How to Become A Digital Nomad (3 paths to choose from)
My life fits into a suitcase and a few bags. I hear foreign languages more than my native tongue and I don’t have a permanent home.
This is a snapshot of my life. I guess I’m a modern vagabond.
If you’re looking to make travel a key part of your life, then you’re in the right place. This is how to become a digital nomad (based on what I did).
In this post, I map out your three main options to living a nomadic life — doing it part-time, full-time or as an expatriate.
Each one is valid and comes with its own set of pros and cons. But we’ll get into all that later.
So let’s wrap up this tiny talk — let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
What Is A Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and globally using the internet and their device.
A key distinction to point out is that digital nomads can work remotely and globally.
Because not all jobs have time zone flexibility, which is sort of a dealbreaker.
And while previous digital nomads needed a laptop, modern travelers can technically make money using just their smartphones.
For example, you can launch and manage a Shopify store using just your phone.
Although, it’s much easier with a computer (IMO).
Alright, before getting into the nuts and bolts, let’s look at some benefits of living a nomad life.
Why Become A Digital Nomad? (the benefits)
See the world, experience cultures and travel more
Meet amazing, like-minded people
Improve your discipline and resilience
Location flexibility and freedom
Live in more affordable areas
Improve your life-work balance
Become more creative and engaged with life
How to Become A Digital Nomad (3 paths)
To become a digital nomad — or any type of nomad — you generally have three main paths to choose from:
Going at it part-time
Going at it full-time
Becoming an expat
Let’s explore each of these options.
1. Become A Part-Time Digital Nomad
You don’t need to go all in, all at once.
So why not just become a part-time nomad? It’s an awesome way to transition into the lifestyle.
It requires less money, less planning and less logistical hurdles (more on those below).
For example, you could work part-time (remotely or in your city) and stay with your family to save up some travel loot.
Then, you can just travel three months on, three months off — not a bad life!
This lifestyle is halfway between tourist and full-time traveler. It’s a solid compromise and a legit stepping stone.
Recommended: How I Do Multi-Month Stays In Japan
Becoming a part-time nomad is also a great way to test the waters first (if you’re not 100% on board with the whole digital nomad thing yet).
So do some research and budgeting and look at what you need to do to make this happen.
But if you’re looking for something bigger, then keep reading.
Hot Tip: As a nomad, add some normalcy into your daily life. Having a routine or bigger purpose makes things more sustainable. For example, I love working on creative travel projects.
2. Become A Full-Time Digital Nomad
Becoming a full-time digital nomad means you can make money while you travel.
So it requires some planning, skill-building and patience.
But if you’re set on making it happen, you can absolutely do it.
Still, there are some other nuances and potential obstacles worth considering. For example:
You need confidence and solid follow-through skills
You need a flexible life (no home responsibilities or a mortgage/rent, for example)
You often need to plan out multiple trips ahead of time
Taxes get trickier
These hurdles shouldn’t deter you, but they’re important to keep in mind.
Plus, it’s really not all that bad — it’s a lifestyle you get used to (if you have the right mindset and you actually want it).
But going back to the biggest elephant in this proverbial room (cough cough, making money), you just need to find flexible, sustainable, reliable remote work.
Luckily for you, I actually created a whole post on the best remote jobs for travelers! In it, I share exactly what I’m doing and my other favorite options out there.
So step one is to secure an income source.
Next, you’ll need to start planning. So here are some questions to answer:
Where do you want to go and for how long?
What are the travel and entry requirements for that country?
How much money will you need in that country?
What will be your next stop after your first country?
*You need proof of onward travel for international destinations
Where will you stay?
What travel essentials do you need?
As you can see, becoming a full-time digital nomad takes a little planning. But once you get used to it, it’ll become much quicker, like second nature.
Recommended: How to Travel Full Time
3. Become An Expat (i.e., move abroad)
An expat is simply anyone who lives outside of their home country.
While this isn’t technically becoming a digital nomad, it’s still a great way to live the nomadic lifestyle. It can often segue to a more remote lifestyle too (it did for me).
So I say, why split hairs?
This requires getting a visa in a particular country and spending the majority of your time there. While you may be traveling less than some of your nomad cohorts, this lifestyle still lets you travel a lot more than the average person.
There are a few ways to become an expat. You can:
Find work in tech
Applying for a digital nomad visa
Work in hospitality
Marry someone from overseas
Start a business overseas
Most of these options require you to get a job and a sponsored visa. Each country will have different requirements and timelines, but it’s common to expect at least 3-5 months of planning.
Your main job for taking this path is to decide what type of visa you can get and where you want to live.
But if you like Japan like I do, check out my post on how to move to Japan!
Being an expat is a form of nomadism and can segue into lots of new travel opportunities.
So if the other two options aren’t clicking for you, consider becoming an expat.
This can often be an easier entry point into the nomadic lifestyle — especially if you speak English!
Later ✌️
There are a few ways to become a digital nomad.
You can travel part-time, full-time or become an expatriate.
But whatever you decide to do, just stay patient, secure logistics like finding an online income source and do your research.
The digital nomad life is full of adventure, but it can also be stressful. So try dipping your toes into things as a part-timer or by working abroad first.
I also like to have a longer-term purpose for my travels (like creative travel projects) and ensure that I maintain a sense of normalcy and routine while trekking around.
This keeps me tethered to something tangible and makes this lifestyle more sustainable.
But just remember to avoid all-or-nothing thinking.
Find what works for you and enjoy the ride!
Want More? Okay. Here’s More.
