Living in Thailand and Working in the Metaverse
Updated: May 11
Exploring the digital nomad lifestyle and working in the 3D virtual World, was something I never thought id being doing in my wildest dreams. Taking the leap of faith in both worlds really makes life exciting but also scary at times as we know the future is always changing. I will share a little bit my insights from traveling to also expanding my horizons in the metaverse.
In 2020, I decided to jump into the metaverse space, learning about different metaverses, such as Decentraland. I really didn't know what i was getting myself into, to be quite frank. I just instantly saw its potential very early on, thanks to my days of streaming on twitch. I already was pretty familiar with streaming and putting my artwork and myself out there for the world to see. So the transition as a streamer to the metaverse wasn't all that difficult. I did have to learn more technical things along the way, but i was excited to venture off into a new realm full of potential and creativity.
Fast forward to today, i have been 3 years deep in the metaverse. Performing well over 250 shows in the metaverse and hosting weekly events. I officially made it past 3 years of creating and exploring the metaverse in Performing arts and music. I continuously explore different ways to express myself while also collaborating and finding more ways to make performing a more immersive experience. In the beginning of 2023, I decided that now was the time I could try something different in my life. Now that i spent 3 years working my craft with working online, I was eager and ready to learn more about the digital nomad lifestyle. I have to say, that apart of me was afraid that i would be a gamer stuck at home in front of the computer screen. I really wanted the metaverse expereince to enhance my life.
So i decided in January of this year to pack my bags and explore a different country. I ended up going to Thailand. Yes i know, why so far ? Well first I always dreamed of wanting to explore the Asian culture. I did do a heavy amount of research before making the decision to go there, I heard nothing but great things. The food, the people, culture, the creativity, and the spiritual side of the country was worth the risk. I also know a few people in the web 3 space that have also lived there and heard that there is a community of crypto enthusiast. Apparently Thailand has the largest amount of crypto holders like Singapore and Vietnam. I felt confident this would be the right place for me to explore my digital nomad journey and that I would also grow as a person and learn more about another culture than America.
So youre wondering what the heck am i doing here and how am i able to manage everything ?
Well lets start off, is that I had to pack a certain way. Since I am an Artist and a musician, I had to make sure i would have everything i need to continue to create and do what i was doing from home. So grabbing my music equipment and also having it travel proof was a must. I do have a blog about some important essentials if you want to check that out.
The beauty about working in the Decentraland and in the metaverse is that you can work from anywhere. I have hosted events at Starbucks, at the airport, and even in the bathroom lol. I can make it happen from anywhere. We all know having a laptop can be the best investment because with that alone you can start a business and make it work for you in 2023. Thats the beauty about working digitally. And there are literally no excuses to not having success if you have a laptop and a wifi connection. The only thing one would have to worry about is a set income, which can be difficult as an entrepreneur, but with hard work and grit anything is possible.
I chose to work out of the states, because it is also a dream of mine to explore the world. If I am working from home, on average most people travel 2 -4 weeks out of the entire year. That didn't seem realistic for me to travel and learn culture in such a short amount of time. The average person travels 1 -2 weeks and stays at a resort and never leave. I personally didn't feel that is enough time to see country, so the digital nomad lifestyle allows me to go into depth and really experience hands on.
So far iv been in Thailand for over 3 months. This is a huge accomplishment, working in the metaverse, entrepreneur, and perusing my music career. I am super proud i even made it this far, without chickening out and wanting to go back home. I feel i have accomplished so much in my work. Here are some of the benefits since coming out here.
Health. My health has increased. I was originally afraid eating street food and eating foreign foods. i discovered there are more healthier options in food. I recently started going to a juice bar here in Chiang mai, TH where they make fresh juices from the local farm. You are also helping the local communities instead of spending money at a Walmart which i would typically do, as there are no whole-foods in my area.
Fitness. I am walking everywhere. Typically in the states everyone has a car. but here in Thailand, most people walk. I can see why now, there is a low rate of obesity here. I recently signed up for a gym, and i feel very motivated to go, as i am eating healthy balanced diet.
Environment. I am a huge believer that the environment can really effect your internal environment such as your mind. Now that i am more in nature, I do feel that there is a calmness in the air. Compared to Orlando, Florida, that is full of traffic and people going to Disney world.
Discipline. Being a digital nomad and working on your goals requires a lot of discipline. Even though my job doesn't feel like work, because i love what i do, I still feel that it takes discipline not to be on vacation mode all the time. It can feel like i am on vacation everyday as i work my own hours. I know I have to get things done, but this lifestyle really requires you to have discipline and have time management skills. I really rely on stick notes.
Habits. Since i have come to Thailand. I decided to quit drinking. to eliminate toxic habits, such a smoking, drinking, and caffeine. I think with eliminating habits i am able to focus of more of my goals and dreams and focus on forming better habits for myself.
These are some of the benefits for me.
Some downfalls.
Relationships. Family and relationships isn't a huge thing in my life currently because i am outside of the country.
Stability. I dont have an apartment or home to call my own. I do miss having my own place and having it setup the way i want to. but thats something i can always get in the future when that time comes.
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Serena Elis - Founder, of Daydream X Sea
Serena Elis is a Singer, Multi-Performer, 3D Artist, Blogger, and Music Producer. She is one of the First singers in Decentraland which is one of the first Metaverse on the Ethereum Blockchain. starting her journey in web 3 back in 2020, She's been featured on NBC news, and Mashable Magazine for her collaborations, and innovation in the web 3 Space. You can find her in the Metaverse Performing weekly and working in the Entertainment World of Web3. She's also a digital native working remotely while traveling and with a devotion to creating engaging content with resources and helping other artists.