THe Best Jobs for Digital Nomads
Introduction
So you want to become a digital nomad? Awesome! You have a couple of options to fund your travel lifestyle. Option 1, save up a ton of money before you go, and rely on that massive money cushion throughout your travels (you better have a good budget!). Option 2, get a remote job that gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere. In this blog I am going to reveal the top jobs for digital nomads and some common myths surrounding them. I am only going to list jobs in which I personally know a digital nomad that is currently working in that field or I know that the job is in high demand.
My advice when applying for remote jobs is to first build up an amazing resume and also to be patient. You can apply to hundreds of jobs without even receiving a single response. Be patient, keep applying, and send those follow up emails. Getting a remote job is more difficult than it may seem, but it is not impossible.
Blogger
Who is this job for?
For people who love writing and possess the discipline to write multiple blog posts a week.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced. Contrary to popular belief, running a blog is more than just writing. You will have to wear many hats in order to run a successful blog. Some necessary skills that are required for running a successful blog are: creative writing, technical writing, copywriting, a strong knowledge of SEO, a good understanding of keyword research, understanding user search intent, marketing, advertising, how to sell products, composing newsletters, and more.
How do I get started?
If you want to get started in blogging then you should have started yesterday. It can take years for a blog to become profitable. In order for a blog to start making money you need to have at least 10,000 monthly visitors, at minimum. The way you drive traffic to your site is through SEO, keyword research, understanding user search intent, etc. When you start ranking in the top 10 on Google for a blog post, then you know you have made it as a blogger. I would recommend taking some courses on blogging, SEO, and maybe even marketing. At the minimum, you should spend countless hours researching what makes a blog successful.
Looking to start a blog? Then you will definitely need a good looking website or else users will leave your site ASAP. I would recommend Flourish Wildly Design Studio to design your website (my wife - she is the best - I might be a little biased). You can find her studio HERE
Things to consider:
It can take quite a long time until your blog becomes profitable. Also, you are not just a writer but you are also a marketer, SEO expert, and advertiser.
Online Language Teacher
Who is this job for?
Someone who has a passion for teaching and a friendly personality, after all you will be dealing with people all day.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate. As a teacher myself, here are some skills and personality traits that are necessary for online teaching: you can fake being excited and happy, producing engaging lesson plans and not just simply lecturing the entire time, and you enjoy talking with people even if there is a language barrier.
How do I get started?
There are plenty of companies out there that do not require you to have a TEFL, ESL, or ESOL license, but they do not pay nearly as well. I would advise you to invest in getting a TEFL, ESL, or ESOL license, as this will open up more job opportunities for you (you will make that money back quickly with a better salary). Many companies have preexisting lesson plans, so you can just literally show up and teach and have very little to worry about when it comes to lesson planning.
Things to consider:
You might have to work odd hours depending on where the company you are working for is located. For example, if you are living in Europe and your company is based in Asia, then you might have to work nights or early mornings. Additionally, if you do not have a language teaching certificate (ESL, ESOL, TEFL, etc.) then the jobs available to you will pay less. This might not be an issue depending on where you are planning to live and travel.
Virtual Assistant
Who is this job for?
This is for someone who does not mind wearing many hats and performing tedious tasks on their laptop.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Beginner. This is one of those jobs that requires you to perform a wide array of tasks. Essentially, you will do what your client does not have the time to do, or simply just doesn’t prefer doing those specific tasks. Some tasks that you might have to do include: responding to emails, answering phone calls, scheduling, travel arrangements, and any other administrative tasks that need to be performed.
How do I get started?
Make a resume and start applying for jobs on freelance job sites like Fiverr and UpWork. Linkedin might be another good place to job search as well.
Things to consider:
Having one client might not give you a full time salary. If you get extremely proficient at performing your assigned tasks, then you can apply for multiple jobs and thus increase your salary. Many virtual assistants have more than one client. Master applications that can automate your processes and thus free up time for more clients.
Graphic Designer/Website Developer
Who is this job for?
Designers who are tired of working the 9-5 and want to go full time freelance.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Advanced. I would say possessing a design degree or relevant design experience is required (a really good design portfolio). Some skills that are required for this job are coding, understanding of design elements, website building, branding, and more.
How do I get started?
Start getting some clients on the side at your current job and when you have consistent client inquiries, quit your job and go full time freelance. Make sure that you have a strong design portfolio (your clients will want to see your previous work) and a good client referral network with other businesses.
Things to consider:
Marketing your business is perhaps the hardest part of running a successful design business. Many designers have a lot of success through Instagram marketing, Pinterest marketing, SEO ranking, and client referrals. Make sure to take some marketing courses so you can actually make your business visible. You might be a great designer but if you do not know how to market yourself, then you will never get consistent clients.
Programming/Coding
Who is this job for?
Someone who does not mind working on a laptop all day, every day.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Advanced. Well…you have to know how to code. That is easier said than done. Coding is essentially knowing a language of the internet and there are numerous coding languages out there.
How do I get started?
If you did not learn coding in university then no need to worry there are plenty of quality coding boot camps out there. These boot camps can range anywhere from three to six months. Coding essentially requires you to learn an entirely new and unique language, and that takes time and practice. After you get your coding degree/certificate you can pretty much get a guaranteed job. Just build up your resume and simply start applying to jobs.
Things to consider:
This is honestly a great job for digital nomads. There is a strong demand for programmers and coders. It might not be the most fun job out there but you are almost guaranteed a job if you get a certificate/degree.
Copywriter
Who is this job for?
People who are good at convincing someone to do something through written words.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Intermediate. Copywriting is more than just intelligent writing, it is writing that produces tangible results whether that be increased sales or increased site traffic. Copywriters can write content for advertisements, marketing campaigns, products, and services. You have to be a great writer to even entertain this career path.
How do I get started?
Businesses are usually looking for someone who has a background in marketing, communications, journalism, or creative writing. Additionally it is beneficial to have some training/certificates in SEO, marketing, and Google ads. Once you have gathered experience in those areas mentioned above then start advertising your services and applying for jobs.
Things to consider:
With the rise of AI this job might be on the decline. Enter into this job industry with caution. Writing jobs are currently on the decline.
Creative Writer
Who is this job good for?
You have to be good at writing and have a passion for it.
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Intermediate. Creative writers have to research content, compose numerous drafts, market their work, negotiate, and work with publishers. Creative writers can write content for websites, articles, essays, books, publications, and more.
How do I get started?
Build up a portfolio. It will be extremely hard to find a creative writing job, even if you have a degree, if you do not have a strong portfolio. You can start a blog for free on applications like Tumblr and Blogger. If you want to create your own unique website then you can start a blog on applications like SquareSpace, Wix, and Wordpress.
Inquire at Flourish Wildly Design Studio HERE if you want an amazing looking website that will lead to clients booking your services.
Things to Consider:
With the rise of AI this job might be on the decline. Enter into this job industry with caution. Writing jobs are currently on the decline.
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Technical Writing
Who is this job good for?
Someone who enjoys research and simplifying processes in an easy to read language.
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Intermediate. Technical writers focus on writing scholarly articles that are well researched and have accompanying citations to back their claim. Technical writers tend to focus on content around medicine, technology, and science. Some examples of technical writers' works include operating instructions, how-to’s, assembly instructions, FAQs, and technical support pages.
How do I get started?
It helps to have a degree or at the least a certification that relates to technical writing. Start freelancing and build up a portfolio where you can showcase your work to potential companies. The proof is in the pudding, and if you have great pudding, then companies will hire you to write for them.
Things to Consider:
With the rise of AI this job might be on the decline. Enter into this job industry with caution. Writing jobs are currently on the decline.
Audio/Video Producer
Who is this job good for?
Someone who has a strong knowledge in editing and how to use the necessary editing applications. The applications required to edit videos and audio can be quite pricey and have a steep learning curve.
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Video Editing and Audio Editing. Video editing can be especially complex. There are courses out there that can give you a certification in video editing.
How do I get started?
You will need the applications and equipment that is required to carry out this job. I personally use Adobe Rush to edit my videos and with its built in features you can make some quality edits, but you will need to determine what is good for you. What you do not know you can learn online through tutorials or classes, and in no time you can build up a great portfolio.
Things to Consider:
I am not sure how well these jobs pay. This might just be a job for some supplemental income. Obviously if you get great at it and your work becomes known, then you can charge more and make a decent salary.
Online Tutor
Who is this job for?
Teachers and people who have expert knowledge in a particular area (Math, Science, World Languages, Etc.)
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Intermediate. After you have the knowledge and the accompanying degree, then this job can be quite easy to obtain. You will essentially be assisting students with their homework, assignments, and projects. You have to know your subject and be able to explain it well.
How do I get started?
If you have a Science or Math degree then this is a huge positive. Chances are you can find work relatively quickly. There are numerous tutoring sites that you can start applying on today. Just do a quick Google search and you will find hundreds of companies that are currently hiring. As with all jobs, Linkedin is also a great place to look for tutoring jobs. I hear that Varsity Tutors is a particularly good company to work at from more than a few of my teaching friends.
Things to Consider:
You will need to get multiple clients to earn a respectable salary. Additionally, you might have to work odd hours. Typically students are available for tutoring in the afternoons and evenings after school. When they are available for tutoring you might want to go out for the evening, so this is something worth considering.
Social Media Manager
Who is this job for?
You have to be great at growing social media accounts. Nobody will hire someone with very few followers. You have to have a proven track record of growing social media accounts whether it be your own personal account, a company, or a client.
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Intermediate. You have to understand industry trends and stay up to date with what is trending across various social media platforms. You also need to have a good understanding of design, copywriting, marketing, developing an online presence, SEO, and brand building.
How do I get started?
If you have a strong social media account coupled with a high engagement rate then you simply just need to build a resume and start applying. If you are not there yet, then consider taking some classes and doing some research on social media marketing. I see social media management jobs floating around all the time. It seems that more and more companies are making the investment to market via social media.
Things to consider:
As with some of the jobs mentioned above, you might need to secure a few clients to start making a respectable salary. You also need to be on top of the algorithms and anticipate shifts before they happen so you can produce great results for your clients.
Transcribing
Who is this job for?
For people that do not have a degree/certification/expertise in any of the jobs mentioned in this post. This is one of the best digital nomad jobs for those who have no work experience.
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Beginner. You have to be good at typing and have respectable typing speed, 60 wpm is a good starting point. You have to be comfortable writing all day, every day. Essentially, you will watch a video and write captions for that video.
How do I get started?
Go to transcribing websites and just simply apply.
Things to consider:
The pay is not that great. If you want to be a digital nomad in a country where the cost of living is low, then this job might be sufficient to support your lifestyle, but in a country with a high cost of living, this job will struggle to keep you afloat. This might be a job that gives you supplemental income depending on where you live.
Customer Service Representatives
Who is this job for?
As with the job mentioned above, this job is great for someone who does not have the necessary expertise/degree/certification for any of the other jobs mentioned in this blog post. This is one of the best digital nomad jobs for beginners
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Beginner. Being friendly, talkative, basic computer literacy, willing to put up with grumpy customers, and willing to be a problem solver.
How do I get started?
Build up a resume and simply start applying on remote job boards. There are so many companies looking for customer service representatives. I see these jobs all the time.
Things to consider:
You will need a strong internet connection and a good headset. The last thing you want is a weak internet connection, or else you will get fired. Your job depends solely on your internet connection. You have to be available at a certain time slot everyday and have the ability to log in online.
Seo Specialist
Who is this job for?
Someone who has experience in growing website traffic through keyword research.
What skills are required?
Skill Level: Intermediate. Keyword research, understanding user search intent, knowing keyword difficulty ranking, backlinking, etc. There are plenty of courses on SEO if you are interested in developing proficiency in SEO and becoming an SEO expert.
How do I get started?
Once you have received a certification of some sort or have a good portfolio of growing website traffic then you can start pitching your services to companies. Research companies that you would like to work with and start pitching to the marketing department, the CEO, and anyone else's email you can find. There are also SEO jobs for individual companies if you do not want to be a freelancer, those jobs just might be for a specific period of time.
Things to consider:
To get consistent work in this job field, you have to be good at convincing people of the power of SEO. Sometimes websites will not see the benefit of SEO until months after your hard work. You have to be able to convince companies that this is an investment that will pay off down the road. I have heard that only about 20% of the content a company puts out has the potential to rank, so that means that 80% of SEO can potentially fail.
Remote Data Entry Jobs
Who is this job for?
Someone who is great at typing and who does not mind typing all day, everyday, and someone who is computer savvy. This is one of the best digital nomad jobs for beginners.
What skills are required?
Skill level: Beginner. Fast and efficient typing skills are necessary and beyond that you need to be familiar with word processing tools. You will be transferring data from paper formats into in online databases.
How do I get started?
As long as you have graduated high school, have great typing skills, and an understanding of word processing tools then you can start applying to companies right now. Build up your resume and apply on remote job boards.
Things to consider:
I am not sure how well these jobs pay. Depending on where you are living the salary that this job provides might be a bit slim. Also. you will be typing all day, every day so that is something to consider. If you do not like typing, then this job will be a nightmare.
Conclusion
We are living in an increasingly digital age, so that means remote jobs are becoming the new norm. Get ahead of the curve and start developing proficiency in one of these job areas, and you just might have a remote job for the rest of your working life that gives you the opportunity to travel all over the world, on a whim. Full time travel is possible but you will need a good job to fund your travel lifestyle. Do not give up the dream, develop the necessary skill set, and apply for jobs relentlessly.
FAQ’s
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You do not have to have a college degree in order to get a remote job that gives you the flexibility to travel the world. Some of the best digital nomad jobs for beginners are the following:
Online Language Teacher - Depending on the company they may not require you to have a teaching degree or a college degree. Check out Native Camp if you are a native english speaker. They do not require you to have a TEFL, ESOL, or ESL teaching license and are hiring native english speakers with urgency.
Transcribing - This is an easy entry level job that you can get hired for ASAP. Be aware that the pay might be quite low, but this might not be an issue for you if you are traveling/living in a region where the cost of living is low.
Customer Service Rep - This is a great job for beginners and often pays well with good benefits. As long as you have a good laptop, good access to internet, and a good headset you can start applying today!
Remote Data Entry Jobs - This job seems to pay more than transcribing and will sometimes give you some decent benefits if you get hired by the right company.
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Look at the following sites for Remote Data Entry Jobs:
Remote.co
Flex Jobs
Working Nomads
Indeed
Linkedin
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As with the sites mentioned above, check out these sites:
FB Groups - Just search Digital Nomad Jobs
Grow Remotely
We Work Remotely
Power to Fly
Jobspresso
Dynamite Jobs
