These Are My 3 Income Streams As A Digital Nomad
I’ve been working remotely since 2020 while traveling around the US and Asia. Before that, I was teaching English in Tokyo. So I put together this quick list of my 3 digital nomad income streams.
If you want to dig deeper into this topic, here are some other posts worth checking out:
Otherwise, let’s look at my income sources as a nomad.
1. Teaching English Online
Teaching English online was my first online income. I started in 2015 and it eventually led me to move to Japan to teach English.
I’ve met lifelong friends through teaching and it’s been an incredible experience.
It’s also pretty easy to get started. For some companies, you don’t need a 4-year degree or have any special certification (although, those things usually do help).
As long as you can meet on camera and speak English (at a native level), you’re qualified.
Here are a few schools I’ve worked for (or recommend) to start your search:
Eigox (low pay, but flexible and a good company)
Cafetalk (harder to get students but you’re fully independent)
Twenix (newer platform, enrollment not always open but very flexible)
2. Blogs + Content
My second income source is the money I make through blogging and content creation. It’s not much but it’s the thing I’m most proud of.
My goal for 2026 is to go full-time with this income source.
I mostly make money through:
Ad revenue
Affiliate marketing
Sponsored posts and brand partnerships
I’ve also gotten clients through blogging and used it as a (writing) portfolio. Creating long-form content builds trust and authority around my personal brand.
So this is definitely a long-term play for me.
If you’re at all interested in personal branding or content creation, I highly recommend starting a blog or YouTube. You’re basically starting a business and creating a high-value asset.
It can take time to grow a sustainable income, but it’s totally worth it.
3. Freelancing
My main income stream as a digital nomad has been freelancing. It made up the bulk of my income for most of my time abroad the past 5(ish) years.
I got started with no experience on Upwork.
I was able to get an entry-level gig and after doing good work, that led to more opportunities and a long-term relationship with a core client.
Eventually, I was making a full-time income online with a flexible schedule, allowing me to live in places like Japan and Korea while traveling through the US. It was amazing.
But I made a major mistake. I didn’t diversify my clients, so when my main contracts didn’t renew, I was left high and dry. And since I’d worked with my core clients for so long, there was never any urgency to source new clients so I was totally out of practice (i.e. I struggled to replace my income as a freelancer).
That’s the biggest downside with freelancing online. There’s a good chance you’ll constantly need to go out and find more clients, especially if you’re taking on smaller jobs and short-term contracts.
But it’s a great way to leverage your existing skills or experience and start making money online.
So that’s it. Those are my 3 digital nomad income sources.
If you’re not sure where to start, start where you’re at. I mean, if you have any monetizable skills or passions, lean into those. Tap your existing network if you have one. Take a lower paying job if you have to, it might lead to something better.
Alright, that’s all I’ve got.
Happy travels——later ✌️
How I make money as a nomad…