How different would your life look if you could work from anywhere? The amazing thing about the age we live in is the ability to work as remotely as possible and be a digital nomad.
If you create content that can be done online, you can work anywhere on earth that has an internet connection. Whether you are a writer, designer, editor, blogger, SEO expert, consultant or anything to do with the digital lifestyle, becoming a digital nomad is a real possibility.
If you’ve dreamed of being able to work while you travel, this article will get you up to speed. And since there is no one framework to follow, we’ll look at the three main things you should know.
What Is A Digital Nomad?
This needs to be looked at in the two simple parts. We’ve discussed the digital side of this lifestyle and it’s any work that can be done online with a laptop. The nomad side means it does not tie you down to one location. You may move from place to place or set up shop in one location for a while before moving on.
You’re basically outside your country of origin and exploring the world while you work and make a living.
1. How To Become A Digital Nomad
The first thing you need is a form of digital skills. You may already have these and are ready to take the next step, but it’s good to narrow down what you’re an expert in. Maybe you’re a great writer, or editor (written, video, photo) or love doing web design.
Having multiple skills can make you more hireable as a freelancer. It’s also a good idea to zero in on one particular skill you are most passionate about. Then you can be the expert choice for work in that specialty.
If you’re starting from scratch, you need to identify the things you are most passionate about. It may be photography, graphic design, or video production. You then want to build up as many skills as you can in that chosen area.
You can use free resources like YouTube tutorials or pay some money for an online course. The most important thing is to get started and learn your craft. It will take time, but if it’s something you’re passionate about, it won’t feel like work.
You can look for online courses in places like:
- Lynda.com
- Udemy.com
- Free code camp
- Code academy
- Team Tree House
2. How Do You Make Money?
You’ve developed skills, but how do you generate an income while being a digital nomad? The good news is it’s easier than ever to make a living while getting paid electronically. The easiest way is getting a regular job that sends you to a remote location.
This might not be the ideal digital nomad experience, but you may find a company that can send you to different locations throughout the year.
Freelancing
Freelancing will be your best friend if you have a hireable skill such as web design, copywriting, etc. This is where you take on select jobs that you will bid for in various networks. You will work on specific projects without having to work for a company.
The advantage is you can take on as many projects as you can handle if the opportunities are there. As the demand for you grows, you can start increasing your rates to make more money per project.
With freelancing, you can check out projects on specific freelancing websites such as:
- Peopleperhour.com
- Upwork.com
- Guru.com
You just look for jobs relevant to your skills then send in your bid or proposal for that job. Those sites also allow you to make a profile where prospective clients can search for the specific skills you offer. If you’re just starting out, freelancing may be a bit tough.
A freelancer needs to have a good portfolio and past work to reference. If you’re new to freelancing, it can help to do some work for free to build a resume and references. As you build your own brand, more work will come.
Then when you get projects to work on, there’s no holding you down on where you work on them. It could be your local coffee shop or a coffee shop on the other side of the world. There’s no limit to where you can go, and the digital nomad experience allows you to do this.
3. Obstacles That You May Face
A digital nomad lifestyle is very appealing, but, with most things, you need to look at the pros and cons. If you are someone who likes security and a regular paycheck, this will take some time getting used to. You may earn a good income for a few months, then hit a dry spell for a few more. Consistency in the work can be a problem, especially if it’s early in your career.
One big issue is not having a home base. There are some digital nomads that haven’t had a home address for years and are constantly on the move. This can be a tough obstacle as you don’t have a home to return to and can lack that comfort.
Another issue is that you are your own boss and if you’re not motivated to work, it impacts your bank account. Your ability to work remotely will then suffer. There’s also not getting the health benefits that can come from a regular job.
It takes some navigating to overcome these obstacles, so it’s important to go into this lifestyle knowing all the variables.
Final Thoughts: Is a Digital Nomad Lifestyle for You?
If you’re the type of person who loves adventure and not being tied down, the digital nomad lifestyle may be just what the doctor ordered. It’s important to know how the lifestyle works, how you can make a living from it, and the obstacles that you may face.
But if you talk to any of these nomads who have gone the digital route, they will tell you it was the best thing they ever did.
