The best thing about remote work is not that you can work from home but the fact that you don't need to be in office to work.
We know you can work in cafes etc. but also you can work while travelling around the globe. That's one great advantage and I love it.
I get the luxury to go around, stay in new cities (heck even countries) and meet new people while working. All I need to ensure is that I have internet access.
Yep, this has been my approach as well. I moved to Buenos Aires a month ago and I'm planning to stay for at least six months to learn Spanish, then who knows--I'd like to travel around Latin America (and Spain) to get some use out of my new language chops, but I'd also really like to spend some time in Asia, especially India.
One of the difficulties I've had with remote work, as mentioned in the op and comments here, is lack of daily structure and socializing. I think learning a new language is one of the best antidotes for this. You can do a language program for four hours a day and meet a huge variety of people from all over the world while picking up an incredibly useful and rewarding skill. The natural focus on conversation and collaboration is a great counterweight to the solitary nature of programming. Good programs also tend to offer a lot of cultural and social events outside of classes. It's pretty low stress and leaves plenty of time in the day to get work done.
Aside from all this, it's pretty awesome to be able to live in a nice, sunny, furnished, utilities and internet included studio with a balcony and view in one of the nicest areas of a giant cosmopolitan city for ~33% or less of what a similar arrangement would cost in SF or NYC.
how did people find a remote gig like this? I'm self motivated, an Android developer (which I only mention because there is huge demand for this so it seems like I should be able to find a good company that is interested in this), and it seems like I should be able to find a great company interested in this - but I haven't - any advice?
I've gone the contracting route, working mainly with startups and small companies. While it's less secure than a long term gig at an established big company, you tend to get a lot more latitude--minimal paperwork, rules, and bs. All that really matters is that you get stuff done, do good work, and communicate well. The hardest part is getting your foot in the door so you can prove yourself. Once you do, you're set. Startup communities are small and entrepreneurs would much rather go with the recommendation of a friend/colleague than any other method. If you can get people what they need, you can pretty much set all the other terms, including charging a lot, and you'll still get as much work as you can handle.
As far as getting that foot in the door, go to where the entrepreneurs are. Go to meetups, conferences, anywhere entrepreneurs and web-minded people congregate, and talk with people about their work and ideas. With Android, you definitely have a skill that's highly in demand. If you show intelligence and enthusiasm, it's very possible you'll get offers on the spot. Hope that helps.
In my current job I work four days a week, with one in the office and the rest from home. When initially advertised it was a five day, 9-5 in the office job.
Both before and during the interview I made it clear that I was looking for a job where I could work remotely (I'd have a 2 hour commute each way otherwise). It turned out they thought I was the best person for the job, and they were willing to be flexible on exactly where I worked so long as I was in the office for the team meeting on a Monday morning. Getting a day off a week was a pleasant side effect of them not having enough money to pay for me full time, and me deciding I'd rather have more free time then more money.
In summary the key factor in getting a remote job is to make it very clear that it's part of your terms. If the company really wants you they'll be flexible. If not, there are plenty of other jobs out there for a good developer at the moment.
I have been tempted by that, a working vacation, but how do time zones work out? Do you not need to be available at particular hours? I work from home but have a fairly regular schedule of phone meetings during the Eastern Time Zone working day. (Those same phone meetings would also get quite expensive overseas.)
Yup Time Zones does become an issue. You need to plan accordingly. You can't go to Australia where there is a full 12-14 hour flip. But still you are not really short of places to travel. Frankly it's good to start with travelling in your own country first.
Can't say about phone meetings as we usually have our conversations over Skype.
So very true - I'm going away for a week with extended family in the middle of August, and because I work remotely anyway work had no problem with me working from a different place.
That means I get a week of seeing family and relaxing with them in the evening without having to take any holiday to do so.
The best thing about remote work is not that you can work from home but the fact that you don't need to be in office to work.
We know you can work in cafes etc. but also you can work while travelling around the globe. That's one great advantage and I love it.
I get the luxury to go around, stay in new cities (heck even countries) and meet new people while working. All I need to ensure is that I have internet access.