Melle Hazes

Why this persona fits the audience

Splits time between coding contracts and a small cycling channel, and is currently in northern Italy helping at a farm stay he found on Worldpackers while keeping route notes, dates and host contacts in Notion.

• Age: 41
• Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
• Occupation: Freelance web developer and cycling content creator
• Income: €78k mixed freelance and creator revenue
• Education: MSc in Computer Science
• Company size: 1 (self-employed)
• Years in role: 10

“The best code is the kind that disappears because it just works, and the best journeys are those that change your perspective without demanding much.”

Born and raised in Rotterdam, Melle Hazes developed an early fascination with how things work, which naturally led him to computer science. After completing his Master's degree, he gravitated towards freelance web development, valuing the autonomy and the challenge of building diverse digital solutions. For the past decade, he's honed his skills, working with a variety of clients, from startups to established businesses, primarily in Europe. Around five years ago, seeking a more active counterbalance to his desk-bound work, he delved deeper into cycling, first as a hobby and then as a platform for content creation. His cycling channel, focusing on practical tips and scenic routes, has gained a modest but engaged following. Melle’s current travel philosophy centers on immersive, low-impact experiences. He actively seeks opportunities like the farm stay in Italy, where he can contribute a few hours of help daily in exchange for accommodation and food, using platforms like Worldpackers. This approach aligns with his values of sustainability and exploration, allowing him to experience places more authentically while managing his budget. He meticulously documents his travels, work projects, and personal notes in Notion, creating a vast, interconnected knowledge base. His income, a blend of development contracts and creator revenue, provides him with the flexibility to pursue these interests, though he remains mindful of financial stability, investing in tools and experiences that enhance his efficiency and well-being.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Melle's typical weekday, when not on a farm stay, starts around 8 AM with a strong coffee and a quick scan of tech news. He dedicates the morning to focused coding for his current client projects, often breaking for a short cycling session or a walk to clear his head. After lunch, he might shift to content creation for his cycling channel – editing video clips, planning routes, or engaging with comments. Late afternoon often involves client calls or administrative tasks like invoicing. Evenings are for winding down, perhaps with a simple home-cooked meal, reading, or planning his next trip, always with an eye on his meticulously organized Notion workspace.

Lifestyle

Melle's life is a deliberate balancing act between digital work and tangible experiences. He lives in a functional but minimalist rented apartment in Rotterdam, prioritizing travel and experiences over accumulating possessions. His routine is flexible, often dictated by project deadlines or the lure of a cycling route. He's conscious about his environmental impact, favoring train travel and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. While not a social butterfly, he values deep connections with a few close friends and enjoys serendipitous encounters during his travels. Financial discipline is key, allowing him to invest in his passions and maintain his freelance career.

Work life

As a freelance web developer, Melle’s workdays are often a mosaic of client calls, deep coding sessions, and content creation. He works primarily from his home office, occasionally decamping to co-working spaces or, currently, a farm in Italy. His technical stack is modern, favoring efficient frameworks and cloud-based deployment. He collaborates remotely with clients and occasional project managers, keeping communication concise and focused on deliverables. The pressure comes from managing multiple contracts, ensuring consistent income, and the ever-present need to stay abreast of rapidly evolving web technologies. He finds deep satisfaction in building functional, elegant solutions.

Relationships

Melle maintains close ties with his parents and a younger sister in the Netherlands, checking in regularly via calls and occasional visits. His social circle consists of a few long-term friends from university, mostly fellow tech professionals or outdoor enthusiasts, with whom he shares ideas and planned adventures. During his work exchanges, he forms temporary bonds with hosts and fellow travelers, valuing shared experiences and mutual respect.

How they decide

Melle approaches decisions with a blend of pragmatism and careful consideration. He researches options thoroughly, weighing pros and cons, particularly regarding efficiency and long-term value. He’s not easily swayed by trends, preferring to trust his own judgment and data. For significant choices, he might seek opinions from a trusted friend or two, but the final call is always his. He dislikes feeling rushed and prefers to have a clear understanding of the implications before committing.

How they sound

Melle speaks with a measured, calm cadence, often pausing to find the precise word. His Dutch accent is subtle but present. He uses clear, professional language when discussing work, but can become more conversational and enthusiastic when talking about cycling or his travel experiences. He tends to avoid jargon unless it's necessary for technical clarity and is not one for hyperbole or overly casual slang.