The digital nomad lifestyle: How to get started working anywhere in the world

The pandemic has developed numerous avenues of exploration for how we work today. Remote working, a work-from-home (or anywhere, really) lifestyle, was introduced as a response to social distancing measures and gathering restrictions. As people got more familiar and comfortable to work in the comfort of their homes, many companies have adopted a hybrid work setting, where employees work both remotely and in the office, even after social distancing measures were relaxed. 

Hybrid work arrangements give employees the freedom to work anywhere they want, as long as there is a stable internet connection. Spot some people working in cafes, libraries, or even co-working spaces. While this has expanded the limits of freedom, those who itch to travel maintain their leave days at the behest of their colleagues and superiors. Others who manage businesses may also find it difficult to find time away from the office. 

While remote workers are location-dependent, digital nomads are location-independent allowing them to move around more freely. If you’ve been dreaming of a job that lets you travel the world, the digital nomad lifestyle may be for you. 

What is a digital nomad?

The term digital nomad is an all-encompassing term for this lifestyle–working remotely while travelling concurrently. They differ from expats, who usually settle down in a country for a job. Many remote companies are on the lookout to hire employees that work from anywhere in the world. 

Do you earn more money or save more money as a digital nomad?

The Digital Marketing Institute, a leading global standard in digital marketing training and certification, notes that 49 per cent of digital nomads earn more than they did at their previous jobs where they had to pay taxes. The average digital nomad can expect to make an average of US$10 to US$30 an hour—so that can mean earning around US$1,800 to US$5,400 for six hours of work a day per month. But this, of course, depends on the nature of the job as well as the different skills required. The gender income gap is also much closer among digital nomads, according to the Digital Marketing Institute. 30 per cent of remote businesses have women founders and leaders. 

The cost of being a digital nomad varies according to the country you choose to work in. Depending on what kind of lifestyle you lead, it is possible to save more when on a digital nomad’s budget. Those who adopt this lifestyle typically spend US$500 to US$1,500 a month for essentials including accommodation, food, electricity, laundry, and water in Southeast Asian countries. Expect Europe to cost a little more over US$2,000.

What jobs normally allow you to be a digital nomad?

Digital nomads commonly hold jobs which allows them to work through their laptop: travel bloggers, social media influencers, proofreaders, transcribers, voice actors, language teachers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs are some of the many jobs held by digital nomads.   

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad?

The work suitcase usually consists of a laptop and nothing else. The rest of your packing list would contain whatever you normally pack for a vacation. Digital nomads get to travel anywhere in the world, giving them the opportunity to meet new people and network with global brands. For those who crave culture, working in your favourite country means hopping over to a nearby attraction or scenic tourist spot is possible whenever you wish.