How to Become a Digital Nomad With Remote Work
The virtual age has transformed how people work. With cloud technology, people can collaborate across time zones. As a result, many jobs are no longer tied to a single location.
If you love seeing new places, a digital nomadic life may be perfect for you. It's also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Research cited in Harvard Business Review shows U.S. workers spend an average of 4.5 hours a week on the road. That's a lot of emissions just to get to and from a job. Of course, transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle takes some effort, but with the right resources, Compass Travelers explains you can have a successful career while seeing the world.
There Are Plenty of Remote-Friendly Jobs on the Market
Companies are more willing than ever to let employees work from home. The key to snagging a remote-work position is finding the right industry. In addition to being a virtual teacher, here are some of the most common jobs to go fully digital:
Data analyst
Web developer
Graphic designer
Copywriter
Programmer
Take Control of Your Career by Starting Your Own Business
If you want greater freedom, you can start your own business. Being an entrepreneur requires dedication, but the legal process of registering your company is easier than you might think. First, you need to decide whether you want to function as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company. Corporate Finance Institute notes that many freelancers choose sole proprietorships because there's no paperwork required, but this business structure has drawbacks. If you're a sole proprietor, there's no legal distinction between you and your business. In contrast, an LLC establishes your company as a separate legal entity, which offers several advantages:
Choice of taxation type
Credibility with vendors and customers
Protection of personal assets
LLCs are registered with state governments, so you need to research your state's laws. You can then hire a formation service or lawyer to help you, or you can create your LLC on your own by following these steps:
Pick a name
Nominate a registered agent
File your Articles of Organization
Make the operating agreement
Get your Employer Identification Number
If your new business will require you to secure funding, run your credit report before you dive into the business loan application process. Your personal finances will be closely scrutinized before you can get a loan. If your credit score is too low, lenders will not consider you for a loan. It’s best to slow down and take the time to raise your score, so that you’ll be ready to hit the ground running once you really launch your business.
Payment Platforms Offer Convenient Transfer Options
Before you officially open for business, you need to figure out an invoice system. Since you're a one-person show, the easiest approach is making a template. That way, you can quickly fill in important information instead of having to make a whole new document each time.
You also should create an account with a money transfer app or website so customers can send you payments. There are options such as Western Union and Remitly that offer free or low-cost services.
If your customers prefer to use credit and debit cards, you can pay for processing services that cater to small businesses. Make sure you check about availability in the country you're working in, as regulations and fees vary across borders.
The Right Rental Makes All the Difference
Life on the move means finding places to serve as home and the office. Your number-one priority should be access to reliable Wi-Fi since the internet is your primary tool. Consider getting a virtual private network, especially if your work contains sensitive information. Finally, you should verify who to call if you have problems. Resorts have an advantage over homestays in this since they usually provide 24/7 customer support.
Being nomadic comes with some amazing advantages. In a matter of hours you could go from living and working near the ocean to being surrounded by ancient redwoods. But all that beauty can make it hard to focus. Luckily, there are some great apps to help you track your productivity, and also track your fitness. That’s really what the nomadic life is really all about, right? Balance. Look into productivity and collaborative apps like Slack and Evernote. And then explore fitness apps like Seven and Noom. Put those together and what do you get? Balance.
Switching to a nomadic lifestyle is a huge change, but today's digital infrastructure makes it easier than ever. With a solid business plan and love of adventure, you can live the jet-setting life you've always wanted.
Compass Travelers likes to support our new digital nomadic workers with a travel-minded digital magazine that provides resources that encourage cultural, social, and global awareness alongside self-growth. Visit us online to continue your work/life balance.
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