In this article, you will learn what a digital nomad is and what you should take into account if you want to become one.
The digital nomad community is growing every day. And is that, who is not going to want to travel the world while earning money and/or developing their personal and professional projects?
If you are not familiar with the concept of “digital nomad”, we will tell you simply.
What is a digital nomad.
digital nomad It is the person who works from anywhere in the world, with the help of technology to communicate with their teams and clients; in order to fulfill his job responsibilities.
The point is, while it certainly can be an enviable lifestyle, it can also be a cumbersome experience for those just starting out.
However, here at ModoEmprendedor, we give you the 5 tips you need to follow if you want to be a digital nomad.
5 tips to become a digital nomad and start traveling.
1. Make sure you can fulfill your responsibilities remotely.
First thing’s first; we have to be realists. Not all positions can be filled remotely, so you have to ask yourself: can I migrate everything I do to an online platform?
You have to make sure that all your tasks can be completed and delivered efficiently; from anywhere with the help of technology.
For example, if you have frequent face-to-face meetings, these can be replaced by video calls with the help of Skype. If you handle a lot of physical documents, consider handling them, along with virtual signatures, with the help of Google Drive. And if you must serve clients, think about creating a web page with the help of WordPress.
Of course, this can be very complicated if you work for a local company. Where your functions depend on a specific space and where you don’t have the power to change the way tasks are performed. In that case, you should evaluate the possibility of finding another job that is a little more flexible, or starting and developing your own business.
The key is to create a system in which everything works without the need for your physical presence in a specific place. Once you’ve found the perfect formula, you’re ready to set sail.
2. Have all your travel documents up to date.
If you decide to embark on an international adventure; There are several requirements that you need before leaving.
Technically you only need the passport to leave. However, you also need secondary documents: such as an international driver’s license, travel insurance, health certificate and other specific requirements; depending on the places you plan to visit. Such as visa and border crossing permit.
Since the latter vary greatly, we recommend that you always have:
- A passport valid for at least one year and with at least 3 or 4 blank pages. A digital nomad goes out and does not know when he will return, and a full or expired passport in a distant country can be a headache.
- A travel insurance; that covers emergency medical expenses in case you get sick or have an accident.
- Certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. A digital nomad leaves without knowing where he will arrive, and in many countries this certificate is necessary. It costs nothing to get out of that before you travel.
3. Buy everything you need to build your mobile office.
If you’re always going to work from a different table, you want to make sure you’re always as comfortable as possible. In this way your productivity will not be affected by the constant movement.
Although the specific equipment needed depends on your profession, in general you should start with having the 3 most important:
- An excellent quality laptop. It is essential to have a computer that you can count on all the time. If you still do not have one, it is best to purchase the best laptop, quality-price, that fits your pocket, but especially your needs. Your computer will become the equipment that communicates with the rest of the world and the device with which you make a living.
- A stand for your laptop. When you work at different tables with different chairs all the time, your neck and back can suffer a lot. A support will help you give structure to your mobile office.
- Earphones. You will almost certainly have to work in unexpected places, like coffee shops and restaurants. So a pair of headphones will block out all the background noise and let you focus on your work.
4. Learn English (even the basics):
Perhaps at first you do not plan to go to places very far from your home country. But in the life of a digital nomad, chances are you’ll end up in a place you least expect.
Although Spanish is spoken in a large number of countries, the truth is that if you leave America (or Spain), you will need basic English to survive, at least the basics of ordering food and asking how much things cost.
If your time is limited and you are not convinced by conventional classes, your best option is Duolingo, because it is online, simple, excellent and free! Or you can also use these techniques to learn other languages.
5. Put fear aside.
Undertaking traveling has many benefits:
- Meet new cultures.
- Try new foods.
- And the most important thing is that it gives you the opportunity to save money to invest in your own projects; if you choose a cheaper destination than your country of origin.
In this way, many digital nomads are becoming owners of innovative start-ups worldwide.
If your heart (and logic) tells you that it is time to get out of the monotony and start your own project, do it. Or if you want to leave the office life, and work from a beach or at the base of a volcano, do it. If you have the dream of traveling, just do it.
Conclution.
With the proper preparation and knowledge, becoming a digital nomad it can be the most rewarding experience in your personal and professional life. If you want more information, click here.
Javier Eduardo Sanchez
And remember, if you are really interested in creating your own business, you can read our book “How to create a company while working: Discover how to manage your time, manage your money and motivate yourself while creating a company and working for another” , where you will find all the information you need to found your own company, without having to leave your job.
