Ever wonder what it feels like working while traveling? Say emailing while sipping a piña colada and basking on the summer heat with white sands on your feet.

What about reveling in a cozy coffee shop and then roaming around the locality after a long day at work?

And oh, don't forget about that white sandy beaches with pastel sunset. That can act as your real-time Zoom background if you are up for meetings and presentations.

It sure feels like a wanderlust dream. Some people would kill it to live in this work arrangement.

However, did you know that these backpack moving travelers do exist? Yes, they're real!

Thanks to globalization and the advancement in technology we can now start meeting people worldwide without leaving our place. We can earn money while we travel, learn about cultural appreciation, and take insights from a diverse group of people.

If you want to take control of your life and start living, this might be the sign for you.

In this post, let's talk about how to make money as a digital nomad and find out if it's the new right career path for you.

Are you ready to ditch your 9-5 and make room for financial abundance? Read on!

What is a Digital Nomad?

Before anything else, let's define the word “Digital Nomad” first.

From the word “digital,” I'm sure you've got a few ideas in mind. So you can picture anyone working digitally or over the internet. Anything online or virtual also means digital.

How about the word “nomad?” The term nomad comes from the Greek word nomás, which translates to “roaming, wandering, especially to find pasture.”

In other words, a nomad is a person who is an NPA or to put it plainly, No Permanent Address. During the early times, the nomadic lifestyle was rampant for various reasons.

Some nomads have a fixed residence but move and live anywhere. (For whatever purpose they had in mind)

Or anyone who moves or travels a lot taking in hostels and inn as their temporary space. They also hop from one coffee shop to another, making it their workplace. Still, others live in a van. These are all nomads in modern times.

Therefore, digital plus nomad means someone who works virtually or while roaming around the globe. (Hopefully, it makes sense to you now)

They have indefinite work areas and can work anytime or literally anywhere they want as long as they have a laptop and internet access.

If you trace the dots, come to think of it, one of the reasons why nomads move anytime and anywhere was to find food and hopefully settle there.

Likewise, the nomads of today. But this time, they are more high-tech, and they work for a living too!

On the other hand, there are three different kinds of digital nomads that you can choose should you aspire to become one.

Types of Digital Nomads

Remote workers

These are people who may be working from the comfort of their homes. Their unique jobs or current situation, requiring them to work remotely or away from the office, makes them a digital nomad.

Aside from that, they may have requested a remote work arrangement for their employers. (Which is an opportunity to earn extra cash on the side!)

For example, a software engineer working outside the office or inside his home is an example of a remote worker.

Freelancers

Furthermore, freelancers may also work at home, at a coffee shop, truck, or van, in the middle of the forest (if there's Wi-Fi over there), or on those dreamy white beaches.

Freelancers are independent contractors, meaning; they can win any clients or work for more than one employer.

For instance, freelance writer, virtual assistant, and graphic designer, to name a few.

Online business owner/Entrepreneurs

Lastly, there are online business owners or entrepreneurs who make money selling stuff online.

These are people who offer products or services via web.

For example, coaches and cosmetic sellers.

Before you jump right in

Now that you have a better idea of what a digital nomad is, there are a few points I'd like for you to consider before you take the great leap of faith into the unknown.

Face and assess your financial situation.

Imagine that you are working with your laptop all day in a faraway land, plus it pays a decent amount. Even thoughts of working as much as you can and as much as you want are straight-up exciting!

Many people have done this before: Quit their secured job after reading a bunch of blogs and watching Youtube tutorial videos about how to make money as a digital nomad.

Only to regret the steps they took and left with tons of financial obligations to fulfill in an empty wallet.

So what went wrong? First of all, you have to analyze your current financial situation. Just because it appeals to your thought and you started loving the idea of becoming a digital nomad doesn't mean you can start right away at this instant.

It's crucial to settle any lingering debts first to appreciate fully and feel the freedom of what a digital nomad entails.

Next is to take a look at your savings. If you get rid of your job today, will you and your family have something to cover for those unemployed periods?

Have you built enough emergency funds as your safety net as you transition from a corporate worker to a digital nomad?

These are the things you should carefully think and plan for if you want this whole new life.

Besides, digital nomads often live a minimalist lifestyle, so they can afford to pay of their choice for accommodations, travel expenses, and coworking spaces.

Therefore, as early as now plan how you will make and survive in a digital nomad work and free up some money to add to your funds. It's time to grip on a tight budget and cut off some expenses if you badly want to live the digital nomad life.

Decide which type of digital nomad you are.

The next to worry about is choosing which classification of a digital nomad you are.

Will you be a remote worker, a freelancer, or an online business owner?

However, no matter which digital nomad types you are, you can choose to become both and work full-time or part-time.

You can become a remote worker from a company online and a freelancer on the side. Plus you can also sell your crafts or offer services to help people fix their problems.

Determine skills you will monetize.

Ultimately, what skills and talents will you offer to the market? The digital nomad makes way for the economy gigs and side-hustle job market, which isn't going anytime, anywhere, or saturated.

But there could be many people in different parts of the world who can also do the same thing or offers the same services/skills you know.

Pick one thing you know you're good at and start from there. For instance, if you have a way for words, maybe you can focus on writing.

From there, clarify which specific topic you enjoy writing about or knowledgeable enough to share what you know through medium writing. And then, you can narrow down to niches you can start focusing on and make money out of it.

The key is to recognize your strengths and leverage them. Over time, you can improve and develop allowing you to upgrade and gain more skills. Therefore, increasing your worth and value as a digital nomad.

How to make money as a digital nomad?

Here are ten ways/lists of jobs you can do on how to make money as a digital nomad.

1. Website Developer

Nowadays, IT-related skills are one lucrative big can of worms. Since we're all moving fast and technology is much better than ten years ago, you don't want to miss this out.

If you have a knack for being tech-e and know you way around websites and networks, becoming a website developer is one great option.

Website developers are responsible for building websites of companies, government associations or departments, social media sites- anything you live and breathe on Google.

Typically, they are keen on programs and codes or have a bachelor's degree related to programming and information technology.

2. Blogger/Copywriting

How to make money as a digital nomad? Get in the art of blogging!

For starters, you can be a travel blogger; since you're always on the move, you can share with your followers or readers about your adventures and tips on traveling. From there, you can monetize your blog through affiliate marketing and advertisements.

Aside from that, you can also create a course and downloadable digital products or printable templates.

Although it will take quite some time before you reap blogging rewards, your effort, and hard work will be all worth it in the long run.

Copywriting is another field that you can also make money from to craft words that sell.

Related: How Do Bloggers Make Money? Blogging For Beginners 101

3. Virtual Assistant/Social Media Manager

Another way on how to make money as a digital nomad is by becoming a virtual assistant or a social media manager.

Both do not necessarily require physical interaction plus you can work anywhere and anytime you want.

If you are organized, can do administrative/back office/paper works, and adept in using technological tools, this gig is for you.

4. Language Teacher

As a traveling digital nomad, no doubt you know a language or two. Did you know that you can make money as a language teacher?

Most significantly, if you speak fluent English. Most countries in South East Asia are looking for a good English teacher to teach them how to talk about the language quickly.

For this, you may opt for a TESOL or ESL Certification, plus points if you have a degree.

Related: Top 10 Best Online Teaching Jobs in 2021: Teaching Side-Hustle and VIPKid Teach English Online Review- Is it worth it?

5. Translator, Proofreader, Transcription

Concerning language teaching, there are also comprehensive career options you could consider. For instance, it is becoming a translator, a proofreader, and a transcriptionist.

Most will require you to take the certification or a degree holder, but there are no shortages of resources freely available online to help you get started.

Further readings: Best Online Transcription Jobs In 2021 That Hire Internationally

6. Tour Operator/Organizer

If you've been for a certain amount of time in a given place, then you'll be most likely to know every area, food, street corners, local lifestyle, and more

As a digital nomad, you can also become a tour operator/guide or organizer. Suppose you know the place so well, give foreigners and tourists a tour at the landmarks and hot tourist spots in the area, then you can earn a base pay plus tips from generous tourists.

7. Personal Fitness Trainer

Now more than ever, people are becoming super health-conscious of how they eat and consume for their body and physical well-being.

If you are knowledgeable in this subject or share the same passion, perhaps you could try becoming a personal fitness trainer or guru.

Most people are into yoga and indoor workout ideas so, grab that camera and record yourself now teaching people to stretch, or you could write about it instead!

8. Life/Dating/Career Coach

Another potential digital nomad job is the coaching business. If you have the experience or qualification to become a coach or expert in these life areas, try building your personal brand now.

Most especially when the pandemic hit us, more and more people are looking for someone or something that can alleviate stress, restore balance in their life, and seek advice from experts.

9. Photographer

Is your passion taking images? You can start working as a digital nomad photographer.

Upload and share your pictures from your travels and sell them online. You can also offer photography event services and ask for commissions on every finished portrait.

10. Graphic Designer

How to make money as a digital nomad you may ask? Well, try graphic design.

If you have an eye for aesthetic designs and can bring your creative ideas into life through print and digital graphics, this is perfect for you. Plus, you can sell template designs that you created too.

Digital Nomad's Checklist

One last thing to remember before giving in to the digital nomad life is this checklist. Check it out.

1. Visa

Since you will travel and move from one place to another, you must ready your papers, passports alongside your visas with you.

These visas vary per country along with their working or traveling policy, so you may want to research first on a country you will start to work in.

Aside from that, know that most digital nomads stay within three to six months, the latter being the longest time they remain in that place. However, it's totally up to you which location you want and how long you will stay.

2. Digital Bank

How to make money as a digital nomad? It only makes sense if you have a digital bank to access your funds since you're far away from home.

Also, you can make use of a credit card here as long as it's accepted in your chosen host country. Wouldn't it be such a hassle if you bring in bulky cash or had to withdraw from the ATM from time to time?

3. Insurance

Before considering a digital nomad life, make sure you are enrolled in an insurance policy with your family. Most significantly, if you travel with your whole family-spouse and kids included.

It will become a good contingency plan if you get over hype by extreme adventure dopamine within you.

4. Laptop

Of course, let's not forget the equipment that we need. A decent laptop and a reliable internet connection are a must-have.

Digital nomad life still works, so invest in quality working equipment.

5. Gear

If you are the adventure and risk-taker type, prepare your gears as well. Invest in a quality backpack, digital devices, working equipment, etc.

6. Cost of Living

After researching which country you want to start as a digital nomad, don't forget to check the cost of living in that specific city.

Whether you like it or not, some places are more expensive or cheaper to live in compared to others.

For instance, most countries in the Asian region are cheaper in terms of accommodation, food, transportation, among the few compared to countries in Europe and North America.

With this knowledge at bay, you can now better understand which places to choose from, which is a non-negotiable factor in your shift to a digital nomad life.

FAQs

How much does a digital nomad make?

According to FlexJobs, on a survey conducted last 2018 regarding remote wok insights, 18% report making six figures or more and 22% earn between $50,000 and $99,999.

Essentially, digital nomad's income varies, as it depends on where they are in the world and what their work are. Some earn under $75,000, but it's not impossible to make a six-figure income in it as a digital nomad.

What jobs can you do as a digital nomad?

How to make money as a digital nomad? Well, there's a lot to choose from!

You can become a freelance writer, a virtual assistant, online seller, to name a few.

Significantly, as a digital nomad you work with your laptop, not in the office, and most often move to travel and see other places.

Is it illegal to be a digital nomad?

Technically it is. Most digital nomads work only on their laptops while on a tourist visa, so they are not stealing local jobs or threatening the country.

However, some countries have allowed special remote working visas and strict policies that every digital nomad should know. If you overstay, chances are you won't make it back home.

Kidding, but isn't it why nomads move a lot?

Final Thoughts

Above all, know that a digital nomad life is not for everyone.

If you are a lot more productive working with a fixed and routine schedule, then think again. You may be better off staying in your office work.

Most digital nomads enjoy the flexible schedule that comes with it. But if you're someone who works better being surrounded by your boss or colleagues, then again, the nomadic life is not for you.

On the other hand, if you deeply desire freedom and want to break free from the office job you hate, then maybe you can try your luck and fit into the location-independent work or “citizens of the world” setup.

There's a lot to look forward to such as unique culture, experiences, and meeting people you can share and exchange stories with.

So, will you keep your day job or start the digital nomad life?

Share your thoughts on this article below, and if you have any suggestions or comments feel free to do so!