Tips towards a Digital Nomad Lifestyle + Career
Have you dreamed of becoming a Digital Nomad. Non location specific jobs like a Flight attendant or cruise ship worker used to be the only, or “popular,” jobs. People would take on when they wanted to travel the world for a living…
Well, what if you easily get seasick? Or what if you just don’t want to be stuck on a plane for eight or more hours? It seemed as though that if you didn’t want to work either of those jobs, then you really didn’t want to travel…
Thank goodness for high-speed internet! Long gone are the days of resorting to travel industry jobs just to be able to set foot in different lands. With the technological advancements of today, you now can fulfil your love of travelling and make money while doing it!
How, you ask? By way of living the digital nomad lifestyle. So now you’re wondering what a digital nomad is, right?
Well, a digital nomad is someone who travels the world and earns income through telecommunication technologies. So basically, as long as you have internet access, wherever you are in the world, you can earn income… That’s a far stretch from the life of a flight attendant or cruise ship worker, right?
Earning the Digital Nomad Way
Earning the digital nomad way is simply referencing the types of jobs digital nomads work, and that entails a wide array of different job options, as long as you have access to the internet, of course. So that means that you’re more than likely going to be working in co-working spaces, libraries, and coffee shops. But you’ll still be able to take in everything your destination has to offer.
You can take in your destination by going on various tours and sightseeing. Some digital nomads will take in their destination by working jobs that involve engaging with locals and tourists alike. When doing that, they’ll make earning as a digital nomad their primary source of income and let the other jobs be their secondary source.
If you want to earn additional income to your earnings as a digital nomad, here are some jobs that might spark your interest:
- Working in a hostel
- Work on a seasonal farm
- Working as an Au Pair
- Work as a tour guide
- Teaching English Abroad
I have actually been an Au Pair in Barcelona when I first arrived to Spain back in 1998. Other jobs that I have had over the years in Spain is of course as a Travel Blogger and I work as a food tour guide.
Digital Nomad Travel Insurance + Health Coverage
While you maybe planning your new lifestyle as a location independent traveller. You maybe worried about healthcare or losing luggage as you travel often and switch locations.
Getting covered by SafetyWing’s Digital Nomad Insurance will resolve your concerns. Regardless of how many countries you visit and how many times you change your travel plans. This is great as it offers reliable coverage for if you are in an accident or need medical assistance while outside your home country. The travel insurance part of the policy with cover issues such as long travel delays, lost luggage or even emergencies related to natural disasters or personal liability.
Many travel insurance policies are set up for holidaymakers who visit one specific destination for a fixed length of time. This policy has been designed with digital nomads lifestyle in mind so it fits perfectly with your plans. I use it when I take multi country trips and when I dont really know the length/dates of my travel plans.
Ways to Earn as a Digital Nomad
These jobs are definitely going to be more labor-intensive but, again, they’re great ways to explore and experience the destination you’re in.What to Remember About Earning As a Digital Nomad If you were to ask a digital nomad how they enjoy living as a digital nomad, most would tell you that they absolutely love it! The freedom and flexibility to work as little or as much as you want is a dream come true. But what they would also tell you is that the freedom and flexibility to work as little or as much as you want can be the very thing that ends your career as a digital nomad.
What that’s basically saying is that you only earn as much you work. If you decide to take on the digital nomad lifestyle and only work a few days a week, you’re not going to generate enough income to fund your future travel destinations. To be a successful digital nomad, make sure you keep up a healthy work ethic. Make sure you’re working enough to maintain the luxury of the lifestyle. Discipline is key.
Start an Online Business
Again, thanks to advancements in technology, you can now become a lucrative business owner with the tap, click, or swipe of your fingertips! That’s quite different from the way business ownership was in the past… The hassle of buying or renting office space and not to mention, the expensive upfront costs, are now a thing of the past.
The best part about being an online business owner is that it’s so easy to become one. Sites like shopify.com have a website builder that allows entrepreneurs to build their website, whether they’re at an expert level or beginner level. Also, if you are unsure of your skill level, you have the convenience of hiring a Shopify expert to help set up your online shop… it’s as simple as that!
Passive Income Inspiration
There are newer ideas such as Cryptocurrency. This month Bitcoin and Terra have gained 3.9% and 5.3% respectively. So it can be a great idea for a passive income stream. Using DeFi apps such as this AQRU platform for Cryptocurrency lending. Crypto is a source of passive income for many digital nomads now. Different options have varying risk levels, one of the simplest ways is by using a technique called Staking. Another option is a Crypto savings account which offer higher rates than traditional banks.
Customer Service Opportunities
By becoming an online business owner, you’ll be able to enjoy your travels while people shop on your site! So whether you want to take a few days to visit the top beaches in the UK or spend an entire day immersing yourself in your destination’s culture, becoming an online business owner is the true meaning of “earning while you sleep!”
Customer Service Representative Do you have a knack for solving problems? Or maybe you’re a people pleaser… If so, you can have a thriving career as a customer service representative. Typically, customer service jobs require you to work in a call center but not so much anymore. If you think about the essentials of a customer service rep, all you need is a computer, a phone, and internet access… those items are also the essentials of a successful digital nomad.
Customer service reps are needed in all industries so regardless of the industry you choose, your number one responsibility will always be to take care of the customer and resolve their issue through excellent customer service.
Work Remotely For a Company
Remote work is something that more and more companies are looking into. According to Harvard Business School, when companies hire remote workers, it increases productivity, lowers overall business costs, and reduces turnover, simply because employees are happy and are in a comfortable environment.
To work remotely for a company, you have the option of asking your current employer if they have any work-from-home opportunities, and if they do, what their guidelines are. Or you can simply conduct a basic search of remote jobs and tons of results will populate. All you have to do is decide which jobs you want to apply to. Remote work is also a form of steady income that will help you establish a schedule for yourself.
This will help you to practice discipline and have a successful digital nomad career.
This is really helpful! I think post Covid there will be a lot more opportunity for remote working given how working has changed recently.