To many people, being a digital nomad sounds like the ideal arrangement: working from a beachside bungalow, in a hammock with your laptop, closing the lid at 5pm sharp for an umbrella-laden fruity beverage you drink out of a coconut. With the ongoing trend towards remote working for many knowledge worker jobs, and a growing number of schemes from a variety of countries to entice people to come to work remotely, aviation journalist – and ten-year digital nomad – John Walton gives you the real-world lowdown.
In the real world, life as a digital nomad – someone who has a job that can be done anywhere, and makes the most of it by traveling as they work – is sometimes a little less idyllic, especially these days. However, as someone who’s been a digital nomad off and on (mostly on) for the last decade, and still enjoys traveling for months at a time as a semi-nomad, I’ve had innumerable amazing experiences. Here’s some hard-won advice if the work-from-anywhere idea has been sticking in your head and sparking ideas.
The Job Itself
The first question to ask yourself is what job you’re planning to do for work. It’s clear that jobs which primarily involve computer work are the most suited for remote arrangements. Fortunately, a growing number of roles are adopting remote work models. Therefore, if you’re in such a position, you’re likely in luck.
If you’re looking to break into a new field – like I did when I became a digital nomad – that’s fine; however, it’s essential to have a financial cushion of at least six months’ expenses, a backup job option, and a fallback plan to return home if necessary.
Moreover, you might consider testing the waters of digital nomadism. If your rental contract is coming to an end, this could be the perfect opportunity to store your belongings and explore work-from-anywhere options.
Location, Location, Location…
Choosing a destination is a key consideration. This decision depends on your travel preferences: do you want to live and work in a different city each month? Or perhaps settle for an entire season in a picturesque rural village? Following the summer sun is also a popular choice.
It’s crucial to assess the housing market and evaluate whether there are practical options available for nomads. Good internet speed and availability will be essential, considering there are certain countries where connectivity can be inadequate, even in major cities.
Furthermore, consider whether the area is relatively safe, particularly if you identify as female, LGBTQIA+, or belong to a minority group. Evaluate medical services available and their implications for travel insurance, especially for emergency medical evacuation. Lastly, ensure the weather suits your preferences.
Are you legally allowed to work there? In many countries, working as a digital nomad can be legally ambiguous. Consequently, researching visa conditions and ensuring compliance with local regulations is vital. Working holiday visas can be an excellent way to ease into this lifestyle.
The Most Important Bits to Figure Out
While these might not be the most thrilling details, they are crucial. You should clarify where you will hold your money, how you will access it, and any fees associated with banking, ATM withdrawals, and credit card transactions abroad. Services like TransferWise can help minimize international transfer costs.
The housing situation may be dynamic at the moment; thus, traveling may allow you to score great deals on furnished apartments that are typically short-term. Wherever you choose to reside, ensure you have a comfortable workspace.
Moreover, invest in good IT equipment for your digital job. A quality laptop with an efficient keyboard, a decent camera (1080p recommended), and reliable headphones are essential. You’ll need to consider the time difference from your colleagues; it could either be advantageous or present challenges.
If your budget permits, acquiring a tablet for reading, watching shows, and gaming can be beneficial. However, refrain from installing work emails or social networking apps to allow yourself to relax genuinely. Alternatively, establish a routine that involves disconnecting from work-related communications after hours.
There is a wealth of advice available online, so I encourage you to conduct thorough research and identify trustworthy sources that align with the lifestyle you wish to adopt. Good luck in your digital nomad journey, as it may be the experience of a lifetime.
