Working a regular office job is slowly becoming a thing of the past. There’s a new wave of people that are being deemed “digital nomads.”
What’s a digital nomad? Loosely defined, it’s someone who travels while still being able to work and earn money for said travels via digital sources. Below, I explain 5 ways you can join the digital nomad world:
1. Online English teacher: As you all know I just finished a year in Korea working as an English teacher. Since I was contracted to physically be in a school, there were some restrictions under my foreign work visa. Under most foreign work visas, you are normally only able to work in the agreed capacity. (Meaning it’s illegal to receive other sources of income in that country. *Wink wink) However, there are several companies that will hire you to teach via online platforms. This means as long as you have a computer, stable internet, and at least a Bachelor’s degree you can teach children (or adults) online from anywhere in the world. Some companies do require you to be TEFL or TESOL certified as well. It’s pretty easy (and inexpensive) to get certified online. Companies pay anywhere from $11-$25 per hour and you usually make your own schedule. However, you are mostly teaching people in Asian countries so your work hours will fall in line with their time zone. Some companies include iTutor, Vipkid and DaDa ABC. There are dozens out there. Just research to find the one that best suits you and apply!
2. Freelance writer/ blogger: Many companies will hire writers as independent contractors to write content for their websites and blogs. A site that I recently became aware of is freelancewritingjobs.com. You can either follow the Facebook page or subscribe via their website to see dozens of remote writing jobs posted daily. Again, as long as you have a computer and the internet you can do this from anywhere. Most writers have personal sites too. Once you have a certain audience reach, you can apply to monetize your site. Basically, companies will pay you to run their ads on your site. Another perk to being a writer is that companies will sponsor your travel to destinations in exchange for you writing about the place.
3. YouTube/Vlogging: This literally is just the video version of blogging and writing. I don’t have the patience to shoot, edit, and upload videos but if you do, it can be very lucrative. Find your niche, grow a following, and you are well on your way! Another alternative to this is launching a podcast. Podcasts are digital talk shows uploaded on different platforms. Again, companies will pay you to advertise their products during your show once you have a certain following.
4. Travel Photographer: if you have a passion for photography, capitalize off of it! Start by showing off your skills on social media platforms. Use hashtags to attract certain viewers of your work and to grow your following. Build a physical and digital portfolio. From there, start reaching out to companies to shop your photos. You can also search for freelance photography jobs.
5. Run an online business: You literally can sell anything via your computer. Some of the most popular are: diet and fitness plans, online stores and boutiques, or consulting businesses. Find something you love, build a website and social pages around it, and promote the heck out of it! The business will come.
As you can see, becoming a digital nomad isn’t far fetched. You just have to have the passion and drive to make it work. It may take some time for the money to flow consistently. Start while you are still in your regular job and once you are comfortable with your income, the world is yours.
I hope this post has been helpful. If seeing the world while making an income is something you are looking for, these are the ways to go! Good luck and happy traveling.
Broke And Abroad 