I can’t tell if it’s the algorithms on my phone, or if everyone else actually does want to be a digital nomad. Regardless, today I’m going to discuss how I became a digital nomad (I can’t stand the term either) without any real skills.
I meet a lot of people who are digital nomads. A lot. In fact the vast majority of my circle is made up of them. Usually they make their money in professions that have a seemingly unrealistically high skill ceiling: IT, creative work, marketing, etc. I can do none of these things.
So what do I do?
I teach English online. It’s as simple as that. I realise that I am in fact incredibly lucky to consider this “not a skill”, because it is. But one of the reasons I wanted to write this is because before I became a teacher I didn’t realise how much of a skill it actually is and how easy it is to find remote work on the back of this.
This is a skill that so many of us learn naturally as we grow up without even thinking, either through school or at home, and like me you may take it for granted.
English is the most taught language in the world and there is a massive demand for native and near fluent speakers to whack on a headset and start teaching it to a huge array of people of all ages and walks of life.
There are a plethora of companies that will pay somewhere around $10 an hour to an entry level teacher. Which, provided you are happy to live outside of Western Europe and North America, is more than enough to live a comfortable life without working yourself down to the bare bone. Additionally, there are plenty of companies willing to pay more than this.
Pros
1.) Many of these companies don’t require any formal qualifications (although they can help), likewise they often don’t require previous experience (again not to say it won’t help) and finally a lot of the time being a native speaker isn’t a necessity (I will admit that some companies pay more if you are though).
2.) Usually there are no set hours, you can work anytime you want. This provides us former office workers with a previously unimaginable level of flexibility.
Theoretically you can rock up to a new city, enjoy a meal, a coffee, do some sightseeing, all in your own time. Then if the mood takes you, hop online for a couple of hours and make back all that money you spent earlier.
3.) Finally, the biggest benefit is of course you can work anywhere you want. No waiting for the bus in the pouring rain to get to that office you hate, you’re working from the kitchen table. No counting down to that week abroad in July, you’re already there.
Cons
1.) As with any job there are caveats. First and foremost is the need for the right environment to teach in. By this I mean you will need to be particular with the accommodation you stay in.
You’ll need places with a strong, stable internet connection and no background noise. Unfortunately, this often rules out the cheapest accommodations. Nor will you be able to work in a cafe with all your shiny new digital nomad friends.
2.) I’ll be honest, some days the biggest drawback can be the students themselves. Sometimes I finish the day wanting to scream into a pillow. But most days I don’t. The vast majority of students are incredibly friendly and eager to learn.
3.) It is also worth considering whether you can live comfortably on a budget? Are you saving for anything big? If it’s a no to the first or a yes to the second, you may want to take a look at your goals and figure out what you value the most: financial security or travel.
You won’t be able to make a downpayment on a flat in London anytime soon, nor will you be flying business but then if you’re considering teaching English online I doubt you were planning on doing either anyway.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking to find the means to become a remote worker, you want to see the world but can’t afford not to work, then I would suggest at least taking a look and applying for a few online English companies. They won’t make you a millionaire (most day jobs won’t either) but you’ll be able to see the world.
Who knows, the flexibility afforded by these jobs might give you the opportunity to develop new skills or branch out and experiment in different fields. You’d be surprised how far some of these jobs can take you.
