In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to work from home for the first time. Some folks couldn’t wait to get back to the office, while others found they enjoyed the flexibility of working from anywhere, anytime. This sparked a new trend of people questioning their lifestyle choices. If they could work from anywhere, why not choose to live somewhere they truly loved?
This idea of lifestyle design, intentionally choosing where and how you want to live, started to gain traction. For instance, I live in Brazil for most of the year, set my own work hours, and enjoy the benefits of being a digital entrepreneur. But getting here wasn’t easy.
If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, here are some steps to help you get started. First, you need a steady source of income. You don’t necessarily need a new job lined up before you move, but you do need a way to keep the money coming in. There are plenty of ways to create location-independent income.
One option is to negotiate with your current employer to work remotely. The pandemic has made many companies more open to this idea. If your employer is hesitant, suggest a trial period where you work from home a few days a week and gradually increase if your performance remains strong.
If your current job isn’t a good fit for remote work, consider finding a new job that is. There are plenty of remote-friendly jobs out there, and websites like FlexJobs can help you find them.
Another option is to start your own business or freelance. You can start a side business while still working your full-time job to help get it off the ground. Or, you can use your unique skills to freelance. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you find freelance opportunities.
Investing for passive income is another great way to support your digital nomad lifestyle. There are many ways to generate passive income, such as investing in dividend-paying ETFs, rental properties, or private REITs.
Before you make the leap to full-time digital nomad, it’s a good idea to do a trial run. Start by working remotely in your current city for a few months. Then, try taking a working trip to a new city for a few weeks. This will help you figure out if the digital nomad lifestyle is a good fit for you.
Once you’re ready to embark on your digital nomad journey, there are a few more things to consider. You’ll need to figure out what to do with your current home, plan your initial itinerary, research digital nomad visas, and make a plan for healthcare. You’ll also need to set up a mail service and transfer your phone number.
Living as a digital nomad can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some planning and work. However, with a clear vision and the right preparation, you can design the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
