How To Become a Proficient Digital Nomad and Gain Better Work-Life Balance

If you’ve always wanted to work remotely, perhaps you’ve considered becoming a digital nomad and working as you travel the country or the world. Below are three ways to enhance your remote work life, gain new skills and save money so you can take your work on the road with you.

Rethink What “Work” Means to You

If you’re someone who bristles at the idea of working a 9-to-5 job at the same office every day, you may be drawn to the idea of being a digital nomad because it offers the freedom to work the hours and location of your choice — as long as you have access to a computer with an internet connection. If you plan to move around a lot, it’s important to prioritize the basics: the hotels and residences you rent should be amenable to work and have internet connection.

Become Your Own Boss If the idea of becoming your own boss is appealing to you, start by brainstorming what this would look like. You may wish to start finding work as a Shopify developer or posting your skills to an online job board. Perhaps you have an already thriving Etsy shop and want to make it your full-time freelance business.

Or maybe you desire to build your SEO writing portfolio. By following Neil Patel’s advice and using your talents, you can build your clientele while working remotely. No matter your choice, it’s up to you to hold yourself accountable - after all, you are your own boss now. Traveling in new places and gaining new experiences is a brilliant, enviable goal, but it won’t be possible without hard work. Aim for great online reviews because your future clients will read these first and factor them into your rate, delivery time and overall experience when hiring you. Consider using time tracking software to help with time management, client invoicing and project pricing to ensure you’re profitable at the end of each month.

Curate a Specific Marketable Skill Set

You may not want to become an entrepreneur or start your own business, and that’s OK. It’s possible to work as an independent contractor rather than a business owner and still make a good living with your laptop, Wi-Fi and a desire to earn money while you travel. Perhaps you have a way with words that could be translated into a career in freelance writing as an independent contractor, or maybe you already have a job that can be performed remotely, such as web development. If you don’t already have qualifications that set you apart from your competitors, consider learning new skills by using affordable platforms such as Udemy or Coursera. Many of these platforms enable you to earn a certificate at the end of your courses. Consider what you are good at, which type of job you’d like to have while on the road and which type of work would most easily fit into your lifestyle.

Budget for Your Travel Expenses

Money concerns may arise as you think about the cost of travel. Build a budget that reflects your income, expenses and a projected plan of where you will stay and how you will get there. Traveling by RV, for example, has its own pros and cons, including maintenance of the vehicle, rental costs and knowledge of the diesel engines common to these large vehicles.

Figuring out how to save money when traveling doesn’t have to take all your free time. Create a budget and stick to it, focus on low-cost yet nutritious foods and resist impulse purchases on the road unless you have an allowance for it.

Embarking on a career as a digital nomad may take time to expand your portfolio, build your savings and pull together a solid plan for living on the road or in multiple locations every year. If you’re someone who loves trying different things, exploring unfamiliar places and meeting new people, you may find this type of life is perfect for you. Photo via Unsplash