Leaving the consolation and wage of a gradual workplace job for the uncertainty of life as a self-employed digital nomad is a big change, each personally and professionally. I did it myself in 2021 once I left my job as a lawyer in London.
General, it was an incredible choice and I’m infinitely happier than I used to be earlier than. However, it’s not all roses and sunshine. It may be onerous at instances, however finally, I feel the challenges are well worth the large upsides.
Listed below are the steps that helped me go from office-bound and depressing to location-independent and free. The following tips all come from my very own private expertise. I hope they’re helpful and assist you to pull off your personal escape.
The right way to Plan Your Exit: Going From Workplace Desk to Digital Nomad
Whether or not you’re craving freedom, journey, limitless journey, higher climate, or just a life outdoors the company field (for me, it was all of these issues), right here are some things I extremely suggest you do first. This can assist set your self up for fulfillment, earlier than taking the plunge.
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Mirror on Your Why and Objectives
Earlier than you write your resignation letter, take a step again and ask your self why you need to develop into a digital nomad. What’s driving this choice? Whether or not it’s the liberty to discover new locations, the possibility to work by yourself phrases, or simply wanting to flee workplace life, understanding your motivation is vital.
For me, it was the frustration of being caught in a inflexible routine, and the stuffiness of the authorized occupation. I spotted I wished a life-style that prioritized flexibility and journey. This “why” nonetheless offers me readability and motivation to this present day, and helps me keep centered when instances get robust.
Write down your objectives – each private {and professional}. Do you need to see particular nations? Study new expertise? A brand new language? Create a sustainable revenue on-line? Construct a mighty business empire? Having clear targets will assist information your choices and maintain you motivated.
Construct Monetary Stability and Safety
Cash stress is likely one of the worst elements of being a freelancer. That’s why making a stable monetary security internet is important earlier than you hand in your discover. You’ll want financial savings to cowl at the least a couple of months of dwelling bills, plus an emergency fund, and a plan for regular revenue going ahead.
My enterprise took almost a year to begin making any cash. Being in Central America for the primary few months of my nomad life actually helped make the cash I had saved go additional. However, if I hadn’t constructed up a pot of financial savings earlier than I give up my job, I might’ve quickly run out.
Earlier than leaving your job, make a finances, minimize pointless bills, and attempt to save as a lot cash as attainable. You don’t must have already constructed up a enterprise to the purpose of profitability earlier than you hit the street, however the nearer you’re to this stage, the much less dangerous will probably be.
Develop Distant Work Abilities
One of many issues I really like most about being a digital nomad is the flexibility to journey as a lot as you want. However, prefer it or not, you’ll nonetheless most likely must spend a big chunk of your time working – even in case you can nip off for a cheeky surf between conferences.
As many people realized through the pandemic, remote work requires fairly a distinct mindset than working within the workplace. You want private self-discipline, stable communication expertise, and the flexibility to handle your time successfully with out having a boss wanting over your shoulder.
I discover this a lot simpler working alone enterprise that I care deeply about. However, don’t underestimate how completely different the expertise is. When you aren’t already, get acquainted with instruments resembling Slack and Groups, and think about taking online courses or enrolling in a coaching program that can assist you upskill.
Analysis Potential Locations
Not all locations are created equal for digital nomads. Some locations (like Thailand and Portugal) are identified for his or her low price of dwelling, lightning-fast internet, welcoming angle to nomads, and thriving communities of distant employees. Different locations are more difficult.
Selecting the correct vacation spot in your life-style and finances could make or break your expertise. Have in mind your personal priorities. Would you like year-round sunshine? Quick access to coworking spaces? A low-key vibe or a busy social scene? Rural or city? Is the time zone more likely to be a difficulty?
Your first vacation spot doesn’t must be good. I spent a month in Chiapas, Mexico once I first began out. It’s a completely gorgeous place, however it wasn’t ultimate for distant working, with common energy cuts and ropey web. I additionally managed to catch dengue and the flu on the identical time – tough.
Begin With a Trial Run
Earlier than you give up your job and absolutely decide to the digital nomad life-style, strive dipping your toes within the water. A brief-term trial run may give you a style of what it’s prefer to work remotely whereas touring, with out the strain of creating all the things good right away.
I did this by spending a few weeks in Portugal whereas I used to be nonetheless working at my outdated job. My work was effective with me doing it (it was the summer season of 2020, so distant work was the norm anyway), and I obtained a style of what digital nomadism could be like earlier than going all in.
This will not be attainable in your present circumstances, however, in case you do get the chance to do a trial run like this, I’d extremely suggest it. It’ll assist you determine what works (and what doesn’t), what tech and kit you do (and don’t) want, and the way well-suited you’re to working in a non-traditional atmosphere.
Plan Your Tech and Instruments
Having the precise tech setup is crucial with regards to engaged on the street. You’ll want a setup that’s dependable, moveable, and retains you productive (and comfy) regardless of the place you’re on the planet.
My tech stack contains my MacBook Professional, wi-fi keyboard and mouse, foldable laptop computer stand, noise-canceling headphones, exterior onerous drive (for backups), common energy adapter, extension cable, and my iPhone (with an eSIM for whichever nation I’m in).
Don’t overlook software program subscriptions, too. I exploit Google Drive, Zoom, Microsoft Workplace, and numerous SEO and running a blog subscriptions on a near-daily foundation. Tailor your personal record as wanted.
Construct a Assist Community
Being a digital nomad might be isolating at instances, particularly in case you’re touring solo. I’m lucky to be sharing this journey with my associate, however nonetheless, it may be robust generally. Most of our pals are 1,000s of miles away, and so they usually don’t relate to issues we battle with on a day-to-day foundation.
That’s why constructing a help community is so necessary. Coworking areas might be nice locations to fulfill different like-minded individuals. I’ve made pals at social occasions organized at coworking areas, each in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, and I’m nonetheless in contact with a number of of them to this point.
Don’t underestimate the worth of those relationships. Fellow nomads can share insights about locations they’ve been, suggest instruments that work for them, and even collaborate with you on initiatives. It’s additionally nice to have the ability to share your experiences with individuals who “get” it, as your folks from house won’t.
Additionally: Dariece and Nick’s “Creator Kickstarter Program” is designed to information you thru the method of changing into an internet entrepreneur and making a location-independent life-style. I want I’d had that form of help once I began!
Take the Leap
Planning and preparation are important, however in some unspecified time in the future, you’ve simply obtained to go for it. Setting a agency exit date may also help you keep centered and provide you with one thing to work towards. With out a clear timeline, it’s straightforward to get caught within the “planning” part eternally.
It’ll probably really feel like an incredible leap of religion. And it’ll most likely be riskier than staying in a secure salaried job. However, there’s additionally the chance of wanting again in your life and regretting not having tried one thing like this. For me, that might be a far worse end result than my enterprise not understanding.
Belief in your planning, but additionally settle for that not all the things will go completely. And that’s okay – each nomad’s journey is exclusive. Embrace the uncertainty. And keep in mind, if it doesn’t work out, or in case you change your thoughts about what you need, the choice to return to a extra “conventional” life will nonetheless be there.
In Conclusion
Turning into a digital nomad is an enormous choice, however with the precise planning and mindset, it’s completely achievable. By breaking the method into manageable steps, and following the guidelines I’ve shared right here, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.
It’s not at all times straightforward, however it’s so price it. Leaving the conformist, hierarchical workplaces and fits of the company world to create a lifetime of freedom and journey was the most effective selections I’ve ever made. It would simply be the identical for you, too. You’ll by no means know till you strive.
