Digital Nomads are forever travelers! They move wherever and whenever they want. They don’t have a traditional house or job holding them back. Their homes are temporary, and their jobs are remote. Remote jobs are essential for digital nomads! 👩🏽💻✈️
Over the past few years, remote work has definitely grown in popularity. People want the flexibility that comes with virtual work! However, changing from a traditional work environment to a virtual one can feel overwhelming, and traveling full-time seems unattainable.
I can promise you it’s not!
Today, I will explain what you should consider when choosing to work virtually.
How Do I Find a Remote Job for Digital Nomads?
People say it’s easier than ever to work from anywhere because we live in this digital world, which is true. But the truth is it takes time and dedication to break into the digital world.
There are tons of opportunities for you to work remotely, but you need to decide what you want and can do.
Take a few minutes and write down everything you like doing and are good at. If you need inspiration, here are a few things to consider.
- Previous jobs
- What did your coworkers or administrator praise you for?
- What did you enjoy doing there? What did you hate?
- Why did you choose to apply for that job over others?
- Education
- Do you have any certifications or a degree?
- Are you willing to take courses to improve any of your skills?
- Friends and Family
- Is there something that everyone comes to you for?
- Are you the designated planner, computer repair, resume editor, etc.?
- Can you speak another language?
- Hobbies
- What are you doing during your free time?
- Do you create art, write, read, play video games, etc.?
- Can you sell any of the stuff you make?
- Can you teach people what you know about it?
Once you have a list of your talents, you need to decide what type of work you want.
4 Main Options for Virtual Work
For digital nomads, there are three main options for remote jobs: remote employees, freelancing, starting a virtual business, and content creation.
Each choice has pros and cons, so let’s break it down.
Remote Employee Jobs fir Digital Nomads
As a remote employee, you work full-time or part-time for a company. And they pay you hourly or salary, sometimes with benefits (fingers crossed 😉).
The benefit of becoming a remote employee is that you can transfer your existing skills from your traditional job to a remote one.
You can even ask your company if working remotely is an option!
If they say no, then you’ll have to search for one. So, make sure to update your resume and cover letter. I recommend using websites that specialize in posting remote roles like Flex Job.
The most significant advantage of being a remote employee as a digital nomad is being paid consistently!
However, there are some cons to consider with this option.
The company controls your time, so it may limit your ability to travel.
If you are in a different time zone than your employer, you may not be able to enjoy the location. You might be working during sleeping hours and sleeping during working hours. Unless that’s your thing, then go for it! 😊
It is generally quicker to get interviews if you have remote work experience. There will always be remote jobs for digital nomads. So, make sure to update your resume, optimize your Flex Job profile, and consistently send applications.
Be aware that some companies advertise remote work, but they mean not in the office. These businesses will send you a desktop computer and track your location. Which means you won’t have the travel lifestyle you want.
Use websites like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, or RemoteOk, which specialize in posting remote work.
Although LinkedIn is not remote work-specific, it is a great place to find work and build a network of like-minded people.
Remote Freelancing Jobs for Digital Nomads
A freelancer is a person who has a skill that others find valuable and are willing to pay for. You are trading your time for money!
The best thing about freelancing for your remote job for digital nomads is that you have the potential to make quick money! But it depends on your skill set and how you market yourself.
People are always looking to hire someone to complete a job they either don’t know how to do or don’t have the time to do it. They might need someone to do data entry, tutor them or their kids, shoot their wedding, and so on! So, be the solution to their problem!
The best platforms to create a freelancing profile are Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer.
I recommend signing up for a maximum of three sites. Because you want to maximize the number of projects you’re working on and track all of them.
Communication is Key When Working a Remote Job as a Digital Nomad
Make sure you communicate with your clients and turn in professional work. They will rate your performance, which can lead to more clients.
I recommend creating examples of your work for potential clients to see! If you are a graphic designer, make some graphics. If you are a videographer, post short videos!
Reach out to local businesses, especially if they need a media presence or their websites look boring.
They are usually willing to pay a talented person to help their business grow. Remember, be the solution to their problem! Make sure you have examples and communicate professionally!
If you lack a marketable skill, take some courses on an E-Learning Platform or watch YouTube videos. Then, practice that skill until you can start landing jobs and become good enough to create an e-business.
There are some cons to consider when choosing freelancing as your remote job for digital nomads!
You will not have a salary or benefits. The money you make is 100% dependent on the time you put in. If you need to take off a day or get sick, that affects your bottom line.
Everything falls on you, and you’re liable for anything that goes wrong! If there is a mistake, you have to handle it with the client. You are responsible for marketing, accounting, communicating, and everything else required. Freelancing is very flexible, making it an excellent option for digital nomads looking for remote jobs.
Use Your Creative Skills to Make Money!
Learn about 12 unique creative freelance jobs that need little to no experience.
Start a Virtual Business for Your Remote Job for Digital Nomads
This person owns a business where everything is done virtually. Another term for this is online entrepreneur.
Owning an e-business is a natural progression from freelancing. But it doesn’t have to be; you can start your virtual business and skip freelancing websites.
You can start an e-commerce store on platforms like Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy, self-publish e-books with Amazon KDP or Barnes & Noble Press, develop software, or do affiliate marketing.
The biggest benefit of starting a virtual business is the freedom of time and location, especially for a nomad. But you have to play the long game.
To succeed in the remote job for digital nomads, you’ll have to dedicate a lot of time and offer something your competitors aren’t.
Controlling your time and location is a huge positive. But there are some negative things to consider.
Like freelancing, you only receive benefits or a salary once you reach a level that you can afford. You will be a one-person show, so everything falls on you, and you’re liable for anything that goes wrong!
Starting an e-business will consume a lot of your time. You will be doing all the administrative work, bookkeeping, communication, and everything else that comes with starting a business.
Content Creation is a Remote Job for Digital Nomads
A content creator creates educational or entertaining material and distributes it to their audience on a virtual platform. This option is the most recognizable! We all follow someone on some platform, whether a blogger, influencer, or YouTuber.
Like freelancers and virtual business owners, content creators have the advantage of time and location freedom. These remote jobs are ideal for digital nomads.
As a content creator, you can monetize yourself by sharing unique and valuable material. Being a content creator might be for you if you are creative and enjoy sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Content creation sounds excellent, in theory!
However, success is difficult in this oversaturated market. If you choose this type of work, you must be consistent, dedicated, and unique.
There are so many ways for digital nomads to create their own remote jobs. To be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to have an audience.
Yes, some creators go viral quickly, but those are outliers. It can take a creator a whole year to make any money.
Influencer MarketingHub states, “Most creators receive an annual income below $15,000, with a small spike in the $50k-75k range.”
I don’t know about you, but $15,000 ain’t cutting it!
Yes, creating unique videos, engaging graphics, and writing posts can be fun. But, in the beginning, everything will be free to your subscribers!
Your audience must see you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy person. Before they even consider giving you their hard-earned money.
But, once you start making a profit, it usually grows quickly.
Be consistent, and keep going because growing as a content creator is possible.
Digital Nomad Remote Job Journey
I am currently working towards turning my stationary lifestyle into a nomadic one. Throughout my journey, I will be transparent and share as much as possible with you!
The type of virtual work I chose is a remote employee while I grow as a content creator.
I am a former teacher who is currently searching for remote jobs for digital nomads. Searching for a job is challenging, especially when trying to change industries and go remote simultaneously, but it is possible.
I will update you on my progress and share everything I did and the tools I used to secure my job.
Remote Employee to Content Creator
I chose to become a virtual employee because I need a consistent income. I have bills, which will stay the same when I go nomadic.
I also have debts to pay off; like most Americans, I have student loans, a car note, and random other debts. And I do not want that hanging over my head when I become a nomad.
I also need a consistent income because I want to grow my savings! I am a type A person, so I need a safety net before traveling full-time.
I will grow my blog while making that consistent income in my remote role.
As I shared with you earlier, it can take years to grow your audience to a point where you can be self-employed. And there is a huge learning curve that I didn’t realize I would have to face.
Most people think blogging is either dead or easy for anyone. If you read this post, you know blogging isn’t dead! 🤣🤣
To an extent, anyone can start a blog. But to succeed, you must be dedicated, patient, willing to learn, and okay with making mistakes.
Let Your Remote Job for Digital Nomads Journey Begin
I will share every aspect of my journey with you as my blog grows. Like books I have read, courses I’ve taken, and lessons I’ve learned. And anything else that can help you grow in your Journey to Nomad.
Understanding your work options is essential to becoming a digital nomad or working from home. You must understand what types are available to make a confident decision that fits your wants and needs.
There will be times during this transition to a remote lifestyle when you feel like giving up. But remember, you have the skills to succeed, and you are not alone in this journey!
If you are looking to work remotely and want some support. Please reach out by sending me an email and subscribing to my monthly new letter! I would love to hear about your journey. Thank you!
