A digital nomad is someone who uses technology to work from wherever they desire. Usually a fast Wifi connection and productive workspace is necessary for this type of traveller. Many choose to work from cafes, coworking and coliving spaces.
Many remote workers use geo-arbitrage to live in places much cheaper than the place in which they earn their salary, with many nomads from North America and Europe choosing to live and work in places like Bali, Thailand or Mexico.
If you’ve ever wanted to become a digital nomad, you’re in the right place. Here, remote worker Ashley Laderer shares 8 tips for becoming location independent.
Start saving for your travel runway
Negotiate remote working hours with your current job
Alternatively, find a remote job or go freelance
Consider passive income
Connect with a nomad community
Digital nomad jobs are naturally weighted towards those in tech, whether you’re a web developer, writer or online teacher. However, there’s a huge variety of remote careers out there. Check out this list of 119 digital nomads sharing their job titles and salaries - we’ve even seen pilots stay in Outsite spaces.
Is it possible to become a remote worker with your current career?
This is a big question amongst those wanting more flexibility at work, and it's certainly possible. It will always depend on your relationship with your team, the type of work you do, and how comfortable your management is with independent working hours. Check out this guide on going remote if you're curious about how to ask for remote work.
These communities are everywhere, online and offline. Some of the best places to start are Facebook Groups, coliving spaces and the digital nomad Reddit. The Outsite Members Facebook Group has more than 900 entrepreneurs, creatives and freelancers living the location independent life. Here are 8 more tips for finding your digital nomad community online.
What about finding those communities at home?
You don't have to be based in Bali or Costa Rica to have access to these communities. The tips above can apply to you whether you're on a tropical island, or you're at home in Chicago.
Once you’ve found the perfect digital nomad job, you’ve got some savings behind you and you know your communities, the next question is where to go first? Some of the biggest and best digital nomad hubs include:
Bali, Indonesia
Lisbon, Portugal
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Medellin, Colombia
Berlin, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
Bangkok, Thailand
Check out Nicole’s guide to Canggu, Bali, blogger Caroline’s handbook for Venice Beach or how Costa Rica changed the way this team worked remotely.
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