So, you’ve heard about how digital nomad are having all the fun out there. You’re interested in traveling to various corners of the globe to meet new people and experience richly diverse cultures. You’re thinking about changing your life as soon as possible. But hold on just a minute!
While there are special perks that come with being a digital nomad, it’s essential that you know exactly what you’re getting into before you dive straight in. ReeCareer has provided some practical information and advice to help you determine whether digital nomadism is right for you, and if so, how to strategize your adventure!
Assess your personality traits
First of all, The Virtual Campground suggests taking an honest assessment of your personality and tendencies to make sure the digital nomad lifestyle is for you.
- You have to be comfortable with ever-changing circumstances.
- You must be a resourceful self-starter.
- You also have to be okay with moving cities and countries every few months and be able to deal with a fluctuating income and routine.
These are just a few of the many traits to consider.
Lay the Foundation for Your Adventure, Including Taking Online Courses
Once you have determined that digital nomadism is your way forward, it’s time to start getting ready for your new lifestyle. Make sure you have all the gear you need, including tech necessities like a laptop, smartphone, headphones or earbuds, etc.
Put together a simple wardrobe of casual clothes and include a couple of nice outfits for potential meetings with future clients. If you are going to start your nomadism by traveling across the country, consider investing in a sprinter van or other type of vehicle that can accommodate your lifestyle.
If there are gaps in your skillset, consider going back to school to beef up on the latest concepts and software associated with your interests. For example, you could take online coursework that works toward a business degree to learn all you need to know about topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, accounting, and information technology.
The good news is that going the online route is much more convenient and affordable than traditional education at physical campuses—you can learn at your own speed at the convenience of your own home.
Make Specific Plans
So, you’ve got your stuff together. Now, it’s time to make a thorough plan. Where will you live? Some of the most popular digital nomad cities in the world include:
- Bali, Indonesia
- Barcelona, Spain
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Medellin, Columbia
- Tulum, Mexico
Along with deciding on a city to begin your adventure, learn how to look for tech-and-budget-friendly lodging. It will be much easier to hold down a steady remote job when you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Digital Nomad Soul notes that looking at local Facebook groups in the location you are moving to, connecting with local residents and nomads, and researching Airbnb and Trusted Housecarers are all excellent ways to find lodging that meets your work and budgetary needs.
You will also want to start looking for jobs if you don’t have one, as well as build your skills and reputation in your profession. Using a reputable, cost-effective money transfer service might be more practical for your clients than more traditional payment methods.
If you are only interested in traveling domestically and you’re operating under an LLC, you may want to consider getting a tax ID number. Having one will be useful for managing tax information if you ever decide to hire employees.
Expand Your Skills
You can be a digital nomad with little to no experience. If you already have a job that allows you to work remotely, great! But if not, don’t lose hope. Start pouring over online tutorials on the types of jobs you are interested in. Here are a few of the most common jobs for digital nomads:
- Content writing or copywriting
- Transcribing
- Proofreading or editing
- Social media administration
- Web design or development
- Virtual assistance
Once you start growing your skills and expertise, make sure you have all the travel logistics organized. Research coworking spaces in the area you are traveling to; nomad insurance, local taxes, local banking, and other essentials. And consider investing in a portable Wi-Fi device in case you get in a bind and need to work online.
There’s no denying that being a digital nomad can provide you with a thrilling, fulfilling life. But if you jump into it before knowing what it entails or neglect to prepare for your adventure, you can end up in a bad financial position really fast.
Consider the tips above and keep researching other ways you can prepare for the next exciting chapter in your life!
