It’s quite a thing now – digital nomad. Especially after COVID-19, when people were forced to stay in quarantine, they shifted their workspace from dull corporate offices to their homes, while some chose the serenity of suburbs in the country.
Speaking from my own personal experience, I love the latter. People fancy living in different places without affecting their income. That’s what the digital nomad style is all about.
You get to experience the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Japan, the seaside drive of Cape Town, South Africa, the vibrant colors of Europe, and much more.
But there’s a catch – being a digital nomad is not easy.
You have to plan everything ahead of time. If things don’t go the way you want, you will be improvising, and while you enjoy bathing in the sun on a beach, you don’t want to run out of internet data. These are all the problems that accompany the digital nomadic lifestyle.
You gotta choose your pain: either it’s the boring life at your home or an adventurous life that has its cons. Since you have landed on this article, I am guessing you are thinking of going digital nomad.
To save you from the troubles, and to prepare you for your crazy adventures, here lies everything you need to know before jumping headfirst into this lifestyle. So, join me as I unfold the how-to, pros, and cons of being a digital nomad.
The True Definition of Digital Nomad
There’s a term called location-independent worker, which often gets mistaken for the digital nomad.
Let me explain: a digital nomad is someone who works as an employee or a freelancer remotely from anywhere around the world and doesn’t have a permanent home.
On the flip side, a location-independent worker has the freedom to work from anywhere but has a permanent space to live.
I know it sounds crazy to not have a home while you live in an Recreational Vehicle(RV) or hotel around the world but that’s the most fun part about the digital nomad lifestyle.
The Pros of Being a Digital Nomad
Now that you know what being a digital nomad means, let’s talk about why you should opt for a digital nomadic lifestyle.
The Experience
The first and most significant reason that can motivate you to opt for the unorthodox lifestyle of a digital nomad is the experience. You are traveling around the world, carrying a laptop with a few backpacks, experiencing new cultures, learning new languages, watching sunsets at the peak of a mountain, and enjoying different seasons. This should be enough for you to pack your bag and leave for an adventure.
Self Discovery
“Your real self may be hiding somewhere, look for it within, when you find yourself, you can freely be what you want to be.”–Michael Bassey Johnson.
When you go out to explore the world, the biggest discovery you make is about yourself. You get to know your weaknesses and your strengths.
A Stress-Free Work Environment
You are too far from the chaos and stress of the office environment. In the other case, you might have a different type of chaos with this kind of lifestyle but that one is worth it. You don’t have to deal with the boss or difficult co-workers, and you can sip on your coffee whenever and wherever you want.
You Are Global
When you don’t lock yourself to a specific region, you become a global brand. You get the opportunity to close deals from around the globe and can earn more while doing everything you love.
As a cherry on top, this global identity will foster an international network for you, which is an asset in itself.
Self Improvement
When you break the bubble of your comfort zone and go out in the wilderness you get to harness your interpersonal skills. You might not know the languages, but you will learn to communicate through gestures. When you run down some problems, you will have to improvise, which in turn will improve your critical thinking.
All in all, being a digital nomadic does more good than harm to the people opting for it.
The Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
Before we jump into the how-to part of this content piece, I think it would be unfair to not be transparent with you about all the good and bad about the digital nomad lifestyle. So, here are the cons of the said lifestyle, and if you are fine with them you can go ahead.
Internet Problems
The biggest problem that you will likely face during your journey would be to find a reliable internet connection. Sometimes your mobile WiFi will run out of battery, and you will be looking to find a public hotspot. I never ran into a problem because I opted for Spectrum Internet. It has one of the biggest networks, offering free nationwide WiFi hotspots that are very fast.
Time Difference
Let’s say you are working from a beach in Thailand while your client is in the US. The time difference will be 11 hours. You will have to follow their time zone to ensure that they are getting what they need on time to run the business. This can potentially lead to a disturbed and unhealthy sleep schedule. The bottom line is to be aware of this problem and communicate accordingly with your clients.
Self-Motivation
This one is tough. With no office space or supervisor, it’s easy to get distracted. You have to keep yourself motivated all the time and keep yourself disciplined which, honestly speaking, is a really hard thing to accomplish.
The Fuss of Visas
While there are countries that allow American citizens to come and get a visa on arrival, not all of them are the same. Sometimes going through the process is troublesome and might cost you more money than you expect.
How to Become a Digital Nomad?
OK. So, you have decided to become a digital nomad, and you are fancying that crazy lifestyle. It’s an exciting thought, no doubt! But before you pack your bags and book a one-way ticket to Bali, there are a few things you should know and prepare for. Trust me, speaking from my experience, preparation is key to enjoying this adventurous nomadic lifestyle.
Step 1: Assess Your Work Situation
First things first, can your job be done remotely?
If you’re a freelancer or have a job that allows for remote work, you’re already a step ahead. But if you’re in a traditional 9-to-5, you might need to talk to your employer about remote work possibilities.
Some companies are more flexible than others. If remote work isn’t an option, consider freelancing or finding a job that embraces remote work.
Step 2: Secure Reliable Technology
Your tech gear is your lifeline. Make sure you have a reliable laptop, a good smartphone, and essential accessories like portable chargers and noise-canceling headphones. Internet is your best friend; invest in a good mobile WiFi device and consider services like Xfinity for extensive hotspot access.
Not to forget, it is recommended to backup everything to the cloud regularly, because losing your data while on the move can be a nightmare.
Step 3: Financial Planning
Before you hit the road, make sure your finances are in order. Have a budget in place and save an emergency fund. The cost of living varies from place to place, so research your destinations ahead of time. Also, get a travel-friendly bank account and credit card to avoid hefty international fees.
Step 4: Health and Insurance
Health is wealth, right? Make sure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers international travel. Keep a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications with you. Also, check for any vaccinations required for the countries you plan to visit.
Step 5: Choose Your Destinations Wisely
Not all places are digital nomad-friendly. Look for destinations with good internet, affordable living costs, and a vibrant community of fellow nomads. Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America are popular choices. Remember, it’s not just about the Instagram-worthy spots; you need a place where you can work efficiently too.
Step 6: Accommodation
From Airbnb to hostels, the options are endless. However, finding the right place is crucial. Make sure your accommodation has a comfortable workspace and reliable internet. Platforms like Nomad List and Facebook groups can help you find recommendations from other nomads.
Step 7: Plan Your Work Schedule
Time management is crucial when you’re a digital nomad. Set a schedule that balances work and exploration. Be mindful of time zones, especially if you have clients or colleagues in different parts of the world. Communicate clearly with your clients about your availability.
Step 8: Community and Networking
Being a digital nomad can get lonely if you’re always moving around. Join local co-working spaces and attend meetups to build a network. Websites like Meetup and Eventbrite are great for finding events. Building a community of like-minded individuals can make your experience more enjoyable and provide opportunities for collaboration.
Step 9: Embrace the Challenges
It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. There will be times when you face internet issues, homesickness, or visa problems. Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt to new situations. These challenges are part of the adventure and will help you grow personally and professionally.
Step 10: Enjoy the Ride
At the end of the day, being a digital nomad is about enjoying the freedom and experiences that come with it. Explore new cultures, try new foods, and make the most of your time on the road. It’s a unique lifestyle that offers countless opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
List of Jobs You Can Do as a Digital Nomad
- Freelance Writing
– Content writing
– Copywriting
– Blogging
– Technical writing2. Web and Software Development
– Front-end development
– Back-end development
– Full-stack development
– Mobile app development3. Graphic Design
– Logo design
– Branding
– UI/UX design
– Illustration4. Digital Marketing
– SEO Specialist
– Social media management
– Email marketing
– PPC advertising5. Virtual Assistance
– Administrative support
– Customer service
– Email management
– Scheduling and planning6. Online Teaching and Tutoring
– Language instruction
– Subject-specific tutoring
– Online course creation
– Test preparation coaching7. Consulting
– Business consulting
– Financial consulting
– Marketing consulting
– IT Consulting8. E-commerce
– Dropshipping
– Product sourcing and selling
– Print on demand
– Amazon FBA9. Video Production and Editing
– Video editing
– Animation
– Motion graphics
– YouTube content creation10. Transcription and Translation
– Transcribing audio and video
– Translation services
– Subtitling
– Localization11. Project Management
– Remote project coordination
– Agile project management
– Team leadership
– Task management12. Photography
– Stock photography
– Travel photography
– Event photography
– Photo editing13. Data Analysis
– Data entry
– Data visualization
– Business intelligence
– Statistical analysis14. Online Sales and Support
– Customer support
– Sales representative
– Account management
– Technical support15. Blogging and Vlogging
– Travel blogging
– Lifestyle blogging
– YouTube vlogging
– Affiliate marketing16. Coaching and Mentoring
– Life coaching
– Career coaching
– Fitness coaching
– Business mentoring
Postscript
You may check out this subreddit where fellow digital nomads share their interesting experiences.