Sometimes, I have to pinch myself. After countless laborious years working in corporate offices that are as stale as the bread I bought last week, I’ve found myself combining work with my first love (excluding my husband-to-be and cat, of course): travel.
Gone are the days when we need to sit behind a desk to earn money. Times have blissfully changed, and the population of digital nomads continues to grow. Remote work has become so mainstream that over 50 countries worldwide have released visas specifically for digital nomads. Fancy working from a beach on a Caribbean island? Heck yeah.
Of course, for some, working remotely sounds like a nightmare. For others, it’s a one-way ticket to freedom. Get ready to unlock the secrets of earning a living while wandering the world. Here’s your roadmap to becoming a digital nomad.
Get clear on your goal
Not all good things in life come easy. And if I’m honest with you, setting up life as a digital nomad can be challenging. Is it worth it? 100 per cent. Getting here takes courage, persistence and a clear goal. If you want something bad enough, you can make it happen. Go at it half-heartedly? I wouldn’t recommend it.
With that, start by finding your ‘why’. Why do you want to do this, and do you have a timeframe in mind? You may be looking to earn a few extra dollars on a three-to-six-month trip, spend a year doing a lap of Australia, or dive straight in and keep swimming for as long as you can. Whatever your goal is, get clear on it.
Discover your niche
With a vision in mind, it’s time to identify your work direction. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Are you a wordsmith, a graphic wizard, a creative craftsperson or a social media guru?
Remember, you don’t have to be a genius at any of these things to get started. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into something and learn on the job. There are heaps of online platforms, ebooks and courses available online that can help you upskill, too.
You may not even need to quit your job. Why not speak to your boss about working remotely? If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Still not sure what to do?
If you’re dead set on the digital nomad plan but are unsure what job suits you, here are a few to consider:
Remote content creator: If you’ve got a way with words, dive into freelance writing, blogging, or even creating video content for brands and websites.
Virtual assistant: Help businesses manage their tasks, emails, and appointments from afar. It’s a diverse role that can include anything from social media management to customer support.
Online tutor or teacher: Share your expertise by teaching languages, giving music lessons, tutoring in math, or leading virtual workshops.
Web developer or designer: If coding is your forte, work on web projects, app development, or design captivating websites for clients worldwide.
Digital marketing specialist: Jump into the dynamic world of digital marketing. Manage social media, run online ad campaigns, or optimise websites for search engines.
E-Commerce entrepreneur: Start an online store and sell products through platforms like Shopify or Etsy. Manage your business while exploring new places.
Hunt for remote jobs
Websites like Remote.co, FlexJobs, Upwork and Fiverr feature a treasure trove of remote job listings. Scan through them to find the perfect gig that aligns with your skills and aspirations. Set your own rates, choose projects that excite you, and enjoy the flexibility of working on your own terms.
Your digital nomad setup
When it’s time to hit the road, make sure your packing list includes your digital toolkit. For starters, think about bringing a reliable laptop, noise-cancelling headphones, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, and a power bank. Don’t forget to secure your data with a trustworthy VPN.
If your plan is to work in coffee shops, it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary with locations suitable for this style of remote work. Alternatively, what setup will you have? Perhaps it’s a makeshift van office. Spend some time thinking about what environment you’d like to work in before setting off. Working in bed can sound dreamy, but it’s not always the most productive!
Budget wisely
While it’s all well and good to set out and see what happens, the last thing you want is to run out of cash and be back to square one. Craft a budget that encompasses travel expenses, accommodation, insurance, and work-related costs. Tools like Expensify and TravelSpend can help you track your spending and stay on top of your financial game.
Embrace the adventure
Remember, you’re not just working but crafting an adventure-filled life. Immerse yourself in local cultures, try new foods, and create lasting memories and enjoy it.