The world is such a vast and beautiful place. There are so many things to see and explore. Traveling and living abroad broadens our horizons and enables us to experience different cultures and countries. However, we often feel tied down, whether by our 9-to-5 jobs, habits, or something else. Luckily, we live in a world with so many possibilities. The possibilities that people couldn’t even imagine fifty years ago. Nowadays, many people work from home or, even better, from a beautiful beach in Bali or a cafe in Argentina. Does this sound like a dream come true? Contrary to what some people believe, it’s perfectly possible to earn a living and enjoy traveling at the same time. In this article, we’ve prepared valuable tips for writers who want to become digital nomads.
Explore different possibilities
If you already have experience as a writer, that’s great! You already know five common writing mistakes to avoid and how to write a compelling text. Therefore, you’re ready to become location independent and travel the world with your backpack and laptop. However, it’s always a good idea to explore all possibilities. Even if you don’t have much experience, you can still find writing-related jobs that will suit your skillset and lifestyle.
For example, you can take a few courses that will help you fill the gaps in your knowledge and get some extra practice. Or, you can use the expertise you have on any subject and offer professional articles about those specific topics. Also, you can provide services for editing and proofreading texts written in your native language.
Hone your skills
Whatever experience you have, brushing up your skills is always a smart move. Keep in mind that although you can work from any place in the world you choose, you still need to do the work. The good thing is that you can manage your working hours in a way that suits your wishes and lifestyle. Not to mention you get to visit beautiful places and meet new people. However, you’ll have to take responsibility and be proactive in looking for jobs and contracts. Some skills will come especially useful for writers who want to become digital nomads:
- communication skills – you need to maintain a professional attitude and communicate effectively;
- time-management skills – take only as much work as you can do and make sure to produce quality content;
- creative writing/storytelling skills – honing these skills will help you stand out from the competition and get better contracts.
Reduce your expenses
Working as a digital nomad is all about the location-independent way of life. As a writer, you have a variety of options before you. Maybe you already earn additional income as a freelance blogger or a copywriter. If so, it’s a matter of expanding your network until you reach your financial goals.
Even if you’re starting from scratch, don’t worry! Think about how much money you need to earn to support the lifestyle you want. It’s also a good idea to start saving money and get rid of items you won’t need in your new career. Digital nomads usually travel light, so think about decluttering your home and selling unnecessary belongings. Avoid long-term leases and subscriptions you won’t need while traveling.
Another thing to consider is your car. You might want to sell it to save on registration, fuel, insurance, and similar expenses. Depending on where and how often you wish to travel, you might want to think about preparing your car for shipping and plan the costs. Having your vehicle transferred to another continent might make things more manageable and cost-effective in the long run. Of course, it all depends on your choice of destination.
Decide on your destination
What place you’ll choose will depend on your preferences. Maybe you want to live in a lively, metropolitan city with lots of people and vibrant nightlife. If that’s the case, check out the best cities in the world for digital nomads. On the other hand, maybe you prefer beautiful scenery and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Whatever you opt for, learn more about your destination before you pack your bags. Here are some things you should consider:
- Living costs – especially if you’re a beginner, choosing a country with lower prices enables you to make the most of your income;
- The Internet and WiFi – wherever you go, access to the Internet and quality WiFi is necessary for your work;
- Laws and regulations – become familiar with the rules in your new country to avoid any unpleasant surprises;
- Health care – ensure you have proper medical care;
- Suitable accommodation – for example, if you need peace and quiet while you write, an Airbnb will be a better option than a hostel or a co-op.
Build a base before you adopt a digital nomad lifestyle
Of course, you can buy a ticket to your desired location and move right away. However, it’s a good idea to start your business and secure a few contracts before you hit the road. Give yourself some time (six months to a year) to gain some experience and secure clients. Building trust with employers as well as earning a reputation as a writer is essential. This will enable you to travel with peace of mind and a safety net you can rely on.
Create an online presence
Advertise online to increase your presence and, consequently, job opportunities. For example, using social media will enable you to broaden your reach and reputation. The same goes for creating your website or online portfolio with samples of your work and referrals from previous clients.
Final thoughts
As you can see, writers who want to become digital nomads have a lot to think about. It might seem challenging and maybe even a bit intimidating at the beginning. However, as a writer, you already have a lot of options and possibilities. Of course, one size doesn’t fit all, so you need to make a detailed plan. Think about how to improve and market your skills to reach clients. Additionally, decide how much money you want to earn and where you want to travel. Follow the tips for writers in this article and make your dream become a reality!
