A Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad

Imagine trading your daily commute for a walk on the beach.

Or your office cubicle for a cafe in a historic European city.

Digital nomads use technology to work remotely. They can work from anywhere. These internet nomads are not bound by physical offices or specific locations.

They have the best work-from-anywhere ethos.

What is a digital nomad?

Digital nomads are people who travel freely while working remotely using technology and the internet. They generally have few possessions and work remotely in temporary housing. This housing can be hotels, cafes, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles. They use Wi-Fi, smartphones, or mobile hotspots to access the Internet.

Most digital nomads are programmers, content creators, and designers or developers. Some digital nomads are perpetual travelers, while others only maintain the lifestyle for a short period of time. Some nomads travel through many countries. Others stay in one area. Some may travel and live in a vehicle, in a practice known as van-dwelling.

In 2023, there are 17.3 million American digital nomads, representing a 131% increase from 7.3 million in 2019.

The digital nomad lifestyle could be exciting. It's for those who've caught the travel bug and want to break from 9 to 5 life in office. Below, we’ll cover the benefits, job opportunities, and realities of this alternative lifestyle.

Why to jump on digital nomadism wave?

Digital nomadism is more than just working remotely. It's a lifestyle that offers the freedom to travel and explore new cultures while earning a living. It's about finding a balance. You balance productivity and adventure. You do this by using the internet's power to work on your own terms.

People become digital nomads to travel. They want to be able to work from anywhere. Leaving expensive cities also lowers their cost of living. The cost of living is the top criterion for digital nomads. They value it most when picking a destination. After that, they care about climate, diversity, and leisure activities.

There are also benefits for employers. Worker productivity is causally linked to the option to work from anywhere. Workers freed from geographic limits had an average 4.4% output increase, after accounting for other factors.

Why Being a Digital Nomad Rocks?

You Get Stuff Done Faster

When you're surrounded by stunning views, there's no room for procrastination. You'll find yourself working smarter to dive into your next adventure sooner. Think of adventure as your new productivity hack.

Hello, Creative Genius

Ever heard of mixing different ideas to brew something new? That's your brain on travel mode. Each new place fills your mind with unique experiences. This helps you come up with very creative ideas. Traveling is a creativity workout for your brain.

You'll Roll With the Punches

Travel throws you into the unknown, making you a pro at adapting to anything. Each new place teaches you to embrace differences. This makes you open to future adventures. Plus, it's like a gym session for your brain, making it more agile and ready for life's curveballs.

More "Me" Time

Work's important, but it's not everything. Finishing tasks quicker means more time to explore. You can also indulge in hobbies or hang out with people you care about. It's about creating a life that feels full, not just busy.

Friends for Life

Nothing bonds people like shared adventures. As you hop from one spot to another, you'll meet fellow nomads. You'll spark friendships that last a lifetime. And if you're traveling with someone close, expect to grow even closer.

Digital nomads also usually spend over 35% of their income in the place where they are staying. This money stimulates local economies in popular spots. It mainly helps the service industry and the sale of consumer goods.

So, how to become a digital nomad?

Switching to the digital nomad life is more than just having your laptop ready and chasing a dream. It's about moving into a job that lets you work from anywhere. It means getting great at managing your own schedule. But, it also means dealing with visas, taxes, and staying healthy while hopping across countries. It's about creating a lifestyle where work, your passions, and adventure mix well.

Portugal, Thailand, South Africa or Prague? There is a literal world of choices, so before you embark on your digital nomad adventure.

Choosing Your Ideal Destination: What to Look For?

Deciding on the perfect spot for your next move? Consider these key points to ensure it's the right place for you:

• Legal Entry: Pick a place where you're allowed to enter and stay. It's crucial to ensure you meet visa and entry requirements.

• Safety: Your safety comes first. Opt for destinations known for their security and where you feel comfortable.

• Personal Desire: It should be a place you're excited about exploring. Your destination should align with your interests and lifestyle.

Remember, the right location ticks all these boxes. It sets the stage for a fulfilling experience.

Key elements like safety, legality, and job feasibility are essentials. But for a smooth digital nomad experience, don’t neglect these factors:

• Passports: First up, if you're eyeing an adventure beyond your borders, a valid passport is your golden ticket. Don't wait until the last minute to check its expiry date. Finding out it's due for renewal right before your trip? Not fun.

• Visas: Your destination dictates the visa game. A tourist visa works for many. But, the digital nomad lifestyle has led some countries to make special visas for folks like us. And sometimes, you might need a work visa. It's all about where you're going and how long you plan to stay.

• Health Insurance: Roaming the globe? Many countries want to know you're covered, health-wise. It could be an international or local plan. Having your health insurance sorted means one less hiccup when you land.

• Taxes: Ah, the joy of taxes, which seem to forget we're living in a mobile world. It's a bit of a maze for location-independent workers, but it's manageable with some homework.

• Workspace: Ensure you have what you need to work effectively. That could be reliable internet, a quiet space for calls, or specific equipment. This might include ergonomic furniture or noise-canceling headphones. Check tech compatibility and have backups for essentials.

• Internet: Stable Wi-Fi is a must. Test your stay's internet before. If it's bad, explore coworking spaces. Also, consider a local SIM card for data. Use a VPN for public Wi-Fi to secure your connection.

• Money: Prepare for financial emergencies. Do this by telling your bank of travel plans. Also, secure a backup credit card and carry emergency cash. Look into local banking partnerships to avoid fees. Also, learn about local digital payment options.

💡Tip: There is an amazing website community. It can help you decide and find all the criteria above. I highly recommend checking it out. It covers most countries. You can quickly find the info you want. Visit Nomadlist and find out for yourself.

Careers Without Borders

Some careers do not need employees to be tethered to a desk. These fields include software development, graphic design, digital marketing, writing, and consulting. They offer flexibility. They allow you to work from anywhere. This lifestyle has many benefits. It offers the freedom to travel and escape the 9-to-5 office grind. And, it provides the chance to find inspiration everywhere.

If you're seeking a digital nomad lifestyle, focus on platforms for remote jobs. Good options include We Work Remotely or Remote.co. It's smart to check if potential employers gel with your roving lifestyle.

Here's a snapshot of jobs that mesh well with the digital nomad life:

• Accounting, Customer Support, Design, Editing, Healthcare, IT, Marketing, Project Management, Recruiting & HR, Sales, Software Development, Teaching or Tutoring, Transcription, Virtual Assistance, Copywriting.

These roles span many sectors. They show there's room for digital nomads in all of them.

Starting Your Nomadic Journey

Freelancing is another popular route. Before you set off, ask yourself:

• What skills do I have?

• What do I enjoy doing?

• Is there a demand for my skills?

• Can I perform this job online?

Knowing your marketable skills is key. Dive into the freelance world by showing your services. Do this on a platform like Fiverr.

You can work for a business or for yourself. The core of digital nomadism isn't the job title. It's the ability to work digitally.

Digital nomadism isn't confined to remote employment and freelancers. It's also a fertile ground for entrepreneurs. They can create and sell digital products, like ebooks, online courses, design templates, guides, and more. This path offers the liberty to live a nomadic lifestyle. It also offers the potential to grow your business beyond geographic limits.

Becoming a digital nomad is a transformative process that transcends conventional work models. It's an opportunity to design a life that aligns with your passions and aspirations. If you're ready to take the plunge into digital nomadism, remember, it's not just about where you work. It's about how you live.