The Truth About Being a Digital Nomad
Many are considering being a digital nomad but fear the consequences of quitting their job. Who wouldn’t want to work from anywhere with nothing but a smartphone and a laptop?
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The idea of being a digital nomad, a freelance writer who can work from anywhere in the world, sounds like a dream come true.
“According to findings from a survey of 643 freelancers, 82% of U.S. freelancers are writers and, of that, 24% earn more than $50,000 a year for their freelance writing services. The majority of employees working in creative fields are freelancers. — Zippia.
Can’t you picture yourself in your favorite location by the pool, writing brilliant stories for Medium, Vocal, Substack, and online magazines, working on your memoir, or even crafting the next great novel?
BTW, I’m writing this from the Philippines.
It’s an enticing lifestyle that many aspire to achieve, but the truth is you’ll spend more hours on your “freelance” lifestyle than most laborers, and it’s far less glamorous than the Facebook and Instagram pictures intimate.
“Up until the last 200 years basically everyone was a freelancer, entrepreneur or indentured. Of course, entrepreneurship is a learnable skill.” ― Richie Norton.
The truth about being a digital nomad often means pulling an all-nighter to meet a deadline, late or non-existent payments, 80-hour workweeks often become the norm, especially when customizing a website for a client and creating most of the content from scratch.
Many times, without input. I will apologize in advance to any of my clients reading this, but go ahead and think back to when I asked for input for your About Us page. You know it’s true.
But if you’re willing to grind it out as if this is your business, and guess what? It is; you can do it. And there is an attractive feeling of freedom when you do it right.
Many struggle to earn a living writing, but there are JK Rowling, who’s worth more than a billion dollars, Stephen King ½ billion, and James Patterson, who reportedly earned $70 million last year.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” — Henry Ford.
OK, let’s get into the meat of this subject and discuss some of the things you’ll need to succeed in this digital nomad lifestyle.
The Freelance Writer’s Dream: Fact or Fiction?
Before getting the idea that you can be financially carefree living a digital nomad lifestyle, consider this sobering statistic: only about 25% of writers and freelancers make a full-time living from their craft.
Most writers, even talented ones, often juggle multiple freelance opportunities to make ends meet.
Who says a writer has to stick to articles? What about adding affiliate links to those articles? They write Facebook/Meta ads for a hot item on Amazon. Instagram (IG) captions for businesses?
BTW, I don’t use “ads.” That’s too expensive; I post them myself.
I make $600 per month for 30 IG captions for a swimsuit designer for bodybuilders and Miss Universe contestants, $400 for writing ten articles for a sewerage plumber, and $1200 for ghostwriting legal blogs for two lawyers for the past eight years, a traffic ticket lawyer and a personal injury lawyer. I have some other regular clients, but you get the idea.
I ask for $600 for writing a website’s content. You can do it, too. Yet, I average $12.00 monthly from Amazon ads.
However, the notion of being a digital nomad and sustaining yourself purely through freelancing is a formidable challenge that requires careful planning and dedication.
“Freelancing is tough. It can be very difficult, in fact. It can wear people down, making them lose sight of what they used to love because they have to do everything else just to get by.” ― Mason Hipp, The Unlimited Freelancer.
Mastering the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
If you’re determined to become a successful digital nomad, there are several crucial steps you need to take before waving goodbye to your 9-to-5 job and booking that ticket.
Whether you aspire to be a travel blogger or a remote copywriter, these nine objectives could help guide you toward your goal.
1. Find a Remote Job You Can Do Anywhere in the World
Start by identifying job opportunities that allow you to work remotely from your laptop. Common choices include freelance writing, digital marketing, graphic design, web development, virtual assistants, dropshipping, and affiliate marketing.
I would advise signing up for the Freelance Writers Den; Carol Tice is a genius. Check their review here.
Subscribe to Neil Patel’s YouTube channel. You probably couldn’t find anyone who knows more about SEO and marketing than Neil. Just do it! You can thank me later.
How Terrible Policies Will Kill Your Business
Research the job market and seek positions that align with your skills and interests.
2. Understand What’s Necessary for Success
First, before traveling, make sure your passport is up to date. It must have six months left before expiration to travel overseas. If you plan to stay for a while, it might be prudent to extend it before you go.
Check the Visa requirements and work eligibility before you go. Many don’t bother, but it is better to be safe than end up in a foreign jail.
Likewise, never raise your voice to a TSA, Customs, or Immigration agent if you don’t want to find out about their prison system.
Of course, it could make an interesting story. But I’ll wait for someone else to write that story.
Being a digital nomad requires more than a laptop, a cell phone, and a plane ticket. Always use a digital editor like Grammarly to check your work.
You need self-discipline, time management skills, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Understand the challenges of working while traveling and prepare yourself mentally for this lifestyle.
3. Equip Yourself with the Essential Tools
Invest in the necessary tools for remote work, including a reliable laptop and cell phone, high-speed internet access, noise-canceling headphones, and a virtual private network (VPN) for security. These tools are your lifeline, so ensure they meet your needs.
First, let’s discuss why a VPN.
I use Windscribe as a proxy and an ad blocker. It’s great for protecting your privacy and your location.
“A virtual private network, or VPN, is an encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network. The encrypted connection helps ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted. It prevents unauthorized people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows the user to conduct work remotely.” — Cisco.
If you conduct any financial transaction online without a VPN, you will regret it. But, when you travel as a digital nomad, it’s a must.
Many countries you will travel to have been blocked by US businesses and government agencies you might need to research to complete an assignment.
Access to websites for research is essential for research. Without access to .org and .gov websites that block overseas IP addresses, you will find it difficult to find the information you are looking for.
Plus, if you use Upwork, Guru, Fiverr, Textbroker, and other content mills to make money, they might block you without a VPN.
With a VPN, you can change your IP address to a location close to the website you need, get the information you need, and complete your article.
Second, use a home or national bank or credit union with a debit and credit card. I’m not advocating using credit; the interest is much too high, but a credit card with cash back can help you avoid foreign transaction fees using your debit card at the ATM.
However, pay off any charges to your credit card as soon as you get paid to avoid interest charges and avoid making cash withdrawals. The interest on cash withdrawals is much higher.
Using a credit card might contradict what most financial advisors say, but sometimes you’ll have to do it when you’re in a pinch. Plus, you’ll need a credit card to reserve most hotels and rental cars.
For USA readers, Charles Schwab and Capital One are excellent sources. Schwab doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee, and Capital One offers cash back and travel miles.
I have a Capital One Venture credit card and really like it. You should check it out. If you apply using my referral link and are approved, I’ll get a referral bonus!
Plus, you’ll need a method of sending invoices and accepting payments. I use PayPal because I have everything in one place, and it’s pretty much global. However, you’ll also want a couple of backups; check on Venmo, Wise, and others.
Check with a tax advisor in your home country and the country you’re visiting to ensure you keep up with tax responsibilities and visa requirements to avoid trouble.
4. Determine Your Living Expenses
Calculate how much money you’ll need to cover your living expenses while traveling. Consider accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, and other costs specific to your destination.
A clear budget will help you plan your finances effectively, and you’ll know whether your current income can sustain you.
However, keep a cushion because you never know when a client won’t come through as promised. Likewise, be sure to get half upfront from new clients.
5. Network with Other Digital Nomads
Connect with fellow digital nomads who can offer advice, insights, and support. Online communities, forums, and social media groups are excellent resources for building relationships and gaining valuable knowledge about the lifestyle.
6. Eliminate Distractions
Identify potential distractions that could hinder your productivity while working remotely. Create a dedicated workspace, establish a daily routine, and set boundaries to minimize disruptions.
7. Choose Affordable Travel Destinations
Select destinations that align with your budget and preferences. Research affordable countries or cities that offer a high quality of life for digital nomads. Consider factors like cost of living, safety, and internet connectivity.
Choose affordable living like AirBnB, Hostels, or provide housesitting.
Housesitting can be an excellent way to live in style and earn money. Check Mind My House and Luxury House Sitting.
Check these websites for affordable living deals:
I typically book for only one night. If I hate it, I am not staying, no matter how inexpensive it is.
8. Secure Backup Cloud Storage
Protect your work by using cloud storage solutions to back up your files. Mishaps can happen, and having a backup ensures your important documents and projects are safe, even if your laptop encounters issues during your travels.
I thought I was safe with an external hard drive until I opened my luggage one time to find it crushed and inoperable. That was costly.
I use Dropbox, which has an affordable business plan, but there are many others, like Microsoft One Drive, Google Drive, Amazon Drive, and more.
Remember, most of the tools you use are tax deductible for US taxpayers. I use a Schedule C to report my freelance writing earnings from my business, The Write Results, LLC.
Whether or not you use an LLC or another business format is up to you. But you should get your business registered before you travel.
9. Take the Leap
Have faith in your ability to make it as a digital nomad. You’ve covered the essentials, honed your skills, and planned meticulously. Embrace the adventure and believe in your capacity to succeed in this unconventional lifestyle.
“We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” — Max Dupree.
While the allure of being a digital nomad is strong, it’s essential to recognize the challenges and prerequisites involved.
With careful preparation, determination, and a realistic understanding of the demands of remote work, you can embark on this exciting journey and make your dream of being a digital nomad anywhere in the world a reality.
Remember that success as a digital nomad doesn’t come overnight; it results from hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do.
“You must deal with rejection, get up the next day, and go on with it.” — Donald Ngonyo.
Final Thoughts About Being a Digital Nomad
There is nothing easy about being a digital nomad, and there are no guaranteed meals.
Do what you can where you are before you decide to take the leap. I’m sure I missed many things about being a digital nomad, so network with others and make the most of your experience.
“The world is my office, and every destination is my inspiration.” — Finding inspiration on the Road.
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading, and come back for more soon. If you enjoyed my story, follow me, clap, highlight something interesting, and leave a comment or feedback.
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Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.