More and more people are looking for a better work-life balance and many see remote working as the perfect solution. But why not take it one step further? What better way to ditch the 9 to 5 routine than as a digital nomad, where you can travel the world, whilst earning a living working online!
There are many different ways to get started as a digital nomad. The option that is best for you will depend on your situation, skills and experience. For example, you could become an online freelancer, move your existing business online, convince your boss to let you work remotely, search for a remote job online, or start your own online business.
Working holidays are popular with bloggers and entrepreneurs, but travelling solo can often be a daunting experience. So, if you want to be your own boss whilst discovering the world, but don’t want to do it alone, here are 3 options to consider:
1. Friends and Family
Start by asking close friends or a family member to join you on your travels. Who can resist the thought of working from a café in Paris, or by the beach in sunny Bali? It will be a big change, but with some careful planning, it could be an exciting opportunity for you both. You never know, it could be the next career move they’ve always dreamt of taking. You could even set up a blog together, documenting your adventure of a lifetime. Although it will take time to build up, you may be able to monetize it for an additional income, or get travel writing jobs for other publications.
2. Co-Working Spaces
Working whilst travelling requires a lot of discipline, especially when the sun is shining and the beach is calling. However, there are now co-working spaces popping up all around the world, giving you the perfect space to immerse yourself in your work. However, as well as a desk space and Wi-Fi connection, it’s a great opportunity to meet lots of other passionate and like-minded travellers. Some co-working spaces even provide accommodation!
3. Co-Working Holidays
One of the latest trends is co-working holidays and retreats. This is a pre-arranged trip where solo travellers can see the world, work and hang out with a community of people. It means you don’t need to worry about searching for a Wi-Fi hotspot or desk space when you arrive at a destination. Everything has been thought through and arranged for you, so you can be focussed, feel inspired and be productive, whilst having people to enjoy the sun, sand and surf with! There are lots of start-ups now offering this style of trip, such as Remote Year, Coboat Remote Work, Hacker Paradise and CoWork the World. If you can’t find something that suits you, why not reach out to freelance communities and plan a trip yourselves. This way, you can pick when, where and how long you go for
Have you been on a co-working holiday, or would you prefer to plan your own? We’d love to know your thoughts! Leave us a comment in the box below.
Author Bio
Elizabeth Harmon is a writer for Open Colleges, one of Australia’s leading online education providers. She is a Social Media Consultant with a number of years’ experience in the field. She has worked with a growing list of clients around the world, helping to build successful social media strategies, create effective content and much more. Follow her on Twitter, Google+, Facebook, and website.