alivewithad

A newsletter where you learn how to become a digital nomad from people who have been doing it for years.

Read Time: 8 Minutes

Hey, Anirban here. I am here with another edition of alivewithad where I bring some of the best Digital Nomads to learn from them.

I interview seasoned digital nomads in this newsletter to ask questions about their travel journeys.

Now, let me introduce the 3rd guest of my newsletter!

Light, Camera, and Action 🥁 👟🧗🏻‍♀️

Nomad of the Week is Jane Kubryak🦘 

Say hi to Jane Kubryak👋🏻

Let’s hear her story in her own words.

Hi! I’m Jane Kubryak, a product marketing manager now based in Montenegro. I have a diverse background: corporate finance, Big3 consulting, tech product, and marketing research. With that I’ve launched my marketing agency, helping clients go to market with their tech and media products.

(Note: I met with Jane on August 23rd and had a coffee call soon, after that we were in touch and for the third edition of my newsletter, I approached her and she happily agreed)

Nomad Story:

Q. How did you become a digital nomad?

I am originally from Russia. When I was a student, I’ve been on exchange programs in the US and Germany. But relocation always seemed like a messy process to me (still does!). But when Russia started war against Ukraine - unfortunately, it felt like the only good option. I didn’t feel safe there. And I also don’t have a job at the moment. I’ve left my corporate job for a startup, and it didn’t work out. So I set myself on a nomadic journey and a startup journey at the same time.

Q. Highlight your favourite destination and tell us why.

As of now, Istanbul feels like the crossroads of the world. When I left Russia, I lived in Turkey for a year, and it does feel like home. I’ve lived in Montenegro for about a year and a half, but I go to Turkey every several months, I think.

I’m not on a classical nomad lifestyle, I’m more ‘a country per year’ person.

The most impressive location I’ve been to is Hong Kong. Feels almost surreal with a mix of Asian vibe, and American vibe. Plus the jungle coming through the ‘urban jungle’ - parrots flying around, and stuff like that. And they rebuild everything every 30 years - so when I come next, I might not recognize the place (I’ve been in 2014).

Berlin feels like the essence of Europe to me. Been there many times. Hope I get a slot in the Berlin marathon next year and a visa. Love that city’s dynamics!

Q. The biggest challenges you’ve faced on the road.

Visas are a tough call for me, having a Russian passport.

I’ve also adopted a cat in Turkey, so she adds a layer of planning.

Q. How do you balance work and travel?

Sometimes it seems like I don’t! When I’m in a new place, or with friends, it’s always a dilemma: work vs seeing as much around as possible.

My balance is in taking a day off when I feel like it. I often end up taking a day off on Thursdays. It started with sailing - a hobby I started here in Montenegro. My local yacht club offers social sailing sessions on Thursdays, and my team often go. And I realized, that if I work Mon-Wed 3 days in a concentrated mode, a day off on Thursday is the right thing to do!

Q. Any unique skills or strategies you’ve developed while being nomadic?

Buying things mostly to replace other things - I keep in mind that I need to fit into 2 suitcases when I go on my next journey. But it’s hard with running shoes and sportswear - I have a lot of those!

Pro Tips from the Nomad

Productivity tip:

Factor enough time for the trip, for getting to know the new place, and after you’ve settled. I usually try to take a day off work after a flight.

Travel tip:

Jumping on an overnight bus or train somewhere. You save on a hotel, and you are in the middle of a city early in the morning, no need to travel from the airport.

I’ve traveled in overnight buses a lot when I was a kid - so I could sleep in them with no problem. I’m from Kaliningrad, it’s very close to Poland and Germany. You could do an overnight trip to Berlin, for example. When I lived in Moscow, I went to St. Petersburg like this. Now I go from Montenegro to Serbia like this.

Tech/tool recommendation:

Don’t know. I don’t have any special set-up in terms of microphones or something like that. But I probably should!

Favorite Digital Nomad Resource:

Big shoutout to Riverside.fm - it’s a podcasting app, but I also use it for customer interviews. It’s a great tool for recording on the go, editing while you travel, and then using the AI transcripts for insights of social media posts.

I would love to thank Jane for her contribution to the third edition of my travel newsletter.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Nomad FAQs

Bali is often associated with nightlife, beach clubs, and party scenes, but it's also a place rich in culture, and natural beauty.

If you’re not into partying, Bali still offers plenty to explore.

You can enjoy its beaches, yoga retreats, beautiful temples and hiking trails.

Areas like Ubud are known for their spiritual and serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxing.

In short, Bali is not overrated for those who prefer quiet and nature-focused experiences. It’s all about what you choose to explore.

Freelancer business growth

As a Digitial Nomad, you have a lot of stories to share.

Start writing it online, if it is a video then it is amazing.

Writing online is the best way to make money and build a brand.

Nomad gear guide

Bagsmart Packing Cubes - These help keep your luggage organized and maximize space, making it easier to find items quickly

Work from anywhere deals

Expedia: Provides travel-related jobs with benefits that often include travel stipends and discounts on accommodations.

Living a nomadic life isn’t easy and will probably never be.

But, with the right people and resources, anything is possible.

Thank you for reading the second edition of alivewithad!

I’ll see you next Sunday with another guest. Until then, keep travelling and keep exploring.

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