Being a digital nomad is a choice, and it’s one that many people have made in the past or are making now. But what does it really take to be a digital nomad? What do you get out of it? And how can you make sure your experience is positive?
In this article, We will cover some of the pros and cons of being a digital nomad, as well as talk about the different types of digital nomads out there. We’ll also look at some tips for those who want to become digital nomads.
What Is A Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad (or “digital wanderer”) is someone who travels around the world while working remotely from anywhere. They may work full-time on their business, but they don’t live in any particular place. Instead, they travel between cities and countries where they set up shop until they move somewhere else. This type of lifestyle has been popularized by bloggers like Tim Ferriss, who wrote The 4-Hour Work Week.
The idea behind digital nomadism is that you can work wherever you want, whenever you want, and with whoever you want. You can start a new job without having to relocate or lose your current job because you’re traveling. It gives you more flexibility than traditional jobs and allows you to build a career that fits your life instead of the other way around.
Pros And Cons Of Being A Digital Nomad
Pros
- Freedom
Being a digital nomad means living an independent life. You decide when, where, and how long you work. You can take time off whenever you want. You can choose which projects you work on and which ones you skip. You can even go backpacking through Europe if you want!
- Flexibility
Being a digital nomad means that you can choose where you want to live. If you want to live in Asia, then you can. If you want to stay in North America, then you can too. There’s no reason why you can’t live in both places at once.
- No Commuting Time
One of the biggest problems with commuting is that it takes away valuable time from your day. When you commute, you spend hours sitting in traffic every morning and evening. That time could be spent doing something productive. By choosing not to commute, you can save lots of time each week.
- More Money
If you’re earning money online, you can earn much more than you would if you were stuck in a 9-5 office job. As a digital nomad, you can earn thousands of dollars per month, all while enjoying your free time.
- Less Stress & Lifestyle Choice
Since you’re not tied down to a desk job, you won’t feel stressed about getting things done. You can just sit down and work whenever you want. You don’t have to rush yourself into finishing a project before you leave for the day.
You can choose whether you want to live in a big city or a small town. If you prefer to live in a bustling metropolis, then you can do that. If you prefer to be surrounded by nature, then you can live near a lake or forest.
- No Office Politics
When you work in an office environment, you often run into issues with politics. For example, you might find yourself having to deal with someone who has been promoted above you. Or maybe you have to work with someone who constantly
Cons
- Lack Of Social Life
When you’re working from home, you miss out on socializing with friends and family. This can become a problem if you don’t see them very often.
- Can Be Lonely At Times
It can be lonely being a digital nomad. You’ll never know what your neighbors are doing, and you don’t really interact with anyone in your community.
- Harder To Find Work
As a digital nomad, you’ll struggle when it comes to finding work. It’s hard to get noticed in such a competitive industry.
- Not Always Able To Work From Home
As a digital nomad, it’s difficult to work from home because you don’t always have access to a reliable internet connection.
- Higher Cost Of Living
The cost of living is higher as a digital nomad compared to other types of jobs. You’ll pay for expensive housing, food, and transportation costs.
- Fewer Opportunities
There aren’t many opportunities available to a digital nomad. Most companies don’t allow remote workers, so you’ll struggle to make any real income.
If you decide to go freelance, you’ll likely make less money as a digital nomad than you would if you had a regular job.
Some Common Digital Nomad Jobs
Compared before, there are now many job positions that are being offered remotely. Some of these include:
Affiliate Marketing
Another great way to make money as a freelancer is through affiliate marketing. There are many different programs where you can sign up to promote products.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant will help you complete tasks that need to be completed. They can organize your emails, schedule appointments, book flights, and even handle your bills.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager will help you manage multiple accounts across various platforms.
Video Editor
If you love editing videos, then this could be a good career choice for you. Many people hire video editors to create short films.
Content Writer
If you enjoy writing, then this may be a good fit for you. Content writers are responsible for creating content for websites and blogs.
Translator
Doing translations is another type of work that can be done online. If you speak more than one language, then you should think about becoming a translator.
Entrepreneur
Starting your own business is something that requires dedication and drive. However, if you have the right skills, you can start your own company and earn an income online.
Tips When Living As A Digital Nomad
You’ve probably heard some horror stories about digital nomads. But, not all digital nomads are bad. In fact, they offer many benefits. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you decide to live as a digital nomad:
- Keep Your Costs Low
When you’re a digital nomad, your main goal is to save money. Therefore, try to find ways to cut down on expenses. For example, you might want to consider sharing accommodation or working out of someone else’s office space.
- Get Involved With Local Meetups
One of the best things about being a digital nomad is that you can travel around the world without having to worry about visas. However, traveling overseas isn’t cheap. So, you’ll need to budget accordingly.
- Find Ways To Save Money On Food
Most digital nomads tend to eat cheaply while they’re traveling. This means that you won’t spend much money eating out every day. Instead, you’ll want to focus on making meals at home.
- Use Public Transport
Many cities offer public transport options. These services are usually cheaper than taxis. Plus, you get to see parts of the city that you wouldn’t normally see.
- Stay Organized
It’s important to stay organized when you’re living as a digital nomad. You’ll need to set aside time each week to do your taxes, file paperwork, etc.
- Join A Nomad Community
There are plenty of communities available for digital nomads. Most of them are focused on helping members save money and learn new skills. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you don’t know how to do something. Additionally, you can seek advice from fellow digital nomads on handling stress and homesickness as you move from one place to another often.
The Bottom Line
Working as a digital nomad isn’t easy. In fact, it takes a lot of time and effort to succeed. But if you want to travel the world while making money, then freelancing or starting your own business might be the best option for you.
If an adventurous lifestyle sounds like fun to you, then you should consider going into digital nomadism. But if not, you can still become a digital nomad even if you most enjoy working from home or in a coworking space with a limited range of travel once in a while.