This post was most recently updated on January 13th, 2022
It feels like everyone wants to be a digital nomad, and it’s easy to see why! The chance to travel the world, while still making money, is enough to have anyone packing their bags. But it’s not the kind of lifestyle you can jump straight into without some careful planning. Here are a few things to consider before you book your one-way flight!
Photo credit Samer Daboul, via Pexels
What will your job be?
If your current job can be done remotely, and your company is supportive – you’re already set to be a digital nomad. But for most of us, it’s not that easy. If you’re searching for a job that you can do remotely, you’ll need to think of the types of careers that rely on just a laptop and wifi. Some good examples are website design, freelance writing, social media, or online customer service. There are job boards dedicated to remote working, or you could register as a freelancer on a site like Upwork. If you’re not sure, think about which skills you already have, and if there’s any training you can do to gain more skills in this area.
How long will you be gone?
Have an idea of how long you’d like this adventure to last. You don’t need to stick to the plan, but if you’re keeping your job while you travel you’ll need to negotiate this with your employer. Knowing how long you’ll likely travel can help you to know how much to save, too.
Photo via Pexels, Pixabay
Have you got enough savings?
Once you’ve decided to try the nomadic lifestyle, you’ll need savings! Don’t go out to a foreign country and just hope for the best. You never know when your income could dry up, so you need at least enough to cover the flights and probably a month or two of living expenses, including rent. The more savings, the more of a safety blanket you’ll have. Plus, make sure you have an emergency fund for things like unexpected medical care or to cover your flights home should you run out of money and have to return. Travel insurance is a must, too.
Photo credit luxstorm, Pixabay
How will you communicate with employers/clients?
A good wifi connection is the key to keeping communication flowing between yourself and your
clients or employers on the other side of the world. If you’re hopping from country to country,
what will clients do if they need to send you physical mail? In this case, it’s a good idea to invest
in a physical address they can send mail to, no matter where you are.
Where will you live?
Many digital nomads choose to stay in a hostel for the first few weeks in a new country or city,
so they can get adjusted and decide if they want to stay there. Once you’re settled, you can rent
an apartment via a site like Airbnb. Alternatively, you could look into renting a room in a home,
or house-sitting. Things to consider are safety and affordability, as well as being close to a
network of other travelers, if this is important to you. A strong wifi connection is a must since this
is how you’ll make your money.
Good luck on your next exciting adventure!
I love how many aspects of my work I’ve been able to shift to the digital nomad lifestyle!