Kristin Viera - Being a Digital Nomad in Argentina
After working as a Recruiter in early to late-stage start-ups in Silicon Valley tech, Kristin transitioned to a Project Management focus, where she implemented projects to improve the hiring process, candidate experience and the overall happiness of internal employees.
Five years ago she went on a life-changing solo backpacking trip through Central America, which inspired her to ultimatelly move to Buenos Aires a year later. While working towards her coaching certification, she supported local candidates with career coaching and general job search support. During that period, she also created a fully remote career and lifestyle.
Her career transitions, experience as an HR professional, coaching journey and life experiences travelling and living abroad have fueled her passion to help others find more fulfilment in their career+ lifestyle.
How come you chose to live in Argentina for such a long time?
In 2017, I left my role in SF and was planning to move to US cities. I went on a 1-month turned 3-month solo backpacking trip through Central America. After the extended travels, I moved to San Diego and settled into a new role. The travel itch quickly came back and I couldn’t shake it.
In my new role, the project was put on pause due to acquisition rumors. At this time, I decided to give it a shot by applying to roles abroad to see what would happen. I was looking for career opportunities aligned with my career goals and found companies of interest with offices in Medellin, Colombia, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Buenos Aires opportunity ended up being very aligned, interviews flowed and turned into an offer, and me moving to the city. I had never visited and knew very little about Buenos Aires at the time. I had no plans of how long I’d stay, but I loved it so much it turned into 2 years of living as an expat here until I started the digital slomad lifestyle.
Why do you think digital nomads are so attracted to this country? (besides the low cost of living)
Oof, many reasons! I’d say the local culture, diversity of natural landscapes to explore, and food and wine scene are huge draws for digital nomads.
The diversity of adventures you can have here and the natural beauty is just insane. From the mountains and lakes of Patagonia in Southern Argentina to wine tasting and exploring the surrounding natural beauty of Mendoza to the energy of Iguazu Falls and areas to explore up north, Argentina is a big country full of natural beauty.
Also, let’s be real…the food and wine! Argentina is known for its wine and asados. Asado is an Argentine barbecue and a popular thing locals often gather for on the weekends. Friends and family gather to cook different meats over an open fire called a parilla. There are many steakhouses to enjoy this as a traveller in Argentina.
Did you already know anyone living there before landing? How did you manage to build your network over there?
I took a risk moving to Buenos Aires, never having visited the city and not knowing anyone here. However, it was 100% worth it and added to the growth journey. My first friend was a local friend who had studied in New York with a friend from the US. My friend connected us, and she and a friend from Spain were my first two friends in the city.
Working in an office here created my first group of friends, which expanded as I attended local events, joined Facebook groups, took exercise classes, etc.
A learning from moving abroad and the digital nomadic #slomadic lifestyle is that community always takes time. When I moved to Buenos Aires, it took me 8 months to a year to feel I had my group of close friends here. We all build closer relationships at different rates, but a general truth is that building them takes time.
Do you see a future for the digital nomad community in Argentina or is it still unstable?
I definitely see a future for the digital nomadic community here. There is a growing community here and resources for digital nomads. The digital nomad visa is launched, but it still seems like some details are being ironed out.
Tell us about how you organized your working routine in Buenos Aires. Were there any distractions? Any places you would recommend to work from?
I use time blocking to organize my work routine. I always try to block out my workweek the Sunday before. I usually start my day with a morning workout class at a nearby gym and then work from home for the day or spend some time in a local cafe. For coaching calls, it’s important to be in a quiet, private space, so I take these from my apartment.
For time blocks I am not coaching, I often cowork with friends from local cafes. The cafe scene here is a really special part of the city. I wrote a blog on my favourite Buenos Aires cafes here.
Another thing I love to incorporate into my workdays as a break is private dance classes. I’ve been learning salsa and bachata. I’ll plan blocks in my weekly schedule to have a dance class in the morning, midday, or afternoon to break up the workday.
What social activities would you recommend to our nomad readers to do in Argentina? Is Tango a must-do? What else is there?
So many activities to explore while in Argentina. In terms of travel, you can enjoy exploring Buenos Aires, wine taste in Mendoza, hike through Patagonia in the south, and explore Salta and Jujuy up north, etc
You can enjoy the local foods and asado experience, sip mate in the park, take Spanish classes, visit local museums, attend a local soccer match and explore local cafes and restaurants.
In terms of dancing, Tango is a must-do or at least a must-see. You can go to milongas to watch others dance or attend a local Tango show. You can also enjoy other forms of dance like salsa and bachata. Yet if traveling and learning a local dance, Tango is the way to go.
What are the upsides of living in Buenos Aires from a quality-of-life perspective?
It is just one of my favorite cities in this world all around. A former expat friend and I were recently sharing all of the things we love about the city. We agreed that it has so many selling points- good weather, great cafes, beautiful architecture, restaurants (and the diverse options are growing), parks, dancing, etc. It’s just a beautiful city. There is a feeling I get walking through local city streets here that is unlike any other place for me. The local culture is another part that makes it unique and special.
How about the downsides?
I’d say the economic situation. I think it’s a sensitive topic and frustrating for many locals. Due to inflation, prices can constantly change in the city. I encourage travellers and digital nomads to be sensitive/mindful when talking about pricing in the city. Something that really bothers me is hearing travellers talk about how inexpensive things are openly in public. That may be the case for those travelling from outside the country and is a privilege. For locals, it is a huge challenge they have dealt with for years, and I’m sure they are frustrated and exhausted hearing about it.
Let’s dive into remote working a bit. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start the digital nomad lifestyle?
I would say, first off, to go for it! Follow your curiosity and excitement about the lifestyle. Overwhelm at the steps it can take to build something can keep people from getting started. Every action makes a difference. Start now!
Figure out how you’re going to support yourself in the lifestyle. Do you want to find remote work for stability? Start your own business? Be a freelancer? Then start taking action towards those goals. Again, every step builds over time. Getting started and taking action is key! A favourite quote of mine is, ‘nothing changes..if nothing changes.’
Don’t let fear keep you from starting the lifestyle! This is why I’m passionate about helping others to create it because there is so much beauty on the other side to experience. Your home will always be there when you decide to return. Give the lifestyle a try!
Finally what advice would you give to people who aspire to be digital nomads and to the ones who want to transition to a remote job but who do not necessarily want to travel?
Similar to the above, get started now. Every step matters. The remote job search (like any job search) can take time and is highly competitive. Yet, patience and resilience pays off. Get clear on what remote role(s) you’re targeting and be intentional with how you apply by positioning your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn and personal brand for the role. As you navigate the job search process, ask for feedback to continue to improve on your search. Finally, get creative and *show passion*. I keep saying, passion sells! This is a way to stand out in your remote job search.
Get in Touch With Kristin
If you are interested in working with Kristin, feel free to reach out: www.kvierracoaching.com [email protected] https://www.instagram.com/kristincvierra/
