I never imagined that my journey from freelancer to digital nomad would take me from a small apartment in China to working legally and confidently in the United States. What began as late-night coding sessions and short-term freelance contracts slowly transformed into a global career and a new life abroad.
My name is Li Wei, and I’ve been working in the programming sector for over eight years. This is my story — not a shortcut, not a fantasy, but a realistic path shaped by persistence, adaptability, and a lot of learning along the way.
Freelancing in China: Where It All Started
I began my career in Shenzhen, working full-time as a junior web developer. Like many programmers, I quickly realized that my income and growth were limited by geography. That’s when I turned to freelancing.
At first, I took small projects on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, mostly front-end development and basic automation scripts. The competition was intense, and clients were cautious. I underpriced my work initially — not ideal, but it helped me build a solid portfolio and real client feedback.
Key skills that helped me stand out:
- JavaScript and Python automation
- Clean documentation and communication
- Delivering ahead of deadlines
- Maintaining a professional GitHub profile
Over time, my freelance income surpassed my full-time salary. That was the moment I realized remote work wasn’t just a side hustle — it was a gateway to freedom.
Becoming a Digital Nomad in Tech
The idea of being a digital nomad programmer appealed to me not because of travel photos on social media, but because of control over my time and clients. I structured my freelance work around long-term contracts instead of one-off gigs, which gave me stability.
I worked remotely with startups in Europe and North America while still living in China. This exposure taught me international work culture, time-zone management, and client expectations — all crucial for the next step.
Why I Chose the United States
Many people assume moving to the USA as a freelancer is easy. It’s not.
I didn’t move “on a whim.” I spent nearly two years preparing:
- Improving my technical specialization (backend systems & APIs)
- Building a strong professional network
- Consulting immigration and legal resources
- Transitioning from freelance to contract-based remote work
Eventually, I received an opportunity to collaborate with a US-based tech company that later sponsored my legal stay. This shift allowed me to continue remote work while integrating into the American tech ecosystem.
For reliable immigration information, I relied on official sources such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Life and Work in the USA
Today, I live in New York, working in programming while collaborating with global teams. My lifestyle still reflects my digital nomad roots — flexible hours, remote projects, and continuous learning — but with more stability and legal clarity.
What surprised me most wasn’t the technology gap, but the importance of soft skills: communication, accountability, and cultural awareness.
Lessons Learned on the Road
If you’re dreaming of going from freelancer to digital nomad, here are my honest takeaways:
- Freelancing is a business, not just a skill
- Long-term clients matter more than fast money
- Legal and tax planning is non-negotiable
- Your portfolio speaks louder than your resume
- Consistency beats talent in the long run
Final Thoughts
My journey wasn’t easy, fast, or guaranteed — but it was real. Moving from freelancing in China to working in the USA required patience, strategy, and resilience.
If you’re considering a similar path, focus on skills, credibility, and sustainability — the rest will follow.
— Li Wei
For more real-world career stories and professional growth insights, explore the Success Stories section on Informarius.
