The Freedom Series: James Fahey on Working for Himself and Wandering Asia
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Words by James Fahey | Edited by Tania from Slower Travels
A quiet moment in Ninh Binh, Vietnam captured by James
“I try to tell myself it’s okay to live any way you want. For me, for now, this is what I love to do.”
James Fahey didn’t break the mould with a dramatic leap. He chipped away at it until he had something that felt more like his own. And this is how so many people find a life that’s built the way they want: step-by-step, not in one big sweep.
These days, he works for himself, travels freely, and is building a successful online business. He’s striking a balance that allows him to stay curious and remain free.
We spoke to James about his current rhythm, what freedom means to him, and the quiet challenge of choosing this path, even when it doesn’t look how others expect it to.
Life on the Other Side of “Should”
James divides his weeks into two: Monday to Wednesday are dedicated to focused work—blogging, creating YouTube content, and handling client gigs remotely. Come Thursday, the travel begins.
“I often work from a coffee shop or a hotel room,” he says. “But it beats having a boss who doesn’t care about you.”
There’s a lot of choice woven into that sentence. James chooses his projects. He chooses when to work, where to work, and—perhaps most importantly—why to work.
“Freedom, to me, means choosing my projects, where to work, and what time to work.”
It’s not about escape—it’s about agency.
The Best and the Hardest Parts
There’s plenty to love about this lifestyle. For James, it’s the autonomy: working on his terms and exploring Asia at a pace that suits him.
But even freedom comes with its trade-offs.
“Sometimes you find a really comfortable workspace or a city that you love,” he explains. “But then you realise—there are more parts of the world to see.”
And that question—the one every nomad quietly wrestles with—rises again: Should I settle in for a while, or keep moving?
Advice for Anyone on the Fence
If you’re considering making a similar change, James advises keeping it simple: talk to people who are already doing it.
“Research and ask people who are doing it already,” he says. “Think about what you want—and find the person who’s already living that version. Ask them for help.”
Where to Find James
You can follow James' travels and projects here: YouTube
Want to be part of The Freedom Series?
We're spotlighting people who've created a life that works for them. If you're living outside the lines—whether slowly, loudly, quietly, or wildly—we'd love to hear your story.
