How a marketer traded city life for remote work and sailing in Asia
A product marketer has swapped city life for a mix of remote work and sailing across Southeast Asia. Since December 2023, they've split their time between an apartment in Taipei and a small boat moored in Malaysia and Thailand. The change came after years of living in shared housing in San Francisco and later North Carolina.
Their journey into sailing began in July 2023 as a casual hobby. By December, they had bought a boat in Langkawi, Malaysia, for €22,500. The shift to this lifestyle wasn't immediate—family concerns, especially from their mother, initially raised questions about safety. Over time, her support grew as she saw the practicality of their choices.
Working full-time for a U.S. company means keeping East Coast hours, roughly 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time. Reliable internet comes via Starlink, though the signal occasionally drops when the mast blocks it. To manage power, they stay close to shore-based electricity while working and limit longer trips.
The simplicity of life on the water appeals to them, along with the technical skills they've gained. Yet the lifestyle has its trade-offs. Social connections remain fleeting, with few lasting relationships forming among transient sailors. Costs, including mooring and upkeep, stay manageable in Southeast Asia compared to pricier regions.
For now, this balance of work and sailing continues. The marketer relies on Starlink for connectivity, though alternatives in the region remain scarce. Their routine—short trips, shore power, and late-night work shifts—keeps the lifestyle sustainable, even if it means fewer social ties.
