Web-based Work and Travel: How to Become a Digital Nomad

If you’d like to earn a living from anywhere in the world, then the digital nomadic lifestyle is what you need.

digital nomad

What is a digital nomad?

Being a digital nomad is effectively combining online work and travel. Typically digital nomads don’t have fixed abodes and most of their belongings can fit into a single backpack. All they need to make a living is a computer and an internet connection. Most digital nomads work as bloggers, web designers, developers or writers. However, other professions, such as online consulting and public relations, are also common to the digital nomadic fraternity.

In fact, there are three main categories of digital nomads:

  1. company employees who do telework

  2. freelancers working for companies or individuals and who get paid for time spent on a mission

  3. self-employed entrepreneurs, usually ones planning on launching startups.

The pros and cons of a digital nomadic lifestyle

It’s no surprise that the idea of working while travelling is attracting more and more attention. However, this lifestyle can have its downsides, which may include:

digital nomadic lifestyle

  • A lack of stability: Not having a permanent home and constantly being on the move can be stressful.

  • Travel does not always rhyme with vacation: most digital nomads will tell you that they’ve never had more work in their lives.

  • Dependence on the Wi-Fi: Without Wi-Fi, digital nomads are left stranded.

  • Managing your budget: Leaving the cozy world of corporate business is a real challenge.  Soon, you will be faced with unexpected financial considerations. The key is to choose your destination according to general cost of living. Indeed, there are less living expenses in developing countries than in more developed economies.

So what can you look forward to as a digital nomad? Here are a few advantages:

  • Getting rid of the daily grind of commuting, working and sleeping: the digital nomad can afford more flexibility than office-bound employees, both in the organization of working hours and choices of work projects.

  • An enriching experience and a personalized working environment: even though work is usually the most mundane part of your day, it can be done in more idyllic settings. Travelling is a good way to develop new skills, broaden your way of thinking and meet people from different backgrounds.

Admittedly, being a digital nomad demands discipline, courage and ambition. Nevertheless, it also allows you to live your dream, organize your work days as you please and see the world while earning a living. Interested?

Sources :

http://www.travelplugin.com/je-suis-une-nomade-digital-et-vous-aussi/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d5xH0VwHzA&t=1086s

Article written by a CAWEB Master’s student.