Imagine a utopia where working professionals are no longer tethered to one main location and office space and aren’t limited by distance. For many entrepreneurs, this type of working life is a reality. So, how can more workers make this their everyday life?

Working remotely has become more and more popular and has opened up doors for many different types of professionals. Whether you’re trying to start your own business or simply make money while exploring the world, choosing the digital nomad route might be for you.

In this guide, we break down how you can become a remote worker in a way that fits your lifestyle.

What is a digital nomad?

Sometimes, the word nomad can have a certain connotation. However, in terms of being a digital nomad, this means professionals go from location to location and stay connected digitally. Digital nomads use modern technology and communication to perform their daily tasks while traveling the world.

The benefits of being a digital nomad

There are many advantages to being a digital nomad. Let’s dive into those benefits below:

  • The freedom to choose when and where you work
  • Opportunities to meet and network with new people and businesses
  • The ability to experience new cultures

Although these are some great pros to being a digital nomad, it’s not as simple as you think. It requires you to have some forethought and to ensure you have a backup plan before you buy your first flight. While living anywhere in the world sounds like a dream come true, it’s not always as glamorous as people think.

The disadvantages of being a digital nomad

Most job situations come with their own set of drawbacks – being a digital nomad is no different. Here are a few cons that can apply to working remotely:

  • Depending on your role, sometimes your income isn’t guaranteed or stable
  • Difficulty with visas when you travel to different countries
  • Tax complications
  • Lack of routine
  • Loneliness

How to become a digital nomad

Becoming a digital nomad is an exciting endeavour and lifestyle change. From leaving your country of origin to working in cafes or coworking spaces in different countries, there are lots of things to consider beforehand. On this journey, you will gain tons of skills and experiences.

Here are a few things you can do to become a digital nomad:

  • Identify and master a skill or two
  • Build a strong and robust portfolio that demonstrates your skills
  • Use your skills to make money online
  • Invest in your education to further strengthen those skills or learn a new one
  • Simplify your lifestyle – sell or donate the excess stuff (clothes, furniture and more) that you no longer need
  • Start saving and make sure you have up to 6 months worth of savings
  • Get travelers insurance

A few months ago we looked at the Rise of the Digital Nomad, that type of entrepreneur who lives to travel and has found ways to work independently or as part of a team while constantly moving from one place to the next. While their lives might seem chaotic and messy, some of the most productive and yet peaceful people find their grounded selves constantly moving over ground yet continually able to serve their clients.

Countries with specific digital nomad visas

Some countries offer different types of visas for remote professionals. Several countries allow foreigners to stay for extended periods of time as long as they have proof that they’re leaving the country and they’re earning a sufficient income. A few of these countries include:

  • Germany
  • Bali
  • Iceland
  • Norway
  • Cayman Islands
    And more! Before choosing a country, make sure to do extra research and double check where you can work.

Coworking spaces for digital nomads

For those looking for a bit more structure than working in a cafe or hostel, coworking spaces are your next best option. They often have many amenities and are generally located in the downtown core. Coworking spaces offer remote professionals many benefits including:

Work-life boundaries and separation
Socialization with other professionals
Excellent options and amenities (individual office spaces, coffee and snacks, printers, mail delivery services, health and fitness clubs and more)
A place to hold meetings and speak with clients in person
Convenient locations

Being able to sync up with your virtual office provider or coworking space gives you a casual yet focused place in which to set up your laptop and mobile phone around other business focused people. It also provides standard office equipment and support, which makes doing business on the never-ending road far easier and seamless. Telsec is part of a network of over 500 business centers around the world which means finding a coworking center virtually anywhere is relatively easy.

Keeping up with travel companions and other digital nomadic entrepreneurs is equally important. Often, people meet others with complementary skills while traveling and they find ways to collaboratively build business for each other. Keeping up with new found friends who become associates is critical as that spreads the scope of your own business further.

Key takeaways

Digital nomads are changing the working landscape while evolving in a professional and individual manner. If you want to become a digital nomad, make sure you have all the necessary skills and resources to take the leap. With Telsec, you can use our coworking space to ensure you get your work done while socializing with other remote workers. Get in touch with us and book a tour today.