The idea of becoming a digital nomad is extremely alluring. You get to set your own schedule and work almost anywhere in the world. You can also make a great living while working online, as many digital nomads specialize in high-earning careers like programming and graphic design.
However, before you give up your permanent address, it’s worth weighing up your options and finding a setup that works for you. You’ll also have to consider visa restrictions while travelling the world, as some countries have tight regulations on who can work within their borders.
Fortunately, you aren’t the first person to ditch the 9 – 5 and become a digital nomad. You can find plenty of inspiration from folks who have cut ties with their world and opted for van life as solo travellers.
How to Make Van Life Work
As a digital nomad, you can choose to live wherever you would like. The only restriction, however, is that you need to find a place to rest your head after a long day spent working and sightseeing. While there’s nothing wrong with booking airBnBs and hostels, you may want to save some money by modifying a van or RV to suit your needs.
However, you need to consider the pros and cons of RV living before you hit the road. While living in a van is extremely flexible and cost-effective, you will have to get used to minimal space and access to amenities. It’s easy to miss the simple joy of running a long, hot shower and you may find that dangerous weather conditions hamper your fun.
If you do decide to live and work in an RV or van, make strategic conversions that make remote working that much easier. Consider installing a series of outlets where you plan on working and opt for a van that has in-built wifi. You need a consistent connection while working remotely and cannot afford to spend your days in coffee shops due to poor service.
You can get your van life started successfully by opting for an unlimited data plan while you’re travelling between cities. Check out online forums to find out whether a city has adequate cell service, and create an emergency plan with instructions for how you will get home should things go awry.
Visas and International Travel
Unfortunately, you can’t just leave your responsibilities in the rearview mirror and take off to any destination that you’d like. Many countries have strict laws about what you can do while visiting, and you may not be able to work remotely while within some borders.
Start your search for a destination by searching for destinations with reliable internet access. You may need to rely on cellular networks from time to time, and cannot afford to lose work while on the road.
If you want to live and work in the EU, consider looking into an Estonia Digital Nomad Visa or a Schengen Visa. These vias will help you travel freely in the EU and can help you get used to the digital nomad life in a somewhat-familiar setting. It can take some time to complete the visa process, so be sure to start working on your visa at least a year in advance.
Finding Suitable Work
Switching to a remote work lifestyle is a great way to increase your freedom and reduce your stress. However, some careers simply don’t suit the digital nomad way of life. If you’re looking for a change, consider compatible jobs like:
● Graphic designer;
● Programmer;
● Content writer;
● Social media management.
You can start a side hustle when working remotely, too. As a digital nomad, you can document your travels and share your adventures on sites like Instagram and YouTube. Over time, you may gather a following and be able to secure some extra revenue through sponsored posts and ad revenue.
Financial Security
As a digital nomad, you want to spend your days spelunking in remote caves and hiking up mountain ranges. However, you have to find a way to balance work and recreation if you want to make remote work viable in the long term.
You can protect yourself as a digital nomad by preventing common missteps and mistakes. Secure your ability to work with backup laptops and mobile devices. This will ensure that you don’t lose clients should something go wrong with your main PC.
Minimize the risk of theft by securing your essential devices in a lockbox or safe. If you’re travelling into a city, consider a rental locker for the day so you can explore the town with peace of mind. Consider taking out device insurance if you are worried about damage or pickpockets as this will help you recoup costs.
Conclusion
The digital nomad lifestyle can give you the freedom and financial backing you need to see the world. However, you may find that managing visas and internet service is as stressful as a traditional 9 – 5. Before you hit the road, consider installing Wi-Fi in your RV or van and secure your devices with insurance. This can help you save money while you travel and seriously reduce your stress when you head into big cities.
