Preparing to Become a Digital Nomad? Read This

The last ten months have given people a taste for working from home. Even many who dreaded it at first, or who considered themselves staunch office-goers, have come around to the freedom, flexibility and fun of remote work.

The end of the pandemic looks as though it could be right around the corner (read: spring or summer.) While that may signal a return to normal in many aspects, it won’t change people’s newfound penchant for working remotely. Once you’ve become accustomed to working on your own schedule, you may not want to return to the office.

If you count yourself among the many workers who want to stay remote, this article wants to introduce you to the exciting world of digital nomadism.

What Is a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely over the internet and, while doing so, travels the world. You could do your design job from a café in Vietnam. You could make money at your writing gig from a flat in Hungary or lead a team of developers from your apartment in Rio De Janeiro. The possibilities are limitless.

The Essentials: What You Need to Get Started

To get started on your journey toward digital nomadism, you need three things: a job that lets you work remotely, proper visas and paperwork, and the right gear.

The first two are straightforward enough to attain. As for the right gear, you want to find travel items that allow you to move freely, pack lightly and stave off homesickness.

For work electronics, choose a dependable laptop that can be serviced anywhere in the world, like a Mac or Dell.For your wardrobe, check out Unbound Merino travel clothing – breathable, sweat-wicking and odour-resistant clothing that looks great and stays fresh for weeks without washing. And for creature comforts, find a portable coffee maker like a pour-over or Aeropress to help you wake up in the morning!

Why Become a Digital Nomad?

People choose digital nomadism for a number of reasons, but the main reason is a simple, human one: work shouldn’t subjugate you. You get one precious life, so it makes sense to see the world. If you can do that while earning a paycheck, why not go for it? As the modern workforce increasingly moves to a digital space, it doesn’t make sense to share proximity with your physical workplace.

Another reason people like the digital nomad lifestyle is the saving potential. Digital nomads often choose inexpensive parts of the world – Asia, Central America or Eastern Europe, to name a few. Their daily living expenses are lower, but their pay is the same, allowing them to save money and live a more lavish lifestyle.

If you plan to see the world once this whole pandemic blows over, but you still want to save for retirement, digital nomadism may be right for you. Live well, travel lightly, see the world and make money? It seems like an impossible dream, but it’s well within reach.