Do you ever feel the need to take a gap year but you have to keep working because… you know… you also need to make ends meet? Don’t pretend you’ve never fantasized about it. If you’re thinking about how you could combine that gap year with a full time job, you’re probably a digital nomad.
Ok, it’s not as simple as just making a suitcase and booking the first ticket to any place in the world. However, remote working is a trend that is gaining traction. If you’ve already embraced this life, you’re probably reading this article in a shared apartment in Madrid, Lisbon or wherever you are.
That being said, in this article we will explore a couple of details you should know before taking the next big step on your journey. So, pack your stuff and get ready for a new adventure!
What is a Digital Nomad?
First things first, you are probably wondering about digital nomads. You should know that they are remote workers who are traveling around the world. Mainly, they work in co-working places, coffee shops or anywhere when they can get a stable wireless internet connection.
If you want to become a digital nomad, it is mandatory that your work can be done through your laptop or Mac, so choosing the right profession is key. Since most of today’s jobs can be done remotely, you’ll probably just need to arrange things with your clients or the company you work for, and then start your traveling adventure!
Do you need experience to become a digital nomad?
The short answer is no. You just need to plan your schedule and try to anticipate your next destination. For example, if you’re living in Madrid and you want to move to Bali, it will be in your best interest to book a coliving place or your flight tickets beforehand.
Knowing the regulations of the country you’re heading will help you to adapt as fast as you can. But other than that, you don’t need to worry about having experience or not; you just need to be responsible with your tasks and everything will fall into place.
How to live as a digital nomad?
Taking the decision is arguably the most important step, but you’ll also need to adjust to a differents ways of living, since you’ll be traveling around most of the time and adapting to new cities and cultures.
If you have the right mindset, becoming a digital nomad will be a piece of cake. Just don’t spend on unnecessary things and be smart when working in a new place. If public transportation is an option, why not using it? If landmarks or tourist attractions have free access, why buy a tour?
The best thing as a digital nomad is that you can choose the way you live all the time. That’s the main reason why more and more people are switching to this lifestyle.
Where to start as a digital nomad?
Of course you can choose the place of the world you want to live in, but as a humble recommendation, we encourage you to find a country where you feel comfortable to begin your journey.
As you keep on travelling, your mind will be more open to new cultures and it will become easier for you to adapt to them.
In any case, it is a good choice to start in a coliving space, since you will find people like you, or at least in a similar position. You will probably find friendships that will stand the test of time and distance.
The bottom line
Being a digital nomad is a trend that is growing strong among remote workers. If you give more value to experiences than to material goods, and you are eager to live your own adventure, what are you waiting to become a digital nomad?
Whether you want to take that gap year you deserve or you want to live new experiences, now is the time. If you want to know more about digital nomads or coliving around the world you can visit us at Wooda and set the next step of your journey.
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