What is a Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is a person who works online or runs a business while travelling. The term "digital nomad" can also be used to describe a lifestyle. Anyone who uses telecommunications technology to make a living (whether they travel the world or not), can be described as a digital nomad.
These days, there are millions of people around the world who work while actively travelling, and this type of freedom has inspired even more people to jump on the bandwagon.
Here are some impressive statistics on digital nomadism:
In 2020, there were over 6.3 million traditional workers in the US working as digital nomads, a figure that was 96% higher than the previous year.
Experts predict that by the year 2035, there will be over 1 billion people holding digital nomad jobs.
A study from Stanford University reports that remote workers take fewer sick days, and are 13% more productive (on average) than in-office employees.
In the year 2020, the US had over 61 million people who identify as freelancers, an increase of over 4 million from the previous year.
A recent study shows that 45 million people aspire to live a nomadic lifestyle over the next 2 to 3 years.
As you can see, digital nomadism is experiencing exponential growth. However, it's important to note that adopting the digital nomad lifestyle isn't about backpacking across the globe and picking up odd jobs here and there in order to make ends meet.
Rather, it's about having a legitimate source of income online, whether through a remote employer, freelancing, or running your own business, which then gives you the freedom to travel anywhere you want.
What Experience Do Digital Nomads Need?
You don't really need to have any experience to become a digital nomad. But, it's always best if you can start by doing the work you are already familiar with. The question to ask yourself is how you can take it on the road.
Some useful skills for digital nomads include:
...the list is endless!
The point is, with the many different options available to you online, you'll have to work very hard to not find something you're well suited to. You can also look into taking a personality test to determine which job is right for you.
For the most part, nomads arrange with their current bosses to work remotely. But, there are other options available to you, such as becoming a freelancer or starting your own business - digital nomadism and entrepreneurship go very well together (more on all that below). But, regardless of the route you choose, the important thing is that you can get the job done, and do it well.
Also, confidence is essential. It can get super competitive out there, and the key to success is confidence in your ability to fulfil the job, even when you have zero experience. Luckily, there are tons of entry-level digital nomad jobs to choose from to get started on your nomadic adventure, which means you can work your way up, learn new skills, and develop experience as you go, all the while enjoying the nomadic lifestyle.
Benefits of a Digital Nomad Lifestyle
The benefits of becoming a digital nomad are many. For instance, digital nomads can work from anywhere, including foreign countries, public libraries, co-working spaces, coffee shops, Airbnb rentals, and even recreational vehicles.
Here are a few other benefits:
Digital nomads get ultimate freedom and control
They work to live, not live to work
They work on their own schedule
They also get tons of travel opportunities
They can go to countries with a lower cost of living
They have no commute, no boss, and no office politics
But of course, all benefits come with drawbacks, and becoming a digital nomad is no different.
Here are a few disadvantages to living the nomadic lifestyle:
The lifestyle distances you from loved ones, which makes it a very lonely one.
The work can be uncertain and unpredictable at times.
You get no benefits, such as paid holidays, healthcare, etc.
The work can sometimes be demanding and result in a lack of social life.
It can be difficult to strike a balance between work and play as a nomad.
Digital nomads often find it hard to complete projects without external motivation, e.g. from managers.
Variable expenses can come up unexpectedly such as when software expires or a device suddenly stops working.
And this is before you factor in practical problems that you might face on your nomadic adventures, such as running out of money, power cuts when staying in remote areas, lack of Wi-Fi, and a host of other problems that might arise on your journeys. But, these are all things you can overcome as long as you have the determination and enthusiasm to see your dream through. And to help inspire you, here are some examples of successful digital nomads.
Examples of Successful Digital Nomads
Below, I've highlighted several success stories of people who work as digital nomads. Learn from these examples so you can fuel your own desires and dreams of travelling the world.
Example #1: Chris Brogan
Blog: ChrisBrogan.com
Twitter: @chrisbrogan
Chris has a blog that used to be in the Technorati top 100 and continues to influence. He travels constantly while keeping his finger on the goings-on in the online community and social media. His favourite places are New Zealand and Wellington, and he often writes on the topic of becoming a digital nomad.
Example #2: Tim Ferris
Blog: tim.blog
Twitter: @tferris
Tim is one of the most famous advocates of lifestyle design. He is the author of the popular book, The Four-Hour Workweek, and has travelled all over the world. Recently, he's been living in Vietnam while he continues to run his many online businesses.
Example #3: Christine Gilbert
Blog: AlmostFearless.com
Twitter: @cb_gilbert
Christine has a blog and magazine that outline her experience moving abroad after she left a job she didn’t love. She helps other young people learn about how to become a "vagabond". Recently, she travelled to Nicaragua.
Bonus Example: Telepathic Communication with Pets
Want to learn how to communicate telepathically with your dog?
This lady from the popular freelancing site, Fiverr, can teach you!
If you are still having any doubts about whether or not you could make it as a digital nomad, earning a living online doing what you love, I hope this has convinced you.
If this lady is making money online, so can you.
With that said, here are 50 types of jobs to choose from.
50 Examples of Digital Nomad Jobs You Can Do From Anywhere
Keep in mind that there is no one way to become a digital nomad, and the type of work (as well as the lifestyle you’ll live) can vary dramatically from one individual to the next.
But, the one thing all digital nomads have in common is how much they value the freedom they get from online work which allows them to live their lives on their terms - and each one of these jobs will help you do just that.
1. Your Current Position (negotiated to do remotely)
2. Travel Blogging
3. Lifestyle Vlogging
6. Ghostwriting
7. SEO specialist
8. Copywriting
9. Content Editing/Proofreading
11. Photographer
12. Videography/Video Editing
13. Brand Manager
14. Information Product Creation
15. ECommerce Store Owner
16. Drop Servicer
17. Online Advertising Specialist
18. Email Marketing Consultant
19. Conversion Rate Optimization Expert
20. Audio Producer/Voiceover Artist
21. Strategic Consultant/Coach
22. Digital Marketing Specialist
23. Virtual Assistant
24. Website Builder/Flipper
25. Customer Service Representative
26. Technical Support Representative
28. Software Development/Programming
29. Website Designer
31. Tutor for Various Skills
32. Translations
33. Transcriptions
34. Amazon Product Reviewer
35. Internet Research
36. Website Tester
37. Data Analyst
38. Taking Online Surveys
39. Data Entry Clerk
40. Online Arbitrage Entrepreneur
41. Forex/Stock Trading
42. Au Pair
43. Travel Nanny
44. Graphic Designer
45. Online Interpreter
46. Singing/Music Tutor
47. Biostatistician
48. Public speaker
49. Credit Analyst
50. Logistics Analyst
Conclusion
As you've seen, there is no shortage of opportunities for digital nomads. There are entry-level jobs and jobs for those with higher skill levels.
Either way, you'll be able to find something that matches your particular set of skills and experiences so you can start living your nomadic lifestyle right now.
Which of the digital nomad jobs outlined above do you find most appealing? Sound off in the comments!
Prof. Ron Stefanski is an online business owner and marketing professor who is passionate about helping others create and grow their online business. Join him and 100,000+ monthly visitors at OneHourProfessor.com.
You can also connect with him on YouTube or Linkedin.
