Meet Alondo Brewington

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

I’ve spent the last few years exploring the US but I missed international travel. I discovered that I’m not much of a tourist, that I prefer a much longer stay in a place where I can truly digest the local culture. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that traveling is my preferred state of being. I’m more creative and engaged in my work when my environment changes. Remote Year presents an opportunity to extend my preferred travel mode beyond the US borders, combining travel with work and taking in more than just a cursory experience.

What are you working on for the year?

I started the year as a mobile developer for TeamSnap, a sports team management software platform. Over the course of the year, I changed course and am back to independent app development working on various products.

Where have you lived/traveled to previously?

Born in Philadelphia, I've lived mostly in Atlanta, Charleston, SC and Goldsboro, NC. I got my first taste of travel in 1998, when I visited several countries in Europe. I returned in 2002, spending a few months in Spain. My most recent trip was to Czech Republic and Hungary in 2007. Since then, I’ve been traveling the United States, combining work with travel.

How did you find yourself a remote role?

TeamSnap is a remote company with employees across North America and Europe so I had no issues when deciding to do Remote Year.

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Describe your Remote Year experience in 3 words.

No...Maybe...Yes!

Where does your passion for travel come from?

I’ve had the desire to travel since I was a young kid in Spanish class. As I stared at the posters of Spain and Argentina, I dreamed of visiting other countries and speaking multiple languages.

What does your typical day look like?

I try to start with coffee and exercise. Once I've moved around a bit, I start work. I don't like working in the afternoons so I usually break after lunch and return to finish anything that needs completion in the early evening or later at night, depending on other activities that I've planned for the day.

How do you think traveling will affect your current work?

Traveling has changed the way that I view my work schedule and focus more on the value of what I've accomplished over the amount of hours I spend working.

What are you most passionate about?

Sharing my skills with people to help them accomplish their goals. Sometimes its technical help but often it's just talking through issues to get a different perspective.

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Who do you hope to be by the end of Remote Year?

I hope to be knowledgeable and experienced enough to maintain this location independent life.

What is the most challenging part of being a digital nomad?

Finding a balance in all things, not just work and life. For example, getting an appropriate amount on time alone is just as important as exploring locales and interacting with the group.

What is the best part of being a digital nomad?

Freedom of location. Knowing that I can get work done from almost anywhere liberates my experience in this world.

What would you say to others looking to bring travel into their lives?

Start small. You may not have the time/resources to do a year long trip. I did small theme-based trips (food, sporting events, conferences) around the US before leaving the country.

3 things you can't live without on the road?

I only need my phone and laptop.

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If you had to be stuck on an island with one other Remote, who would it be and why?

If I had endless supply of food and access to comic book movies, Marc Weldon. If I had an endless supply of whiskey, Matthew Tritico. If neither, Tiago Almeida, so we can get off the island and I can get food, whiskey and watch comic book movies.

What is your secret talent?

NSFW (Not Safe For Work)

What is your favorite place on the globe?

Before Remote Year, I would've said Spain without a second thought. Now, it's difficult to choose between Spain, Argentina and Thailand. And I'm not done traveling.

Where are you in 30 years?

Probably somewhere still looking for the wifi password.

Your favorite quote/words to live by?

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.