Dreaming of working from a hot, tropical beach? Laptop on your knee, a cold drink in one hand, and a stunning view before you?
If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s be clear, there is no job in the world that fits that description!
You might have a romanticised idea of working as a freelancer and travelling the world, or a digital nomad as this is now called, and you might think that the above description is exactly what that job is, but truth be told, it really isn’t.
Yes, when you work as a digital nomad you can travel as you please, working from your laptop wherever there is a reliable internet connection, BUT have you ever tried working from a beach? It isn’t the idyllic scene you would imagine. Your laptop will overheat and burn your legs, before dying completely for a few hours. The drink will drip all down your arm and do nothing for the rather poor state your laptop is already in. Sand will get all over the place, and you’ll just be far too hot.
Yes, life as a digital nomad certainly has its unique challenges, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to see the world.
The above example is in no way intended to kill your buzz, it’s simply to give you a realistic idea of what is involved. A digital nomad lifestyle isn’t perfect, but it has some major plus points.
What is a Digital Nomad?
Before we get into the nitty gritty of things, we need to put a definition on it. Basically, a digital nomad is very similar to a freelancer, but with one major difference. In both cases, there is no need to think about office space planning, or office desks, because you’re totally independent. You will work for yourself, so you are self-employed and you’re therefore responsible for paying your own taxes, and you will work digitally, e.g. with a computer and an Internet connection. This the same for both a freelancer and a digital nomad. The difference between the two is that a digital nomad is never really in one place for very long. He or she will continue to work digitally but they will move around from place to place, usually making use of co-working spaces, comfortable office chairs, or anywhere with a good Internet connection and quiet atmosphere.
The Pros and Cons of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Again, before we get into how to become a Digital Nomad and the best way to work it all out, we need to decide whether this really is the lifestyle for you. There are many pros to being a Digital Nomad, but there are also some surprising downsides. Let’s explore.
Pros of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
• You get to see the world as you please, without restrictions (providing there is an Internet connection and a plug)
• You will meet countless people during your nomad life, including likeminded travelers and locals
• Your work will be enhanced by the travel and cultures you’re experiencing
• You will find many opportunities come your way, due to the sheer number of people you are meeting along the way
• You can work your own hours, to suit your needs
• You are your own boss, with no-one to answer to
• You can schedule in a day or afternoon off whenever you please
Cons of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
• You are responsible for filing your own taxes and ensuring you meet all regulations of your country of origin, as you are self employed
• Homesickness is a big issue
• If you experience a travel delay or there is a problem in the country you’re in, you lose time working, which is lost cash
• Motivating yourself to work when you are surrounded by so much to explore can be very difficult, and if you don’t work, you don’t get paid
• You will need to build up your company well in advance of jetting off, to ensure you have a secure foundation
• Having savings is a good idea, as a security blanket
As you can see, there are as many ups as downs, but the biggest pro of them all is the fact you can see this wonderful world of ours, whilst working and doing the thing you love the most.
So, definition and pros and cons out of the way, let’s look into how to become a digital nomad, and explore the best ways to do it all.
How To Become a Digital Nomad
Everyone has their own route to becoming a digital nomad, but there are certain steps you will need to fulfil along the way, in order to get there successfully.
Identify Your Talent and Pick Your Niche
Do you have a talent which you can utilise to make money from on the road? It has to be something you can do digitally, so things like creative writing, copywriting, translating, proofreading, working as a virtual assistant, transcribing, website design, graphic design, etc. If you are talented in something like this, pick the one you want to concentrate on, and that is what is going to make money!
Purchase Your Equipment & Establish Your Business
Once you’ve made your decision, do nothing about your current job, wait! We’ll get onto that in a moment. Firstly, you need to purchase any equipment required for your new endeavor, so we’re talking about a good quality laptop and any other specific items which you need to do your new job on the road. From there, you need to establish your business. This means registering as self-employed, and looking into how you will pay your taxes. Make sure you get some official and accurate advice on this.
Build up Your Business
Spend some time building up your business. You can register with an online freelancing website, such as Upwork, for example. This will allow you to bid for jobs and build up client trust. These clients may then decide to contact you on an ongoing basis for future work. At this time, stay within your current job and work your freelancing on the side. There needs to be an overlapping period to allow you to keep earning money, and also saving for your future travels. Once your business reaches a point where you have enough regular clients to keep you going, and you have a good enough reputation to bid for more whilst you’re away, you can decide on your next move. Take a career break and try it out, or quit and go for it?
Plan Your Journey
There are many Digital Nomad websites, and plenty of groups on Facebook you can use to find information and some of the best routes to try. There are certain places which are best for beginner Digital Nomads, such as Chiang Mai in Thailand, or many destinations in Bali. Mexico City is another nomad hotspot, as well as Barcelona. You can basically go anywhere, but you’re best picking somewhere with plenty of co-working facilities at first, to ease you in gently. This is also where you will meet the most likeminded nomads, to be able to network and build up a support system.
Find Your Own Way
Every single Digital Nomad works differently. Some use productivity apps and start work early, so they can explore in the afternoon. Others work at night, preferring to have the whole day to themselves. How you organise your time depends on how you work best, and this is something you’ll identify over time. Yes, take hints and tips from others, but go with what feels best for you. Also, don’t fall into the trap of becoming so distracted with your new lifestyle that you forget to work! Remember, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid, and your journey is going to come to an end sooner than you hoped. Plan your time well and stick to it.
Return Home For Pitstops
The Digital Nomad lifestyle doesn’t mean being on the go all the time, and many nomads like to return home for a few months throughout the year, to allow them to see friends and family, but also to save up a little more cash, to fund further travel. You can easily set up a home office for this time, and run a more set schedule. You’ll have been using various different co-working spaces, cafes, and bars along the way that a comfortable executive office chair and a luxury office desk might be just the ticket for a couple of months! Head online to check out office furniture London choices on our website at Calibre Office Furniture.
What do you think of the Digital Nomad trend? Is it something you’d like to get into, or something you can’t imagine working for you? Perhaps you’re already a Digital Nomad, and in that case, why not share some pearls of wisdom with wannabe nomads of the future?