Testing the waters of location independence, I spent July working remotely from Lisbon. The goal was to maintain productivity while exploring whether a nomadic lifestyle could enhance creativity and work satisfaction.
Logistics & Setup
- Accommodation: Airbnb in Príncipe Real with dedicated workspace
- Coworking: Second Home for networking and focused work
- Internet: 150 Mbps fiber, backup mobile hotspot
- Time zone: +3 hours ahead, required schedule adjustment
The biggest challenge was maintaining team synchronization across time zones. Early morning calls became the norm, but afternoon Portuguese time offered uninterrupted deep work blocks.
Cultural Insights
Portuguese work culture emphasizes relationships over transactions. Coffee meetings aren't just networking—they're genuine connection opportunities. This slower pace initially frustrated my efficiency-focused mindset but ultimately taught valuable lessons about sustainable productivity.
Monthly Expenses Breakdown
- Accommodation: €1,200 (furnished apartment)
- Coworking: €180 (monthly membership)
- Food: €400 (mix of cooking and dining out)
- Transport: €40 (metro pass + occasional Uber)
- Activities: €300 (weekend trips, cultural sites)
- Total: €2,120 (~$2,300)
Productivity Analysis
Surprisingly, productivity increased by 15% compared to home office metrics. The novelty factor, combined with elimination of domestic distractions, created an environment conducive to focused work. However, this required strict boundaries between work and exploration time.
Travel doesn't broaden the mind unless you're willing to let it challenge your assumptions.
- Personal reflection
Next Destination
Based on this successful experiment, the next test location will be Barcelona in October. The goal: validate whether the productivity gains were location-specific or represent a broader pattern of nomadic work benefits.
Discussion