Leaving the comfort and salary of a stable office work for the uncertainty of life as a personalized digital nomad is a great change, both personally and professional. I did it myself in 2021 when I left my job as a lawyer in London.
In general, it was an incredible decision and I am infinitely happier than before. But, not all are roses and sun. Sometimes it can be difficult, but ultimately, I think the challenges are the great advantages.
These are the steps that helped me to go from the office and miserable to the free and free location. All these tips come from my own personal experience. I hope they are useful and help you achieve your own escape.
How to plan your departure: go from the office desk to the digital nomad
Whether freedom, adventure, unlimited trips, the best climate or simply a life outside the corporate box (for me, were all those things), Lord some things that I recommend that you do first. This will help prepare for success, before taking the step.
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Reflect on you why and goals
Before writing your renunciation letter, go back and ask yourself why you want to become a digital nomad. What is promoting this decision? Whether the freedom to explore new places, the opportunity to work on their own terms or simply want to escape the office of the office, understand your motivation is key.
For me, it was the frustration of being caught in a rigid routine and the congestion of the legal professional. I realized that I wanted a lifestyle to prioritize flexibility and adventure. This “why” still gives me clarity and motivation to this day, and helps me stay focused when times get difficult.
Write your goals, both personal and professional. Do you want to see specific countries? Learn new skills? A new language? Create sustainable online income? Build a powerful commercial empire? Having clear objectives will help guide your decisions and keep it motivated.
Build financial stability and safety
Monetary stress is one of the sausage parts of being an independent professional. That is why creating a solid financial safety network is essential before delivering your notice. You will need savings to cover at least a few months of life expenses, plus an emergency fund and a stable income plan in the future.
My business tok almost a year to start earning money. Being in Central America during the first months of my nomadic life certainly helped the money that I had saved outside. But, if I had a savings pot before leaving my job, I would soon end up.
Before leaving your job, make a budget, reduce unnecessary expenses and try to save as much money as possible. You do not need to have built a business to the point of profitability before going to the road, but the more it approaches this stage, the less risky it will be.
Develop remote labor skills
One of the things that I like most to be a digital nomad is the ability to travel as much as you want. But, we like it or not, it is still likely to need a large part of your time working, even if you can eliminate a shameless surf between meetings.
As many of us learn pandemic, remote work requests a quite different mentality than working in the office. He needs personal discipline, solid communication skills and the ability to manage his effective time without a boss looking on his shoulder.
I seem a lot to work in my own business that matters deeply. But, not underestimate how different experience is. If it is not yet, familiarize yourself with tools such as Slack and equipment, and consult online courses or registering in a coaching program to help you improve.
Potential Destinations Research
Not all destinations are created the same for digital nomads. Some places (such as Thailand and Portugal) known for their low cost of living, lightning internet, welcome attitude to nomads and prosperous communities of remote workers. Other places are more challenging.
Choosing the right destination for your lifestyle and budget can make or break your experience. Take into account your own priorities. Do you want sun throughout the year? Easy access to coworking spaces? A discreet atmosphere or a occupied social scene? Rural or urban? Is the time zone likely to be a problem?
His first destiny does not have to be perfect. I spent a month in Chiapas, Mexico, when I started. It is an absolutely impressive place, but it was not ideal for remote work, with regular energy cuts and rope internet. I also managed to catch dengue and flu at the same time, rough.
Start with a test test
Before leaving your job and complying with the Nomad digital lifestyle, try to immerse feet fingers in the water. A short -term test can give you an idea of what it is to work remotely while traveling, without the pressure of making everything perfect immediately.
I did this spending a few weeks in Portugal while I still worked on my old job. My work was fine to do it (it was the summer of 2020, so remote work was the standard anyway), and I had an idea of what digital nomadism would be before entering.
This may not be possible in its current circumstances, but you have the opportunity to do a test like this, it would recruit it highly. He
Plan your technology and tools
Having adequate technological configuration is essential when it comes to working along the way. You will need a reliable, portable configuration and keep it productive (and comfortable) no matter where you are in the world.
My technological battery includes my macbook Pro, wireless keyboard and mouse, folding portable computer support, noise voltage headphones, external hard disk (for backup copies), universal feeding adapter, extension cable, my iPone (Wither country).
Do not forget software subscriptions too. I use Google Drive, Zoom, Microsoft Office and several SEO subscriptions and blogs almost daily. Adapt your own list as necessary.
Build a support network
Being a digital nomad can sometimes be isolating, especially if you travel alone. I am lucky to share this adventure with my partner, but still, sometimes it can be difficult. Most of our friends are 1000 miles away, they often do not relate to things with which we fight on a day -to -day basis.
That is why building a support network is so important. Coworking spaces can be excellent places to meet other people with related ideas. I have made friends in organized social events in coworking spaces, both in Sri Lanka and in Indonesia, and I am still in contact with several of them to date.
Do not underestimate the value of these relationships. Nomad classmates can share ideas about the places that have been, recommended tools that work for them and even collaborate with you in projects. It is also great to be able to share their experiences with the people who “understand them”, as their friends could not.
Also: the “Kickstarter creator program of Dariece and Nick is designed to guide it through the process of becoming an entrepreneur online and creating an independent lifestyle of the location. I wish I had that son of support when I started!
Make the jump
Planning and preparation are essential, but at some point, you just have to do it. Establishing a firm exit date can help you stay focused and give you something to work. Without a clear timeline, it is easy to get stuck in the “planning” phase forever.
He will probably feel like a tremendous jump of faith. And it will probably be more risky than staying in a stable salary work. But, there is also the risk of looking back in his life and regretting not having tried something like this. For me, that would be a much worse result than my business not working.
Trust your planning, but also accept that not everything will be perfectly. And it’s fine: the trip of each nomad is unique. Embrace uncertainty. And remember, if it does not work, or if you change your mind about what you want, the option to return to a more “traditional” life will remain there.
In conclusion
Becoming a digital nomad is a great decision, but with adequate planning and mentality, it is absolutely attainable. By dividing the process into manageable steps and, following the advice I have shared here, it will prepare for success.
It is not always easy, but it is worth it. Leaving the conformist, hierarchical offices and costumes of the corporate world to create a life of freedom and adventure was one of the best options I have made. It could be the same for you too. You will never know until you try.