If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re interested in becoming a digital nomad. And why not? With the rise of technology, it has never been easier to work from anywhere in the world. But becoming a digital nomad is not as easy as it sounds. You need to do a few things to make the transition successful. This article will outline 10 steps to help you become a digital nomad in 2023!
1. Assess your skill set and improve upon it
2. Create a portfolio to showcase your work, then start scouring job boards
3. Use skills you have acquired to make money online
4. Get connected with others in similar fields
5. Start de-cluttering and living with less
6. save up money for a travel fund
7. Travel insurance is vital- get some!
8. Determine how much this will all cost so that you can establish a budget
9. Gather the documents needed for travel (passport, visas, etc)
10. Pick the best spot!
1. Assess your skill set and improve upon it
In order to have any success as a digital nomad in 2023, you’ll need to possess the right skills. The most essential skills for every digital nomad are:
- Independence
- Responsibility
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Marketing and sales
- Organization
- (Of course!) Technological Literacy
If these sound like you, great! You’re already ahead of the curve. However, there’s always room for improvement. Consider checking out some digital nomad courses online to strengthen your skills.
2. Create a portfolio to showcase your work, then start scouring job boards
A strong portfolio is key for any digital nomad. It showcases your work and demonstrates your skills to potential employers. Without a portfolio, it will be much more difficult to find a job that suits your skill set.
Use sites like Wix or Squarespace to build a pristine portfolio you’ll be proud to show potential employers.
If you’re just starting out, create your own projects to flesh out your portfolio! Be sure to include work that highlights your specific strengths, and exemplify the type of projects you want to do in the future.
Job Boards
Once you’ve got the perfect portfolio, it’s time to start hunting for jobs. Job boards are a great way to connect with potential employers, and can provide access to a large number of job openings.
Some popular job boards for digital nomads include:
– Indeed
– Upwork
– Fiverr
3. Use skills you have acquired to make money online
If you’re going to be a digital nomad, you’ll likely need to have multiple streams of income.
Luckily, there are a number of ways to use your skills to make money online, such as freelancing, starting your own online business, or being and independent contractor.
If you’re looking for some ideas, here are just a few online businesses that might work well for you:
- E-commerce store: A great way to sell products from around the world and never worry about shipping!
- Freelance writer: With your laptop, you can write articles, create websites, or do copy-writing from anywhere in the world.
- Social media expert: Companies are always looking for help with their social media presence. Put your skills to good use and start charging!
4. Get connected with others in similar fields
As a digital nomad in 2023, networking will be essential to your success. By connecting with others in similar fields, you can learn from their experiences and find opportunities that might be difficult to find on your own.
Additionally, networking can help you establish meaningful professional connections that can help you further your career goals.
So how do you go about networking as a digital nomad? Here are a few tips!
- Attend industry events and conferences
- Use social media to connect with professionals in your field
- Join online forums and groups related to your profession
- Get involved in local meetups and events related to your industry
- Join a digital nomad community online
5. Start de-cluttering and living with less
Minimalism is an ever growing lifestyle in today’s society. If you’re going to spend most of your time traveling from place to place, you’ll need to get comfortable with the idea of leaving behind most of your things and living light.
Consider giving away or selling excess possessions that you don’t use or need. This can be difficult, but it’s an important step in de-cluttering your life.
Not to worry, storage facilities are always an option for those special items that are too important to let go of, but getting rid of old stuff can be cathartic. Don’t be surprised if you find it difficult to stop once you’ve started.
6. Save up money for a travel fund
A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6 months of expenses in savings before dropping your 9 to 5 for a life as a digital nomad. This will ensure you’re prepared to cover the costs of daily living, as well as have a safety net in the case of any emergencies or surprise expenses.
7. Travel insurance is vital- get some!
Travel insurance is an essential piece of gear for any digital nomad. No one knows what can happen while you’re on the road, so it’s important to have coverage in case of any accidents or emergencies.
Make sure to research different policies and find one that fits your needs and budget.
Some trustworthy travel insurance specifically for digital nomads include
If you still want to consider your options, Forbes has created a list of the best travel insurance plans in 2023.
8. Determine how much this will all cost so that you can establish a budget
You’ll need to be financially savvy to make it as a digital nomad. Without a budget, you’ll quickly find yourself overspending and struggling to make ends meet.
When creating your budget, be sure to factor in all of your regular expenses, as well as the cost of living in different parts of the world.
When in doubt, always overestimate your expenses. That way you’ll have a safety net in case an unexpected expenses arise.
9. Gather the documents needed for travel (passport, visas, etc)
A passport is a must for any traveler, and it’s especially important for those who plan to be digital nomads.
Make sure your passport is up-to-date and has plenty of blank pages for stamps!
You may also need visas for the countries you plan to visit.
Be sure to research the visa requirements of each country you plan to visit and apply for them well in advance.
Other documents you’ll need while traveling include:
- A driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Your social security card
- Your medical records
10. Pick the best spot!
Next you’ll want to find a place to work. Consider looking for a co-working space to run your business out of.
The best co-working spaces provide a productive and distraction-free work environment, and offer a sense of community and connection with other professionals.
When looking for a co-working space, be sure to consider the following factors:
- The cost
- The location
- The amenities
- The community
Becoming a digital nomad in 2023 is a great way to see the world while still being able to work. There are some important things to consider before making the leap, but with careful planning anyone can make it work.
Now I’d like to hear from you!
Which of these steps will you take first on your path to becoming a digital nomad?
Frequently Asked Questions
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely, usually from a laptop, and travels or moves around frequently. They often use technology to work from anywhere in the world.
– Flexibility to work from anywhere in the world
– Can travel and explore new places while still earning an income
– Greater freedom and control over one’s work schedule
– Constant travel can be tiring and stressful
– May miss out on important life events
– Limited access to health or other benefits
– Can be difficult to find a permanent place to live
A digital nomad can do a multitude of jobs as long as they are able to use technology to complete their work.
