What Jobs Can I Do As A Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads juggle work from multiple employers. Since they often work in distant locations, digital nomads are generally freelancers or entrepreneurs working in different settings while traveling the world.

Digital nomad jobs are becoming increasingly popular due to the possibilities offered to freelancers and entrepreneurs, which is expected to increase demand for coworking spaces.

Digital Nomads usually work on the go, often in cafes, restaurants, coworking spaces, or at home. While office life remains the preferred choice among most employees, coworking is becoming a popular option for many people.

Coworking spaces are basically shared office spaces that are often cheaper than renting an office or working from home and provide flexibility for workers.

However, many digital nomads prefer the flexibility of working remotely from the comfort of their home offices. They do not need a coworking space which can also be distracting for solo workers as they may interact with coworkers who do not understand their working style.

What Kind of Jobs Do Digital Nomads Do?

Digital nomads are freelancers who search for a remote job upon landing in a new location. They are usually freelancers who work with flexibility as they are not bound by a conventional work schedule and can work anytime.

Digital nomads are often entrepreneurs with online businesses who travel globally in search of clients and customers. They usually rely on online search engines such as Google to search for potential clients and customers and make appointments with them while away.

Digital nomads may also take on work such as

• Virtual Assistants
• Editors
• Tutors
• Freelance photographer
• Marketing Expert
• Social Media Manager
• Travel blogger
• Technical writer
• SEO Specialist.
• Freelance writing
• Blog writing and travel writing (occasional)
• Digital marketing specialist (rare)
• Programmer (occasional)
• Web Designer (occasional)
• Graphic designer (occasional)

How Can a Digital Nomad Find Work?

Many online job portals can help you find a full-time or part-time remote job. The most well-known outlets are:

• FlexJobs
• Upwork
• Authentic Jobs
• Jobspresso
• Guru.com
• Angellist
• Fiverr

How Much Money Do Digital Nomads Make?

A digital nomad typically earns$50,000 to $120,000 annually. However, some have been able to earn up to $160,000 annually (source youtube channels of digital nomads). By working remotely, most digital nomads earn around $60,000-$110,000 annually.

Since most digital nomads work part-time or as freelancers on a flexible basis, most of their earnings are in the form of freelancing fees. Freelancers often receive an hourly rate of $10-$50 per hour, depending on their expertise.

Some digital nomad entrepreneurs earn $50000-$100 000 annually by selling advertorial space online on their travel blogs or travel-related products.

Digital nomads usually earn the most based in Asia or Europe. For example, freelance writing jobs in Vietnam or Thailand can save you between $1500-$3000 monthly, whereas in similar positions in Western countries, you can only save between $700-$1500 per month. As a result, digital nomads tend to base themselves in countries where the cost of living is low.

What Does It Cost to Be a Digital Nomad and Travel?

Becoming a digital nomad is not cheap. This destination-dependent lifestyle requires digital nomads to spend a significant amount of money traveling worldwide.

Most digital nomads spend between $30000 and $80000 annually to travel worldwide. However, others spend more than $100 0000 annually.

The most common expense for digital nomads is airfare, as they must travel to new destinations for a new job or client every few months. Budget airlines are popular amongst digital nomads as they are affordable and save about 5-6% on airfare.

These savings can help digital nomads save a substantial amount of money on their air travel.

Accommodation is another significant expense for digital nomads as most travelers want to stay in hostels and Airbnbs to save significantly on accommodation.

Sightseeing and local travel is another significant expense for digital nomads. Most of the sightseeing is done by walking or public transport, and access to public transportation such as buses and trains is usually accessible in most European countries.

Food is another significant expense for digital nomads. Working from home saves food expenses as you can quickly cook your food at home. However, food expenses will be high if you plan to stay in hostels or resorts while traveling.

What Skills Are Necessary to become a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads need to have good communication skills and network with others for job opportunities.

Most digital nomads are good at networking as this skill helps them connect with other freelancers and clients and convince them to hire them.

Digital nomad jobs are usually available online, so you need to be skilled in finding and applying for online jobs.

Digital nomads are usually well-versed in at least one language other than English, as most of their clients come from non-English speaking countries.

Is Becoming a Digital Nomad Worth It?

Being a digital nomad offers many rewards, such as the freedom to work and travel anywhere in the world. Being your boss often offers better job security and provides an opportunity to pursue other passions besides work.

However, this lifestyle may not suit everyone as it lacks group support and structure. For instance, if you have kids, this lifestyle may not be ideal for them. Most coworking spaces do not offer childcare services, so you must make lifestyle changes when you become a digital nomad.

Therefore, becoming a digital nomad should be considered carefully, before you take up this lifestyle, as the extra cost to travel and the lack of security can affect your finances in the long run.

Digital Nomad Advantages and Disadvantages

Digital nomad advantages:

• Freedom to travel around the world as you please
• Freedom to choose jobs or clients from anywhere in the world
• Freedom to work when you want
• Freedom to be able to take vacations whenever you want
• Freedom to work from anywhere.

Digital nomad disadvantages:

• Lack of group support or workplace structure and security
• Lack of control over your pay rates
• Lack of control over your work schedule or job responsibilities as freelancers are usually managed by clients and companies.
• Difficulty in finding a supportive family or partner to travel around the world with as you are constantly on the move

What Requirements Can There Before Being a Digital Nomad?

1. You must have reasonable control over English, and at least one other language as most of your clients will come from non-English-speaking countries.

2. Must have a reliable computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection to access online files and upload articles for job applications online.

3. Must have a valid passport (digital nomads often require a multiple-entry visa to travel freely around the world).

4. Must have sufficient funds to travel around the world freely. This may depend on your destination and your travel itinerary (you may need to buy flights in advance or book accommodation etc.).

5. Must have a valid work permit for your country of residence or work Visa if you plan to work abroad.

What Are the Geographical Constraints for Being a Digital Nomad?

Many people find it challenging to adapt to a lifestyle that constantly changes locations every few months.

Language barrier – most digital nomads, are fluent in another language besides English as most of their clients are non-native English speakers. As a digital nomad, you must master at least two languages apart from English.

Weather conditions – some digital nomads are poorly suited for a tropical climate as they may get easily sick or experience extreme weather conditions such as typhoons and hurricanes in some countries.

Currency exchange – some digital nomads may experience difficulty in exchanging money abroad as the country’s money exchange rates may not be favorable.

Safety – most digital nomads are not too keen on traveling to dangerous or unstable countries as they do not want to risk losing their belongings or becoming victims of crime.

Transport – digital nomads may need to rely on public transport or pay for taxis to get between different destinations. This may result in additional costs.

Tips to Start as a Digital Nomad

Below are the tips and steps to follow to become a digital nomad or start this trip.

• Step 1: Research your destination
• Step 2: Budget accordingly
• Step 3: Find a job or client abroad.
• Step 4: Travel safely and work from anywhere!

Now, you can get to work and start traveling the world. This lifestyle allows digital nomads to travel worldwide while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere they desire.

Conclusion

Jobs as a digital nomad are becoming increasingly common as most companies have switched to an online platform for job applications, processing, and payroll. This has opened up opportunities for digital nomads to work and experience a new location and culture every few months.

Just remember to plan your travel itinerary and budget accordingly to ensure you have enough funds to match your expenses.

So, do you feel you are ready to become a digital nomad?

I hope this guide helped answer some of your questions and gives you some insight into what is required to become a digital nomad.

Do you have any tips or questions on becoming a digital nomad? Tell us in the comments section below. Thanks.