Rapid digitization is changing the landscape companies used to operate. Even before the pandemic, some organizations had remote working culture as part of their business operational infrastructure. However, one common question that we used to hear from communities is, “How to become a digital nomad?”
Before diving deep, let us get clear on what is a digital nomad?
Digital nomads are remote workers that work by travelling to different locations. Their place of work keeps on changing. They keep all essentials they need for work, for example, the laptop device, charger, and most importantly wireless internet device.
We get impressed by the lifestyle of digital nomads. However, we are unaware of the difficulties and level of control they have. They have trained themselves to live in distractions and work at different locations. One thing to understand here is that there is not a steadfast blueprint that everyone could follow to become a digital nomad.
Factors Contributing to Digital Nomad
There are multiple factors that contribute to becoming a successful digital nomad. The very first factor is the job type. If you think you have a kind of job for which you do not require multiple screens or computers and your work is flexible enough, then you can become a digital nomad. Secondly, a digital nomad should have certain skills which include the level of experience in the field nomad is working, the abilities to cope up with unusual circumstances when you are out of your home, the degree of professionalism, and the ability to focus on your work without getting distracted. Thirdly, you might need to do extra work in the beginning. You can get the quality of your work when you’ll get experience working at different locations with the passage of time.
Characteristics of a Digital Nomad
To become a digital nomad, you first take into consideration the characteristics that a digital nomad should have. A digital nomad visits different locations all the time, which means they should have enough income to move and stay. Only a strong income allows you to work while travelling across the globe. Moreover, one common characteristic of all digital nomads is that they have already spent years living abroad and earn while working online. This gives them an idea about the place dynamics and the requirements that ultimately makes it easy for them to work from anywhere.
Steps to Become a Digital Nomad
This section describes some steps that you need to consider before getting started on your journey to become a digital nomad. There are some prerequisites that can make your dream come true without going through some serious difficulties. The steps are:
1. Cut off the additional expenses. Do not pay for the things that do not help your living as a digital nomad. The money you spend in buying subscriptions and memberships can be used in your travel. This is more important when you are a freelancer because you might sometimes face inconsistencies with respect to your income.
2. Save money as much as you can. Before going on the way to digital nomad, you should keep savings for a month in advance. Other than the travel and living expenses, your pocket should have enough money to tackle some emergency situations.
3. Set up your equipment. Keep everything organized with yourself for smooth work. Keep cases for everything you carry, pack them in such a way that you keep everything with you when you move. Keep a checklist that helps you remember your belongings. Unlock your phone when you are travelling internationally.
4. Get travel health insurance for yourself. You are all-time on the roads. Where on one hand you get exceptional experience every day, you never know when an emergency becomes an obstacle. You can become sick or experience an accident. With the fact that you are alone, get yourself prepared with some suitable health insurance plans.
5 Tips to Become a Digital Nomad
When you are on your way to becoming a digital nomad, you need to be much disciplined. Below are some tips that can help you cope with the challenges beforehand.
Make a Budget Plan
To be in your comfort on the way, always follow your budget. Make a monthly budget that aligns with the place you are going to visit. Based on the living charges, your activities, and expenses you can have, make a plan and follow it throughout.
Join the Digital Nomad Community
This is very important. By joining a community of digital nomads, you will get to know the challenges others are facing and how you can manage them before. Moreover, you will be able to get to know the strengths and limitations of working at certain places. You can learn from the experiences of people struggling like you.
Keep Spare Internet Connection
You should always keep an extra internet device or boosters with you. Some locations have certain discrepancies with respect to weak internet connection and it should not be a reason to miss the meeting with the employer.
Research the Location Before
Before switching the location, make extensive research of your next destination. You should know the expense you will have at that place, the hotel in which you are going to stay, the restaurants, the living, neighbourhood, nearby hospitals, etc. This research will help you throughout your stay at that location with all the comfort.
Maintain Work Quality
With the increasing digital inclusion, the remote work environment is appreciated by many companies. If you want to be a successful digital nomad, you should be skilled enough to get exposure to different locations and their living style without compromising the quality and quantity of your work. You can only be productive at your work when you’ll have enough information about the place you are going to visit. Take a disciplined approach to enjoy your life as a digital nomad.
