I wanted more than just one week of vacation a year. I wanted more than shelling out a ton of money to travel around the holidays because that was the only time I had to get away. I wanted more than what my traditional 9-to-5 office job was offering me. If this sounds like the position you’re in right now and travel is calling your name, then you found this resource at the perfect time.
I was caught in a losing cycle. I did well at my office job and it paid okay, but I had no actual time to do anything else with my life. Then the few days that I did have off those hours were spent with family that didn’t see me too often & chores I put off throughout the week. I didn’t have time for myself and to figure out what I wanted to do besides work for someone else for the rest of my life. That’s when I realize that something needed to change.
The reality is if you can perform basic clerical duties, you can begin your journey as a digital nomad and throw those those in-office stresses away.
How to Become a Digital Nomad with Minimal Skills
What’s a Digital Nomad?
A Digital Nomad is a term for someone who isn’t required to work at a brick and mortar location. Similar to a remote worker, a digital nomad is someone who prefers to move from one location to another. This person performs their job anywhere that has an Internet connection and isn’t limited to a certain geographical location.
Why Become a Digital Nomad?
When compared to a traditional 9-to-5 job, becoming a digital nomad allows someone to have more freedom with their lifestyle. While still being able to perform your job, but from a computer, you’re able to spend more time with your hobbies like traveling the world. This freedom provides a higher quality of life than someone who feels more limited in their options.
Is a Digital Nomad Legit?
Becoming a digital nomad and working remotely is completely legit. Just as there are unfavorable jobs at home, there are some online jobs that can feel a bit scammy. Thoroughly making sure that you’re working for a credible employer/conducting your business legally is important.
What Jobs Can You Do As a Digital Nomad?
There are thousands of jobs out there for a digital nomad. While you would need some sort of Internet connection to apply to these jobs, not all remote work is completely online. There are some digital nomads that house sit for a living, others that pet sit, some are virtual assistants, while others are content curators and managers. The type of work that you apply for is completely dependent on what you’re interested in as well as what you can do.
How to start a Digital Nomad Career?
Beginning a digital nomad career is as easy as filling out a digital profile – seriously! Depending on what you’re interested in doing, most opportunities are on an online marketplace waiting to be applied to. If you’re looking to perform freelance work, search a remote workers marketplace. If you’re interested in making custom digital products, sign up for a digital goods marketplace.
I alternate between freelance work and any digital sales that one of my online shops generate. Having multiple sources of income under your belt adds to the longevity of a successful digital nomad career.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A Digital Nomad Visa is a document granting you permission to work in a country while you stay. The Visa application process is different for every country so I recommend you research that location specifically.
Which Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visa?
Several countries offer digital nomad visas. (I know it isn’t the answer you want?) A lot has changed in the world since 2020. The beginning of the pandemic has dramatically changed how a lot of people in the world work and there are a lot more remote workers thAn there were five years ago. Because of this drastic change in workforce, there are plenty of countries creating the perfect visa for someone who is working away from home(this can even include a longer stay!)
Before booking any tickets, I strongly recommend searching what the visa requirements are for the country you’re interested in so you can properly register yourself when you arrive. This information can be found directly on your country’s government travel advisory website and the country you’re interested in going to will include the information as well.
If you are an American Citizen traveling outside of the United States, you can find Visa information here.
If you are a foreign national traveling to the United States, you can find the most up to date information here.
Digital Nomad Pros / Cons
In case I painted too pretty of a picture, I want to make sure that I throw in a reality check.
Being a digital nomad is not a better way to live, but only a different way to live with more options. The only thing that matters is that you’re fulfilling your own personal journey. Sometimes life can get stressful, but I don’t find this job any more stressful than the office jobs that I’ve held in the past. I do have to make more decisions for myself than before, but that’s all a positive trade off for me.
I have worked quite a few remote jobs and the transitions between gigs weren’t always pretty. My husband knows how many projects I’ve worked on that just didn’t work out, but it’s okay. Always remember to have a Plan B.
Are you Beginning Your Digital Nomad Journey?
I’d love to hear about it! I have heard some people just up and quit their job, but other people do a slower transition like me. If you’re interested in becoming a digital nomad and want to stay in the loop on which opportunities you can have access to, I recommend you check out my Pinterest board for Women Digital Nomads who are interested in Working Remotely.
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