The nomad, traditionally described as a wanderer or a person who does not stay long in the same place. The 21st century has given rise to the digital nomad – someone who can work from pretty much anywhere in the world. The appeal of this lifestyle cannot be denied. Armed with a laptop, a sturdy internet connection and a website (optional), you can choose where you’d like to stay while earning an income. Why shouldn’t you be able to lie on a beach in Thailand while picking up a paycheck? But what kind of work can facilitate this type of lifestyle? And what other considerations should you take into account before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime?
A moment of introspection
The life of a digital nomad isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in pursuing this course, you’ll need to ask yourself some questions. Are you self-motivated? Are you opportunistic? Can you be patient? Do you have the ability to quickly adapt to new situations. Do you have the kind of immediate resources to bail you out should your laptop suddenly give up the ghost? Do you possess good planning skills and do you have the discipline to execute them? These are necessary questions to think upon before diving into the life of a digital nomad.
Strength in numbers
It’s never a bad idea to join a community of fellow digital-nomads. There are various websites, portals and social media hubs that you can become a part of. Access to a wealth of resources will be imperative as you transition from the humdrum office life to a life of freedom. By way of these online communities you’ll be able to get key advice from those who have gone before you. You’ll likely also be able to forge new friendships and acquaintances, many of which could prove vital.
Applicable skill sets
So what are you good at and can it be monetized online? It goes without saying that computer proficiency is a must; luckily in today’s age most people are. The most common forms of work that can accommodate the digital nomad lifestyle are writing, software development, architecture and powerful content marketing. Those are just the essentials. As already stated, if you have a skill that can be monetized online then you’re well on your way. You could opt to teach English as a second language. This vocation has gained a tremendous online presence. Alternately you could opt for something in online finance. Maybe you’re a fan of flow charts, maths and strategizing? If so, then you could have the skill sets to perform share trading. It’s not for everyone, but over the last 10 years the resources to profit from financial instruments has become a lot more widespread thanks to the wonders of the internet. Start-up capital is relatively low and the ability to profit is very real. Plus, there’s all kinds of online literature on the subject of share trading that you can use to your advantage. Freelance writing is a skill employed by many digital nomads. The information superhighway has no limits to the amount of websites that occupy it and they all have content in varying degrees. If you’ve got good writing skills, then you can join a freelance agency and slowly work your way up to a steady stream of clients and some pretty decent cash. Remember, it’s about the quality. If you’re PC savvy, then something really worth looking into might be affiliate marketing. You’ll need a website, something not tough to set up these days, and some social media profiles. The concept itself is quite simple; by way of your website, which serves as a marketing vehicle, you channel traffic to a third-party for a cut of whatever gets spent there. At the end of the day, the web offers incredible opportunities for anyone willing to put in the time and the effort. If you want, you too can be a digital nomad.
