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Picture that you’re sitting on a sandy white beach while tropical breezes gently sway palm trees. You look down at your laptop and realize that your workday is over and now it’s time to have some fun. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? These days, working from anywhere in world is no longer a pipe dream. Digital nomads have changed the way we work, making work and play one and the same. The question is, how do you make this your reality? Becoming a digital nomad isn’t as difficult as it might seem. All you need is a plan and to pick your destination.
Get Your Finances in Order
As with any type of travel, you need to have your finances in order. So, the first step is lowering your monthly expenses as much as possible. As a digital nomad, you want to have as much free time as possible, not work overtime to pay off debt. A good rule of thumb is to have between three and six months of monthly expenses in the bank. That includes everything you would usually have to pay including credit cards and student loans. Try to pay off as many of your cards as possible prior to leaving. If your student loan payment is high, you could think about refinancing them. If you refinance student loans, it often lowers both the interest and monthly payment, leaving you with more money in the bank.
Choose Your Destination
The world is a pretty big place, so when thinking about how to work and travel the world, you don’t have set your sights on somewhere local. You can now work from just about anywhere you want, as long as your company allows it, so go somewhere you’ve always dreamed about. Many places in Europe now offer visas for remote workers, so you can research which one works best for you. Each one does have its own requirements, so be sure to ask your local consulate about the guidelines to enter and remain longer than 90 days.
Learn the Language
If you’re planning on going somewhere that speaks a foreign language, you need to learn it. While most people in the world do speak English, not everyone is fluent. So, in times of emergencies or if you have a medical issue, knowing the language is a must. Strive to reach A2 fluency, so you can communicate on a basic level. You can learn on your own, or you can sign up for classes locally.
Find a Different Job
If your current job lets you work from anywhere, then you’re already in good shape. However, if you need to find a different job, you should start your search several months in advance. There are plenty of big-name companies who allow employees to work from anywhere, including Dell and Zoom. You can also work as a freelancer in your specific niche and use freelancer platforms to find work. If you go that route, just be sure that you have a steady stream of clients prior to leaving. You can also opt to teach English online or to the locals where you want to go. The goal is to have steady employment, so you’re not digging into your savings account.