The traditional confines of a 9-to-5 office job are being redefined by a new generation of workers who are turning to various technologies, such as VR (virtual reality) headsets, collaborative online tools, and apps, to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. This shift is particularly pronounced among creatives who, fueled by wanderlust and the desire for fresh perspectives, are discovering that their work can thrive in any corner of the globe—whether it be a coffee shop, coworking space, train, or anywhere you can connect to the internet.
The once rigid boundaries between work and travel have dissolved, and for young professionals, the idea of being tethered to a single location has become almost archaic. Instead, these individuals are charting their own paths, exploring the world, and drawing inspiration from diverse cultures while maintaining successful careers, thanks to new technologies like XR.
Pia Behmuaras, a VR designer focused on connecting therapists and educators to VR tools, is one of those extraordinary individuals who has embraced this roaming lifestyle and found great success in it. Behmuaras, who grew up in Istanbul, always had a love for travel. As she carved out her career as a multimedia artist and virtual reality designer, she found herself in NYC, where she spent the last five years wondering why she wasn’t using the same technology she was advocating for to continue her work while embracing her desire to be a nomad and explore the vast world in front of her.
After some thought and planning, that is exactly what Behmuaras did. Her job at Transfr as a VR Designer didn’t require her to be in a physical office, and she was already very well-versed in the advantages of immersive technology as a remote work tool.
I learned about Pia Behmuaras when I stumbled across her Instagram account, which she uses to document her travels along with her work in VR. I found all of it incredibly interesting, and I loved that her posts not only showed her passion for her VR work but also her passion for the location she was in at the moment. However, the hook for me was that she was taking those different cultural experiences and applying them to her work as a VR designer.
She was taking VR design and pushing it through the lens of the cultures she was experiencing.
I reached out to Behmuaras because I wanted to know more about her nomadic lifestyle, which began in early July, and how being at this unique intersection of VR technology, work, and travel has changed her and her work.
She tells me, “I get to think about VR simulations from different cultural and social perspectives,” adding that this global outlook has enriched her work, making her VR experiences more inclusive and reflective of the diverse world we live in.
As she travels, Behmuaras tends to gravitate towards co-working and co-living spaces, which allow her to meet like-minded individuals. During her trips, she has also met a wide range of creatives and designers who have helped her develop a deeper understanding of the world of virtual reality.
This sense of community extends to the people she meets who are intrigued by her work in VR. “Many of the people I work with in coworking spaces are really interested in virtual reality and the novelty of what I am working on, so I get to show them what I’m doing and get their ideas too.”
Traveling has greatly enhanced her creativity, as it allows Behmuaras to explore new ideas and improve her ability to think critically. While it can be daunting at first, she believes that it is possible to do, especially for virtual reality designers like herself.
Behmuaras’s projects have also benefited from the enthusiasm of the people she meets along the way. “I’ve been getting so many voluntary playtesters and excitement from friends, family, and coworkers… my work has never been so first-time user friendly.”
One of Behmuaras’s most memorable experiences on the road was a day spent in Barcelona, where she visited the Sagrada Familia early in the morning before returning to her coworking space to dive into her work. “I truly feel energized and excited to work today rather than all the times I rolled out of bed and forced myself to work right away,” she recalls. This balance between exploration and work is what makes her nomadic lifestyle so fulfilling.
As amazing and romantic as all of this sounds, working in the VR industry as a nomad has its challenges. Behmuaras explains that if you are planning on traveling as a solo virtual reality designer or working in an extended reality environment, she suggests taking a slow approach, telling me that the lifestyle isn’t as portable compared to those who only need a laptop to work.
Behmuaras explains that it can take a bit of time to set up and carry various items, especially when traveling. For instance, she usually carries two bags: one for technology and one for personal use. She always brings several batteries, adapters, cables, and cleaning supplies with her to ensure her equipment is clean and well-maintained.
Contrary to popular belief, solo travelers are not lonely. They are open to connections and are more likely to gravitate toward one another. Behmuaras says that the easiest way to connect with people who share similar interests is by finding like-minded individuals who are looking to travel and work as independently as you. Since she prefers to work and live in co-working and co-living spaces, Behmuaras has plenty of opportunities to connect with people.
“I have people who share the same interests as me. During my travels, I have met a wide range of creatives and designers, including photographers, videographers, and UI/UX specialists. I have shared my experiences with them and have also learned a lot from them.”
During her travels, Behmuaras has made it a point to find and engage with the global XR community by attending conferences, meeting other creators, and expanding her network. “At SXSW, I met some XR creators from Istanbul. When I was in Turkey this summer, I met up with them, exchanged ideas, learned about local XR and immersive arts, and visited new shows.” These interactions have deepened her connection to the XR world, both professionally and personally.
As she continues her journey, Behmuaras encourages women in tech to create lives centered on their passions. While it can be daunting at first, she believes it is possible and that virtual reality designers should do the same.
In September, Behmuaras will be moving to South Carolina to avoid the winter months, and after that, the world is wide open. While she’s exploring new territories, she continues to push the limits of what’s possible in her personal and professional life.
You can follow Behmuaras journey by following her on Instagram.
