Tips and Tricks on Starting as a Digital Nomad in 2023

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The digital nomad lifestyle has been getting the spotlight recently because of all the changes brought upon by the pandemic. What was considered impossible for the longest time, is now the preferred choice of many Millennials and Gen Zs. As more and more people are being enticed by the convenience and freedom brought upon by this career choice, it’s important to take note of what will make your life easier should you ever think of making the shift. Read on for more insights about this fresh and sought-after career pathway.

But first, the most important question: What exactly is a digital nomad?

According to flexjobs, a digital nomad is one who “lives a nomadic lifestyle, moving from location to location and staying connected digitally. Digital nomads use technology and communication tools to complete work remotely in order to travel the country or the world.” Simply put, it’s a modern take on the traditional office set-up, wherein employees utilize technology to do work anywhere and everywhere. This may be applicable to employees and freelancers alike. It can benefit both the employees and the company. Employees may have a better work-life balance, boosting productivity and contentment. At the same time, a business will reduce the physical space in their offices, thus allowing them to save money on their rental expenses. If you’re interested in making the leap, here are three essential tips to thrive as a digital nomad:

1. Improve and Strengthen Your Tech Skills

The latest improvements and discoveries in technology have allowed companies and employees to embrace the remote working setup. Because of various working platforms and applications like Trello and Notion, it’s easier now for seamless collaboration and communication.

Being a digital nomad means having a certain degree of knowledge and skill when it comes to setting up your workstation. It’s important that you also have a basic idea of how to troubleshoot so that it would be possible for you to work literally anytime and everywhere. It’s also essential because you’ll be working mostly using your devices which is a big factor in your overall efficiency as a remote worker. Here are some tips on how to be more adept with technology if you’re thinking of being a digital nomad:

• Learn the Tools of the Trade: Research and try to understand as much as you can about the latest tools and software that remote workers use. This includes co-working online websites, video conferencing tools, and project management applications.
• Invest in Learning: Make use of free tutorials online! Never stop being a student and be in the know about the latest trends that may help in enhancing your skill set as a worker.
• Use Automation: As a digital nomad, productivity and efficiency are both important to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Automation tools can greatly help you in managing your workload better.
• Maximize the Digital Space: Use digital platforms to forge connections with other digital nomads and professionals. Networking is crucial in building your name and reach. It’s the perfect avenue for reaching out and creating work relationships especially since being a digital nomad could be isolating at times.

2. Craft Your Own Routine

Having a routine that works best for you is crucial as a digital nomad. Having little to no face-to-face supervision by your employers and other work colleagues may feel overwhelming. Hence, a well-structured routine is important to remain organized and disciplined with your tasks and deliverables. Here are some steps to help you build a routine that fits best with your goals:

• Talk with your Employer: Confirm with your employer about your work hours and KPIs. Learn as much as you can about company policies and guidelines and build your routine around them.
• Know Your Best Working Hours: Assess yourself: what time am I most productive and focused? Schedule your most pressing deliverables around that time. Since being a digital nomad offers flexibility and freedom, maximize this and use it to your advantage.
• Maintain a Daily Schedule: To really enjoy the work-life balance that a digital nomad lifestyle offers, it’s important to learn how to create schedules for work, breaks, and personal time. This will also help your mind in adjusting to your work routine which will then allow you to become more efficient.
• Assess and Adjust As Needed: Your needs and schedules will surely change as you embark on the digital nomad lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to assess and adjust and to identify what works best for you and what doesn’t.

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3. Create Your Own Workspace

Being a digital nomad means that you can work exclusively anywhere. If you opt to work in your own home, it’s important to designate a space that will allow you to focus and be as productive as you can. But above all, it’s crucial to have a workspace wherein you’ll feel comfortable and cozy that will help you be in the best mood to accomplish tasks and take on projects. Here are some ways on how you can make an effective workspace:

• Designate Separate Spaces For Personal Time and Work Time: If you have the means to do so, having a separate space from where you rest and relax from where you work, makes an entire world of difference. Your mind will automatically differentiate the two, making you the most productive and energized in the space where you work, while making you feel cozy in the space where you sleep.
• Invest In Ergonomic Furniture: Long hours in front of a computer is usually the problem of many digital nomads. Because of this, it’s best to invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment like adjustable office chairs, standing desks, back supports, and the like. This will help in lessening body strain which will then boost your productivity. Remember, it’s best to work when you’re comfortable and free from painful distractions!
• Remain mindful and organized: Being a digital nomad also entails a certain degree of independence and freedom. You’re responsible for your own files and documents, among others. You’re responsible for your calendar and schedule. Because of this, it’s helpful to have project management applications ready as well as to-do lists to help you stay on top of things.

Takeaway

Being a digital nomad has its ups and downs. In today’s world, only you can tell whether or not it is the right career pathway for you. But we hope that through our blog, you can get a glimpse of what it takes to become one. With the right tools and mindset, you can surely thrive as a digital nomad who enjoys a healthy work-life balance.