Have you ever dreamed of a life of travel and adventure, but still be able to maintain a successful career? Being a digital nomad is the perfect way to achieve this. With the world at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless for where you can go and what you can do. However, there are a few key tips you should follow to ensure you make the most of your digital nomad lifestyle. From finding a job you can do remotely to establishing a routine, here are 8 essential tips to help you become a successful digital nomad.
Find a job you can do remotely
A big part of being a successful digital nomad is finding a job you can do remotely. This can be difficult for some roles. But, there are a few things you can do to make this process easier. Firstly, make a list of the types of jobs you’re interested in. There are plenty of options and it’s important to find one that is a good fit for your skills. Once you’ve selected a few, do a little research to see if they would be a good option for you.
A good place to start is to see if they are currently hiring remotely. You can then use this to see what skills they are looking for and how you can tailor your resume to add value. If you’re having trouble finding a job, there are also a few websites that help you find remote work. Make sure you choose a site that has been verified by a reputable source as there are a lot of scams out there.
Get a VPN
If you are a digital nomad, you will often connect to Wi-Fi networks while travelling. It is essential to take precautions to ensure your private data is not exposed, such as banking information, emails and personal messages. A good virtual private network (VPN) like TunnelBear enables you to conceal your online identity and protects your data from being taken. It is just like keeping your valuables in a secure place like a hotel safe or hostel locker. TunnelBear has an affordable plan for only $3.33 USD per month, and they also offer a free plan if you want to try them out.
Be financially prepared
Being a digital nomad is often seen as a way to increase your income. However, it can also be more expensive than living in one location. Make sure you are financially prepared before you start travelling. One way to do this is to make sure you have a budget. You can use this to track your spending and make sure you are not going over your budget. Try using techniques like the 50/30/20 budget. It’ll make sure you are not overspending on any particular category of your budget.
You should also make sure you are saving up for any unexpected expenses that may arise. This can include anything from medical bills to replacing your laptop if it breaks. It is also a good idea to start saving up for your future. This can include saving for retirement, your children’s education, or your travels.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Are you easily sidetracked or have multiple conferences to attend? Well, then it is beneficial to buy a pair of noise-blocking headphones that are wireless. These are suitable for use in crowded settings. For example, in co-working areas and on buses or planes, where there is background noise produced by the vehicle. If you want peace and quiet when you work, these headphones are worth the money – especially if you will be doing your job in various atypical places!
Separate Work & Travel
Finding a suitable equilibrium is one of the most difficult elements when it comes to working remotely abroad. It is easy to get carried away in a new country and lose track of the amount of time dedicated to work versus having fun. There are so many new things to explore like food, attractions, and people, which can lead to taking more time off than necessary.
To make sure work gets done, be specific about when to work and when to go sightseeing. The most successful digital nomads have rigid agendas to make sure they have everything done. Choose a strategy that works for you, whether that means devoting entire days to either one or dividing up the day. Following this plan will make sure there is adequate time for work and also to explore the place.
Check the Wi-Fi
Prior to booking your trip, make sure to check the availability and speed of the Wi-Fi connection. Can you quickly access the internet, and is the Wi-Fi signal reliable? Are there SIM cards for sale that offer dependable data?
When travelling, it’s essential to investigate the Wi-Fi situation. The quality and availability of it differs from country to country and even among different regions within the same country. This is especially true if you are a video creator or photographer who has to upload large files.
Travel Insurance
When travelling, always make sure to get insured. This is because of all the bad experiences as well as stories from others about the various accidents and troubles that can happen. From lost suitcases to postponed flights to petty robbery, having travel insurance makes sure that you’re compensated if something goes wrong. And unfortunately, it’s very likely that something will eventually go wrong during a long journey).
Do a little research to find insurances that offer plans specially designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers. This kind of insurance tends to be more very cost-effective with low monthly payments and deductibles.
Find a remote community
Another great way to make the most of your remote lifestyle is to find a remote community. You can do this by joining a forum, like Digital Nomads Forum, or Remote Work Tribe, or signing up for an online course, like Lynda or Skillshare. These communities are great ways to learn new skills, help others, and make lasting connections. You can use these communities to ask questions, help others, and make connections with people who are in your industry or interested in your lifestyle. These communities can be a great way to get feedback on your ideas, help you stay motivated, and even find remote work. They are also a great way to stay connected with people when you are traveling.
Conclusion
Experiencing life as a digital nomad is incredibly freeing. Though it necessitates a considerable amount of effort and aptitude for organization, it also bestows remarkable flexibility and opportunities. But one must remember that it is still a job, so it is critical to be prudent in the approach one takes. By heeding these straightforward suggestions, you can embark on your career as a digital nomad in the proper direction and evade the most frequent missteps.
P.S. Big fan of reading? Here’s our list of book recommendations for aspiring digital nomads.
