Working (really) remotely: How Mike took his job on the road across Asia

Digital nomadism. It sounds fancy; almost like a buzzword that belongs on a vision board next to “Quit my job, move to Bali.” But here’s the thing, it’s not just a dream anymore. Thanks to remote work, packing up your laptop and working from a café in Vietnam (or anywhere, really) is the new reality.

Mike Wells, a Digital Marketing Executive at CXC EMEA, decided to test that out firsthand. What started as curiosity quickly turned into months of exploring Asia; working full-time, discovering new cultures, and figuring out (sometimes the hard way) what digital nomad life is really like beyond the Instagram posts.

For the past year, Mike’s been living the digital nomad life; working full-time while exploring Asia. And spoiler: it’s not always what Instagram makes it look like.

We caught up with him to chat about the real side of remote work on the road- what drove him to do it, the lessons he’s learned, and why sometimes, a Google search is your best travel companion.

“If I’m already working online…. why am I still stuck in one place?”

For Mike, the shift didn’t happen overnight. After eight years in digital marketing—bouncing between agencies, sports companies, and projects ranging from social media growth to paid ads—he realized something most of us have felt at some point: the routine gets….repetitive.

“You get to a point where you’re like—why am I doing this from the same four walls every day?” he says.

And honestly, fair question.

That’s when the idea started brewing. If the work was happening online anyway, why not push it a little further? Why not work from places he’d always dreamed of visiting? Vietnam had always been on the list—so he booked the ticket and figured he’d work out the details along the way.

“It wasn’t some huge plan,” he laughs. “It was more like, why not just… try it?”

Expectations vs reality: not everything goes as planned

Like any good adventure, the digital nomad life comes with its fair share of curveballs. For Mike, reality hit when his first Airbnb turned out to be, well… not quite as advertised.

“I probably should’ve done a bit more research before booking a whole month upfront,” he admits. “Let’s just say the photos were optimistic.”

It was one of those classic moments every traveller knows: expectation versus reality. But the learning curve is fast, and Mike adapted.

“You start figuring out your go-to's. Google Translate is honestly a lifesaver, plus Reddit and forums. Someone, somewhere, has been in your exact situation and written about it,” he says.

And that’s part of the charm—realizing that for every challenge, there’s a little community-built solution waiting online.

Work, travel, repeat—finding the rhythm

One of the biggest myths about digital nomad life is that it’s just working with a better view. But as Mike learned, balancing a full-time job while country-hopping takes intention.

“You can’t just wing the work part. Time zones, Wi-Fi, finding a spot where you can actually focus—it’s all part of the puzzle,” he says.

Some days that means waking up at odd hours to align with client calls. Other days, it means scouting cafés with reliable internet or even investing in portable Wi-Fi. It’s not all beach bars and sunsets; though, if you plan right, those moments do happen too.

“The trick is learning how to adjust your expectations. Some days, you’re working in a beautiful spot. Other days, you’re crammed in the corner of a hostel trying to make the Wi-Fi stretch. It evens out.”

But what makes it worth it is everything around the work, meeting people from all over the world, trying new foods, getting lost (and finding your way back), and learning things you never would have behind a desk.

The fastest way to grow? throw yourself in.

For Mike, the best part of this experience isn’t just the destinations, it’s what happens when you ditch the comfort zone.

“You learn to problem-solve, to ask for help, to rely on strangers sometimes,” he shares. “And you realize—most people are good. They’ll help if you’re stuck. That’s something you don’t really get to experience when you’re sitting at home.”

But perhaps the biggest shift hasn’t just been external; it’s been in mindset.

Especially in places like Vietnam, you see families living together, doing everything as a unit—cooking together, running a shop together, sitting out on the porch talking for hours. There’s this simplicity, this harmony… and they seem genuinely happy.

That contrast stuck with him.

You start to question the need for all the stuff we chase back home. The pressure, the pace, the constant upgrade. Over here, you realize; you don’t need that much to feel content.

It’s a lesson he didn’t expect, but one that’s stayed with him. Growth isn’t just about new places, it’s about new perspectives.

This is remote work, too and we’re here for it

If there’s one thing Mike’s story makes clear, it’s this: remote work was never just about logging into meetings from your couch. One of its greatest (and most underused) benefits is the freedom to take your work anywhere.

It’s not always pretty. Not everything is Instagram-worthy. But what you gain- experiences, connections, personal growth is worth every bit of the chaos.

“I’d 100% recommend trying it even if it’s just for a few months,” Mike says. “It changes the way you see work….and the world.”

Because remote work should work for you, wherever you are

Mike’s story is exactly why Out of Office by CXC exists. Remote work isn’t just about sitting in pyjamas or avoiding a commute. It’s about creating a life where your job fits around your dreams and not the other way around.

Our community is full of people like Mike, remote professionals pushing the boundaries of what work looks like. And we’re here to support that lifestyle every step of the way.

From destination guides to exclusive perks designed for digital nomads, we’ve built resources that help you not just work remotely, but thrive doing it.

Because why not make the most of this flexibility? Why not take your career on the road and see what’s possible?

Have a digital nomad story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Because in this community, every adventure adds to the map.