Global Career: How to Work Anywhere and Travel Forever

by Michael T. Swigunski

What if you could travel forever while radically advancing your career? College. Graduation. Work a 9 to 5 job, save up and retire on a pension. This isn't the correct path for everyone. Nor should it be. Global How to Work Anywhere and Travel Forever is a paperback for your backpack, a step-by-step blueprint to travel the world, build a successful career others wish they had, and build a life that most people only dream of. This comprehensive guide is filled with genuine stories and actionable advice Global Career will challenge you to venture into the exciting unknown. If you have ever fantasized about a more fulfilling international career, this book will empower you to buy a one-way ticket to your dream destination, and further your career in ways you never thought possible!

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Business

214 pages, Hardcover

Published November 21, 2018

About the author

Mike has been working and traveling full-time since 2011 and his journey has taken him to over 85+ countries. In that time, he's worked in seven countries and is currently working an online and remote job that allows him to work anywhere in the world from the comfort of his laptop. In his book, Global Career, Mike pulls back the curtain and shares everything he's learned from years of trial and error about how to travel long-term and radically advance your career.

Reviews

[Samuel Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a lifestyle where you live and work abroad, with complete location independence, you are no longer alone. There are people all over the world right now who are just like you. If you need more inspiration or motivation, Mike Swigunski is one of the best authors in this niche since he makes it all sound so easy. This is a book written by somebody with direct experience and success in what he wishes to help the reader with.

Accordingly, anybody who has dreamed of traveling around the world but is worried about things like money or personal security should definitely cast your fears aside and make the jump. If you really want to travel, the experiences and tips left here by Swigunksi will be nothing short of life-changing for you.

The difference between this book and various other traveling books like is that Swigunksi actually knows what he is talking about. Even a seasoned traveler who has been around the world a couple times will be able to gain something from the pages of this book. With more travel experience than most people ever receive in a lifetime, the author’s life experiences traveling abroad really bleed through the pages as you read this book.

Anybody who reads this book will at least leave with a heightened knowledge of how international travel works in the modern world, and what jobs and careers may be the best choice for you to pursue. As you read this book, it immediately becomes clear that the author is somebody with a TON of experience living, traveling, and working abroad. With this great experience comes great knowledge and tips that even a seasoned traveler will take to heart. For example, did you know that USA citizens can take a major tax cut simply by living and working abroad? This book explains exactly how this is possible.

All steps of international travel, from temporary internships and semesters abroad all the way up to permanent expat living are completely broken down and discussed by Swigunski in this book. Specifically, how to make sure your bank account stays healthy, despite the fact that you wish to make traveling a permanent endeavor. Some of the pickiest and most minute details behind international travel are covered and explained in great detail. Information such as exchange rates, visa setbacks, bureaucratic nightmares, and various tips and tricks that a beginner traveler will hold onto for life.

As someone who has a large chunk of his adult life abroad, I am constantly learning from my peers and seeking new ideas to better my lifestyle, increase my quality of life, and find a new place to go to. From this book, I was able to receive some great practical ideas on how I can optimize my lifestyle abroad while simultaneously ensuring that I have enough money in my account at the end of each month. Thanks to the many great ideas put into this book, I will be much more comfortable ensuring that I always have plenty of high-paying remote work while traveling.

[Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Swigunski gives motivational advice on how to take the initiative in life and travel abroad around the world. He gives examples on where he travels to like Italy, Czechia, and South Korea. He explains how you shouldn’t let your fears stop you from achieving your dreams and to understand that there are people out there who can help you, and who are in the exact same position as you.

Reading this book inspired me to not give up, to not let society tell me what I should do. That working remotely is okay, and that I shouldn’t be afraid to travel to capture my dreams. Michael Swigunski is just a normal guy who made his dreams come true. If he can do it, I can do it.

[MattTheNomad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is one of the most practical books that I have ever read. It is packed full of informational and inspirational tips/advice. I highly recommend it for anyone interesting in working/traveling in other countries!

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're already familiar with Swigunski's eponymous website, then this might not be anything revolutionary. The book version of Global Career may even feel like a lengthy plug for it.

Leaving that aspect aside, it's an encouraging quick read for anyone considering working abroad. Since every person is different, Swigunski keeps his tips to a broad practical level. It almost feels like an instructional manual at certain sections because they're focusing on the factual realities. Especially the emphasis on networking and research. Personal anecdotes provide empathy and friendliness to the text, yet the writing is written in a way where I imagine talking to Swigunski over reading about him would have invoked a fuller experience. Or maybe a video series.

Don't get me wrong. Global Career's information and resources are enticing and helpful. Yet it won't be like Mark Manson's article about globe trekking. Both writers share experiences and tips, one account is a more compelling read to me.

Swigunski writes with the assumption that his readers are North American. A huge chunk of his advice is helpful for people under thirty with a middle class income and college education. While there are segments that do try to cater to varying ages, origins, careers, and incomes, they do not go into as much depth. That's where the website plug comes in.

College students and recent graduates would benefit the most from the book form of Global Career. Everybody else, whether you're travel curious or not, may get the guidance they'd desire from the free website. Try them out for a spell if it's something that interests you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Apurbo Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely changed how I viewed my work, time, and money. I thought there was just one way to live a successful life and that was through making sacrifices. The more I read the more I realized just how wrong I was. Thanks to the tips I’ve learned from this book I’ve completely transformed how I work and manage my time so I can explore the world. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in working and traveling around the world!

[marc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I wanted

Was wanting a book for digital nomads. This wasn't it. Didn't learn anything from it. Waste of time. I think

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read with very practical advice for those looking to work and travel simultaneously. Really enjoyed it.

[Kathleen Van Lierop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free by BookSirens, thank you very much for this opportunity!
It is a very practical book that I'm certainly want to re-read. A keeper and very well written.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sample was very compelling, but overall most of the book consisted of the author's same few autobiographical anecdotes rehashed to fill more chapters. I also felt that the author wasn't necessarily money-conscious in that many of suggestions didn't seem beneficial to cash-strapped, young professionals. The book's redeeming quality was an interesting chapter about the various countries that readily allow Americans to work within their borders.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and really can't wait to transition from my office job to working and traveling around the world! Really inspiration and practical information, highly recommend for anyone interesting in working remotely or finding international opportunities.

[Spencer Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but needs an update for post pandemic, work culture, especially with the rise of remote work, as well as the complexities of some employers, wanting workers to go back to the office. Still a very helpful book to get you in the mindset of global work.

[Independence Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book stands as an excellent introduction to the "travel and work" lifestyle, for those very new to the idea, or those who feel trapped in the United State's culture around work. This book is not intended for those with some knowledge and experience- the intended audience is clear in Swigunki's writing. Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it a nice light read, though there are some serious drawbacks to making this a great introduction.
The first issue I have with this book is the over-reliance on directing people to online resources. The main website readers are directed to is Swigunksi's own website, which is fair considering it is his book, but it feels like a marketing ploy to direct more traffic to his website where he advertises his service packages. This makes the book hard to want to continue reading at many points, it makes you pause and ask, "why did I buy this book if I can just read his website?"
The second issue I find with this book is the writing style. It feels overly simplistic at times and through the book, you get a constant sense of 'Deja Vu as the exact same information is repeated over and over again. The writing itself gives a dull impression- which is not great for a book wherein the pages the author proclaims he wants to inspire people. Where is the inspiring tone? Where are the emotions behind the text? The writing feels almost devoid of emotion.
The third drawback to this book is the lack of a clear audience. By the end of the book, you can better infer who the intended audience was- those with the similar middle class, university educated backgrounds as the author himself. Through the book, though, this intended audience is muddied by haphazardly thrown-in information on alternative ways to do things without a degree- as well as claims by the author that he wants to help "anyone" realize their potential in living this lifestyle he advertises. These drawbacks individually wouldn't leave such a sour impression on me, but together they make this book difficult to enjoy and feel inspired by.
I did find great nuggets of information in the last few chapters I hadn't thought about yet, and again, this book is great as a very brief introduction to the idea of working and traveling. I can't hate it, I just wasn't its intended audience and happen to be more nitpicky when it comes to writing and providing information to help/inspire others.
If you are looking for a quick light read before bed and to hear a personal account of someone's life, then this book is for you.
However, if you are looking for real solid inspiration and knowledge- a book that won't take you an hour to finish- then I highly recommend you look elsewhere.

[Trizah Kelvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world has adopted to a common career life which involves an individual graduating from college, get a job and earn from the salary paid at his/her workplace. After several years of working, these individuals attain the retirement age and are put on pension to support their livelihoods. However, when a keen study is taken on the working experience, most individuals end up being dissatisfied by their jobs, which consume most of their fun and time.
A global career is the better alternative for a 9 to 5 job as described by the author of this book. In the global career, an individual is able to travel around the world, experience new phenomena and get a chance to build a life that almost everybody today dreams of. A global career is a desire by many individuals around the world, especially those who love travelling and venturing into new challenges and experiences in different parts of the world. This book bears important lessons concerning how to achieve a successful global career.
The author of this book has included relevant and true examples pertaining global careers. These examples provide an important basis for readers since they address most of the personal issues or questions that readers might have about global careers. The book also explains the very basic tips that a global career professional needs to put into consideration in order to achieve a successful career while travelling around the world. Some of these lessons help an individual to develop the right skills to enhance marketability. This provide the necessary tips that need to be considered while acquiring travel documents, furthering education through scholarships and most importantly, achieving financial freedom.
Finding a satisfying job is the desire of most professionals around the world today. This book gives a practical guide that encompasses what an individual need to know before getting a global career, and after landing the job. This book is recommended for individuals seeking to achieve big milestones in their career life.

[Bookreadersclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you thought to be financially independent while settling in a different country? Do you know you can work with a travel visa too? Do you know the job opportunities in the countries of your choice while being a student? #globalcareer

This is one of the most informative books for travelling abroad and earning your livelihood. It is a non-fiction book, which talks about how to be financially independent and grow abroad sustainably. A short and detailed book with information on how to work remotely while traveling. The good thing about this book is that it has also mentioned the ages that are needed for the option to benefit you. For example, if you are under 30, how would you proceed it and when you are above 30, what are the requirements.

The book is divided into chapters that deal with finding the country of choice, to the accommodation that one can have a full-fledged benefit from the opportunities mentioned. The required websites are also given for the ease of the readers. The websites are more informative. The book is useful for people who are trying to shift their country of residence for more opportunities.

It also describes briefly the work visa job opportunities. Countries like South Korea, New Zealand, Prague, Italy, etc. are beneficial not only for studies but also for working to become financially independent. It helps to set a target on basic necessities such as food, transportation, accommodations too. A wonderful book for first-time settlers.

The book is written in an easy language for more readers to understand. The language is lucid and effortless. All the points are discussed efficiently leaving no loops, and it has made it simpler for the readers to take the pointers of different countries. There are short quotations at the end that provides a lot of motivation. Towards the end of the book is an empty bucket list given for the readers that makes it more fun to read and research.

A highly researched book that solves a thousand problems while going abroad. This book is a highly recommended book for everyone, especially, youngsters!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever felt the desire to live, or work, overseas? This book tells how to do it.

Most universities have some sort of study abroad program. It is never too early to start figuring out things like finances and academic requirements. Don't choose a destination based just on the beaches, or the nightlife; choose one that will actually help your career. The classes and other activities will be pretty structured; you will not have much time to explore on your own. Learn how to network, network, network. You never know who, in your group, or at the foreign school, will know about a further educational opportunity, or an internship.

Internships are much less structured than study abroad programs. You will get work experience, which will certainly help your resume, but you will also be much more on your own. Ask, far in advance, if there is any sort of stipend available. When you are traveling, be flexible in your itinerary; don't plan every single day. Leave room to travel this way, instead of that way, or to investigate an educational, or work, opportunity in another city.

If you want to work overseas, and you work for a large company, see if you can transfer to one of their foreign offices. When you reach your destination, apply at local staffing agencies; they can point you in the right direction. Several countries, including Ireland, Singapore and Australia have a reciprocal arrangement with America that helps getting a work visa pretty easy. The book also covers money, credit cards and what to pack (a lot less than you might think).

This book is "one-stop shopping" for anyone who wants to live, or work, in another country. It is very easy to read, and understand, and is very much recommended.

[Clay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a bold subtitle (How to ... Travel Forever), and the content doesn't realistically address long term travel. It fluctuates between high level thoughts on building an international career to oddly specific tips, tricks, and anecdotes. There are real implications to working abroad that are blissfully ignored:

1. What if you're not single and you and your spouse need to balance multiple careers?
2. What if you are single and you're looking for a spouse?
3. What if you want to have kids? Or you already have kids?
4. What if you have family that all lives in the US? Will living out of the country not impact those relationships?
5. What about long term finance strategies like buying property?
6. What if you don't have a job that's easily transferable to other countries or going remote?

It's not that I would expect the author to have solutions for all of this, but I think these topics should at least be acknowledged. I would bet that the reasons people don't "travel forever" are a little bit more complex than not knowing how to find cheap flights.

If you're in late high school or early college and you're looking to get started in traveling the world, this book is a good read. Light and interesting with some useful tips and tricks. But if you've been out of the country once or twice, and are looking to learn some more solid strategies on navigating traveling long term, look elsewhere.

[Migdalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational

What I liked:

The information is organized well and there's really a lot of value in it. There are tips for students and workers alike. It also has travel tips, inspirational travel quotes, and a packing list. The book really proves that working abroad and having a "global career" is very possible.

What I didn't like:

It's geared more towards a younger audience and solo travelers, and simply ignores families. This could be because the author has no experience in that area, and that's totally fine. However, that means it excluded me.

Who this book is for:

This book is great for college students, young workers, and solo travelers who still haven't started a family of their own. The only information available in this book for families is that families aren't eligibe for the Working Holiday Visa.

Conclusion:

I still liked the book and think I learned a few things from it. However, I felt a little left out... and quite frankly, a little old (I'm over 30 and already have a degree). Still, it's easy to skip the chapter that doesn't pertain to you (in my case, the study abroad chapter).

[Karen Sbaiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational and life-changing! This book touches the reality of life where in when you travel abroad you get to meet people, yes, exciting but challenging at the same time because of language and cultural barriers and some other factors to consider when moving in. Michael wants everyone to know especially those who travel abroad or work abroad and even those who are planning to go abroad that indeed it may be challenging at the first but as you move along life gets easier.
Great tips and real life hacks on how to overcome challenges when you are in other countries weather you’ll visit to travel or to work or both. As I was reading the book, I felt that, nothing really comes easy at first, but if you like what you do, and you have the passion, you’ll be able to get through.
This book is highly recommended especially to those who want to work or live abroad – very practical tips and pieces of advice on how we can turn things around while abroad. Definitely a must read book! Highly recommended! 2 thumbs up!

[carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring

The book also addresses common concerns and obstacles faced by remote workers. For instance, Swigunski provides tips on traveling cheaply, getting free flights, and finding remote jobs regardless of prior experience. He also offers strategies for becoming an expert remote worker and effectively working from home in any country.

What sets Global Career apart is its motivational tone. Swigunski challenges readers to venture into the exciting unknown and empowers them to pursue their dreams of an international career. The step-by-step guide to starting remote work while traveling is designed to be easy to follow, making the transition smoother for those hesitant about taking the leap.

[Niki Giammarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book - it was pretty straightforward and had some helpful tips. I wish a version of this book existed 15 years ago before I lived overseas for a brief time when I taught English in Korea. I was hoping for additional "insider" information (and a lot of the information was more relevant for younger, college-age folks, with more info about studying abroad, doing internships, etc.) there was still a lot of helpful information that I earmarked. It's nice to know there are more working options besides teaching English. If the author wants to do a follow up, I would love to see a "how to retire overseas successfully" with some money making ideas and real life case studies.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book and the writer’s writing style. It felt genuine. However, I don’t think I was the right audience for it. (I won this from Goodreads.) While it had great tips and I learned a lot about what it takes to work abroad, I felt the book was geared more toward younger people, fresh out of high school or college, or early in their careers. I’m closer to and thinking about how I can retire early in my fifties. Despite this, I did appreciate all the tips, and especially the job links toward the end of the book. I’m still giving this 5-stars because I do think the material was great and would help someone younger.

[Troy Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work and live abroad with ease

For those looking to travel abroad and work where they want, when they want, Global Career is a good go-to book for understanding how to do this. While the information throughout this book is top notch and clear, the author spends several paragraphs in each chapter preparing the reader for upcoming information. Other than that, the content is easy to understand, is personal because the author has experienced most of what is written, and provides helpful facts any traveler can use to move from country to country while discovering ways to locate work or employment.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read, especially for those from a younger generation where the "norms" are changing. At 53, these are options that were not viable for me. (Think pre-internet.) If you wish to travel and work there are great pointers and even some that would help me as I get ready to retire at a young age with a spouse that is of retirement age. We wish to travel but I'd like to keep my foot a bit in the waters of work. This shows me it may not be as unattainable as I was thinking! Thanks Michael for the insight.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for the audio narration of the book.

I like how the book is organized into different types of travel. As I am no longer an undergraduate or graduate college student, I skipped over those chapters and focused on working abroad. I would have loved to have this information before I went traveling about! Everything here is condensed and makes it easy for me to focus on one topic instead of mindlessly googling for information.

I would love to see an update to this book once the new travel measures are put into place as there will be new provisions for international travel.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK introductory book about being a digital nomad

This a good introductory book about how to be a digital nomad while working abroad. It has practical suggestions about what to do and how to access opportunities. For those who are considering this lifestyle, it’s worth the read. That said for the experienced expat, this book is light on practical ideas. The author is also a little repetitive about his life story and what led to his living abroad. Yet overall, it’s an ok read to introduce this topic.

[Erin Carr Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guidebook for launching a career abroad

I very much enjoyed this book about establishing a global based career. The book addresses everything from getting started, to taxes, insurance , and even a packing list of recommendations. While this book is more focused on younger folks just starting out their careers and looking to work abroad, there are also tips for those over 30 who would like to transition to a remote job outside of the United States. Lots of helpful tips and lists.

[Jennifer Olivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you a ton of practical information about how it is possible to work and travel just about anywhere without having to have a ton of extra money. I am a little older and I don't have a post secondary degree, so working in some countries could prove to be tricky, but I also appreciated the information on just visiting places, and all of the tips on packing and currency.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebeca Núñez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como alguien que siempre quiso viajar y proyectarse una carrera internacional, la propuesta del libro me resulto sumamente interesante. El libro tiene un enfoque muy practico, y tambien super personal, lo que se valora. El autor logra transmitir todo de una forma muy clara. Claramente es un punto de inicio, y hay que hacer investigacion respecto a lo que se adapte mas a lo particular. Lo recomiendo.

[Benjamin Strušnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! You'll find tremendous value in reading it, no matter if you are just starting your journey towards becoming a digital nomad, but also if you already are a digital nomad.

There are lots of exceptional tips and hacks that you can use to save time, money, and just have a better time travelling/experiencing great things.

Great job on the organization of chapters too, very neatly organized!

[Salome · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Global Career," Mike Swigunski offers a compelling and insightful guide into the world of remote work and digital nomadism. Swigunski's expertise and firsthand experiences make the book a must-read for anyone looking to expand their horizons and embrace the freedom of a location-independent lifestyle. This well-written, practical guide is filled with valuable tips and resources to help readers successfully navigate and excel in the thriving global freelance economy.