Image credit: agirlwhotravels
In the past, becoming a digital nomad seemed like a reward that only a few lucky workers could achieve. The internet and the availability of mobile networks have changed that. In a sense, just about anyone who can land a work-from-home job can work instead as a digital nomad with some exceptions. of course.
Are you interested in starting a life as a digital nomad? Here are the three basic steps you will have to follow to make this dream a reality.
Step One: Understand The Reality
The first thing to address is the misconception that working as a digital nomad means living a life of luxury. You likely won't spend all day working on the beach at the base of the Great Pyramids or in the middle of a beautiful jungle. The reality of working as a digital nomad involves a lot of days cramped in hostels, at a crowded bar or in an airport trying to get a usable Wi-Fi signal.
That does not mean you can't visit all of those places. It just means you will not be working while you visit them. Separating the work from the travel can be extremely difficult. Productivity is often affected because of this.
If working all day from a hostel and then traveling the streets of Europe in your spare time sounds fun to you, then you might be cut out for the digital nomad lifestyle. At the end of the day, it is a fun and freeing experience. Just don't be fooled by the reality.
Step Two: Find A Digital Profession
This is going to be easier for some than for others. You may already know what you want to do. You may already work online. For the rest, it's a matter of navigating the minefield of online work opportunities and finding something that is reliable enough for traveling abroad.
Chances are you have a certain set of skills. Maybe you developed them from a hobby or maybe you learned them from your existing job. The internet is great at turning random skills into a source of freelance income. Writing, composing, transcribing, programming, and web design are all examples of online freelance jobs that can become reliable sources of income for a digital nomad.
Step Three: Choosing Destinations
Once you've worked online for a bit, you feel like your job choice is secure and you have saved up a bit of money, it's time to choose a destination. You are probably eager to rush off to whatever country or city you've always wanted to visit. However, there are some factors that you must take into consideration that will affect the viability of working in a certain place.
For example, having an internet-based job is not going to help you if you don't have a reliable connection to the internet. This is a problem that plagues digital nomads everywhere. It's not like home where you can call an Internet Service Provider and have them connect broadband at the house. You have to work from places that already have an internet connection. This usually means hotels, bars, internet cafes, or other public spaces.
Even then, some countries are severely lacking in the availability of public Wi-Fi. You should invest in a USB dongle that converts mobile cellular networks into internet connections. They are slow and expensive, but it is better than not working at all.
There are other factors that might make a place less than desirable for a digital nomad. High crime rates, a language you can't speak or an unusually high cost of living will each have a negative impact on your experience. All of these factors must be weighed carefully each time you choose a destination.
A Life Unlike Any Other
Despite how easy it can be to get started as a digital nomad, there are plenty of people who are afraid to take the first steps. It will take some commitment, preparation, and an adventurous attitude. If you're willing to step outside of your comfort zone, then you can live a lifestyle unlike any other.
Carol Robson is a retired social worker who believes in living simply, being ecologically friendly, and leaving a small footprint. For more helpful information for others looking to do the same, check out Tiny House Plans. ............................................................
5 Comments
Awesome post! I am about to graduate college with a Bachelor's in Int'l Business and I would love to just move to Spain or Argentina and try to find work... I have studied abroad in Madrid and I can speak Spanish. I am wondering what to do, or if anyone has done this do they have advice.... the one thing holding me back so much is that I will owe so much money in loans I have to be sure to make enough money or else this is completely impossible... It's a very sad situation for me because I want to travel so much but I feel so....stuck. Advice???
ReplyDeleteIn just two days, Chiefs vs Patriots visiting will begin the 2017 NFL season. Yesterday, the Patriots Live issued the first weekly injury report and said they were limited to seven players both non-participatory and practically. Earlier today, the team released the latest application report.Chiefs Live will play one of the most watched regular season games in franchise history.
ReplyDeleteChiefs vs Patriots
Chiefs vs Patriots Live
Watch Chiefs vs Patriots
Chiefs Live
Patriots Live
Patriots vs Chiefs
Patriots vs Chiefs Live
i would like to recommend you this best essay service!
ReplyDeletenyc Article.
ReplyDeletehttps://yogaforhumanbodycare.blogspot.in/
I'm now thinking about getting another diploma. I'm about to get MBA but still unsure if I should try myself in Web Design. Ridiculous, but when you're using online services to get help for homework because you attend design courses and simply have no time for the rest, it means something.
ReplyDelete