Many people who suffer from wanderlust choose to abandon their work cubicles and take up the life of a digital nomad. This is a term used to describe someone who works online, making it easy to complete assignments from any place in the world.
Despite the photos of adventure and exotic locations, such a life isn’t easy. Many digital nomads write of the downsides of this lifestyle. These include never having a fixed home or being unable to keep steady friendships. However, most digital nomads agree that they would not exchange this for the stale office life.
Are you thinking of becoming a digital nomad? Here is a list of ten things you need to ensure before beginning your journey.
Related:
– 10 Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad
– 13 Best digital nomad jobs
1- Physical Preparation
Travel is no easy feat when you factor in uncomfortable flights, heavy suitcases, and different time zones. Many people find that going on vacation can exhaust them for days. If you’re planning a more extreme travel life, we recommend that you stay fit and keep a balanced diet.
Prepare yourself for the physical aspect of a travel lifestyle so that you can enjoy the experience instead of becoming worn out. Don’t forget to get the necessary vaccines before you leave in order to avoid catching local illnesses.
2- Savings
Keep in mind that currency is different in every country, so you never know when you might need to withdraw emergency money from a savings account. This can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in need of medical assistance.
Also keep in mind that some countries have high crime rates. If your pocket money is stolen, funds in your savings account will help.
3- A Remote Job
If you’re going to quit your office job for something more exciting, don’t fool yourself into thinking you can make it solely with what’s in your wallet. Find jobs that you can do on your computer abroad so that you have an income. These sorts of jobs range from freelance writing to photography.
4- A Light Suitcase
Digital nomads don’t stay in the same place for very long. Try not to gather physical objects that you won’t be able to take when you hop to a different place. We all feel an impulse to buy interesting things, but you need to practice self-control when choosing this lifestyle.
In most cases, you’ll only have a backpack or suitcase to take with you. These have room for you to add the very basics—clothes, toiletries, a photo or two. With regards to gifts and souvenirs, be selective with what you pack. The things in your suitcase will make a weight you’ll have to carry with you.
5- No Commitments
If you want to walk away from your current life, eliminate your commitments. Break off relationships that’ll hinder your new start. Try to pay off your debts so you won’t have to worry about them in a foreign place.
Take care of your housing situation by giving away excess possessions or putting them in storage. If you’re in the process of leaving an apartment, don’t make plans until the contracts are settled.
6- Research
Do you have your next home in mind? It’s crucial that you do research on how to get around in a new country. Things to learn include visa regulations. Make sure that your passport is not expired, or you won’t be let out of the country!
Take note of the weather at your destination so that you can purchase clothes accordingly. Few things are more uncomfortable than finding you only have summer clothes when a sudden chill occurs.
Digital nomad communities exist. These groups of people can help you with your research. Get in contact with them so that they can tell you what to expect upon arrival.
7- Accommodation
You need a roof over your head while you’re recovering from your trip. It’s important to get the rest necessary before you begin exploring your new location.
Before you board a plane, make sure arrangements have been made for you to have a place to sleep upon arrival. You can choose an affordable hotel or ask a fellow digital nomad if you can crash on their couch. Stay there until you find private accommodations of your own.
8- Plans for Wi-Fi
Digital nomads rely on the Internet to do important work. You don’t want to be stranded in a foreign land without any connection. Ask locals about the best locations for safe, affordable Wi-Fi. Make sure it’s a reputable locale so that your information won’t be cyber-stolen.
You also need Wi-Fi to use in the place where you’re staying. Ask other digital nomads to tell you the names of local Internet providers. You’ll want to be in contact with your friends and family; as a freelancer, you need reliable Wi-Fi to communicate with clients.
9- Distraction
There will be moments while abroad in which you will start to feel lonely. Look for places where you can find companions to talk to and share a drink with. If you prefer to artistic activities, take a sketchbook with you and capture what you see. Ebook readers are also helpful for providing distraction.
Join a local gym and make friends while maintaining your fitness. Take walks and photograph interesting sights so that you can show them to your loved ones at home. No matter how tough you think you are, you need to interact with people and express yourself creatively on a regular basis.
Depression is bad enough when you struggle with it at home; don’t risk being in a different land, unable to express your need for help.
10- Mental Preparation
Are you mentally prepared for the challenging life of a digital nomad? Don’t quit your day job until you’ve done the necessary research and are certain you have what it takes.
When you hear about lives of travel, images come to mind of postcards and the excitement of boarding a plane. There’s more to this lifestyle than packing and dreaming. Digital nomads give up everything for a freedom that demands much of them.
If you’re not sure that you can meet these demands, put in a lot of thought before you make a decision. If it’s excitement you’re looking for, have a look around your city; there might be something closer to home that’ll provide that thrill.
11- Networking with other digital nomads
Networking with other digital nomads is a great way to expand your professional and social circle, as well as gain insights and support. Here are some tips for networking with other digital nomads:
Join online communities:
There are many online forums and groups dedicated to digital nomads where you can connect with like-minded individuals. Joining these communities can provide a great way to network, share experiences, and get advice.
Attend events:
Look for events and conferences related to digital nomads, remote work, and travel. Attending these events can provide a great opportunity to meet other digital nomads in person and build meaningful connections. Some of the most popular digital nomad events are: nomadbase.com, nomadcruise.com, banskonomadfest.com
Use social media:
Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with other digital nomads, remote workers, and relevant professionals. Follow hashtags related to digital nomads and engage with relevant posts and discussions.
Collaborate with others:
Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other digital nomads on projects, content creation, or networking initiatives. This can help you build strong relationships and grow your professional network.
Volunteer for organizations: Consider volunteering for organizations or initiatives that support digital nomads, such as local coworking spaces, travel meetups, and online communities.
Conclusion
The digital nomad life remains a popular choice among young people who want to see the world before starting families and settling down. It’s a great way to learn things you were never taught in school, such as how other cultures live and the foods that they eat.
If the transition is planned out properly, it becomes rewarding. When you decide it is time to go back home, you’ll have plenty of stories to tell your friends and family. Cherish the memories that you made as a digital nomad so that you can revisit them when you’re older.