We’re witnessing a rise in a new breed of workers, and they’re mastering the delicate balance of securing a fully remote job in the U.S. while exploring the globe. Many Americans are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, looking for better living conditions, and it turns out one Gen Zer has settled in a bustling city right next to the breathtaking Andes mountains.
Introducing Leeah Derenoncourt, a 24-year-old who has transitioned into the digital nomad world from her roots in the U.S. Currently based in Santiago, Chile, this adventure-seeker has been hopping around the world for quite some time—even before her move to South America. Leeah spent her childhood traveling far and wide due to her parents’ work in international public health, touching down in incredible places like Haiti, Tanzania, Zambia, and the Philippines before ultimately landing back in Maryland when she was ten. Her youthful experiences have undoubtedly fueled her later desire for more adventure.
After graduating with a degree in public relations from Emerson College in December 2022, Leeah didn’t waste time. She packed her things and headed to the airport in search of her next destination.
“Right after graduation, I was exploring. I found myself spending a month in Colombia, thinking, ‘Where can I go that’s not too expensive?’ It was amazing! The culture hooked me completely,” tells Leeah to Fortune.
Leeah’s career kicked off with freelance gigs as a publicist at a Gen Z-oriented PR firm back in the States. She later landed a role at SafetyWing, specializing in health insurance for those working remotely. This digital nomad lifestyle has allowed Leeah to maintain her U.S. residency, which comes with the sweet perk of traveling internationally while working for American firms. She lived in Medellín on Colombia’s digital nomad visa for a full year before making her next bold move to Chile, where she now shares a cozy studio apartment with her partner. Now, Leeah has been enjoying Santiago for several months and, thanks to the country’s manageable cost-of-living, she’s also saving for her future studies!
Having dived deep into the digital nomad experience, Leeah knows the highs and lows all too well. Still, she maintains that people should absolutely embark on this journey while young.
“I believe strongly that everyone in their early twenties should travel. It’s often achievable only if you’re working while exploring,” Leeah emphasizes. “Just be intentional about your choices and destinations.”
The Joys of Being a Digital Nomad: More Living, Less Working
One of the clear benefits of stepping away from the U.S. lifestyle is a break from the rat race. Many Americans dream of adopting a slower-paced way of life, and Leeah feels that balance. “People are hard workers here, but there’s this philosophy of ‘you work to live’ that I truly appreciate,” she comments. “In the U.S., I remember logging out only for the conversations with friends all revolving around work, and I would cringe and think, ‘Please, let’s talk about anything but that.'”
Leeah highlights a different vibe when it comes to downtime. Abroad, she enjoys a greater sense of community—she and her friends meet up at parks or hit the town together often. Unlike many digital nomads who bounce from place to place, she prefers forming lasting connections in her locale.
“There’s a mindset among some nomads—especially in technology—that view other countries as mere playgrounds. They think, ‘Wow, my U.S. salary stretches so far!’ But I can’t help but feel a little guilty about earning more than many locals,” she shares. But being young and intentional pays off; she connects with her community and she’s also in a relationship with someone local, making her feel less heartless.
Even so, the lower cost-of-living in Chile has been a massive win for her savings plan. Throughout her time in Colombia, her studio apartment rent was a steal at just $650, though she admits she was slightly overcharged—something that feels dreamy compared to the $1,836 she’d pay for a similar-sized unit back in Washington, D.C! Back in the U.S., she laughs that she’d likely have to share an apartment with roommates just to keep it affordable. Chile might be pricier than Colombia, but she finds the financial breathing room immensely comforting, setting aside over a grand each month.
Stashing Savings for Grad School Dreams
While enjoying her role in communications, Leeah’s not pausing her education goals—she’s eyeing a master’s degree in arts and cultural management. And instead of dealing with spiking tuition rates in the U.S., she’s plotting to study in Europe instead, where education can be much cheaper, letting her funds stretch out accordingly. Right now, she’s on track to save around $1,200 each month for her future studies.
“I’ve diligently saved for a couple of years now. If I had gone the traditional course back in the U.S., the price tag on that master’s would have felt warp-speed crazy,” she notes.
On the plus side, the cost of living in Chile has helped Leeah build a safety net equivalent to four-months’ rent. She even sets-ahead $100 monthly for an emergency “flight fund,” preparing in case she needs a swift return to the U.S. When crafting plans for her next adventure, Leeah illustrates why working abroad isn’t just a temporary escape; it’s truly opening new doors for freedom, growth, and endless possibilities!
This narrative was initially published on Fortune.com.
