E68 - Backpacks, Bandwidth & Burnout: The Realities of Being an ELT Digital Nomad (with Emily Bryson)
Description
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the increasingly popular—yet often misunderstood—lifestyle of digital nomadism in English Language Teaching (ELT). Our guest, teacher trainer, materials writer, and visual thinking advocate Emily Bryson, joins us from the road to talk about the real logistics, trade-offs, and intentional choices that come with taking your ELT career on the move.
We dig into everything from makeshift workstations and managing multiple income streams to travel-induced burnout, marketing myths around passive income, and the hidden labor of constant relocation. Emily also shares her evolving reflections on privilege and global mobility, climate impact, and what it means to work remotely in an ethical and grounded way.
Whether you’re considering life as a digital nomad or are simply curious about how other ELT professionals manage remote work and international living, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt reflection on finding balance between purpose, place, and profession.
💡 This episode is sponsored by Ellii – one of the world’s leading content libraries for English language teachers. Use our exclusive code THINKALOUD to save 15% on your first membership, or reach out for a free trial if you’re buying for a full program. Visit ellii.com.
📚 Links & Resources:
Emily Bryson’s website: emilybrysonelt.com
Emily’s blog post on becoming an ELT nomad (via Ellii)
Ellii resources and discount: ellii.com
🎧 Related Episodes:
Episode 61 - Travel with Purpose: Teaching and volunteering around the world (with Aileen Hale)
Episode 44 - Global Citizenship: Opening the view to the possible (with Brantley Turner)
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