Exploring Central America - Travel and Work with me!
I've seen so many videos and blogs about this, and although I agree with most of them, I'd like to be more honest about the reality of it.
You see, working remotely around the world is tough, and it's not for everyone. The income is not always steady unless you've had years of experience, or you are employed by a company with a set salary.
Before you think about becoming what they call a Digital Nomad, I highly recommend that you have a game plan before you leave your home. Ok yeah I know, some people would say, "just go, you'll figure it out", and yes...I like the idea of just selling everything and exploring the world, but do you have savings? Do you have a job set when you leave your home? What I'm saying is, don't be foolish. Working remotely as a Digital Nomad is cool, but if you don't do it right, it can become a disaster, and who wants to be stuck in a foreign country without any money. Be smart!
Working in Gothenburg, Sweden
I'm going to give you my TOP 10 List on the best opportunities to become a Digital Nomad and work/travel around the world, but I'm also going to be upfront with you and tell you whether you can make immediate income or not, and for me, thats a very important part that most people don't tell you.
My TOP 10 Ways to Work and Travel List: (not in any order)
1. TEACHING - This is one of the safest jobs to have while traveling the world. In my opinion, the income would be much more stable working at a physical school or facility. You won't make millions, but you'll have a great experience and learn a lot about the people for which country you're in. The latter is to teach online, but keep in mind, it will take some time to gain clients to produce a significant income to travel with. (Immediate)
2. LABORER - This can be farming, or anything that involves physical activity for wages. What I've seen is that there are many places to work on farms, wineries, etc. The income may not be great, but some of these places will offer free accommodations as well, and that can help a ton. I've met people who have worked on farms, and it's hard work, long hours, no time to spend your cash, but at the end, they have money to last them at least a year of travel. This could be some really meaningful work especially if it helps the surrounding community or village. (Immediate)
Camping in Wachterbach, Germany
3. HOSPITALITY - If you have hospitality experience, you will most likely have a good chance at finding a gig. Whether it is bartending, working at a hotel or hostel, this is what a lot of travelers do in between their journey to the next country. I've known people to save upwards to 6 figures before going on the next trip. (Immediate)
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4. WEB DEVELOPER - This is one of the best Digital Nomad gigs. If you are creative, you can develop websites all from your laptop. This is the technology age, everyone needs a website whether it be for a charity, business, or even another entrepreneur, there is so much opportunity. But here's the catch, you need a really good way to promote yourself (which also takes money) if you don't already have a good amount of clients. This is one of the best opportunities, but it does not allow for stable income right off the bat. (Immediate, but not steady unless you already have client base)
5. GRAPHIC ARTIST - This is the same as the Web Developer. All you need is a creative mind and a laptop and you can be anywhere in the world. Check out this website called UPWORK, you can also promote your services there. (Immediate, but not steady unless you already have client base)
6. YOUTUBER (Blogger) - There are many ways to do this, but honestly...making money as JUST a "youtuber" making videos won't get you very far unless you already have a ton of followers. The average youtuber makes about $2-5 per 1000 views, so if you're not killing views, you're not going to make enough income to travel. There are ways to earn extra income while making your videos such as: product reviews, video projects for clients, patreon, and even blogging. If you're a blogger, you can sell advertising on your blog, and even create eBooks about your travel to sell to your followers. (Definitely NOT Immediate, but with consistency and a good niche, it's golden)
(I create obstacle course racing videos)
7. NETWORK MARKETING - Multi-Level Marketing is a billion-dollar business, and with today's technology, it is in my opinion the BEST type of residual income out there. I've done a lot of remote work, but this is by far the best opportunity that creates REAL steady residuals (money coming in even when you're not working). Although it is one of the best Digital Nomad gigs, it will take 2-5 years (if you're a rockstar, you can do it in a year) of working to create a significant amount of hustle-flow to allow you to travel around the world. This is my main source of nomad income right now, which also helps me start other business and cause-related projects. I love traveling around the world and working my business from my smartphone, can't beat that with a stick! (Immediate, but not steady until after establishing customers and network)
Having dinner with friends in Germany
8. CONSULTANT - Are you an expert in something like how to manage a restaurant, or manage social media? If you are good at something, you can make some serious dollars by helping businesses, celebrities, or charities. The cool thing is that you can do this via video chat. As long as you have internet, and you are creative, you can do this anywhere! I met a guy who teaches people how to day trade, and this guy makes thousands per day, definitely one of the most successful nomads I've seen. (Immediate, but not steady unless you already have client base)
9. VIDEOGRAPHER - I love this one, because I also do this "part-time" with my OCRTUBE media project. If you are good with a video camera, all you have to do is contact companies where you are traveling to and ask them if they need a promo video made. There are so many options for this! You can make documentaries of other travelers, specific travel location videos with tips, wedding videos ha ha, and just about anything. I recommend putting your work on youtube to also help get exposure, and maybe even a website to showcase your portfolio. (Immediate, but not steady unless you already have client base)
10. PHOTOGRAPHER - Who wouldn't want to get paid to travel and take pictures. I mean we all do this when we go on trips, but only a few actually get paid. It helps to have a website and a big following on social media. Just like a videographer, you can contact businesses or individuals about photo projects. I would search for businesses with a website and see if they need some photo upgrades. Go on social media such as Instagram and check to see who's getting married or what events people have coming up, and simply send them a DM. It takes hustle, but what would it mean for you to see the world doing something that you love? Go out and work for it people! =) (Immediate, but not steady unless you already have client base)
So that's about it. There are a lot more remote work type gigs to travel the world, but these opportunities are what I've seen the most when meeting other successful Digital Nomads. The one thing that I didn't mention was the fact that there are a lot of people who work for actual companies, but can do this via their laptop. So yes, they can travel and work online while still being employed by a company from back home, or wherever. BUT, I think the best way to do become a "legit" Digital Nomad and travel the world is to ultimately BE YOUR OWN BOSS...... because isn't that what life is all about, living on your own terms?
Working in Amsterdam with some Wine and Cheese =)