If you go back far enough in time, most of the human population was nomadic. Groups would move from place to place to cater to their changing needs. In other words, being a nomad is in our DNA.
Today, thanks to technology, there’s a new shift towards nomadism—digital nomadism.
The Internet connects the entire world. We can work, live, and communicate from almost anywhere on the planet. And many are taking advantage of this possibility and doing just that. There are now less hurdles to the nomadic lifestyle with the internet, remote jobs and personal storage. Whether it be for the weather, adventure, or personal reasons, people are uprooting and spreading across the globe.
If you want to know how to become a digital nomad and are ready to start your digital nomad journey, you’ve come to the right place.
Becoming a Digital Nomad
There are a handful of critical steps to take before you book your plane ticket. Here’s how to live the digital nomad lifestyle and thrive.
Find a Remote Job
First, you need a job that accommodates your nomadic lifestyle. The biggest hurdle to becoming a digital nomad is figuring out how to work remotely and travel. You may be able to convince your current boss to let you work remotely, but be prepared to find a new job if your current job doesn’t offer this kind of flexibility.
Full-time remote work often comes with rigid schedules, and if you travel to new time zones, working early mornings and late nights can present some needed sleeping adjustments. With that said, if you are remote working for a company with international locations, you may be able to move from office to office without disrupting your workflow (and keep your benefits).
Part-time or freelance positions, on the other hand, are better suited to the digital nomad life. You can take on more freelance work if you’re in a country with a high cost of living and work less in cheaper regions. You can make your schedule and travel whenever you want. However, being a freelancer can be difficult since freelance work can be unpredictable.
Jobs that cater to freelancers include:
- Graphic designer
- Software engineer
- Copywriter
- Social media manager
- Customer support specialist
Ultimately, if you can complete your duties with only a computer and an internet connection, there’s an excellent chance you’ll be able to do it from an Australian vineyard or while living in a van.
Be Your Own Boss
Instead of finding a digital nomad job that caters to your needs, you could always become your own boss. Travel bloggers, photographers, dropshippers, and influencers can live the digital nomad life while circling the globe on their own time. There’s money to be made through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and more. For this, you’ll need a little creativity and a lot of hard work.
Set Aside Some Savings
Life as a digital nomad can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to have some extra money saved up before you take the plunge. Even though a nomadic lifestyle, like van life, can be inexpensive, you have to plan for anything. Another great option is to have some form of passive income, making extra money for you while you are on your digital nomad journey.
The company you’ve been working for could suddenly dissolve or have less work for you. Internet infrastructure could go down wherever you’re living, leaving you unable to send emails. All this is to say that having a few thousand dollars in your account always provides peace of mind and a safety net.
Join Digital Nomad Communities
Thanks to social media and online forums, learning how to be a digital nomad has never been easier. There are Facebook groups full of remote workers in every discipline and country, ready to answer any inquiries you may have.
Join a few months before you leave so you can make connections and ask those burning questions. You could have successful digital nomad friends waiting for you before you even land.
Another terrific way to meet your fellow nomads is in coworking spaces. Some are formal office buildings, while others are more like local coffee shops. Not only will you be able to socialize while you work, but you can also build your network and find potential clients.
Decide How Much Time You Want to Spend Abroad
Before you leave, think about how long you want to live as a digital nomad. Is this a short-term engagement? Will you do an entire remote year?
Knowing how long you want to travel is helpful for planning things like:
- Visas
- Packing
- Arrangements at home
- Contracts
- Budget
Or Plan Everything on the Fly
On the other hand, sometimes the best plan is no plan. You may love nomad life and choose to spend years away before you return home. If you think your nomadism will be more or less permanent, buying a one-way ticket might be the answer.
Of course, digital nomad life doesn’t mean you can’t have a home base. You can always spend a few months with hometown family and friends before jetting off again.
Store Your Stuff for When You Return
One of the telltale signs of a digital nomad is the minimalist lifestyle. When you’re moving from place to place, you’ll likely want to carry a light load. But what about all of your treasured keepsakes and your favorite pieces of furniture?
A storage unit allows you to hang on to your stuff until you return—whether that be for a few weeks or longer.
Renting a unit with Price Self Storage lets you travel the globe knowing your things are in a safe place. We know all about the digital nomad life and would be thrilled to help you take your first step toward it. We offer a large variety of units in different storage sizes. Get in touch with us today to see what we have to offer the new generation of nomads.
Sources:
Independent. State of nature: how modern humans lived as nomads for 99 per cent of our history.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/world-history/state-nature-how-modern-humans-lived-nomads-99-cent-our-history-1604967.html
