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Sign Up NowWouldn’t it be great to travel the world and still make money? Yes, both at once. Become a digital nomad and turn the world into your workplace.
Earning money does not always have to tie you to one location and one schedule. If you have skills you can offer online, why not turn it into a longer work trip?
All you really need is internet access and a place to sleep.
A digital nomad is a freelancer who spends much of their time traveling with a laptop, working online and exploring new places in between.
This way of life has become very popular over the past few years. People love to travel, and what could be better than earning money for your next trip?
Digital nomads are usually active people who look for new experiences, enjoy adventure, sports, and meeting different people.
Many digital nomads choose warm destinations such as Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, or Southern Europe. They often spend most of the year abroad, either moving from one place to another after a short stay or choosing one location and staying there longer.
When it comes to Southern Europe, hiking in France is one of the most attractive options. Imagine walking through the sunny vineyards of Provence, visiting small villages in the French Alps, or following the calm Dordogne River toward Rocamadour.
Freelancing gives you a level of freedom that most other jobs cannot offer. If you already freelance or want to start, why stay in one place when your work does not require it?
All you need is a laptop, a stable internet connection, and regular work to support your travels.
Of course, you will also need some starting money to pay for flights, accommodation, and the other expenses that come with living abroad.
But once you settle in one place and begin earning, it may not feel very different from living back home. You still need to pay rent and buy food no matter where you are.
And when you save a little more, you can simply pack up and move on to the next destination. Sounds appealing, right?
So, if this already has you thinking about that lifestyle, you may want to know what kind of jobs can give you that level of freedom.
Digital nomads often work as copywriters, programmers, web developers, business developers, graphic designers, photographers, vloggers, bloggers, digital marketers, freelance journalists, writers, and more.
This lifestyle works best for people who manage their own projects or work with clients by delivering online services, products, or content.
When you work abroad, you gain much more than income. Experiencing local culture, visiting beautiful places, and learning more about the world can change your life and often means more than money.
You will come across many inspiring and important people while traveling, including both locals and other travelers, and you can learn a lot from them. These experiences can shape your personality and teach you many useful lessons. Some of these people may also become future partners or valuable contacts.
Your work hours and work location are fully up to you, which feels very freeing. You can work when you are most focused or take a break whenever you need one. Just make sure the work still gets done.
As a digital nomad, you work in a setting you choose for yourself. Because of that, you may end up being more productive than people who do not get to choose where they work. Also, as a digital nomad, you are likely traveling to places that make you happy, and we all know happiness helps improve energy and productivity.
There are many rewards waiting for you after work, so it is easy to stay motivated, such as, "I'll do this and I'll go to the beach" or "If I finish this project, I can afford to buy another plane ticket". Being in an international setting is also very energizing, which can boost your motivation even more.
Being a digital nomad is not always as glamorous as it seems. Three of the biggest issues for many digital nomads are productivity, money, and loneliness.
Staying productive while traveling and enjoying yourself can be difficult. This lifestyle comes with many of the same distractions that come with being on holiday.
Even though digital nomads are not actually on vacation, they can sometimes get so caught up in the exciting lifestyle that they forget about work completely. That is when problems begin. They may run short on money, become lazy and careless about work, or even start losing their usual work habits.
Money is often the biggest issue for many digital nomads. If you do the same type of work each month and earn roughly the same amount every month, your choice of locations may still be limited.
What feels like a very comfortable income in Southeast Asia may not be enough to support life in major cities across Europe or the United States.
That said, if you can afford it, there is nothing stopping you from working in the UK as a foreigner. A quiet cottage, rainy weather, and a cup of tea can be a lovely mix.
Also, money and freedom do not always go hand in hand. Very few digital nomads are fully independent. There is usually someone you still depend on and someone whose expectations you still need to take seriously in the middle of all the fun.
You need to stay in regular contact with your clients or business partners, keep communicating, and do good work so they do not stop sending you projects. In the end, you still rely on that income.
At some point, everyone misses home. Even though most digital nomads choose this lifestyle because they enjoy travel and like being away from home, many still find it difficult to see friends and family only from time to time. A lot of digital nomads end up feeling lonely, and that can hurt both their motivation and their ability to stay productive.
If you are currently thinking about trying the digital nomad lifestyle, we have a few tips for you. We have been through it, so we know it can get difficult.
The best answer for a digital nomad is coworking.
Working from a beach, a beach café, a hotel bar, or your hotel or homestay room is often no more effective than working from your living room or a café in your own city. A good WiFi connection is not enough. You need to work in a place that helps you stay focused and supports productivity.
You also get to meet other digital nomads from around the world, and that can be motivating too.
Coworking spaces are available in many countries, so you can pick almost any destination and combine work with travel.
Some coworking spaces such as WeWork allow you to pay for one membership and then work from any WeWork location you choose. They also launched a newer platform called WeLive, which offers fully equipped rooms where you can stay.
Many digital nomads choose coworking spaces in holiday destinations such as Bali, Hawaii, or Thailand so they can enjoy rewards after work like surfing, diving, swimming, or simply exploring the area.
If you have never worked abroad before, do not rush into it and start with only a one-month membership in a coworking space first, then see for yourself whether this kind of lifestyle really suits you.
If it no longer feels right, you can always stop and return home. Or you can stay in one place instead; there is no rule saying you have to keep moving around the world.
The biggest challenge of being a digital nomad, the uncertain lifestyle, is also its biggest benefit. You can always choose what works for you, including deciding to stop being a digital nomad.
Have you compared the pros and cons of being a digital nomad and are now thinking of becoming one? The next step is to build a strong resume that shows your unique skills. Take a look at our large collection of free resume templates and create a resume that reflects your flexible and adventurous mindset.
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