Ever dream of travelling across the world while also earning a steady income? With the current trends in technology and employment, this may not be as far-fetched as you think.
A 2022 survey concluded that there were 16.7 million digital nomads in the US alone with the total worldwide estimate being a massive 35 million! Studies also show that this number is growing steadily since the pandemic came into our lives. Technological advancements and the growing popularity of asynchronous modes of communication have made it even more enticing for people to pursue a life of freedom & wanderlust.
Who are Digital Nomads?
Digital nomads are the people who utilize technology to perform location-independent work while also living a nomadic lifestyle.
They usually pursue remote work that requires easily accessible software, a steady internet connection and/or smartphones to complete their work at an asynchronous pace. Furthermore, they use these flexible opportunities to travel to exotic locations and live adventurously. While some nomads choose to own minimal possessions, travel perpetually and work in temporary housing situations, others may maintain this lifestyle sporadically, eventually retreating to a more traditional lifestyle.
Digital Nomads vs Remote Working
While all digital nomads work remotely, all remote-working employees cannot be considered digital nomads. Digital nomads are those who have stretched the idea of Working from Home to Working from Anywhere.
Digital nomads usually plan their work & travel schedules in tandem and prefer travelling to different locations rather than being holed up in a single place.
How can you become a Digital Nomad?
Choosing the digital nomad lifestyle can be an exciting journey and a major lifestyle change. It’s necessary to plan ahead and consider both the pros and cons of embarking on this adventure. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Introspect about what is right for you
While the idea of globetrotting and living life to the fullest might sound romantic on paper, it can be quite stressful to put into action. Introspect your likes and dislikes and make informed choices about pursuing a nomadic lifestyle. Travelling light and giving up the comfort and luxury of a home-based job or a regular office job might not be for everyone.
2. Understand your finances
It is imperative to assess if your income will be able to cover the cost. Create a budget that will help you plan the cost of living, transportation, internet, and food and still manage savings. Make plans for a rainy-day fund. When travelling alone and often, it’s always a good idea to set aside a rainy-day fund on the off chance of an emergency.
3. Make a roadmap
It can be tempting to impulsively fly off to wherever your heart decides, but without a proper road map, you’ll likely end up having an awful time.
4. Prioritise your travels
Do you want to experience certain cultures, learn languages, or maybe you’re all about that adrenaline rush? Make sure your roadmap covers destinations that are suited to your tastes. Additionally, knowing a little something about the places you’re visiting will also help you better prepare for emergencies or eventualities including taxes, cultural faux pas and medical coverage.
5. Research job opportunities
Finding the right remote job is the key to living your best nomadic lifestyle. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1- Identity the kind of opportunity you want to pursue
Step 2- Introspect on the skills required to pursue this path
Step 3- Analyse the market to understand the value of these skills.
Step 4- Experiment with how you can pursue selling these skills asynchronously.
Once you’ve decided on a path, you can reach out to niche marketplaces or networking sites to find the perfect fit for you. Make sure you communicate your requirements and plans with your hiring manager beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.
6. Upskill to reach your employment goals
After you’ve found your ideal career path, you’ll need to spruce up your skills to make yourself indispensable. Create simple and achievable goals and keep in touch with peers from your chosen industry. Network with like-minded people and constantly update yourself with the latest trends in your chosen work sphere.
7. Boost your communication skills
It’s important to stay aligned with your team no matter where you are working from. Mastering the art of balancing synchronous and asynchronous communication can help you thrive at your job.
8. Make a backup plan
Accept that while travelling, especially while travelling abroad, things don’t always work out according to plan. Make multiple backup plans for your finances, for your accommodation, transportation, etc. to guarantee that you won’t be caught in a situation helpless or unaware. Keep a friend or family member informed of your whereabouts. Keep processes in place that you can turn to in case you face hurdles.
Pros and Cons of being a Digital Nomad
The digital nomad lifestyle is exciting but comes with its own challenges. To make a calculated decision, explore both the advantages & disadvantages of choosing the digital nomad life.
Pros of being a digital nomad:
Leave that desk behind- Say goodbye to the dull hum of fluorescent lights and that uninspiring view for a more scenic setting that inspires productivity and creativity.
Experience new cultures- Engage with new cultures, learn new languages and meet interesting people all while pursuing your dream job.
Participate in life-changing activities- Check items off that bucket list. Explore the African wilderness, hike to Machu Pichu or sip coffee in a quaint cafe overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
Become more adaptable- Travelling alone puts you in so many situations that require you to hone your resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.
Minimalistic lifestyle- Being a working nomad means that you’ll have to give up on a lot of unnecessary expenses, not to mention the luxuries of daily life. You’ll learn to live a more minimalistic and satisfying lifestyle.
Cons of being a digital nomad:
Can be alienating- Travelling alone isn’t always as rosy as it sounds. While you’ll meet some lovely people along the way, it can also have an alienating effect being away from the comfort of familiar settings and people.
Communication challenges- Collaborating with your team remotely & asynchronously can take some getting used to. Differences in time zones, accounting for travel, experiences that require you to be unavailable for extended periods of time are all challenges that can affect how you deliver work.
Unreliable connectivity- Not every destination you choose will have high-speed internet or uninterrupted connectivity. Altitude, development, infrastructure and climatic conditions can lead to unreliable internet connection and your ability to work online.
Financial stress- Constantly travelling and paying for food, accommodation, internet, etc. can put a strain on your pocket.
Requires careful planning- a nomadic lifestyle isn’t suitable for impulsive travelers. Careful planning is required to ensure that the locations you choose can accommodate your work responsibilities.
Ideas for your next digital nomad-friendly stint
The vast majority of digital nomads are people who can work remotely using technology and usually fall under the following categories. Dig deeper to figure out which of these domains are best-suited for your interests and skillsets
Writers/Editors/Journalists
Project Managers
Programmers
Social media managers
Designers
Customer Service Reps
Salespeople
Virtual Assistants
Online Educators
Freelancers
Consultants
Staying connected
Staying connected with your team and your clients is imperative no matter where you choose to work from. Good network connection & access to the right digital collaboration tools will make sure that your productivity is not hampered by your flexible lifestyle choices.
Workplace collaboration softwares such as Noicely.ai are specially designed keeping in mind the painpoints & needs of remote workers & digital nomads. It can help you stay up to date with all your team communication, while still living your best nomadic life.