Digital Nomad Way of Life
Being a digital nomad entails being a trailblazer. Even 15 years ago, this manner of working would have been absolutely unimaginable, but today, owing to the technology that is accessible, there is no reason why we can’t grab our laptops and begin traveling the world.
The rest of the world is catching up, but it’s taking time. Many of us continue to work 9 to 5 jobs in stuffy offices, feeling stressed and too worn out to do anything important with our lives at the end of the day.
There is so much to see, do, and discover in this amazing, lovely globe. Yet the majority of us spend our lives working and seated in the same uninteresting spaces. We’re worn out, bored, and stressed out. Is this really how life should be? And why would you subject yourself to such a way of life when the alternative is right in front of you? It’s time to change….
Envision Your Journey
Notice that this no “plan.” This is due to the fact that while you won’t be planning your trip just yet, you do need to have a general concept of what you want to do and where you want to travel. Consider which nations you’d like to visit, any specific attractions or activities you’d like to partake in, and the length of your trip.
Even if this isn’t a firm plan just yet, what you’re going to do is make a conscious effort to be somewhat practical at this time and choose the precise type and mode of trip you wish to undertake. Additionally, it necessitates consideration of the type of travel possible. Considering that a digital nomad might imply many things to various people.
You can find it difficult to pack up and leave if you’re married and have children. You would have to either withdraw them from school or spend a lot of time without them. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to live the lifestyle; how about becoming a digital nomad within the nation and working in several amazing locations nearby? Or how about doing numerous shorter excursions?
Better still if you opt for an extended trip. But in that case, consider your travel options before deciding if you want to visit a tourist destination, travel to Europe, or climb mountains. Perhaps you’ll plot a map through several different nations by doing all three.
Today there is no reason why we can’t grab our laptops and begin traveling the world.
Ask Your Boss
Many folks aren’t very confident about launching an online business. Do they now have to give up on their desire to live abroad as a digital nomad?
In no way! Actually, they can also simply transition to being digital nomads by working a “normal job” while traveling. Ask your manager if you can continue to perform your existing duties while you are away. If they respond negatively, consider discussing the potential of taking on a different position inside the company with your current employer. It’s unsettling, but you’ll probably discover that they’re more receptive to the notion than you think. After all, this is the 21st century.
No? Then looking for alternative jobs is an additional choice. Once more, this may be “regular” work that you would typically search for. The main difference is that you’ll search for jobs that ask expressly for working online. That could entail working in copywriting, web design (which is usually simple to perform online), or any other field. Even in the job description, some positions will state that you can work from home (which, to us, means “from anywhere”). However, make careful to confirm everything in the interview.
Create your own online business
If not, you can start your own online company. It’s not difficult to do this; all you have to do is offer a service online and locate customers who are willing to pay for it.
As a result, you could work as a consultant, web designer, or writer. As an alternative, you may sell photographs, create a blog or vlog, seek out a business to sponsor you on social media, or offer digital or affiliate products. You may easily operate a huge variety of different company models online, so don’t be hesitant to try them out.
Note that this does not need you to submit your resignation the next day (as much as you might like to). Instead of taking excessive risks, why not create an online business in your spare time to test your concept and only leave your day job once you have established that this strategy is effective?
Finding Your Gear
You must now gather your tools and equipment for traveling and working while on the go. Your travel equipment will be a crucial factor whenever you embark on a lengthy trip. However, it becomes even more crucial when you’re going to be working online while traveling for a while.
You will need a bag as part of your usual travel gear, of course. Purchase a high-quality bag because it will serve as a crucial tool for you in the future. Since you’ll use this every day to store your belongings, it needs to be easy to carry, light, and protect your material goods while they’re inside. Look for clothing with many of pockets that will fit under your seat in the airplane and has plenty of pockets (this will save you a TON of time).
It’s crucial to consider your attire as well as any required accessories. Select lightweight, breathable clothing that is also simple to clean. Try to roll your garments into thin tubes, by selecting items that don’t require ironing. A microfiber towel is a very light and thin towel that can be folded to fit into a pocket and dries practically immediately.
A Kindle for reading on the go and some noise-cancelling headphones are additional helpful gadgets.
For business, though, you’ll need a laptop that is both light and thin, yet powerful enough to handle any workload you throw at it, with a battery life that can last all day.
Additionally, you’ll need a charging brick that you can use to top off your battery, a dongle (tethering works) for internet access while you’re on the go, and a Bluetooth keyboard as a backup for using a smartphone.
For business, though, you’ll need a laptop that is both light and thin, yet powerful enough to handle any workload you throw at it, with a battery life that can last all day.
Use smart tools and apps
Working online while hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop will provide a variety of difficulties. These concern concerns with teamwork and those affecting various time zones. Fortunately, there are a ton of resources and websites available that can assist you in getting by. You may avoid a lot of hassle on the road by enrolling in these before you leave.
For instance, the website Asana (www.asana.com) will make it much simpler for you to work on projects with customers and business partners. You can create tasks, and anyone may modify them, see the most recent changes, and leave comments from here. Attachments are another option.
Slack , which is effectively a group IM for partners and coworkers, is another helpful resource. Even if your team may be dispersed across the globe, you can use this to check in with your partners, schedule meetings, and simply to stay in touch. This fosters a stronger sense of community for your team.
You will hold those video chats using Skype, which is a highly well-known and well-liked tool. Additionally, you can utilize this to keep in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is also fantastic for this, particularly because it supports VoIP calls.
You can use World Time Buddy to check the time in any particular country and to be sure you’re meeting online at the appropriate hour.
Oh, and take a look at #Nomads. This online group is dedicated to the friendship you miss after leaving the office. You can talk about the lifestyle with friends and even potential partners. Of course, you can purchase and sell services here as well.
Begin making travel arrangements
Once everything is operational, you can perform a “trial run.” Go on a short journey or even just spend the day in a coffee shop to see if your company can actually be operated online or from a café.
The exciting part comes when you can choose a date and begin booking after you’ve demonstrated that it works. You may again use a variety of web tools to accomplish that. This works by assisting you in finding the best flights by evaluating numerous options. You also need to search the net for resources of affordable lodging.
Reserve your first-destination flight as well as the lodging you’ll need for the nights you’re worried about. Additionally, you can reserve a handful of the experiences you most desire. Just be careful not to make everything irrevocable. A s a digital nomad allow yourself some latitude to act on impulse and to follow the wind where it may!
Organize everything
It’s now time to finish off your preparations before leaving. This entails not just really packing your belongings, but also serving your notice (if necessary), and arranging all the relevant documentation, etc.
Print off all of your confirmations, for instance, and make sure you have copies in case any are lost. Likewise, confirm the validity of your passport. Actually, you should make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months after the date of your return. For many countries, a passport must have at least 6 months left on it, which is something you might forget if you go gone for 2 years. Additionally, you should make a replica of your passport in case you misplace it.
Additionally, you will need to ensure that you have visas for each country you visit. Apply as soon as possible to prevent disappointment.
If you are a property owner, arrange for someone to take care of your house. Why not rent out the property to someone else by yourself, or a property management business if you want to make a little more money?
As a digital nomad, you should consider canceling any unused subscriptions (cable TV, the internet, etc), as well as setting up international banking and phone plans wherever you’re staying. After completing all of these steps, you will be prepared to go on your voyage and begin your global exploration. Take the plunge and leave—that is all there is left to do!
Of course, if you’re not used to traveling, all of this can be a little daunting, and there are still a lot of aspects of starting and running a business from a distance that we haven’t discussed.
Just get ready to cast off your chains and live a life of true freedom!
