Don’t japa like an idiot. Plan, Prepare, and plan for the unplanned
The digital nomad lifestyle has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as more and more people choose to work remotely and travel the world.
Living a digital nomad lifestyle can be a great way to see new places, meet new people, and gain new experiences while maintaining a steady income. However, making the transition to a digital nomad lifestyle can be a challenge, and requires careful planning and preparation.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the digital nomad lifestyle means, here’s a little breakdown.
digital nomad
a person who earns a living working online in various locations of their choosing (rather than a fixed business location).
Essentially, you’re choosing to call more than one place your home.
In an increasingly global economy, switching to a digital nomad lifestyle can drastically change your life forever.
The first question to ask yourself is whether you have a job that allows you to:
- pay for a digital nomad life
- allows you actually travel
If you’re reading this, the answer is most likely negative to one or both of those questions which is why step one is to find a job that allows the digital nomad life.
Assess Your Skills and Talents
The first step to living a digital nomad lifestyle is to assess your skills and talents. A digital nomad is essentially a freelancer or remote worker, so you’ll need to have a marketable skill that can be performed remotely. This might include skills like web design, writing, programming, or social media management. Take some time to evaluate your skills and consider how you might be able to use them to earn an income while working remotely.
Switching to freelance or remote work is simple but not easy. You’ll have to work on first building your skill set from what it is to a point where it becomes marketable enough to earn you a reasonable income.
A good way to guage what skills are most profitable is by researching how much freelancers earn on average for the skillset you’re interested in.
Once you’ve recognized your preferred skills, you can get started with pursuing them ahead of your lifestyle switch.
Build a Remote Work Portfolio
Once you’ve identified your skills and talents, the next step is to build a remote work portfolio. This will help you showcase your skills and attract potential clients or employers. Start by creating a website or online portfolio that highlights your work and your skills.
Be sure to include examples of your work and any relevant experience you have. You can also use freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find remote work opportunities. These marketplaces have an abundance of jobs but also an abundance of freelancers like you. You’ll have to work extra hard to stand out from the crowd and get yourself noticed by potential clients.
Develop a Business Plan
To be successful as a digital nomad, you’ll need to treat your remote work as a business. This means developing a business plan that outlines your goals, your target market, and your marketing strategies.
Your business plan should also include financial projections, so you have a clear idea of how much money you need to earn to support your lifestyle. Take some time to research your market and develop a plan that will help you stand out and attract clients.
Many freelancers and remote workers fail because they either depend on the client to client income or depend on their full time remote job, which you can lose at any time.
Diversify your business income as much as possible so that you are not left stranded in a strange land.
Choose Your Destinations
One of the biggest advantages of the digital nomad lifestyle is the ability to work from anywhere in the world. However, this also means you need to choose your destinations carefully. Consider factors like cost of living, internet connectivity, and safety when choosing your destinations. You can also join digital nomad communities and forums to get recommendations from other nomads who have traveled to the same destinations.
We recommend starting with a country that has lower cost of living than where you currently reside, if possible. Thorough research will save you from unnecessary culture shock. If you have the budget for it, it’s usually advisable to first travel to your desired location for a short term visit before making the full transition.
If you cannot afford the double trip, you can always take a leap of faith. After all, there are no great rewards without risk.
Plan Your Finances
Just because you like taking risks does not mean that you should not plan accordingly.
Living a digital nomad lifestyle can be expensive, so it’s important to plan your finances carefully. Start by creating a budget that includes your expected expenses, such as accommodations, food, transportation, and work-related expenses.
You’ll also need to consider things like taxes and healthcare, as these can vary depending on where you’re living. Consider working with a financial advisor or accountant to help you plan your finances and manage your taxes.
Make sure you save at least 3 months of expenses before you eventually leave your current residence. Carry some cash and load your card to ensure you’re covered in case of surprises. Virtual cards and wallets are great but at least one physical card is important for live transactions.
Build Your Network
One of the keys to success as a digital nomad is building a strong network. This includes both personal and professional connections. Join online communities and forums for digital nomads and remote workers, attend networking events in your destinations, and connect with other nomads on social media.
Building a network of like-minded individuals can help you find new work opportunities, get recommendations for destinations, and make new friends.
You can leverage social media platforms, groups, connections, and even freelance communities to meet people living in your destination country before you leave.
Fostering such relationships will help you ease into the new environment much easier plus you’ll get a more tailored experience rather than the touristy trial and error.
Embrace the Lifestyle
Living a digital nomad lifestyle requires a certain degree of flexibility and adaptability. Embrace the lifestyle and be open to new experiences and opportunities. Take the time to explore your destinations, meet new people, and try new things. This can help you avoid burnout and make the most of your digital nomad lifestyle.
Many people glamorize working at the beach but the reality may look a little different.
Recognize that every country has it’s pros and cons. Embrace the culture, soak in the new experiences, and try not fall into the comparison trap.
Whether you stay in a place for one month or one year, make the most of it.
Happy and safe travels!
