15 Basic Steps To Become A Digital Nomad
What is a Digital Nomad?
Before we dive into how to achieve a digital nomad lifestyle, let’s define exactly what is a digital nomad.
Digital nomads earn a living by working online while living in different locations based on their choosing instead of from a specific work location.
Because their job or career is entirely remote. Digital nomads can be full-time travelers as long as they have access to Wi-Fi and modern technology needed to do their work.
The ability to live and work from nearly anywhere opens up a world of possibilities to create the lifestyle you desire.
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A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while traveling the world. They can make a livable income from their laptop or through passive income and are location-independent.
Keep in mind that there is a huge difference between digital nomads and remote workers.
Many of us became remote workers and stayed home during the pandemic, but that didn’t mean we were digital nomads.
To be a digital nomad, you must travel and be on the move every few months or so. (Unless you have a digital nomad visa, but we’ll get into that later!)
What do you need to become a digital nomad?
How to Become a Digital Nomad
There is no secret formula for becoming a digital nomad. It is a unique individual journey for every person who wishes to take on this lifestyle.
However, we can make it easier for you to achieve your dream in just seven steps.
This guide is based on my own experience of becoming a digital nomad three years ago and what I wish I had known and done beforehand.
So, take these next steps as loose guidelines because your journey may look a little different.
You may have already done steps two and three but haven’t considered the first step. With that being said, let’s dive right in!
How do I become a digital nomad with no skills?
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Basic Steps To Become A Digital Nomad
1. Choose A Path To Follow
As with anything else in life, becoming a digital nomad has some basic steps that must be followed to make it all happen.
These days there is no real reason why someone can’t follow their dreams and get out of town for an extended period.
But first, they will need to choose whether they’re going to go down the entrepreneur route or take up freelancing while traveling around.
2. Educate Yourself: Steps To Become A Digital Nomad
Before you make any life-changing decision. Whether it’s to become a vegetarian or switch career paths, you educate yourself on the topic. It’s no different you consider becoming location-independent.
You’ve actually already started your education about how to become a digital nomad simply by reading this article – so congratulations! But the research doesn’t stop there.
Join online digital nomad communities (I’m sharing my favorite one at the end), read about other people’s experiences, listen to podcasts, or take online courses.
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In less than an hour, you’ll have the foundations for what it means to be a digital nomad and how to get started on this nomadic lifestyle.
3. Learn Some New Skills
Everyone knows that new skills allow us the chance to make extra money while on the road, but that’s only part of the reason why people should start learning something new today.
By picking up a few new skills here and there, you’ll find yourself with not one or two but several sources of income when you’re on your adventures around the world.
Essential Digital Nomad Skills: Major Steps To Become A Digital Nomad
To be a successful digital nomad, you’ll need some specific skills when working a remote job. You may already have the skills I’m about to list, but if not, you can always learn and work on them.
Time Management
It is extremely important to know how to manage your time as a digital nomad. Since you aren’t working in an office, there is nobody there to look over your shoulder.
Instead, you may receive emails and texts from coworkers or clients. However, in the end, it’s up to you to complete your tasks.
Personal Branding
If you choose to go the freelance route, you must learn how to build your personal brand. Anyone and everyone who knows you must be aware that you are a freelancer.
Talk about your work on your social media and with your friends and family. Sometimes they can be your best referrers for new clients.
Tech Savvy (Sort Of)
As a digital nomad, you’re going to be working on your computer a lot.
While you don’t have to be a tech expert, you should still know your way around computers. Especially when it comes to protecting your personal information with a VPN – more on that later, though!
Super Organized
There are a lot of different things happening at once in the life of a digital nomad. From meeting deadlines for work to scheduling travel and transportation, it’s important to stay organized.
You don’t want to miss a flight or a bus because you booked the wrong day or completely forgot what day it was. You also don’t want to miss a deadline because you overbooked yourself with travel.
4. Be Away From Home For A Long Time
Many people face one challenge when they want to become nomads: they only ever get back home for short periods before leaving again.
If this sounds like you, then it might be time to stay put in one place long enough so that friends and family don’t worry about where you are all the time.
But, of course, there’s no rush to leave everyone behind just yet!
5. Stay On Top Of Your Bills
Just because you’re living on the road doesn’t mean that your bills will just magically disappear.
If you want to keep up with all of your payments while away, it’s best to find a bank account that won’t charge you for using your card abroad or with foreign ATMs.
Always keep your tax affairs up to date, tk.cpa is a great resource.
6. Decide Where to Go
You can go anywhere in the world – so where will you go?
Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple when you’re a digital nomad. You must be strategic about your destinations and ensure they have the services and features you need to work online.
You also have to consider the bureaucracy behind tourist visas and how long you can stay in certain areas.
Now, I’m not saying there aren’t plenty of excellent destination options for digital nomads! In this section, I will help you narrow down the best places for you and how to make it happen.