How to Become a Digital Nomad in 3 Steps

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked the question of how to become a digital nomad, I’d have...many dollars. Which is why I felt it was necessary to create a quick, easy-to-follow primer for all of you aspiring nomads out there. No long lists, no downloadable guides, just three easy steps that you need to take if you want to go nomad. 

I said this would be quick, so, first things first: ‘digital nomad’ is not a job title, it’s a description of a certain type of lifestyle. 

Which feeds right into my first point...

Don’t overthink it

I’m not saying don’t be responsible or lack a strategy, but rather, don’t overthink what it MEANS to be a ‘Digital Nomad’! Besides some folks thinking that it’s a career path that you fall into (again, it’s not), I’ve seen many others arguing over semantics, saying things like “a digital nomad moves to a new location every few weeks, if you stay somewhere for a few months you’re not a nomad’. I call bull. Being a digital nomad simply means that you work while traveling, and you take your work with you wherever you go next. You’re free to travel somewhere new every week, every month or every 6 months, it’s totally up to you. Don’t get caught up in other people’s definition of what being nomadic means, and do what works for you.

Find a job that lets you be location independent

Having a job that lets you work from ‘home’ is the key component to having a nomadic life. Whether you’re a freelancer or a full-time employee, as long as you never have to set foot in an office, you're free to take your work on the road with you. Finding the right job will probably be the most difficult part of getting you on the digital nomad path, but there are plenty of resources and job sites out there where you can search for the perfect gig. And keep in mind that social networks are a great way to find job leads and to network with other established and aspiring digital nomads that can help you along the way.

Book a trip

Some people like to have a certain amount of money saved up, others like to dive right in, but whenever you’re ready to commit to going nomadic, all you have to do is book a flight, train, van or bike and start traveling. You don’t have to make it a massive endeavor and head to a foreign country if you don’t want to; maybe you’ll want to explore cities and states within your own country first - it’s your own personal adventure, and only you can determine how you will spend your time as a digital nomad. 

And there you have it, it just takes doing those three things to get you started on your nomadic journey.  Good luck!