Not much to comment on the other than the technology woes. I made a day trip to Shenzhen from Hong Kong last July. It was my second time in China last year, but first time to Shenzhen. So I was very aware of all of the "GFW" issues. I used my Pixel with VyprVPN installed prior to with no issues. Also I always downloading maps and languages with keyboards anytime I travel in case my connection is not 100%. Though I had a strong signal all around Shenzhen.
I did run into some trouble finding an ATM that accepted my card. I did not want to trade a lot of currency since it was only a day trip, and not knowing if I would buy anything at all, or how much. There were many ATM's, though it is hard to find anywhere in China banks that are compatible with American cards. Not impossible, just far fewer than other countries.
WeChat is a must all over China. They use it for everything! Though I haven't figured out how to get money onto it to use the pay feature, which they love to use. I think you have to have a China Bank account to tie it to your WeChat, or have someone with CNY who gives/transfer it to you from their account.
I had a job as a DevOps Engineer at a really good company, in which I left about 6 months ago to travel the world. Currently I'm still technically unemployed, so I'm just living off of savings. Though I've shifted most of my time towards learning the ins and outs of drop shipping. I'm not selling anything yet, though I feel I have enough research I will be very soon.
I don't regret it. But I do miss it some. I still have a passion for creating in general, but anything technology related is even better. In particular software. So I think that answers the last questions.
Though I want to make an extra point here. As I'm sure many will probably point out. At least most of my friends and family have. I know that I can find jobs as a remote employee. This is not my point. I chose to leave a good full time job, simply because I do not want this type of life anymore. Doing it remotely is not going to change the deadlines and working 40+ hours. The type of life I'm trying to set up is a life of more time to actually enjoy my life. Not spend it behind a computer or any other type of work. There are numerous other things I'm trying to do to make income. Blogs, Vlogs, affiliate marketing, etc. Those will all take time as well, yes. But when it is a result of capturing the content of my travels I am going to capture anyways. Why not make some money off of it. Also, you have to keep in mind, I have sold all of my belongings and have no debt (which I am very fortunate and thankful for) but my cost of living is significantly lower to where I do not have to make as much. Plus most other countries I'm visiting things are much cheaper than in the US. So in summary, need less income, lower my spending, find ways to make tiny fortunes off of results of things I am already doing.
It is a process, and still takes time upfront. My hope is that I can find a happy work life balance. It can work, I have already met many people that are doing these exact things and it is working for them. And if it does not work out for me, the IT industry is not going anywhere. There will be a slight adjustment getting back into the swing of things. But it is not an impossible task.
I did run into some trouble finding an ATM that accepted my card. I did not want to trade a lot of currency since it was only a day trip, and not knowing if I would buy anything at all, or how much. There were many ATM's, though it is hard to find anywhere in China banks that are compatible with American cards. Not impossible, just far fewer than other countries.
WeChat is a must all over China. They use it for everything! Though I haven't figured out how to get money onto it to use the pay feature, which they love to use. I think you have to have a China Bank account to tie it to your WeChat, or have someone with CNY who gives/transfer it to you from their account.