Iris Tabea

Background and Career Journey

Iris Tabea is a content creator and software engineer who has built a significant following on YouTube by documenting her journey as a remote worker and digital nomad. Originally from Austria, she has established herself as an advocate for remote work in the technology sector, sharing her experiences of working as a software engineer while traveling around the world.^[1]

Her career path took an unconventional turn when she made the decision to quit her job in Switzerland to pursue her dream of traveling while maintaining her software engineering career. This bold move became a central theme of her content, as she transitioned to working for a fully remote company that allowed her the freedom to work from various locations globally.^[2]

Educational Background and Technical Expertise

Tabea's journey into software engineering began somewhat by accident. She originally intended to study graphic design but encountered difficulties with course requirements, leading her to take computer science courses as a temporary measure while waiting for the next semester. During this period, she discovered her passion for programming, which ultimately led her to switch her focus entirely to computer science.^[3]

She completed her studies at a smaller university in Austria, where she was part of a cohort of approximately 25 students. This more intimate learning environment proved beneficial for her academic development, and she successfully completed a three-month internship requirement at an IT company during her second year.^[3]

Content Creation and Channel Focus

Tabea's YouTube channel centers around several key themes that resonate with her audience. Her content primarily focuses on software engineering career advice, remote work strategies, and the realities of being a digital nomad. She regularly creates "day in the life" videos that show her working as a software engineer from various locations around the world, including Mexico, South Africa, and various European countries.^[4]^[5]

One of her most popular content categories involves addressing common questions about software engineering careers, particularly for those who may feel intimidated by the field's technical requirements. She has created videos specifically addressing concerns about mathematics skills, university grades, and the job application process for aspiring software engineers.^[6]

Her channel also serves as a resource for information about remote work opportunities, with videos dedicated to helping viewers find remote positions in the technology sector. She regularly shares practical advice about job hunting, interviewing for remote positions, and managing the challenges of working while traveling.^[7]

Personal Brand and Social Media Presence

Beyond YouTube, Tabea maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @itschen_21, where she describes herself as a "Software Engineer working from anywhere" and "CEO of chaotic ideas." Her Instagram account has attracted over 1,400 followers and features content that complements her YouTube videos.^[8]

Her content creation journey has evolved significantly since she began. She has openly discussed how YouTube has allowed her to reconnect with her creative side, which she felt she had lost during her intensive university studies. The platform has provided her with a flexible outlet for creative expression that fits around her full-time software engineering work.^[2]

Professional Challenges and Growth

Tabea has been transparent about the challenges she has faced in her career, including struggles with imposter syndrome, which she describes as common among technology professionals. She has shared how dealing with these feelings of self-doubt has been an ongoing part of her professional development.^[2]

In late 2023, she made another significant career decision by leaving her remote software engineering position, citing concerns about work-life balance and mental health. She has been candid about the pressures of trying to meet societal expectations of success and the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over career advancement.^[9]

Language Skills and International Perspective

Tabea's multilingual abilities have been an asset in her international lifestyle and content creation. As a native German speaker from Austria, she also speaks French and Spanish fluently, and has been learning Mandarin Chinese following an exchange semester in Taiwan. This linguistic diversity has enabled her to connect with a broader international audience and navigate different countries during her travels.^[2]

Travel Content and Global Experiences

Her recent content has expanded to include more travel-focused videos, documenting her experiences in various countries. Notable trips have included an extensive visit to South Africa, where she created content showing road trips through the countryside, attending local concerts, and experiencing the natural beauty of the region. These travel vlogs demonstrate how she successfully balances work responsibilities with exploration and adventure.^[1]

Her approach to combining work and travel has resonated with viewers interested in the digital nomad lifestyle, as she provides realistic portrayals of both the benefits and challenges of working remotely while constantly changing locations.^[10]