Start Freelancing Before You Move or Travel

The goal isn't to replace your full-time income overnight. It's to build a stream of income that supports your travel lifestyle.

Here's how to start while you're still working:

🟢 Hire a coach (I can guide you on the smoothest path)

🟢 Learn the platform

🟢 Set up a focused profile.

🟢 Start small—build confidence and credibility.

🟢 Refine your offers as you go

🟢 Be consistent and resilient

The biggest mistake? Waiting.

The sooner you start, the easier your transition abroad will be.

My Final Thought: When You Crest, Will You Like What You See?

Every career is a tsunami.

It creeps up for years—then one day, you rise above the surface and take stock.

Will you like what you see?

Will you feel stuck, unprepared, or see possibility, flexibility, and a new direction?

You can't stop the wave.

But you can decide to ride it and not be crushed.

Want to Learn How to Earn Remotely Before You Move?

I help professionals 50+ take their skills and earn location-independent income on a talent marketplace.

Let's talk if you're thinking about living abroad, traveling more, or just creating more freedom in earning.

I'd love to hear where you are, what you're thinking, and what you're aiming for next.

With love and encouragement,

Jeanne ✌🏻💙