The First Candlelight: How One Question at the Chiang Mai Digital Nomad Summit Changed My Work Forever

A Wake-Up Call

I thought I was working hard. Seven years in Chiang Mai, a steady job, long hours — I believed that was just how life worked. Then one question at the Digital Nomad Summit completely shook that belief.

💡 **Key Insight**: Sometimes the most profound changes start with the simplest questions.

Life in Chiang Mai

In March 2025, I joined the Digital Nomad Summit here in Chiang Mai — the city I’ve called home for years.

Chiang Mai has long been a hotspot for digital nomads. The cost of living is low, nature is close by, and there’s always something to do. For me, it’s been home for more than seven years. During that time, I worked mostly in a very Thai corporate environment with local colleagues. Sometimes I collaborated with expats, but it was never my main focus.

7+ Years in Chiang Mai

40+ Hours per week working

The Eye-Opening Question

The summit opened my eyes in a way I didn’t expect. After lunch, during one of the sessions, the speaker asked everyone to stand. Then he began:

“Be honest. If you work less than 10 hours per week, please sit down.”

“Less than 20 hours per week, sit down.”

“Less than 30 hours per week, sit down.”

One by one, most of the expats around me sat down. I stayed standing, along with a few friends. In that moment I thought: Woah… what am I doing?

Finally, the speaker said:

“Who works less than 40 hours per week, sit down.”

That was my turn. I sat.

My First Candlelight

It may sound simple, but that moment changed my perspective on work. I realized I don’t need to chase the nomadic lifestyle itself — I can stay in Chiang Mai, yet still design my work and life with the same freedom and efficiency as the people around me.

🕯️ That realization was my first candlelight. The beginning of my Solojourn.

What’s your first candlelight moment?

Share your story of when you realized work could be different.

Digital Nomad Chiang Mai Work-Life Balance Solopreneur Journey