The capabilities of technology are progressing at an exponential rate, influencing millennials and Generation X’s to become digital nomads.
Data from the office of National Statistics reveal “50% of the UK workforce will work remotely by 2020” and it makes a lot of sense why.
For both parties remote working is appealing; employees benefit from an increase in morale – as well as flexible work hours and employers are rewarded too, with reduced overhead costs and productive, harder working staff.
But to us, employees get the longer straw. With the chance to work from wherever in the world, teleworkers aka digital nomads can pack up, jet off to any destination of their choice and carry out their role from the comfort of a sun lounger. Waving goodbye to 40-hour-weeks, desk jobs and commuting costs, nomads can soak up vitamin D, culture and bucket loads of independence.
Thinking of Becoming a Digital Nomad? Here’s what to do:
Ensure the move from office to chic city café is smooth sailing with our pointers below. Our tips offer insight on how to effectively execute a digital role, whilst remaining out of office.
1. Hire a co-working space
Co-working spaces are popping up from everywhere – the Caribbean, Bulgarian mountains, Bali – as more and more employees embrace the digital nomad culture. This means that nomads can travel from A to Z, whilst still remaining in the digital networking loop; ultimate work goals.
See below for the perks to co-working spaces – there’s more to them than just free Wi-Fi.
Did someone say free Wi-Fi?
Sometimes in the most remote places, Wi-Fi isn’t accessible. Thus, having a location where Wi-Fi is guaranteed is essential whilst you’re travelling and carrying out a digital role.
Make new friends, who’re similar to you!
Meeting people on a night out whilst you’re away is great, but sometimes they’re not always the people you have the most in common with. By having a co-working space, you can form friendships with people who’re in akin fields to your own. This can lead to you learning invaluable skills, experience, and could even birth an exciting collaboration, between yourself and your new mate.
Connect with industry professionals – it’s not what you know…
Co-working spaces are the perfect spots to network and can lead to chats with some pretty important people in the tech world. However if you aren’t lucky enough to strike up a conversation with one of the big dogs, then simply being cited within a professional proximity can get you noticed just as well. Additionally, having a mutual connection – with someone respectable – whilst applying for work is always advantageous – especially when it comes to securing the more desirable roles such as freelancing positions.
Pitch yourself to potential clients
One chat may lead to another, and before you know it you’re talking to some interesting characters who come from completely different lines of work. This could lead to you learning about what they need in order to elevate their online presence. And result in you offering out your second-to-none digital services.
Attend inspiring workshops
At some co-working spaces, free workshops can be delivered and taught by inspirational experts. This is an added bonus to co-working environments, and can provide you with invaluable learning experience and skills. Curveball; if you’re remote enough, your sessions may even include a BBQ – perks of the job.
Check in to a permanent professional space
It is common for freelancers to rely on an organised desk space to help boost motivation whilst working remotely. This need is heightened when you’re constantly travelling from place to place. Thus, a co-working space can provide a permanent, professional environment that can work wonders for your productivity levels.
2. Stay on good terms with the taxman, even if you’re on the other side of the world
When working remotely, you can escape your mundane 9-5 but unfortunately, there’s no escaping tax codes and bookkeeping. As a self-governing nomad, it is imperative for you to declare your taxes and to keep on top of your accounts. This can be difficult for when you’re travelling and you’ve various international tax laws to comply with.
Avoid any unwarranted accounting issues – of which could be costly – by placing your books in the hands of a reliable bookkeeping provider who can understand your needs.
3. Find your optimal work style, not yourself
We’re confident you’ll have been bombarded with an overwhelming dosage of comical travel proverbs prior to setting off on your worldwide adventure. Sparing you of the go “find yourself” sayings, we’re urging you to discover your optimum working style whilst you’re away instead.
You will probably never again, have so much flexibility in a working role. So, whilst it lasts, you should explore the different environments, noise levels and time schedules which work best for you.
This will allow you to unlock your optimal work time, enabling you to conjure up a routine which consists of the key factors you require, to perform at your best. By result, you will never waste time (or money, time is money – literally, when you’re freelancing) procrastinating again.
Developing a routine whilst you’re travelling, is an essential way of carrying out your digital role, wherever, whenever.
4. Put your money where technology is
If money is an issue, and hiring out a co-founding space is not an option, then making sure you’re kitted out before making your transition – to digital nomad – is paramount. This can be as cost effective, as residing near public places – such as cafes, restaurants – which have free Wi-Fi, or lodging in apartments which offer pocket Wi-Fi hotspots.
If you’re on a limited budget, you can also download free organisational, photo-editing and social scheduling apps in advance before you jet off – public Wi-Fi may not allow you to do this.
Alternatively, if you’ve money to spend, shop in advance by buying a new laptop, or some noise cancelling headphones. These may not be so easy to come by if you’re dwelling in remote areas.
Thinking of adopting the digital nomad lifestyle? Or, have some additional tips to share? Let us hear what you’ve got to say, comment below with your input.
