10 minutes
To be a digital nomad, it is not enough just to have talent and a computer. There are a number of key strategies to achieve success while enjoying the freedom of movement.
Due to advances in technology, the world of work remains in constant change. The home office (home office) became a lifestyle for millions of professionals, employees, and freelancers. This is how countless people, perhaps without realizing it, now have the title of digital nomad.
Among the basic requirements to belong to this group are a computer with the necessary applications or programs and a stable internet connection. In addition, an area inside the house equipped to work comfortably is essential.
This new way of life leaves behind the hustle and bustle of moving to a workplace, face-to-face meetings or the typical bustle of an office. In many cases, also the rigidity of the schedules.
However, working from home does not mean doing less or making tasks easier. If you want to enter this experience, it is very important that you learn to have everything in order so that your performance is the best.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a person who use the internet to practice your profession, perform a trade or provide a service to an individual or company. In other words, remote work gives you the ease of traveling or commuting whenever and wherever you want.
Who can be a digital nomad? Someone with competencies in a specific field, students and professionals.
A digital nomad can work online from anywhere in the world. But the truth is that this constant coming and going or changing location regularly is not limited only to travel journalists. Undoubtedly, many profiles fit this lifestyle: photographers, programmers, designers, application developers, consultants, virtual assistants, therapists and a long etcetera.
Tips for organizing yourself in the digital nomad life
Nevertheless, just wanting to be a digital nomad is not enough. To migrate to this modality, it is necessary to organize and follow certain guidelines that will make this mission a success. Take these tips into account.
1. Define what you like to do and what you are good at
One of the keys to doing the job well is passion. That is why it will work for you to reflect on what you like to do the most, which generates happiness and tranquility.
But it is not enough that you like him; it is imperative that you do it well. Are you talented at that? Do you stand out?
2. Get inspired by other digital nomads
Ask, search and read everything you can. This way you will find people who work in this format, who will serve as inspiration and an example to follow.
From them you will learn how they started, what obstacles were presented to them and what strategies have served them on this path. Take what it brings to your story!
3. Properly promote your skills
In this digital age it is vital that you make yourself known in the midst of so many people who are dedicated to the same thing as you. The secret in this virtual competition is that you are more visible than others.
In this sense, focus on promoting your skills through a website and social media. Remember to update your information very often so that you capture the attention of potential clients or bosses.
In addition, make yourself a professional and striking profile, with a portfolio of work that makes an impact and is proof of how capable you are. Differentiate yourself from others, show a professional photo and according to what you do, provide information that details your training and experience. Show yourself as a true expert in an area.
4. Use secure platforms to find employment
A typical mistake made by newbies is looking for work anywhere. Use efficient and safe platforms to get a reliable job.
It is very beneficial to check the information portals daily who frequently tend to publish news about the telecommuting vacancies of large international companies.
5. Don’t choose the first proposal!
Analyze very well all the offers you receive. Compare, research and decide on the one you earn in relation to your interests, payment and work rate.
6. Make a work schedule and stick to it
How many times have you designed a daily planner and it is only on paper? The truth is that the organization cannot miss any job and less in that of a digital nomad. Create a strategy with a list of activities and sensible schedules, considering your rest, as well as your hours of greatest productivity.
7. Communicate with your customers
Money shouldn’t be your only goal. Take interest in talking with your clients, ask them how they are doing, what they think of your performance or any observations they have. Keeping them satisfied will be a guarantee for you.
8. Extend your stay if you travel
Things change when you are a digital nomad. If you decide to travel while you work, you will have to move more slowly. You have to divide your agenda between your facet as a tourist and as a digital worker. Take it easy and seize the moment.
9. Choose a location to live according to your interests
If your thing is to travel, you should choose a destination to work and live. This has to match your tastes; be it the city, the country, the mountain or the sea.
The freedom to locate yourself is something that is priceless and not everyone has that privilege, but do not forget to consider the cost of living in that location. Thailand and Indonesia are two of the cheapest countries to live in.
10. Work in a comfortable space
Organize your desk and get a chair in which you feel comfortable, since they are two elements that will accompany you for many hours during your task. Make sure the environment is clear.
11. Keep a fund of money for emergencies
Life is unpredictable. So be cautious and keep your fund of money reserved to solve any emergencysuch as an illness, accident, natural disaster, or unforeseen trip. Additionally, you purchase health insurance to be supported.
12. Get trained
If you know how to operate in your branch, do not overlook that training is still necessary to update you in terms of new communication tools, management of work calendars and teamwork. Study, get certified and practice to polish your skills to the fullest. It is also not a bad idea to learn new languages.
13. Invest in work teams
Have quality and optimal work tools for your performance it should be a priority. The computer, the phone, the camera, the headphones, a good hard drive, the notebooks and everything you use every day are worth an investment.
14. Be patient waiting for results
Results are not always obtained on the first try. Therefore, be patient and constant. Do your best to accomplish your projects, evaluate your methods, change the ones that are necessary, learn, make mistakes and trust.
15. Socialize
Often times, the computer and the telephone become the best friends of a digital nomad. Therefore, include the task of socializing in your planning.
Create a community to share wherever you are. Talk to people, listen to new experiences, nourish yourself with diverse cultures, create lasting bonds.
Main problems to solve for a digital nomad
Not everything is rosy in the life of the digital nomad. It has its cons and it is precisely those stones in the shoe that you must know to know how to deal with them.
Difficulties in separating personal life from work
In an office, everyone goes to work and then retires. But what happens when your home is the workplace? Work obligations are joined with personal ones. At some point, this turns into chaos.
Limitations with internet access
The internet connection has to be very good for most jobs. The limitation is that, in some places, access to this service is fluctuating. This is too frustrating because it completely affects your planning.
Restrictions on the period of stay in certain countries
The issue of international mobility is a serious matter, because certain nations impose their rules so that tourists leave after three months. For this reason, it is necessary that you document yourself before organizing a trip to another country.
Find out if a special tourist visa is offered freelancers, as it happens in Berlin (Germany). Ideally, you should go to the corresponding embassy to receive a complete advice.
Emotional conflicts
Spending so much time in front of a computer, alone, could upset you at some point. The monotony also makes its own. Similarly, if you are a traveler, farewells are difficult.
There are places and organizations for a digital nomad
Currently, in countries like Mexico there are apartments for rent adapted for digital nomads. These have the optimal conditions so that these people can carry out their occupations with the greatest comfort: outdoor spaces, kitchen, work furniture, smart televisions, fast internet connection.
Likewise, the coworking, What are they collaborative workspaces shared by digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Among the advantages of attending one is that you will have fast internet and you will interact with other people who, in the long run, can become service providers or clients.
There are organizations whose mission is to help people achieve this lifestyle. They will guide you, according to your interests and plans, and will help you with the procedures required to settle in a certain city.
Definitely, the number of people who decide to change course grows more and more, leaving the office behind to roam free in the world. If you choose this route, don’t think twice; take the first step and be your best version of a digital nomad.
It might interest you …