A life as a digital nomad can be just what you’re looking for if you believe that diversity adds flavor to life. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a digital nomad is someone who can and is willing to work remotely.
Becoming a digital nomad requires, like any other big life transition, careful preparation and study. With that in mind, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you get off to a good start before you hit the road for business.
What Does It Mean to Be a Digital Nomad?
If an individual works remotely via the internet, they do not necessarily need a permanent “home base” to qualify as a digital nomad. For some digital nomads, the dream of collecting a paycheck and perks while jet-setting around the world is a reality thanks to a company’s accommodating “work from anywhere” policy. Someone who manages their own business, works as a freelancer from internet cafés all over the world, or is self-employed could also be considered a digital nomad.
A digital nomad does not spend their time “on vacation.” There is a common misconception that most digital nomads check their emails casually while sipping cocktails under tiny umbrellas on the beach. No one would bother unless it were really simple. But a digital nomad is a person who makes a conscious decision to work remotely from wherever, usually abroad, in order to sustain themselves.
The benefits of working remotely are many, but digital nomads still face the same challenges as those at home in terms of providing for themselves. No matter where you are, you must always meet several necessities: a place to live, food, clothes, money, and the ability to work and live legally in your current location.
Should You Consider Becoming an Internet Nomad?
Which people might thrive as digital nomads? My go-to response is, “Anyone willing to prepare for the worst and adapt to new circumstances.” If you’re interested in learning more about digital nomadism, I suggest reading the posts titled “No, You Can’t Be a Digital Nomad” and “Yes, You Can Be a Digital Nomad” on the DigitalNomad subreddit. They present compelling arguments for and against the lifestyle choice.
Exploring Opportunities for Digital Nomads
In every place on Earth, finding a job that prioritizes remote work and pays well is a real challenge. Lucrative online job providers seldom seek out candidates with less than two years of relevant work experience. There is already a lot of competition for jobs for would-be digital nomads before you even consider that many large multinational corporations are introducing forced return-to-office plans or providing hybrid-only workplaces.
The point is not to discourage people from trying anything new or unconventional. Effective preparation and adaptability are the lynchpins of the digital nomad lifestyle.
Mastering the Art of Digital Nomadism
Researching your intended destination country should be your first step if you intend to live abroad as a digital nomad. You ought to go beyond just researching things like crime rates, nightlife, and the cost of living. For your own safety, you should familiarize yourself with the regional political forces, local customs, and any necessary language skills before relocating to a new workplace.
Think back on all of those written projects you had in school. My advice is to document all of your home and international digital nomad dreams in a report before you go. In a list format, please discuss the benefits and drawbacks of working and living in the location of your choice. Preparation is key when planning a trip; it will save you from embarrassing cultural gaffes, unanticipated costs, and difficult working conditions.
Consider the following items when you write your report; they are by no means an all-inclusive list:
Affordability and Mobility
Your digital nomad lifestyle necessitates a constant supply of secure housing and workspace. Find a coworking space or somewhere else with consistent and quick internet connectivity. Many digital nomads who frequent online forums have suggested long-term rental apps and websites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Looking for a long-term rental with furniture? Check out the local real estate websites. While hostels and small hotels offer more affordable room rentals with shared bathrooms and kitchens, guests should anticipate noisy rooms and unreliable internet.
Keep a US address associated with yourself if you are a US citizen planning to live overseas. This will allow you to continue receiving your US tax return and using your US credit card while shopping online. Make sure you know your way around the public transportation hubs and sign up for local rideshare applications like Cabify and Uber.
Problems with money
Prior to leaving your house, ensure that you have a planned budget and emergency cash in place. Having a year’s worth of money saved up is a smart move. Make sure you can still access your money while you’re away. Determine how often you will receive payments and in what currency while you are a digital nomad.
Even more so than at home, figuring out how to pay taxes overseas can be a real logistical challenge. Working with an accountant and financial planner can help you navigate this potentially complex topic. They can tell you whether you are required to pay taxes to your home country and teach you how to contribute to your retirement accounts even when you’re not at your desk.
In addition, before you leave for your international adventure, make sure you have adequate health, rental, and travel insurance. First, before you sign anything or pay anything up front, do some internet research on local insurance scams and suggestions.
Form a contingency strategy
The challenges of traveling can quickly become too much to bear when you’re on your own. After a while, you might be ready to call it quits and head back to your own nation. First things first, figure out how you’re going to get out of there. Get yourself set up financially and socially so you can return home whenever you’re ready.
Resourceful Websites for Mobile Workers
The experience is almost certain to be fraught with difficulty if you do not adequately prepare yourself for life and work abroad before you arrive. In order to make sure you’re well-prepared for your new life as a digital nomad, I have collected links to useful resources that can assist you in planning.
