2
Oct

20 Signs The LIP Life Isn’t For You

Posted by Lea Woodward 2 October, 2007

Want to know whether the LIP lifestyle will suit you?

In my experience so far, it’s not for everyone - as glamourous, frivolous & privileged as it sounds…here are 20 signs that the life of a location independent professional might not be for you:

  1. You have never owned a passport nor do you plan to.
  2. You don’t like trying new things - like food, drinks, activities.
  3. You already have your life plan all mapped out & it doesn’t include any travel.
  4. You like things to have a beginning, a middle and an end.
  5. You can’t imagine life without your walk-in closet or shoe cupboard.
  6. You like to wear a different outfit every day.
  7. You can’t miss any of your favourite TV shows.
  8. You can’t bear to live more than an hour away from your extended family.
  9. You are computer illiterate.
  10. You’ve never heard of the internet.
  11. You’re a hoarder.
  12. You have a phobia of flying.
  13. You like strict routines that never change.
  14. You can’t survive without your McDonald’s meals.
  15. You can’t go anywhere without your beloved chihuahua, Fifi.
  16. You’re a xenophobe.
  17. The thought of waking up to a beautiful tropical / arctic / cityscape sunrise fills you with dread.
  18. You can’t bear the thought of food shopping anywhere other than Marks & Spencers.
  19. You’re of the opinion that everyone should speak English…godammit, don’t they know it’s the only language to speak??!?
  20. Your pride & joy is a season ticket to your favourite sports team.

    Ok, so it’s a little bit tongue in cheek and not all of them are complete deal breakers but they might give you an insight into some of the sacrifices you might have to make, some of the experiences you’ll enjoy and some of the things you may need to consider before you decide the LIP life is for you.

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    Related posts:

    1. 5 Signs That You’re Not Yet Ready To Take The Plunge And Leave The Rat Race
    2. Is the LIP Life For You?
    3. The Myths & Traps Of A Location Independent Life
    4. A Day in the Life of a LIP
    5. Is A Location Independent Life Cheaper Than Living In One Place? Just How Much Money Do You Need? A 12 Month Breakdown.

    Categories : Becoming A Location Independent Professional, Realities of LIP Life

    Comments
    October 2, 2007

    I completely cracked up when I read this!!! My wife had to tackle several of these when we first hit the road on one of our first excursions. This is one of the Top 20 lists that I am saving.

    Posted by Bunk
    October 3, 2007

    You might want to add:

    21: Don’t have infinite income. It costs a lot of dough to travel like this. Unless you’re totally at the top of your industry, and able to convince someone to let you ‘freelance’ around the world, you’re going to have to at least chose that _one_ place in the world to call home base - and be with reach of an airport. :)

    Posted by Mike
    October 4, 2007

    Hi Mike, I don’t think infinite income is necessary to be able to live the LIP lifestyle although it would be nice!

    I think what is important is that you are very clear on how much money you need per month to live the way you would like to live and then have the business that is able to generate that income.

    I agree with you mike that if you work for a company convincing them to let you freelance for them from anywhere in the world for them is probably a hard sell, although plenty of writers, translators etc do just this.

    If, on the other hand, you run your own business you can determine the way you work. You mentioned you need to convince someone to let you freelance? Who would that be? Your boss or your clients? If it’s your clients and they like, know and trust you then they may well agree to work with you without having to be face to face. Why not ask and see what they say?!

    I think lea would agree that she is not top of her industry (although she’ll probably say “it’s just a matter of time greg!”) She doesn’t work all hours gods sends and yet has the money generated from her coaching clients to travel with her husband to lots of different places. So I think it can be done.

    Finally (sorry if I’m ranting on!) the whole LIP concept is not about trying to travel to exotic locations every few months. It’s about working and living where YOU want to work and live throughout the year. It’s an attitude and approach to life rather than a framework. So whether it’s spending 6 months in Manhattan and then 6 months in Hartford Conneticut or travelling the world it’s entirely up to you!!

    Posted by Greg Hollings
    October 4, 2007

    Hi Greg!

    NYC vs. Hartford, CT? “Been there, Done that”

    That said, I think you are on track. IT can be a nomadic lifestyle. As a cyclist with touring plans fo ‘08 & self-employed … IT is what you make of IT.

    Touring has an imposed limit of some 50 +(-) Lbs. Hence … You, Home & Office need to be efficient, yet comfortable too.

    Having lived aboard a Bristol TC440 one can get used to certain Lux’s.

    An earlier comment about client reaction and acceptance is very valid. Where I work/Live now can be considered ‘remote’ but not ‘isolated.’ (see 1.8 mi, from the nearest paved road) I’m enjoying a banner year, on all fronts, while conditioning my client base to my intentions to “mosey” during the Summer of ‘08. They are absolutely fine with the prospects … And envious too.

    I believe that it is important to view the one life we’re given as a command performance rather than a dress rehersal … excepting those among us who chose to believe in reincarnation, a life hereafter &c.

    TTFN,

    Tim

    Posted by Tim Pitcher
    October 4, 2007

    Erm hello Greg…what do you mean I’m not at the top of my game?!?? Ha ha, just kidding…I have some way to go yet but I’ll get there. You, of course, have hit the nail spot on with the concept of LIP living - it’s about choice & being free to choose to live in way that works for you.

    Mike - you don’t have to have infinite income to do what we’re doing…unless you do it in a way which means you don’t work whilst you travel, pay for a mortgage & your travel accommodation at the same time and also insist on flying first class :-) On the whole, for the past 8-9 months we’ve spent the same as, if not less, than we would have spent by living back in the UK (in Nottingham, not even in London).

    Tim - touring huh? That sounds like fun and a very good way of travelling light. I have personally found that most of my clients (who are based in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Australia & Europe) have also been envious & had no problem accepting what we do…even when I speak to them from Buenos Aires one month, Toronto the next and Grenada the next.

    Thanks for all the comments guys, keep them coming.

    Lea

    Posted by Lea

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