How to Become a Digital Nomad and Travel the World

In the modern world, there are some truly unique job opportunities for people to try and explore. One of the most important things is certainly technology and all it brings to the table, so naturally there are more and more jobs that require the employee to have constant access to a computer and the web. This is how the freelance industry started, as nowadays everyone has a laptop or a desktop, or even a mobile device, and a constant internet presence. Combine that with some love of writing, design, coding, or anything else that can be done on the move, and you get an employee working no matter where they are, at home, at the office, or traveling.

In this article, we are going to explore the ultimate form of freelancing, which is of course being a digital nomad and working as you travel the world. You have probably already heard of this kind of work and if you were always interested in finding out more, this is the best place to do so. In case you are further interested in the topic and wish to find out additional information, we advise you to check out travelgrapher.net/. There you can learn how best to earn money as a digital nomad and where to apply to jobs independent on location.

What or Who is a Digital Nomad?

Before moving on and telling you how to become one, we must first talk about exactly what is a digital nomad.  First of all, it is not a single kind of job, as the term describes anyone who is a location independent worker, anyone who does not have a single source of income but who can work from anywhere in the world at all times.

What these workers do is spend a few months every year abroad where they both travel and work. They are constantly on the go and never stick around for long, both for business and private reasons. Digital nomads usually live in less expensive countries like those in South East Asia or Africa, since it is enough for them to make between $10,000 and $15,000 per year and have a great life. However, as they are not depending on a location to work and live in, they can literally go anywhere else.

What digital nomads seek most is freedom and independence. To them, it is not important for whom they work for since they complete a project and immediately move onto the next. They do not have a single employer who expects them in at 9 AM every morning. On the contrary, they are freelancers who accept jobs they want and like and compete them whenever they can or wish, as long as they meet the deadlines that are often not strict.

How to Become One

In order to become a digital nomad, you would have to change quite a few things about yourself unless you already love traveling and trying new things. Remember that it is all about constantly moving as you work. If you are tied to a place you cannot really be a nomad. Following is the list of things you must change or start doing if you are to become an independent employee who is always on the move.

1. Cut Ties with Locations and Expenses

The absolute most important thing a nomad must do is identify what ties them to their hometown and everyone and everything there. Since you will no longer be living there but instead everywhere, there should be nothing holding you back and preventing you from leaving for a very long time. Leases and payments cannot exist in such scenarios and you have to deal with it all before you move. Any memberships and subscriptions you are a part of are to be cancelled. Most of all, material things in your life you do not truly need should go. Once you deal with all of this and save up enough money to keep you going while you do not work, you will be able to start your life as a modern nomad.

2. Communities are Important

While you will be on your own and working from remote parts of the world, being a part of a larger community of people just like you is always recommended and important. Places like forums and social media groups will allow you to find accommodation and work more easily and you will always have like-minded individuals to talk to and share experiences with. Things like these are invaluable in the line of work you are about to start so make sure to become a member of such communities before you set off on your first adventure. Knowledge and information come easy when you have people who have been through it all on your side.

3. Valuable Skills

Let us talk about business for a bit. What it is that allows you to leave everything behind and start traveling as a freelance worker? Do you have a sought-after skill that will allow you to always find work? Do you speak several languages and are you good with computers? Do you edit videos or program with code languages? These are all question aimed at finding the best set of skills for your freelance job options. Being tech-savvy and using a pc and the web is not enough. If you are good at writing in a certain language, there is a plethora of writing jobs online with great pay. Teaching is always an option, while more skill and experience based things like web design and editing are two of the best and most well-paid gigs you can find. Photography is another, especially if you are artistic already.

4. Equipment and Readiness

A laptop, a camera, a smartphone and perhaps a tablet. This is all you need to start things off. However, do not underestimate other important factors like everyday items. Clothes and backpacking equipment goes a long way when you constantly travel. You will need quality bags, a first aid and a survival kit, a sleeping bag, and anything else that you usually use. In this day and age, a constant means of disinfecting is crucial. Packing your life in a few bags is tricky, let alone working while you do and in between. Therefore, planning and forming a strategy is what you will need if you wish to be a happy and successful digital nomad in 2023. Ready your passport and off you go on a life changing adventure!