Digital nomads have always been free to roam around the world and pursue a career at the same time. The nomadic lifestyle attracts more and more people every day such as Gen Z. They want more flexibility and a better work-life balance. That is why they are the ones who mostly dare to make a bold move and embark on this adventure. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, freedom of digital nomads has been restricted for a while. Luckily for all of those wanting to give this lifestyle a try, better days are coming. As restrictive measures ease and borders open, becoming a digital nomad is once again an achievable goal. Here is how you can realize your dream in the new normal.
Sort Out Your Finances
Before you start preparing for this adventure, you have to sort out your finances. This means you should cancel all subscriptions and memberships. You won’t be needing them anymore. It would be ideal if you could repay all your debts so you can have a fresh start without any burdens. Also, you can get rid of some stuff from your apartment that has been gathering dust for years. When you get your finances in order, you will see how much money you have left. Now, you can start saving. Since you will be traveling alone, you need to prepare in advance as much as you can. Make sure you really start saving as every penny counts.
Broaden Your Skillset
Becoming a digital nomad means you should have enough financial means to support your stay in another country or your travels. To do so, you will probably have to study abroad, get an internship, or work remotely. You need to have diverse practical skills. For this reason, before you decide to make this step, work on broadening your skillset. Enroll in some online courses such as programming, design, or marketing since these jobs are on high demand on the market. Landing a job in any of these fields with great skills shouldn’t be too hard. Also, try to master different management tools and employee apps such as Google Hangouts, Slack, or intranet systems. If you decide on remote work, you will be actively using communicative tools to collaborate and communicate with coworkers.
Do Your Research
When it comes to selecting a destination, you have to be more careful than usual. Because of the pandemic, most countries remain out of reach for most tourists. That is why you have to choose wisely and do your research. First of all, you have to see whether the country you want to visit has opened its borders to foreign visitors and tourists. Then, you can check whether you need to bring a negative COVID-19 test with you or their health workers will test you upon arrival. In between the searches, you have to determine whether the health situation is under control, that is if it is safe to travel to that country. During this time, and in the new normal, you may not be able to do all activities that you planned on the preferred destination. Take into account that things change quickly. Another wave of the virus might come and you have to be able to take care of yourself. Therefore, do an in-depth research.
Manage Your Expectations
Yes, your dream is going to come true soon. Yes, you have every right to be happy and enthusiastic about it. However, even in this situation, you have to be smart and manage your expectations. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst, as they say. It is highly unlikely that becoming a digital nomad will be everything you ever dreamed of. There will be bumps and obstacles on the road, as well as disappointments. For this reason, it would be a good idea to have a plan B if this falls through. On the other hand, you might be a lucky one. This adventure might be the best time of your life, who knows?
Plan in Advance
Since you are making a huge change in your life, you have to plan it meticulously and in advance. When you decide on a specific city or a country, research again. This time aim to see how high is the cost of living, food, and other expenses. While researching, try to answer important questions. For example, where do you want to live, in a flat, a hostel, or a hotel? Do you want to live in the city center or on the outskirts? Is the Internet fast enough for your work tools and gadgets? Giving answers to similar questions will help you narrow down your options when it comes to accommodation, food, and finances. In the end, all the pieces will fit together and you will be able to put the plan in motion.
Join the Community
You are not the first person on the road to becoming a digital nomad. There have been many people before you and there will be many people after you. All of you share the same questions, worries, struggles. The greatest support you will receive going down this road is of course of your own family. But also, from the digital nomad one. Don’t be afraid to join one of the largest communities in the world. They will support you and answer all of your questions.
