Are you tired of the 9-5 work schedule that is sometimes sandwiched with traffic and exhaustion? Do you have a dream to work from the beach, a cozy hotel, or some mountain in your dream city? If this sounds like what you want, you might need to consider starting a digital nomad career.
Several people sit on their digital nomad career without knowing it. Most times, they think they don’t have what it takes or they don’t even understand how it works. Come along as we show you what a digital nomad career is and what you need to get started.
Who Is a Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is a person who works online while living in whatever location they prefer. Such people maximize technology to earn money, freelance, and run online businesses. In case you are wondering “What’s the difference between a remote worker and a digital nomad?” we heard you!
Unlike regular remote workers who may be confined to certain regions, a digital nomad is not restricted to a location. Due to the frequent trips of digital nomads, they get to experience new cultures and cities while handling their work tasks.
What is a Digital Nomad Career?
A digital nomad career is a profession that lets you work wherever you want. It involves working remotely using digital tools without being limited to a residence, office, or city. It is the job that allows you to travel around the world while being a professional without affecting your career. For example, you can be an online tutor while traveling to another city or country for an event. There are platforms where you can get information about work opportunities and destinations.
What Do You Need to Start a Digital Nomad Career?
As you prepare to start a digital nomad career, there are some things you need to have in place. It might even be surprising to realize you already have some of these things. Essential tools you should have are:
1. A Reliable Laptop and Stable Internet Connection
Your efficiency as a digital nomad depends on having a reliable laptop and a stable internet connection. If you ask a random digital nomad, they will describe their laptop as their office. You need the laptop to connect with clients all over the world.
2. Remote-Friendly Skills
Starting a digital nomad career is not only about the desire, what do you have to offer? People only make payments for value so you need a skill people can pay you for. The interesting part is that you don’t need to be an expert before you start earning.
Search for beginner-friendly skills that favor a remote work lifestyle. Hone the skill using online platforms and resources and deliberately put yourself out. Talk about your unique selling points and position yourself for the opportunity you will love to attract.
3. Have An International Bank Account
Digital nomads are always ready to receive payments from different parts of the world. If you rely on traditional banking systems, they might not be flexible enough and this could leave your money hanging. Several digital nomads have resorted to using platforms like PayPal, Payoneer, Wise (formerly TransferWise), or Deel for their transactions.
Before choosing an international banking system, confirm that the platform works well in your home country and the countries you will frequent. You might also want to ensure it is multi-currency. This will help beat down exchange fees and speed up the transaction.
4. Noise-canceling headphones
Having a noise-canceling headphone is one of the things you need for your digital nomad career. This will help you reduce noise from your background when making calls with clients or during Zoom meetings. It allows you to stay focused on your meetings while eliminating distractions from your environment.
5. Learn How to Use Basic Tech and Communication Tools
If you will work from anywhere, you should learn how to communicate with people that are far away. Explore the common tools for remote work and learn how to use them. Start with basic tools for video conferencing, communication, collaboration, and time-tracking. Your mastery of these tools will give you a competitive edge when joining remote teams.
Beginner Jobs to Kickstart Your Digital Nomad Career
1. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants work behind the scenes to take the administrative burden off entrepreneurs and busy professionals. They are usually saddled with tasks like email management, appointment scheduling, and social media handling.
To be a virtual assistant, you primarily need organizational skills, and most times, clients are willing to give the required training.
2. Freelance Writer/Content Creator
More businesses and organizations are realizing the importance of a strong online presence, but many of them can’t handle it themselves. Most of these organizations have blog sections and social media handles that are not being managed. If you have good writing skills and a flair for content creation, this is an accessible field for you.
You can start by creating a portfolio or personal blog. While sharpening your skills, pitch to businesses and organizations. Sell them a compelling reason you deserve the job and let your portfolio convince them further.
3. Customer Support Representative
As a customer support representative, you will be responding to the queries of company customers via chats, email, and phone calls. To get started, you need basic communication skills and empathy. Most companies train their customer support representative about their processes before having you attend to customers.
4. Data Entry/Transcription
Transcriptionists and data entry staff are tasked with entering details into spreadsheets, and transcribing audio files. If you are a detail-oriented person, you might want to explore a career along this line.
5. Online Tutor or English Teacher
Becoming a digital nomad doesn’t mean you need to learn new digital skills for remote work. Sometimes, you only need to learn how to put yourself out. If you speak English fluently or have another skill you can teach, online tutoring might be a great source of income. Interestingly, you don’t need a teaching certification to get started as an online tutor.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Becoming a digital nomad is not just about trends and “wanting to copy others.” It is a lifestyle that gives you freedom and flexibility. Getting started is not as difficult as most people think. You only need basic tools, digital skills, a strong pitch, and a willingness to learn.
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