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U-Co - Freedom vs Security

U-Co - Freedom vs Security

Marco Barrio
April 12, 2024

by Marco Barrio

A digital nomad community exploring the world. The place where we feel at home no matter where our journey takes us.

Got a question or feedback? Please send me an email at [email protected]

Alright, this one is a bit deep. Last week, I sent you a YouTube video about freedom and security: the freedom to live on your own terms or the security and stability in your life. Unless you come from money, you have to choose your hard.

Storytime. Like many of you, I come from the corporate world. Earlier in my career, I had several jobs, mostly in architecture and construction tech. It was great; I loved my job, and I was climbing the corporate ladder. I had a six-figure US salary in a manager's role, but something was missing. The search for meaning started.

In 2016, I started working remotely, got the travel bug, and hit the road. Mexico City, Tokyo, Shanghai, Cape Town, amongst others, were my destinations. I found a passion for meeting people, cultures, and exploring architectural wonders of the world. I felt like something was missing; Airbnbs were lonely, and hostels were too party spots for me.

2018 comes around, I decided to chase my dream of building a Coliving space for digital nomads, so I quit my job. Sold all my stuff. Packed a carry-on, got a camera setup, laptop, and phone. I was set to go on my next journey. What could go wrong, right?

It’s 2019, life hits me with a reality check. Something called ‘feelings’ starts expressing themselves. What are these feelings? Where are they coming from? What do they mean? Of course, I’m a problem solver; I have to fix this sh*t. I hired a guru/life coach to get me across this new stage in life. Later, we discovered that it was a thing called a safety net. I was freaking out about my ‘security’ side of me. My whole life I had someone to back me up, whether it was family, a job, or a side gig. I took a huge gamble when I left my corporate job; I went all in without a Plan B.

We all know what happened in 2020. Life still sucks, but by the end of it, I finally set some bases to pay myself a salary. I had the freedom to work on my own time, do my own projects, and figure life out as it came. It took me several years of savings, credit building, and experience to get to this point. It was not easy at all since I made it harder than it should be.

The lesson learned here is that freedom and security (safety net) can go hand in hand. In 2024, if you don’t have a side gig, you’re a rare breed. I bet you’ve all figured out how to travel and make money on the road. But if you’re wondering how to get started, try finding a job that allows you to work remotely while you’re building your side gig project that you’re so passionate about. Once your side gig makes you your monthly salary, you can consider taking the leap and quitting your job. Do as I say, not as I do. It will save you a lot of headaches.

Life can be full of adventures if you take the freedom path, but having your security also gives you the option to walk before you run. Choose your path wisely.

Community

What a week! We got to watch an eclipse, built some dorm capsules, and, of course, ate some tacos #mexicolife.

All jokes aside, we did have a theft in the #ucofam this week. One of the girls was walking down Roma Norte with her phone in hand when a motorcycle approached her, stealing her cell phone. She is fine but a bit shaken from that negative experience. FYI, while you’re walking down any street, try to keep an eye on your surroundings and keep your belongings inside your pockets as much as possible. We cannot control theft, but we can be aware of potential bad situations.

Gabriel checking out the Eclipse

Marco building some capsules.

Don’t Forget! The Coliving List is launching in May 2024. We are working on getting a compiled list of our favorite accommodations around Mexico. The list will be updated once a month with new countries featured every month. Sign up, today!