What Is a Digital Nomad? The Complete Guide to Digital Nomads and Career Options (2023) |

If you're contemplating making the transition to a digital nomad, you're in the right place. The report by MBO Partners found that 17 million Americans were digital nomads by 2023. They also found that 80% of digital nomads reported being very satisfied with their work and 24% of them report that they are traveling with their children! The report also discovered that 70 % of Americans are looking to become digital nomads - and they're also seeing a similar level of interest in countries around the world.

In this article this article, we'll present an overview of what it means to be a digital nomad. We'll also go over some possible pros and cons of a nomadic lifestyle and explore some careers for digital nomads. Then we'll give you a checklist and some proven strategies to make your dream of living a nomadic lifestyle become a possibility.

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What is a digital nomad?

Digital nomads are people who lives all over the world when working remotely. Digital nomads make use of the new possibilities of digital technology, and usually only need a laptop for earning a livelihood. It allows them to travel and use technologies to run a business or work in a business that follows an office-based remote policy.

It's not clear who coined the concept of digital nomads, but it was popularized in an article published in 1997 written by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners, who argued that technology advancements would enable people to return to a nomad lifestyle working from any location. By 2023, there would be 17 million Americans with digital nomads.

A lot of popular destinations have a love-hate relationship between digital nomads. Digital nomads can have an image of ruining the landscape as well as appointing locals to the side. Many countries see nomads as a way to attract tourists into the country and even to fill a labor gap. The appeal of this was enhanced as short-term tourism collapsed during the pandemic. A growing number of countries are giving out "digital nomadic visas" which encourage nomads to stay and visit.

What is the reason to become an online nomad?

There are some great reasons to consider being an online nomad. Naturally, the most important reason is to travel! If you've always wanted explore the world, and to experience different cultures, becoming a digital nomad allows you to travel the world.

Digital nomads often profit from the costs of living variations between different countries. A high income in their country of origin as well as having a lower cost of living in the host country/s is that they are able to enjoy greater cash flow.

However, not all is well for digital nomads. A lot of people underestimate the toll that it takes to try to stay in a foreign country for extended durations, being cut away from the home networks of support, and living in an unfamiliar culture. It is possible to estimate the cost also. Even though the cost for living could be cheaper in a host country however, they have to take in flights as well as health insurance and travel.

The pros and cons of being an online nomad

    Pros

• Work from amazing, inspiring places that you are awed by.        
  
• Save money in places with a lower cost of living than your home country (your dollars go further).        
  
• Meet new friends from across the globe.        
  
• Create the life you want and live where you want.        
  
• It's possible to be able to experience personal growth and motivation unlike you've ever experienced when you were at home.        
  
• You get amazing learning opportunities from being exposed to various languages, cultures, etc.        
  
• Profit from the time difference (e.g. working later in the day as well as allowing mornings to be free ).    
  
• Earn by renting out your house or apartment (if applicable).        
  

    Cons

• Isolation and loneliness as it is difficult to find friends in new areas.        
  
• If you have to lose an income source it may be difficult to locate a replacement. It is also possible that you are not qualified to work in a host country.      
  
• The process of moving can be challenging to maintain relationships. Many nomads have trouble to find love and dating.        
  
• Unexpected expenses can eat off your savings when you live in a more affordable location.        
  
• The time zone difference can be challenging too-especially if you're trying to work during your team's sleep and vice versa.        
  
• Visas and legal problems could cause lots of stress and extra expenses.        
  
• You must ensure that you're legally compliant in both your home and your host country (some countries expect nomads to pay tax! ).    
  
• Your career can be restricted from afar.        
  
• If you don't have access to high-speed internet it can hurt your ability to work.        
  
• It has an impact on the environment when you traveling, and in certain instances the impact of nomads on the local population (e.g. housing markets ).    
  

Careers for digital nomads

There are a myriad of careers for digital nomads. By 2025, 32.6 million Americans are expected to work remotely with 16% of companies are already completely remote. This means the possibilities for careers as digital nomads are going to get better and better. If you go into an office and use computers or phones to work, there's a good possibility that your work could be completed remotely.

Here are some ideas:

• Community Manager The term "community manager" refers to someone who oversees an online community, and is the ideal job for remote work. Online community platforms that are top of the line allow you to easily manage an active community. No matter if you're part of a brand or business, or managing your own pay community, it's a great job for wanderers!    
  

• Freelance Writing: Freelance writers write for magazines and newspapers. They also write books for CEOs or write blogs for companies. And since writing is mostly performed by oneself this is a fantastic work for an online nomad.    
  
• Graphic Design: Graphic design professionals can design the world's most famous brands using an laptop. It's an ideal digital nomad job.      
  
• Online Teaching and Tutoring E-learning's rapid growth allows online tutoring or teaching a real possibility for digital nomads, whether you're teaching in an online college or launching your own online class.    
  

• Digital Marketing: Whether you're making Facebook advertisements or performing SEO, the process of marketing through digital can be described as... the digital. It's an excellent career to digital-nomads.    
  
• Software Development: Software engineers design software and tools, either as a company. Work is conducted online and therefore it's an excellent alternative for remote jobs.    
  
• Web Design: Creating websites is an excellent profession for digital nomads.      
  
• Virtual Assistants: Usually help leaders with administrative tasks, replying to emails, posting to social networks, scheduling appointments, etc. It's a perfect role for those who work from home.    
  
• Remote Customer Support: When companies do customer service online or by telephone, it does not usually matter where the customer service representative is located. It could be a good career for an online nomad.    
  

• Telemedicine: Not every health treatment can be performed remotely, but a surprising amount could be. From counseling and psychiatry specialist consults to nursing interviews Remote healthcare jobs are growing.    
  
• Market Researcher: If you're in the business of conducting market research for a company or other organizations may be done remotely.      
  
• Content Creator: Content creators are all in, and people are producing podcasts, Facebook posts, YouTube videos, and more. If you make your living by creating content, whether as a part of a business or yourself-you can probably do it at home.    
  
• Consultant: Consulting falls into an enormous field, however it is basically about setting up an own service company and advising and working for businesses on a part-time basis. It's an excellent career choice that can be done remotely.    
  
• Professional Services Bookkeepers, lawyers, accountants, HR. There's a ton of professional services that work well to digital nomadic life.      
  
• Service Businesses: Finally, companies that provide services are ideal for digital nomadic travelers. Engineers, conservation engineers, scientists as well. are all suitable for remote work depending upon the tasks you perform.    
  

What is the best way to become an online nomad

1. Find work or income which permits you to travel. The movement to become a digital nomad was primarily focussed on digital entrepreneurs. Tim Ferriss' famous book-The 4-Hour Workweek-stressed with technologies to grow flexible businesses as well as the ability to travel (if you wish). But, the growth of remote work means the possibility of becoming a digital nomad can be achievable with a regular 9-5 job.    
   
2. Plan ahead: It's improving every day However, becoming a digital nomad is still complicated. You have to think about finding accommodation in another country, managing visas, filing taxes, making access to your bank account via a foreign location, along with a host of other issues (we've added a checklist below). Be prepared-people make this mistake all the time. Do get started with your plan.    
   
3. Test drive: Before you commit to becoming a full-time nomad, you can take taking a drive test. Try a few weeks during a vacation to see if it's actually possible to like. Although the idea of becoming a digital nomad is beautiful, many find negativity means they're not suitable for it.    
   
4. Select your preferred travel style Do you prefer to plan your entire year planned out? Do you prefer to travel month-to-month, where the wind will take you? There's no right or wrong answer. Planning far in advance gives you the advantages that you have more accommodation options to select from, and also cheaper airfares however it restricts the possibility of being spontaneous. Planning without a schedule means being spontaneous, but you may be restricted by the flight options as well as the accommodations accessible. Most nomads do better by keeping a basic plan, and planning is part of the enjoyment!    
   
5. Pack and go! While the idea of becoming a digital nomad may seem daunting, at the end of the day, you're making a decision and heading off to live life somewhere else. Resist the urge to overpack (you'll be grateful that you didn't need to carry a lot). Begin your journey!    
   

Digital nomad checklist

There are plenty of aspects to consider when you decide to become digital nomads. Here are a few suggestions we've learned from those who've done it:

• Examine your software and hardware: Bring your laptop, relevant tech you need for your work Also, don't forget your electrical adapters for countries you'll travel to. Keep in mind that you can purchase or rent technical equipment in many countries, too. If, for instance, you are a fan of working with a second screen, it might be an item you are able to find upon arrival.    
  
• Backups for 2-factor identifications: Since the last five years, 2-factor authentication has been required to sign into every system. If you typically receive an SMS on your mobile-and you don't own it, things get more complicated. Create backups of all of your important logons. For anything Google-related it is possible to use the Google authenticator app. Otherwise, think about the ways you'll log in to your tax accounts, bank accounts, software, etc.    
  
• Calculate tax liabilities: Plan on how you will pay and pay taxes from overseas (if appropriate).      
  
• Have a passport that is current: Get your passport and any other papers you'll need. Remember that some countries can not grant visas if you have a passport that expires after six months. So make sure you have lots of room for your calendar.    
  
• Medical insurance is essential: Accidents happen. You should be covered. Your existing insurance might be able to cover certain things However, the majority of digital nomads need to purchase an additional medical travel insurance.    
  
• Verify your visa requirements If you're from the US You can travel to most countries without applying for a visa, except if you're planning to stay for an extended time. If you're planning a long-stay it is possible that you require the proper visa at an embassy or consulate prior to you go. If that's the case, start early to give yourself lots of time.    
  
• Examine the work-related requirements to determine if you allowed to work in a nomad nation? Will they try to tax your income? Every country is governed by its own regulations which can be tricky to navigate. Check with digital nomad blogs and forums, aswell the official websites of government. Certain governments may allow the income you earn provided it's within the boundaries of the country. If you're working for a company that has offices outside of the country, you might be able to organize a work experience with them    
  
• Find train or plane tickets and accommodation platforms like Airbnb are great to do this, however they are constantly updated with new options the time. As an example, Berlin startup Habyt promises rents for a month. Apps like Hopper will track your airfare and give you advice on when to make reservations for the lowest prices.    
  

Strategies for becoming an online nomad

• Take a break: Moving from place to place each day can make it hard to remain productive. It also can be a drain on your budget. The most experienced nomads understand that it's worthwhile to stay in one location for weeks or months to create a schedule and also save money. For example, Airbnb has discounts for month-long bookings which could put the cost of nomad living within the same range or less than the rent of any city in the U.S.    
  
• Create a schedule for your work that is effective: It may be hard to be productive while traveling. Be sure to create a work schedule that works for you.    
  
• Stay aware of the cultural difference: Nomads face lots of surprise when they attempt to follow the same rules as they'd do in their home country. For example, many places do not allow you to set up your laptop in a cafe to work (or if they do they don't have internet access). Then you'll have to alter your life in some ways to fit into the environment you're currently within.    
  

• Discover community: Ask digital nomads what gets to them and they'll be able to tell you about the loneliness. Look for ways to join communities where ever you go, whether it's the local gathering for nomads or an online group. (Staying within a single location longer can also help you form deeper relationships ).    
  
• Start small: Before committing to an entire three years trip around the globe, start small. Start with a couple of weeks, or a month working at a different place. It is possible that it isn't something you enjoy perhaps, or it could take longer to do remote work as you imagine. Relax and get comfortable.    
  

Get going!

We hope these tips have inspired you to launch your own journey as a digital nomad! Although it's not easy, the growing acceptance of the digital nomad and the stories from hundreds of nomads who love the experience suggests it's at least worthwhile to try it!

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