How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2022
Learn how to work remotely and travel the globe as a digital nomad
Freedom Of Choice
Would you like to take care of your work, while sunbathing on the hot South-American coast? Well, the truth is you can, and more and more people are experimenting with this kind of employment already. Whether fully employed or freelancing on their own, professionals from all over the world are trying out this nomadic lifestyle.
With various job positions becoming available remotely, the opportunity to leave the office is already here. All you have to do is try it! If this sounds exciting then read on! We are going to share with you the pathway to a nomadic lifestyle, in which you’ve got the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. Anywhere. Just imagine that…
What Is A Digital Nomad
Have you heard about hostels dedicated to people who work remotely? If you did, then you probably heard about digital nomads too. These professionals, whose employment does not require them to stay in one place for long periods, populate the hostel’s social spaces and co-working offices. They are commonly known as digital nomads and are simply remote workers, with the freedom to work from anywhere.
The digital industry is the one most populated by such individuals. With their ability to work from their laptops, they are free to journey across the world, while continuing their job responsibilities. They often travel light, set up their work schedules, and choose to visit countries where their salary is worth more due to currency exchange rates and standard of living. In other words, they live ‘on the road’ with the office inside their backpack.
A Nomad Type
Does this kind of employment arrangement sound interesting to you? Would you like to try it? Before you pack your luggage and buy that ticket to a distant land, you better think about the ways this lifestyle could fit your work. Reflect on the skills below to understand your possibilities a little better.
A successful digital nomad is likely to have a certain set of characteristics wrapped around their personality. The most common ones are time and workload management without external support. These are essential, as you are likely to work unsupervised for the majority of your week with the deadlines chasing your stride. Most likely, you are also the kind of person who enjoys spontaneity and deals well with stress caused by uncertainty. This is the price one has to pay for the freedom of working from anywhere. Finally, among many others, the ability to communicate well is a skill worth mastery, when embarking on a digital nomad journey. With the need to resolve queries, address difficulties, and receive feedback without the office-like direct contact with your employers, peers, or clients, as a digital nomad you have to master the game of communication.
There are certainly more skills and abilities that could contribute to a successful digital nomad lifestyle, so the best advice we could give you is this. Know yourself, experiment, and see if this kind of lifestyle is for you.
Build A Client base
What kind of work can you deliver remotely? With the skills and personality traits considered, think for a moment about the services your work could provide. Try to figure out what your digital nomad career would focus on. This is important, as you are more likely to succeed having yourself set up as a professional before getting that plane ticket. It will prove invaluable to build a client base in advance.
The best way to start this adventure is to become a freelancer. You can do it while studying, working full-time, or saving up some money for the first major escapade. Figure out what service is yours to provide and register on Revolancer.com to find your clients. In a perfect world, you’d have a strong network of customers and allies already familiar with your work before your nomadic lifestyle begins. Of course, this is not a necessity, but if you value peace of mind and want to headstart your career, this approach is the right one. Establish yourself in the niche of your choice and raise your chances of success!
The Big Gig
Nine-to-five from the beach of Costa Rica? Sounds like a plan! Perhaps for your first nomadic adventure, you could embark while still working in your full-time or part-time employment. This kind of arrangement could be a great opportunity for you to try the lifestyle without the risk of being unemployed for too long. After all, freelancing without work is simply a lack of employment.
Many amateurs of remote working decide to take their first steps with employment arrangements pre-planned or contracted prior to their adventure. This sense of stability can be a helpful factor throughout the experimental stage of your new lifestyle. Try to secure an agreement that guarantees a fixed number of hours paid for or get your manager’s permission to try working from home. These little steps and incremental changes will help you shape the freelance, freedom-focused lifestyle you’re aiming for.
Jet Setting
The common saying goes ‘better safe than sorry’. That is why, with all the enthusiasm and excitement growing inside your stomach, you got to think things through. Most importantly, decide where you want to go. Research the costs of living, figure out internet access, and recognise the potential difficulties that your journey might stumble upon. If your work relies on a stable and continuous internet connection, you have to make sure it’s up to a reliable standard.
When it comes to your belongings, you should aim to take as little as possible, when departing on your journey. Firstly – to save on travel costs, and secondly – to keep yourself agile and flexible when travelling. A powerful laptop, a few sets of clothes, a notebook, and a reliable phone is all you truly need to start.
Essentials You Cannot Forget
Do not forget to take care of the essential paperwork, without which travelling abroad can prove difficult or even impossible. Figure out banking arrangements, get yourself insured, ensure your phone contract will be helpful abroad, and do not forget to sort out a visa if the country you’re travelling to requires one. Although these might sound obvious, they are often overlooked by first-timers.
Do not risk unpleasant surprises and make sure you have these things organised before the departure.
Bon Voyage
By now, you should be familiar with the idea of a digital nomad lifestyle. We hope that with the advice above, you are going to make the most of your adventures and master the art of remote work. You now know how to become a digital nomad in 2022 and with the year commencing, you better start packing your bags!
We wish you a successful journey filled with excitement, adventure, and opportunity for growth. May this year bring you all the success you’re looking for! If travelling is currently cost prohibitive, check out ‘How to Increase Your Revenue in 2022’ and learn how to bolster your financial reserves.
Before You Go
If you’d like to learn about how freelance gigs change with the seasonss, read ‘Seasonal Work for Freelancers’. And, if you’d like to take that first step in self-employment, visit Revolancer.com and join the platform today!
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer