In recent years, the digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular, and it's not hard to see why. Who wouldn't want to trade in their stuffy office and long commute for the freedom and flexibility to explore the world? In this article, the team at Out There Internet explore how to become a digital nomad while caravanning throughout Australia.
What is a Digital Nomad?
Digital nomads are anyone capable of working remotely using online technology. This allows them to live a nomadic lifestyle, often travelling to different locations across Australia and the wider world while still being able to work and earn a stable income.
What Jobs are Performed by Digital Nomads?
With the advent of new online collaboration and communication tools and the rise of remote working, there are more opportunities than ever before to work remotely. Some digital nomads may have full-time jobs with companies that allow them to work remotely, while others may freelance or work on a contract basis. Examples of these positions include:
· Web design/development · Digital marketer · Account management · Social media manager · Freelance writer · Graphic designer · Business consultants · E-commerce business owners · And more!
Pros & Cons of Becoming a Digital Nomad
There are several pros and cons to becoming a digital nomad:
Pros
You can work from anywhere in the world.
You have the freedom to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
You can be your own boss.
You’ll meet interesting people from all over the world throughout your journey.
You’ll get to experience different cultures and learn new things.
You can save money on things like rent, transportation, and eating out.
You can make a good income if you’re disciplined and organised.
Cons
It can be difficult to stay motivated when you don’t have anyone telling you what to do or holding you accountable.
Working may feel isolating and lonely at times.
There is often a lot of pressure to ‘hustle’ and work long hours, which can lead to burnout.
Location independence comes with the need to be comfortable with change and uncertainty.
You may need to sacrifice some of the stability and predictability that comes with a traditional job and salary.
There can be a lot of pressure to always be available for work, which can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety when taking time off.
How to Become a Digital Nomad
Find/Transition into a Job that is Conducted Online
This can work in a variety of ways. You could ask your existing employer if a remote working arrangement is possible for your role. Alternatively, you could always pursue a career change into a new field that both excites you, and gives you the freedom to work whilst on the move. This could even be creating your own business, just remember that there will be extra expenses relating to set-up, marketing, administration and so on.
Introduce the Equipment Required to Work Remotely
One of the great things about the digital nomad lifestyle is that it's not very expensive to get started. All that is required is an operational laptop and a reliable internet connection. Thanks to innovative technology like the Out There Internet Caravan Kit, you can have this on hand wherever you travel across Australia.
If you want to take your digital nomad lifestyle to the next level, there are a few other pieces of equipment you can invest in. For example, if you're going to be working in public places, noise-cancelling headphones can help you stay focused on your work.
Develop Your Workspace & Schedule
Wherever you decide to set up shop, there are a few things you'll need to create a productive workspace. Again, a good internet connection is a key to utilising online collaboration and communication tools, so this is non-negotiable if you want to be a successful digital nomad.
Next, you'll need a comfortable place to work. This could be a dedicated office in your caravan, a portable desk you set up wherever you decide to make camp. Just make sure you have enough space to spread out and get work done.
Finally, you'll need to create a schedule that works for you. If you're used to working traditional hours, it can be tough to adjust to the digital nomad lifestyle. The good news is that there's no right or wrong way to do it. You can dictate your own hours, creating a workflow that ensures you're getting enough work done to support yourself!
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