29 Digital Nomad Jobs + Advice from Female Nomads

If you’ve ever dreamt of working remotely, you’ll want to see this huge list of Digital Nomad Jobs. We’re going over the best remote jobs for easily transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle, and we’ve interviewed some badass women who are sharing their best advice for getting started as a digital nomad.

How would you like to work from anywhere? In a coffeeshop in Milan, from a hammock in Cabo, from a hostel in Vietnam, or from a cute egg chair in Costa Rica (like the photo above!)… You’ve got Internet? You can work!

The so-called “digital nomad lifestyle” allows you the ultimate freedom to decide when and where you work. Never again will you have to sit in traffic on your daily commute or punch in and out at exactly 9 and 5.

The Digital Nomad movement is absolutely exploding right now and it’s not going away anytime soon. In fact, it’s only going to continue to grow as technology makes it possible for more and more jobs to be done remotely.

So how can you get in on this whole Digital Nomad thing? How can you make money while traveling around the world? And what exactly is a “Digital Nomad”? (Don’t worry, you’re not the only one wondering!)

If working remotely is remotely of interest to you (see what I did there?!), you’ve come to the right place. We’re sharing the top Digital Nomad jobs, plus, we’ve gone to the experts and asked them for their best advice on how you can get started.

But first off, let’s talk basics:

What is a Digital Nomad?

Someone who has a location-independent job, which allows them to work from anywhere in the world.

• Does this whole work-from-anywhere thing sound appealing to you?

• Do you dream of living in cities around the world while actually making money?

• Are you currently traveling with dwindling funds and you want to extend the adventure?

If you’re nodding your head, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going over 30 Digital Nomad Jobs and talking to people in each position. And by “people” I mean WOMEN. Badass, strong, independent, brave, hard-working women, I might add. These women come from all over the world, and each has a unique story.

Each DN lady featured in this article is explaining what her location-independent job entails and what her daily life looks like. And if any of these remote jobs pique your interest, you’re in luck, because these women are all sharing how you can get started and create the lifestyle of your dreams.

Why did we feature only women in this article?

Why the heck not?! But more specifically, the Digital Nomad movement has historically been spearheaded by men, and their stories are being told more widely. Even doing a quick search of “Digital Nomad Jobs” brought me to articles dominated mostly by men. So we decided to create a space that showcases only female voices.

Alright, are you ready to be inspired? You might wanna get out a notebook and pen to jot down ideas that intrigue you. And some wine for good measure. I bet there are some remotejobs listed here that you never even knew existed!

BONUS! Stick around to the end of the article and find some Helpful Digital Nomad Resources that these women recommend. I even learned about some great tools I didn’t know about! Plus, these ladies are sharing some wise words of advice they wish they would have known before taking the leap. It is a must read for anyone interested in the Digital Nomad Lifestyle!

Reality Check

This whole Digital Nomad thing sounds dreamy, right? Alright, let me step in and be the Bad Cop for a minute and clear a couple things up… Working remotely certainly has its perks, but it’s not all sunshine and cappuccinos. We wrote all about the not so pretty side of becoming a Digital Nomad because we owe it to you to show you the whole picture — ugly parts and all. So before making any hasty decisions, READ IT. Seriously, do it.

And if you’re still starry-eyed when you’re done, come back to this article because it is going to inspire the crap outta you. You can then put your inspiration into action and follow these steps to start plotting your journey to becoming a full-fledged Digital Nomad.

Digital Nomad Jobs List

While there are many jobs covered in this article, we do want to point out there truly is no limit to the types digital nomad jobs out there. It would be nearly impossible to make a list of them all. We’ve even known people who have literally invented their own job (there are a couple featured in this list!). This is a list of some of the most common jobs for digital nomads, as well as those that are easy to get started with.

So even if you don’t see your dream job on this list, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. It simply means you might have to create your own roadmap.

Related: If you’re not ready for a full career change, but want to dip your toe into the remote working pool. Check out this list of legit side hustle ideas and online gigs for anyone that can earn you extra cash, right now!

Digital Nomad Jobs Categories

• Writing

• Creatives

• Business

• Languages

• BONUS: Invent Your Own Job

Jump to the category that intrigues you most, or just keep reading through them all to be inspired!

Digital Nomad Jobs for Writers

If you love writing, you’re in luck because there are many remote jobs centered around this skill, and they are relatively easy to get started in, even without a ton of experience.

1. Blogger

• What is a Blogger? Someone who has a website where they share information on a specific topic, such as food, health, finance, parenting, or travel (to name a few examples!).

• How do Bloggers make money? Advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, selling products, etc.

Blogging Expert: Katie Diederichs, from Minnesota, USA

Describe your job as a Blogger

My goal as a travel blogger is to share helpful and down-to-earth advice that inspires and helps my audience (YOU!) plan the trips of their dreams. While I have a travel blog, there are endless subjects you can blog about and earn (good!) money — food, fitness, finance, lifestyle, parenting, and crafting are just a few!

How much money can bloggers earn? Check out our Income Reports to find out.

There is a lot more to being a blogger than simply writing articles and posting pretty pictures to Instagram. While that is certainly a large part of what bloggers do, we also need to know the ins and outs of SEO, affiliate marketing and brand partnerships (just to name just a few of the not so glamorous tasks!).

How Can Others Get Started As A Blogger?

Get started by creating a website and diving in. Don’t worry about making it perfect right away; that will come with time. Commit yourself to learn everything you can about blogging, and know that this is not a “get rich quick” scheme. You have to be in it for the long run. Here are some helpful tips for aspiring bloggers:

• Pick a topic that you are passionate about. Blogging is not a fast money-maker, so if you don’t care about what you’re writing about and aren’t getting paid for it (right away), you’re going to lose interest quickly. Trust me.

• Hone in on your unique voice, because this is what readers will identify with. Even though it can be tempting to copy other successful bloggers, DON’T. Let your soul shine through.

• Start building an email list from Day 1. This is such an important part of building a community and a revenue stream, but most of the time, bloggers make the mistake of not starting this for many months or even years (we’re guilty!).

• Come up with a monetization strategy, but know that you will need to build traffic over time before you ever start making money.

How long have you been a Digital Nomad? A year and a half. Sort of… We’ve been blogging, traveling and living abroad for more than 5 years now; but I’d say our Digital Nomad journey didn’t start until the fall of 2017. Before that, the blog was either a side project while we worked odd jobs around the world, or we were traveling and not really working that much. I didn’t consider myself a “Digital Nomad” until we moved to Chiang Mai and committed to working full time on Two Wandering Soles.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Chiang Mai, Thailand and Canggu, Bali 

Which was your favorite and why? While I’ve loved both for different reasons, I love the community of like-minded people and networking opportunities in Chiang Mai.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

Being able to work remotely has given me unlimited freedom. Ben and I are able to travel and work at the same time, which is actually harder than it sounds, but a blessing nonetheless. This lifestyle has also introduced me to some of the most interesting and passionate people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.

An interesting tidbit about Katie… Before we started earning a full income on this blog, Ben and I worked many jobs to make ends meet (and to continue paying our student loans!). We’ve worked as English teachers in Korea, taught English online through VIPKID, worked at a ski resort in Washington state, did freelance writing and graphic design gigs, and worked as a social media manager. Phew!

Interested in learning more? If you want to get to know more about me (and my partner, Ben), head to our About Us page! Oh, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

2. Copywriter

• What is a Freelance Copywriter? Someone who writes text for the purpose of marketing or advertising. Working on a freelance basis means you can work with several clients at once, sometimes on short-term projects, and perhaps long term if it is a good partnership.

• How do Copywriters make money? Each client will sign a contract, and when the writing is approved, the copywriter will be paid. When working on a freelance basis, it is important to establish a contract ahead of time.

Freelance Copywriting Expert: Lilly van der Hoek, from Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Describe your job as a copywriter

If something needs to be written, I’m your girl. That’s usually how I describe copywriting. I mostly write texts for websites (like homepages, contact pages, etc.) and blogs for small (web)shop owners.

Copywriting has two sides: the creative side and the technical, goal-oriented side. As a copywriter, your writing has to be engaging and creative but it also serves a purpose. You need to be SEO savvy and make sure certain goals are met. Does a client want more visitors, sales, engagement? There are multiple things to take into consideration and that’s what I like!

How Can Others Get Started As A Copywriter?

It sounds almost cliché, but reach out to your people! We all know someone (who knows someone) who has a small business. And while most business owners are kick-ass entrepreneurs, a lot of them don’t have time (or skills) to work on their website. (Tip: you can also use LinkedIn to find these entrepreneurs).

How long have you been a digital nomad? One year

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Bangkok, Cyberjaya (Malaysia), Canggu and Chiang Mai.

Which was your favorite and why? Bali and Malaysia! On Bali I was productive, ate delicious food and met great people. While Malaysia is open/diverse, crazy gorgeous and has people who treat you like a local.

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

Every decision we make, we make consciously. We ask ourselves: ‘what do you want to do now, where do you want to eat, what place do you want to go’. Back home, you usually think in ‘have to’s’ and ‘must do’s’. Making deliberate choices that are your own is what happiness and freedom are all about!

Fun tidbit about Lilly… I’ve started a personal and exciting project: creating a website for women, femmes, transgenders and non-binaries to learn about intersectional feminism! It’s meant to give people the tools to smash the white patriarchy and live their best lives. Exciting!

#2) Agency Copywriter Expert: Mandy Tinglert, from the UK

Describe Your Jobs as a Copywriter

As a copywriter, I write to convert. My job is to write marketing blurb that uses persuasive language and compels people to take action. I have to get into the head of the customer or client and understand what the problems are that the product or service I’m writing about solves. I also have to understand the brand identity and tone they want to convey their message in. I enjoy getting into ‘character’.

How Can Others Get Started As A Copywriter?

• Write Daily: Know that it’s going to take time and consistency. You need to be writing every day, even if you’re not so good to begin with and even if nobody else sees it. The daily practice is what builds your repertoire and helps you to pull out ideas when you most need them.

• Read Lots: Reading a variety of books helps you to understand how different techniques are applied in writing. How do authors build intensity? What words do they use to describe emotions? Where can you find examples of the hero’s journey?

• Pick a Niche: Decide what area you’d like to write for. Is there a subject you’re passionate about or already have a lot of knowledge in? Start there and start writing about it. Once you’re up and running you can expand to other niche’s or choose to specialize in one area of copywriting. Keep it simple to begin with.

• Network: Join a couple of great Facebook groups and consume everything posted and the replies. Some of my most amazing lightbulb moments have come from The Copywriter Club and Copyblogger, both of whom offer courses to get you started.

How long have you been a digital nomad? 3 years. I recently became one part of a partnership with a web design colleague. I have more of a strategy role now, but still responsible for all the copy work for our business.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Sweden and Denmark. We are slow travelers as we have a son we’re “world-schooling” at the same time. It’s nice to ‘sit’ in a place a while. We head to Thailand shortly.

Which was your favorite and why? Sweden. The people, the food, the relaxed vibe and everyone speaks English which meant I could be lazy.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

The freedom to go and be and do what we want when we want is so precious to us. We feel very lucky to be able to give our Son this kind of life. It’s not an easier option than being ‘at home’, but we’ve made new friends, learned things about ourselves and the world around us and become more creative and adaptable in the process.

An interesting tidbit about Mandy… We like to punctuate our travels with some volunteer work and house-sitting. We are about to go and work on an Eco project in Thailand, after which we will head to Vietnam to look after 3 sausage dogs. Life is so much fun if you open up to all possibilities.

Interested in learning more? Find more of Mandy’s work on her business page, The Design Prose, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.  

What’s the difference between a Copywriter and a Content Writer?

While copywriters and content writers both center their work on writing, the purpose of their writing is different.

• Copywriters: Their main goal is to CONVERT, and their writing is typically for advertising & marketing purposes.

• Content Writers: Their sole purpose is to entertain, inform and entice readers to interact with the brand.

3. Content Writer

• What is a Content Writer? Where copywriters generally focus on text for web or marketing materials, content writers pen articles and other content for brands to inform and educate their readers.

• How do Content Writers make money? Each client will sign a contract, usually for a number of articles with specified subject matter, and when the writing is approved, the content writer will be paid. When working on a freelance basis, it is important to establish a contract ahead of time.

Freelance Content Writing Expert: Lara, from Leuven, Belgium

Describe your job as a Content Writer

As a content writer, I write valuable content for my clients with the aim to inform and educate their audience.

The goal is to build brand awareness, perform better in online searches and in that way attract new visitors to their websites. Although of course, we want those readers to turn into clients, there is no direct sales agenda it the content itself.

I specialize in content for yoga schools and retreat organizers. It is recommended to publish at least two new pieces of content every month.  My clients, like most business owners, often lack the time, motivation or interest to write this content themselves. That’s where I come into the picture.

How Can Others Get Started As A Content Writer?

I would recommend thinking about something you already know a lot about or are passionate about. It is easier to write about something you love – for me this was yoga.

Once you know what you want to write about, think about what companies need that type of content. If you are into vegan fashion, make a list of vegan fashion brands, retailers, publications, etc. In a first step, you can try pitching guest post for those businesses you identified earlier. This way you can build your portfolio and once you have even one published blog, you are officially a content writer!

Another (easy) way to create a portfolio is by having your own blog where you showcase your writing skills.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? This past year I have been based in Canggu (Indonesia), Germany, Malta, and Thailand.

Which was your favorite and why? Thailand, more specifically Chiang Mai! There is a very supportive (female) digital nomad community here. Also, the cost of living is low and the food is amazing!

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

The voice in my head asking me ‘Is this it?’ is gone. I am living and working my own terms. It is not always easy, but I am sure I am living my life to the fullest.

Interested in learning more? Find more of Lara’s work on her website, Her Backpack Bliss, and follow her on Instagram.

The ultimate digital nomad gear

We put together this awesome resource with all of the essential gear for life as a Digital Nomad! From travel essentials and electronics to gadgets that’ll make your life easier on the road, we’ve cover it all!

And the best part.. it’s totally FREE! Just click below and enter your email. We’ll immediately send our digital nomad gear guide to your inbox!

4. Self-Published Author

• What is a Self-Published Author? It is now possible for authors to write a book and bypass the traditional publishing system. Often times, they publish on sites like Amazon. This means that self-published authors have to do more than just write: they also have to learn how to market themselves and their work in order to be successful.

• How do Self-Published Authors make money? They make money with each sale of their book. However, the platform they use, such as Amazon, takes a cut.

• Tips for getting started: Write every day, and get a critique partner to give you constructive feedback. Read up on the ins and outs of self-publishing. You’ll also need to learn the art of marketing (or hire someone to do it). Also, consider which genre you’ll write — romance is by far the highest money-generator for self-published authors!

Self-published Amazon Author expert: Jen Ruiz, from the USA

Describe your job as a Self-published Author

I write, publish and market my own books, using Amazon as the primary sales platform.

How Can Others Get Started As A Self-Published Author?

Start by listening to self-publishing podcasts like The Sell More Books Show and Self-Publishing Formula. These podcasts break down the process and allow you to target episodes based on your pain points. I also suggest Dave Chesson’s website and YouTube channel, Kindlepreneur.

The process itself is relatively simple — write a book, get a book cover, write your description, upload it to Amazon and start marketing. I also recommend that you research before writing a book to see if there’s a market for it. Using the Kindle Calculator, you can convert Amazon rankings into number of book sales per day to get an idea of how many books you’d have to sell to compete in that category.

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve been traveling and writing full-time for a year now.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? I’ve lived in New York, Bali and Puerto Rico.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

I love having the freedom to set my own schedule and not having to respond to anyone but myself.

Fun tidbit about Jen… I used to be a lawyer and have almost replaced my full-time income with remote work. I also used my book and status as a bestselling author to land a TEDx talk.

Interested in learning more? Check out Jen’s website, Jen on a Jet Plane, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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Digital Nomad Jobs for Creatives

Does creativity flow through your veins? Did teachers point out your creativity during your school years? If you love the arts, consider using your talents and passion to make money!

5. Photographer

• What is a Photographer? Someone who takes photos professionally. Their subjects can vary from portraits of people, product shots, landscape, and more.

• How do Photographers make money? This varies greatly, but essentially they sell the rights to their work (aka selling photos to stock sites or publications), they sell their own prints or digital files, or they create curated content for a client (by taking portraits or product shots, for instance).

Photography Expert: Evy Hopman-Ribeiro, from The Netherlands

Describe your job as a Photographer

As a photographer I organize photoshoots for people who are in need of photos. As simple as this sounds my job is not only to take pictures. A few of the many examples: I have to know how to market myself, I have to network (a lot),  improve SEO on my webshop, upsale products and set up marketing funnels. Besides that, I wanted to earn money online so I had to come up with a way to monetize my photography, besides doing photoshoots. That is why I started my webshop and now I sell specific products to portrait photographers.

How Can Others Get Started as a Photographer?

Firstly, make sure that you know how to photograph well. Take your time to know your camera inside out and develop a style. Get to know what people are looking for and how you can provide just that.

Secondly, network network network. Networking can get you started even without fancy websites or photography equipment. The trick is to get to know people, what their needs are and how you fill the gap (make it happen). Networking in local places can give an income wherever you travel.

Finally, there are a couple of ways how you can monazite your photography besides doing photoshoots. Think about workshops, selling presets, owning a webshop or creating a youtube channel with affiliate marketing.

Psst! Get started improving your skills today with our creative travel photography tips. You don’t have to be a traveler to put these tips to good use!

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve been a photographer professionally for 7 years, and traveling for about 1.5 out of those 7.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Durban in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya, Chiang Mai in Thailand and now Perth in Australia.

Which was your favorite and why? I really can not say which one was my favorite because they are all so different. I did love Chiang Mai a lot because the digital nomad community is so strong there. You will not have any problems to socialize and meet like-minded people.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

It gives you a lot of flexibility where you want to live. My husband and I are looking for a country where we would like to live permanently. However we do want to be flexible and visit our family more than just a couple of weeks in a year. Being a digital nomad gives us that possibility.

Interested in learning more? Follow Evy on her on Instagram.

6. YouTuber (Vlogger)

• What is a Vlogger? “Vlogger” stands for video blogger. Like bloggers, they create helpful or entertaining content, but their medium is video, and the search engine they use is YouTube (instead of Google), so they are also called “YouTubers” interchangeably. Vloggers/YouTubers can cover a variety of topics, like beauty, fitness, lifestyle, and travel (to name a few!).

• How do Vloggers make money? YouTube advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, selling products like courses, Patreon, etc.

YouTube/Vlogging expert: Gabby Wallace, from Minneapolis, USA

Describe your job as a YouTuber

I am the CEO of Gabrielle Wallace International, LLC and Go Natural English. My job varies day-to-day, but I work a lot on business strategy, video creation and team building.

How Can Others Get Started As A YouTuber?

If you’re an aspiring YouTuber, my best advice is to do it for the love of learning how to produce video, passion for a topic and a desire to make an impact on other people. Start with what you have. Most smartphones today are great for creating video.

How long have you been a digital nomad? Since 2005

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Florianópolis, Paris, Lisbon, New York, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Boston

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

I enjoy connecting with my friends in different cities. I love the global community that we have.

Interested in learning more? Find out more about how to become a YouTuber or ESL teacher on Gabby’s website, Go Natural English. You can also follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

7. Graphic Designer

• What is a Graphic Designer? Someone who uses text and images to create a design. This is used for the purpose of branding, advertising and in publications like magazines, online media, and books. This can be for print or digital products.

• How do Graphic Designers make money? Whether working as their own agency or on a freelance basis, graphic designers are typically paid on a project basis. However, if they work for a company exclusively, they will be paid a salary with benefits.

Graphic Design Expert: Jennifer Rae, from Johannesburg, South Africa

Describe your job as a Graphic Designer

As a freelance graphic designer, I serve both corporate and small businesses, creating brand identities, product packaging and bespoke event branding. I aim to have a collaborative relationship with my clients in order to best serve their vision.

Besides working on projects, I try to stay on top of current design trends and to teach myself new skills where possible. I am constantly creating, both in my head as well as on my laptop and my business hours can be a little unconventional, especially when driven by deadlines!

How Can Others Get Started As A Graphic Designer?

If you are working full-time and hesitant to take the leap, start by trying to pick up one or two freelance gigs on the side. This may mean extra work hours and a lot of commitment, but it really helps to have a couple of established contacts when you decide to start out on your own.

• Have a portfolio of work examples ready to send out. People will want to see your work before they hire you and having a PDF or website that you can send on right away speaks volumes.

• Think about what kind of clients you would like to have as a freelancer. This enables you to target the right channels or specific businesses when you are looking for new work.

• Do projects just for fun. Sometimes the long hours and a hundred client changes can become overwhelming. I keep myself inspired by working on fun personal projects that I never had the chance to do when I was working full-time. Plus its extra portfolio work!

How long have you been a digital nomad? One year

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Croatia, Berlin, Budapest, Lisbon, Barcelona and Cape Town

Which was your favorite and why? I loved all the cities I worked in, but Lisbon was a great digital nomad hub and a city truly geared towards this lifestyle. Plus the fantastic weather!

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

Working remotely has challenged me to live and work outside my comfort zone and to be disciplined in getting things done, regardless of any distractions! I am constantly meeting wonderful people with bright ideas, incredible stories and a passion for travel. It is hard not to be excited and inspired when you wake up every day and get to do what you love from wherever you are!

Interested in learning more? Find more of Jennifer’s work on her website, Conceptwo Creative and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.  

Wondering where to start your digital nomad journey? Find out which cities around the world are the best cities for digital nomads to live in and how we choose our next destination.

8. Artist

• What is an Artist? Someone who sells their creations. For this article, we are specifically talking about artists with a digital presence, which means they sell their art online. This allows them to be based anywhere in the world. Some types of artistry are harder than others to do remotely. For instance, illustrating or painting are much easier to take on the road than pottery.

• How do Artists make money? When selling online, artists can sell their work on their own webshop or Etsy page. They can also create bespoke work for clients, such as illustrations or even physical products.

• Tips for getting started: Create, create, create! Find your niche and perfect your craft. Then take high-quality photos to showcase your work (you may want to hire a professional photographer for the best results!). Create an online presence where you can share your work with a large audience, and find a platform that works well for you to sell your art. You will also need to learn (or hire!)

9. Website Designer

• What is a Website Designer? Someone who creates websites for others. They will think about user experience and the visual layout of the website, and they must know basic coding for building necessary elements.

• How do Website Designers make money? Whether working as their own agency or on a freelance basis, website designers are typically paid on a project basis. However, if they work for a company exclusively, they will be paid a salary with benefits. 

Website Design Expert: Penni Pickering, from Cambridge, United Kingdom

Describe your job as a Website Designer

Our agency is a two-woman team offering website design and graphic design services to clients. Most of our clients are based in the UK, although we do have some in Europe and one in Indonesia. We spend our days developing websites, supporting and maintaining websites and designing new brands, logos and other design work such as business cards, pop up banners and brochures. We also spend at least a day every other week working on our own business as well, be that improving our processes or working on our own marketing.

How Can Others Get Started As A Website Designer?

I’d strongly recommend having a job in the industry first. I’ve got a solid 8-year career behind me and a relevant industry qualification and it still wasn’t easy! Once you have the necessary skills and experience to appeal to clients then I’d recommend:

• Get a website live showing off your skills and portfolio.

• Hit up your network – friends, family, LinkedIn, former employers. People who know you are most likely to be your first customers or recommend you to someone who is.

• Reduce your overheads or have 6 months salary in the bank to give your new business a chance.

• Be helpful. Everywhere. It’s amazing what can come from being friendly and useful.

• Don’t panic when it’s overwhelming and you think you’ve made a huge mistake. We all feel like that sometimes.

A few months after launching our company, I published an article on LinkedIn with the biggest lessons I learned about making the leap into self-employment. The advice in that article holds strong for those just starting out.

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve been a digital nomad for 2 years.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Ubud & Canggu, Bali. Phnom Penh & Siem Reap, Cambodia. Chiang Mai & Koh Phangan, Thailand. Cape Verde, Africa.

Which was your favorite and why? My favorite has to be Koh Phangan. There’s just something about waking up every day and looking at the sea, taking afternoon breaks to swim in the ocean and eating dinner with the sand between your toes. It’s also has a great community. 

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

I’m in control of my own schedule, my earnings (whilst not guaranteed) are limitless, and I get to spend Monday to Friday with my wife instead of coworkers. 

Fun tidbit about Penni… I grew up racing go-karts, learned to drive a car on a rally track aged 13, skydived over the Grand Canyon and kitesurfed in Africa. Yet I was absolutely petrified to drive a scooter in Asia! We ended up renting a modified scooter-trike and getting up at 6 a.m. every day (while the roads were quiet) for a week to practice. I like four wheels, and I suspect getting older reduces your fearlessness!

Interested in learning more? Find more of Penni’s work on her website, Kabo Creative, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

10. Instagram Influencer

• What is an Instagram Influencer? Someone who uses their Instagram account and following to share their stories and advice.

• How do Instagram Influencers make money? Believe it or not, you can actually make a living as an Instagram influencer! Much of how they make money is by doing sponsored posts or through longterm partnerships with a brand. That said, many Instagrammers have a website, sell their own products (like Lightroom presets!), or dabble in affiliate marketing in order to supplement the sometimes unsteady income that brand partnerships generate.

• Tips for getting started: If you don’t already have an Instagram account, that’s the first step (obviously!). Work on improving your photography and captions. Grow your audience by interacting with other accounts and experimenting with hashtags. Be genuine, and resist the urge to copy the other influencers out there. Hone in your own voice and give people a reason to follow you. And NEVER buy followers. This will only come back to hurt your business.

11. Social Media Manager

• What is a Social Media Manager? Someone who works with a brand to grow their presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. This entails creating and scheduling social media content, analyzing data, and interacting with followers.

• How do Social Media Managers make money? This may be a position with one company, in which case the manager makes a salary or is on a contract. Otherwise, many social media managers take on different clients and are paid on a freelance basis.

Social Media Expert: Amanda Pointer, from Denver, Colorado, USA

Describe your job as a Social Media Manager

As a Social Media Manager I handle different aspects of social media for different clients depending on their specific brand and needs. For some I do regular blog writing and posting. For others I handle content strategy and scheduling. And for some clients I do the full scale of website upkeep, strategy, blog writing, content creation and scheduling. 

I have to be incredibly organized to keep all of my clients straight and keep up with all of their varying social media schedules. I use scheduling apps like Hootsuite, Buffer and Later to keep myself sane and schedule posts ahead of time so I don’t miss anything.

How Can Others Get Started As A Social Media Manager?

The best way to get started as a Social Media Manager is to build up as much of a portfolio as you can. This way you have something to show potential clients to prove your expertise and worth. I got my first freelance client through connections I already had. Once I got started with them and had some deliverables to share with potential clients, I found word-of-mouth was my best marketing tactic, but I have also found clients on outsourcing platforms. 

You also have to be committed to staying on top of an ever-changing industry. With so many different social platforms, it’s important to understand the capabilities of each and stay on top of new features so you can always offer the best advice for you clients. Consider taking a certification course from a licensed platform like Hubspot or Hootsuite to enhance your social media knowledge. 

How long have you been a digital nomad? 1 year

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Morocco, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica & South Africa. 

Which was your favorite and why? All are my favorite for different reasons, but Cape Town, South Africa has always had a special place in my heart, ever since I first visited back in 2008. There is something about the meeting of the mountains and sea, the culture, the wildlife and the wine lands all in one area that has me wanting to return over and over. 

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker? 

Working as a digital nomad allows me the freedom to follow my passion for traveling. I am constantly meeting new people and making friends around the world. I am able to expand my horizons in a way a 9-5 office job would never allow me to do. 

Fun tidbit about Amanda… My first trip outside of my home country was to Haiti when I was 13 and my wanderlust has been driving me ever since. It was that same desire for new experiences and adventure that lead me to spend a semester in college circumnavigating the globe with Semester at Sea.

Interested in learning more? Find more of Amanda’s adventures by following her on Instagram.

Editor’s Note: Not long after this article was published back in 2019, Amanda came onboard to work with Two Wandering Soles and now she is —err, I am the full-time Editor of this very blog and the one writing this note. 😉

12. Videographer

• What is a Videographer? Someone who shoots and creates videos to serve a purpose. Sometimes videographers do their own editing, and other times they outsource it.

• How do Video Editors make money? Often times videographers will create videos for a client, based on their needs. The client will pay for the finished project.

• Tips for getting started: Buy a camera that is good for shooting video and practice! You can watch YouTube tutorials or take courses to improve your skills. Build a portfolio and reach out to clients who might want video content created.

13. Video Editor

• What is a Video Editor? Video Editors often do not actually shoot the footage they are working on, but are instead given reels by a client that needs it put together to create a message.

• How do Video Editors make money? Typically a client will pay for the editing services on a project by project basis.

• Tips for getting started: Learn how to use editing software like Premiere Pro, take free courses on Udemy or SkillShare, create a portfolio.

Good to know: While Videographers and Video Editors can be separate jobs, but they overlap a lot. It is helpful to know how to shoot AND edit. Often times you will be doing both, especially when you are just getting started.

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Digital Nomad Jobs for the Business-Minded

Would you describe yourself as a “hustler”? Do you love solving problems, keeping up with the latest trends, and constantly improving yourself and your work? If you’re super ambitious and don’t mind putting in some hard work, there are a lot of job opportunities that might be a great fit for your go-getter personality!

14. Online Coach

• What is an Online Coach? They work with clients to help them reach their goals, whether in business, health, relationships, or lifestyle.

• How do Online Coaches earn money? Coaches work with clients, either one-on-one, as a group, or through courses. Each of which will have a set rate which the client will pay the coach.

Coaching Expert: Sarah Gregg, from Belfast, Northern Ireland

Describe your job as an Online Coach

The Power to Reinvent helps professionals prioritize what’s important so they can live a meaningful and fulfilled life. I currently coach clients on a one to one basis (via Zoom) and have plans for online courses and digital downloads to scale the business. I also blog, appear on podcasts and post on social media. There is a lot to do and learn (especially in the early stages) but when it’s your passion or your calling, it feels less like work.

How Can Others Get Started As An Online Coach?

My career background was in coaching, and I was a certified coach and Neuro-linguistic Programming Practitioner before I started working online. However, if you love working with others and feel called to become a coach, here are some tips to get started in a truly rewarding career:

• Get certified: Even though coaching is an unregulated industry (anyone can call themselves a coach) I strongly recommend becoming certified. I trained with UK College of Professional Development who offer online training courses.

• Find a niche: Understand your ideal client, who they are, what their pain points and how you can help them. The best advice I was given was “pick a niche you could never get bored talking about”. If you are passionate it shines through in everything you do.

• Be authentic: Find your voice and avoid the temptation to copy other coaches.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Thailand, Malaysia, Denmark, Portugal, Bulgaria and Bali

Which was your favorite and why? Chiang Mai in Thailand will always be special to me, as that’s where the journey really began.

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

I love the freedom to work on my passion and travel with my husband. Life feels like one big adventure. 

Fun tidbit about Sarah: I recently secured a book deal! This was my ultimate dream! It’s a book on how to find your flow and will be published in January 2020.

Interested in learning more? Find more of Sarah’s work on her website, The Power to Reinvent, and follow her on Instagram.

15. Health Coach for a Health + Fitness App

Health Coach Expert: Lynn Hulver, from Ohio, USA

Describe your job as a Health Coach

My job is a combination of a lifestyle coach, goal specialist, and group coach for people who are looking to improve their health or lose weight. The company I work with has various lifestyle and wellness programs people can sign up to, and when they sign up they are paired with me to help them through the program. It’s all done through a specific app, so basically people buy a subscription membership, download the app, and are then paired to work with me 1-on-1.

How Can Others Get Started As A Health Coach?

Lots of health and fitness companies hire remotely in many fields! I started out Googling things like “health and fitness companies AND remote jobs” or “wellness companies AND telecommute”, etc. Lots of variations in your search is key! Once you find a company that hires remote workers, you can then Google that specific company and type in “companies similar to xyz”.

Start making lists of the companies you find, go to their career pages, and see if any positions are virtual. If it’s not specifically listed, you can cold pitch that company and see if they’d be open to a remote worker! Honestly, be creative and persistent. A lot of people are open to the idea! 

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve been living as a digital nomad for a year and a half (since August 2017).

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Koh Samui (island in Southern Thailand), Chiang Mai, Thailand and Canggu, Bali.

Which was your favorite and why? I love them all, but they are so different! The Thai islands are stunning, Chiang Mai has the biggest  “community” feel, and Bali has amazing cafes and scenery to work from. I can’t decide! 

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

The freedom and flexibility of this lifestyle can’t be beat! I can never go back to working in an office or driving to the same place every day.

Fun tidbit about Lynn… After learning about how possible this lifestyle is, I wanted everyone to know about it! Earlier this year I created a podcast interviewing millennial women (of ALL different backgrounds) who are living location independent lifestyles, and how others can do the same. It’s my passion project! You can find it for free on iTunes under “Chasing the Freedom”. You can also connect with Lynn on Instagram.

Takeaways about coaching: Do people come to you for advice? Do you see solutions to problems when others can’t? If you enjoy helping other people reach their goals, coaching might be a good line of work for you.

If coaching is of interest to you, the good news is you can mold this job around your passions and areas of expertise. Here are some categories you might want to consider if you are interested in becoming a coach: Nutrition Coach, Business Coach, Mindfulness Coach, Yoga Coach.

16. Digital Marketing Consultant

• What is a Digital Marketer? Someone who helps grow a brand’s awareness online, through Google and social media platforms. They may work with small brands (like bloggers or “soloprenuers”), or large companies (like Nike and Airbnb). Every brand who wants to grow needs to use Digital Marketing in some form.

• How do Digital Marketing Consultant make money? Digital Marketers are paid by a client to grow their presence. Sometimes Digital Marketers will set up a one-time project or audit, and other times, it will be an ongoing relationship with the client.

Digital Marketing Expert #1: Ashley Uzer, from Washington D.C., USA  

Although I didn’t have a ton of experience, I had done social media and writing work before, and Google became my BFF. The man, Roy, was always around if I had questions, and he was so impressed with my organization, communication, and accountability that he was willing to help me fill in the technical blanks. I still work with Roy on some projects, but I’ve also been able to accumulate my own social media clients through referrals and my network.

Describe your job as a Digital Marketing Consultant

The majority of my digital consulting work revolves around using digital media (social media, Google, websites, etc.) to help my clients reach new customers, increase sales, and build their brand recognition.

For some clients, that means building their social pages and website from the ground up (I do not build their websites myself, but I will manage the web designer that builds them and write the site copy). For other clients, that means re-shifting their social strategy to something that aligns better with their goals.

While it sounds simple, there is a lot that can go into it—from market research, to scheduling photoshoots, to planning influencer events, to finding the optimal keywords—there is a lot of backend work that goes into the pretty photos + captions you see on social media. Oh, and you can’t forget about actually spending the time on the social platforms and engaging with their followers (although in many cases I hire someone else to take on that role).

How Can Others Get Started As A Digital Marketing Consultant?

First, work on your own social profiles. My personal Instagram page may not look business professional, but I’ve had many clients say that they always check the personal pages of the people they’re hiring to do their social first to ensure they have decent engagement/follower counts.

There are so many businesses who neglect social media and/or just don’t have the time/budget to do it. Tap into your own network to see if there’s anyone with a small business that you can offer to manage their social media for free or for a small fee. Keep track of metrics (how much you grow their following each month, etc.) so that you can show this work to future clients (and so you can then ask for more money).

If you’re not comfortable selling yourself/your services (join the club), there are lots of small digital agencies like the one I got started with that can provide you with the clients as long as you put in the work.

How long have you been a digital nomad? 1.5 years

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? It depends how loosely you want to use the term “lived.” I have not stayed anywhere for longer than two weeks (I like to get back to my home base for a quick refresher in between). But, here is where I have stayed for 1 – 2 weeks while working: Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; New York, NY; Madrid, Spain; Beijing & Chengdu, China; Chiang Mai & Bangkok, Thailand; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Bethany Beach, DE; Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Which was your favorite and why? I absolutely loved Madrid and wish I could have stayed longer. The weather was beautiful, I got the city vibes at a slower pace, and there were so many amazing vegan restaurants and cafes for me to work in (I’m still dreaming of these donuts).

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

I’ve always been a bit of a work-a-holic, but I like being able to be in control of what I work on and when I work on it. Being a remote worker ensures that there’s always something to work on (although I’ve learned to say no to a lot), but that if I want to take a mid-day break for yoga or take a road trip on a Tuesday, I can do that too.

Fun tidbit about Ashley: My life and/or job probably looks amazing to the outsider (and it is), but I’m still trying to hone in on my path. I’ve always struggled with figuring out exactly what my “dream job” is, so I decided to talk to other people about how they found theirs on my blog. The section, called How I Figured Out WTF To Do With My Life will be featuring a new interview each week with someone whose career journey has been all over the place!

Interested in learning more? Find more of Ashley’s work on her blog, Lox and Leather, and follow her on Instagram.

Digital Marketing Expert #2: Christina Spoerer, from Wuerzburg (Bavaria), Germany

Describe your job as a Digital Marketing Consultant

I help coaches to get their ideal clients by building their online presence through social media and content marketing. I bring the brightest freelancers onto the project that are the right fit for the client. I then create a tailored marketing strategy for the client and manage the project and team.

Most of the time I’m on calls with clients and my team and brainstorm with them about ideas, follow up on the progress and handle emails and requests. I make sure that deadlines are met and content gets distributed to the right time on the right channels.

How Can Others Get Started As A Digital Marketing Consultant?

I think the most important thing is to become really good at one aspect of marketing. It’s important to get expertise in one area and then expand from there. Also to start building a marketing agency you need to get your structures down so you can outsource simple tasks to a VA (virtual assistant) and more complex tasks to your freelancers.

For example: become very good at growing Instagram accounts for yoga studios or be an expert in personal branding for solopreneurs.

How long have you been a digital nomad? Officially a digital nomad for 1 year, but I’ve been traveling for 4 years. 

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Chiang Mai, Thailand; Koh Phangan, Thailand; Lisbon, Portugal; Aachen, Germany; Wuerzburg, Germany; Canggu, Bali; Ubud, Bali

Which was your favorite and why? Every place has its own uniqueness but Chiang Mai is my favorite city. It has a special place in my heart as this was where I earned my first dollar online. I connect a lot of emotions with this magical place as I’ve bonded with mindful souls that became very good friends. The community of like-minded people is very supportive and gets me into a very focused state. Also, everything is very uncomplicated so to get into routines and to have a balance between work and taking care of myself is super easy!

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

Besides having the freedom to decide where I want to work and live, I also get to connect with wonderful other mindful female freelancers/entrepreneurs that have very similar goals then I do.

It’s very hard to create a community in the small city that I used to live in back home. I host mindful women meetups (once a month also together with a men’s circle) and I get to practice yoga, meditation and mindfulness daily. Also, it’s super easy to get to connect with other content creators and to improve my photography and videography skills.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get started as a Digital Nomad: Honestly, the best advice that I can give you is to just not give up! Being a freelancer or entrepreneur has its ups and downs and the most important thing is to just trust that everything will work out if you work hard enough. Enjoy the journey! It’s a constant learning process and can be quite fun!

I didn’t have any previous experience in marketing, I have never studied, paid for an online course, or hired a coach/mentor. You’ll figure it out along the way and you don’t need a full year planned out – just go with the flow and surround yourself by like-minded people that have the same goals as you do!

Interested in learning more? Find more of Christina’s work on her website, and follow her on Instagram.

17. Recruiter / Headhunter

• What is an Recruiter? Someone who finds suitable employees for a client. This could be filling general temp positions, or something very specific, like recruiting traveling nurses or software engineers, for instance. The recruiter’s roll generally includes attracting, interviewing, shortlisting, and selecting candidates.

• How do Recruiters earn money? The employer seeking candidates pays the recruiter. Typically, they are paid upon finding a successful candidate.

Recruiting Expert: Kerry Ginsburg, from the United States

Describe your job as a Recruiter

As an owner, I have to do everything from finding clients to finding candidates, scheduling interviews and finalizing job offers. We work with clients within the United States, and find them qualified candidates for staff level positions. I love working with candidates to find their dream jobs. Coaching candidates through the process and helping them define their goals is a rewarding experience. I also enjoy working directly with clients and forming relationships that have lasted years.  

How Can Others Get Started As A Recruiter?

A great way to get started in this industry is to look for companies who are already established that hire a lot of remote workers. (Cielo Talent is a great resource!) If you already have a career within HR/Recruiting, talk to your current company and see if this is an option. If going remote is not an option with your current company, start your own LLC and reach out to your contacts within the HR field to see if you can partner with them on their hiring needs.

How long have you been a digital nomad? We are hitting our 3-year mark in May!

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? I’ve lived in Austin, TX and Scottsdale, AZ but traveled to over 20 countries while working remotely.

Which was your favorite and why? I signed a 1-year lease in Austin, TX for the first time in 4 years. I love Austin for its affordability, mix of city and outdoor lifestyle, food scene and the people I’ve met here.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

I love the ability to visit family and friends at any time. I love to dream up an adventure and have the ability and resources to follow it through! Because of the flexibility, this April I will be visiting my 50th country – Hello, South Korea and Japan!

Fun tidbit about Kerry… When I first started the business I thought I’d succeed immediately, which was far from the truth! I waitressed, babysat and dogsat, and I sent emails to clients in the middle of shifts from the bathroom, knowing that this was my dream I was willing to do anything to make it happen. It’s been an adventure, but the best decision I’ve made.

Interested in learning more? Follow Kerry on Instagram!

18. Digital Entrepreneur

• What is a Digital Entrepreneur? Someone who creates their own money-generating business online. The options are truly endless! Owning an online shop that sells sweaters hand-knit by refugees and running a Wedding Registry website are both examples of entrepreneurial pursuits. Digital Entrepreneurs can even create businesses in the non-profit sector. Many women featured in this article consider themselves an entrepreneur of some type.

• How do Digital Entrepreneurs earn money? This varies a great deal and depends on the type of business model. Some examples are creating a money-generating website, selling physical products, selling services, or even establishing a successful non-profit in which the owner may make money from donations and outside funding.

Entrepreneurial Expert: Febriana Isnaini, from Bali, Indonesia

Describe your job as an Entrepreneur

I oversee the digital marketing aspects of my business, from building and maintaining the website, write articles and social media posts, taking care of the e-commerce part of the business, and even provide customer support while my boyfriend handles the logistic and fulfillment parts (and moral support!).

How Can Others Get Started As A Digital Entrepreneur?

Just do it! Build a courage and challenge yourself to get into the business. You won’t be able to figure out everything straight away but that’s alright. Always network, attend meetups, mingle with like-minded people to share knowledge and experience. Stay on top of challenges, do a lot of research and stay alert of the changes happening in the business world.

How long have you been a digital nomad? 4 years and counting!

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Bali, Indonesia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Chiang Mai, Thailand

Which was your favorite and why? Bali because I get the best of both worlds here – the tropical island vibe and the rising community of Digital Nomads and Expats. Locals are friendly, hard worker and love hustling and they’re also fun to party with!

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

It gives me the freedom and the responsibility to set my own hours and schedule, also give me the opportunities to meet interesting people, share unique stories and experience different cultures.

Fun tidbit about Febriana… In addition to my venture, I still do freelance gigs to make ends meet until the business takes off. It’s not always easy to juggle between business and freelancing and it also require discipline, but I enjoy the process regardless!

Interested in learning more? Check them out on Facebook.

19. Podcaster 

• What is a Podcaster? Someone who creates, edits and produces podcasts (downloadable audio on a specific topic). They may interview guests, share news and stories, or give how-to advice (just a few types of podcasts).

• How do Podcasters earn money? Advertising, sponsorships, affiliate income, Patreon, etc.

Podcasting Expert: Debbie Arcangeles, from the United States 

Before becoming a full-time podcaster, I was a serial entrepreneur. I had several businesses but also learned a lot from those setbacks. When I discovered podcasts a few years ago, I knew it was the right platform for me and began to implement all of the lessons I learned which helped me leave my 9-5 to transition into becoming a full time podcaster. 

I started The Offbeat Life podcast so that I can learn how to become location independent from amazing individuals who are able to live and work from anywhere. My goal is to give practical tips to others who wants to become remote workers and entrepreneurs. I do this though interviews and comprehensive articles on my website and podcast. 

Describe your job as a Podcaster

I am a firm believer of outsourcing, so a lot of the tedious tasks that I used to do in the beginning of my business I am now delegating to my assistants such as marketing for social media, outreach,  SEO and research.

Since these tasks are taken care of, I am able to focus my time on growth and content creation such as interviews for the podcast, creating articles for the website as well as pitching and collaborations with brands. 

My day to day is often different as a podcaster but I do try to create a schedule so that it does not get overwhelming. For example: Mondays and Tuesdays I focus on content creation for my website, Wednesday is when I pitch, do phone calls with clients, brainstorm for growth and make sure that the marketing techniques we are using is effective, Thursdays and Fridays I focus on content creation for the podcast such as interviews, show notes, transcriptions and so on.

I try not to work on the weekends, but I often catch myself continuing to work when I am bored- I am still trying to get better with keeping the weekend open for friends and fun, but when you love what you do, it can be difficult! 

How Can Others Get Started In Podcasting?

There has been a lot of interest in podcasting recently and I’ve received many questions from people on how to start and create income from podcasts. Like with anything else, it can take a while to create income unless you already have a built-in audience that you can transition to become your listeners. 

Podcasting requires the right equipment, editing, marketing and so much more. It is a big commitment, so be prepared for a lot of hard work. 

If you really want to start a podcast, make sure to enjoy the process, learn as much as you can, and diversify how you can create income. It is not easy to create income from podcasting when you are first starting out, but it is certainly not impossible! 

How long have you been a digital nomad? I officially became a digital nomad 4 months ago, and although it hasn’t been easy, it is one of the best decision I have ever made. 

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? I have a home base in New York City and Florida and choose to travel slow when I am on the road. 

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

I have never been a 9-5 type person, even the day job I had before becoming a digital nomad I was able to make my own hours and took vacations when I wanted. 

The only 9-5 job I ever had, I quit after 2 months because I could not handle the set hours and preferred to work in my own terms. So for me, being a remote worker is truly a dream come true. I have the freedom that I need to truly feel happy. 

Interested in learning more? Check out The Offbeat Life and listen to the podcasts! You can also follow on Instagram.

20. Drop Shipping

• What is Drop Shipping? This is a business model that allows a retailer to sell products online without physically storing them in a warehouse. To get started, you find a manufacturer that has a product that’s in demand. You then set up a website (Shopify is a popular platform) where you will sell the product, as well as a system for the products to be shipped. You will also need to market your site in order to be successful.

• How do Drop Shippers earn money? They earn money based on each item sold.

Drop Shipping Expert: Rachel Rofe, from New Town, PA

Describe your job as a Dropshipper

I actually have three businesses, that are all related. First, I still do the one I started years ago, where I come up with fun sayings, that take just a few seconds to create, then I put them on mockups and products – mugs, posters, pillow cases, shirts and so on – and sell them on Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.

Second is teaching people how to do the very same thing so they can make passive income, via my Low Hanging System course which has thousands of results getting testimonials every month.

And third is my warehouse that fulfills the order for those products for not only my students and myself, but also other customers.

How Can Others Get Started As A Dropshipper?

Drop shipping can get technical pretty quick, so taking a step by step course is a good way to get started. There is a lot of information you can find for free (like this video) that goes through useful and real training that you can put into action to come up with phrases in just seconds. These phrases are exactly what buyers are looking for and are willing to pop them onto products and up on Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve been living the digital nomad lifestyle since June 2006.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? I’ve lived in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Las Vegas, Oregon, Scottsdale, AZ, New York City, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, and had long stints across Europe.

Which was your favorite and why? Oh, they all had different things that made them special, and it’s so hard to choose a favorite! Buenos Aires was fun because of the amazing food and amazing people, and it was really inexpensive. But if you ask me another time, I may have another answer 🙂

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

It may sound trite and cliche but it’s so true that the best thing about being a digital nomad, and an entrepreneur, is that I can work the way that I want to do, when and where I want to. I most likely end up working way more than if I was working for someone else, but I’m doing it on my own terms, and I like that! I like being my own boss, in charge of my own destiny.

Fun tidbit about you: I made over $500,000 on Amazon, Etsy, and eBay in the passive income business last year, working an hour or less each month!

Interested in hearing more? Check out Rachel Rofe on her website rachelrofe.com and follow her Facebook Page.

21. Amazon FBA

• What is Amazon FBA? This stands for Fulfillment By Amazon, and essentially this means you sell products through a listing on Amazon, and Amazon takes care of the rest: the storing, packaging, processing, shipping and customer service.

• How do Amazon FBA-ers earn money? When someone purchases your product, you will earn money, though Amazon will take a commission.

• Tips for getting started: Read up on the ins and outs of this business and start researching what types of products would do well (aka there is a demand and a high profit margin).

What’s the difference between Drop Shipping and Amazon FBA?

With drop shipping, you will create and manage your own website, whereas with Amazon, you use their platform to sell. Both models have pros and cons.

22. SEO

• What is SEO? SEO is both a noun and a verb. It stands for Search Engine Optimization (verb) or Optimizer (noun). It can get quite technical, but essentially, an SEO expert helps websites rank better in Google by optimizing their content through proven strategies.

• How to SEOs earn money? Typically companies will hire an SEO expert or firm to work with them on a long-term basis or on a project/audit. This can be a one-time payment or an ongoing service.

SEO expert: Kari DePhillips, from Amsterdam, Netherlands

Describe your job as an SEO expert

TCF is a digital PR agency, and our area of expertise is SEO – we help companies top the search engine results pages for search terms their buyers are searching for. I manage a dozen employees who do everything from optimize sites for technical SEO to promote content via social media and PR initiatives. In short, we make our clients more famous in a way that leads to more sales.

How Can Others Get Started In SEO?

I would highly recommend starting with Craigslist – it’s how I sourced enough work to get TCF off of the ground, and it’s now where I post all of our help wanted ads. I made a video outlining the process I used, including how to track your emails to increase response rates. If you’re interested in learning SEO, TCF’s blog has a ton of free guides and template downloads that outline the exact process we use to manage client work.

There is a TON of high-paying remote SEO work out there – if you have the skills and can show ROI, there will be no shortage of work. For reference, I started freelance SEOing on the side to my day job in advertising, and within three months I’d replaced that income with my own client work (again, all via Craiglist).

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve been a part-time digital nomad for around 10 years, and a full-time digital nomad for 2.5 years.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Amsterdam, Medellin, Prague, Barcelona, Berlin, Montreal, Puerto Rico, Playa del Carmen, Cape Town… I’ve been all over!

Which was your favorite and why? I love Amsterdam. The vibes are good, the lifestyle is healthy and the scenery is something out of a storybook.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

It gives me the ultimate freedom and flexibility to live my life how I want to – and knock a ton of stuff off of my bucket list along the way. It gives me work/life balance that I wouldn’t otherwise have, and enables me to live more intentionally.

Fun tidbit about Kari… I co-host the Workationing podcast and admin the corresponding Facebook group, which is my passion project. It follows my co-host/best friend and I as we decide to become digital nomads, and then travel the world. We’ve been featured everywhere from Fast Company to Glamour, and offer up a lot of “do and do nots” when it comes to digital nomadry. Example: maybe avoid Acapulco, which we learned the hard way.

23. Virtual Assistant (VA)

• What is a VA? A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who performs administrative, technical and creative tasks for a client (or clients!).

• How do VAs earn money? The client requesting services will set up a payment system; either contractual, project-based or salaried, depending on the nature of the work.

Virtual Assistant expert: Esther Inman, from San Diego, CA, USA

Describe your job as a Virtual Assistant

There are TONS of online businesses and remote companies these days and they all have one thing in common: they need admin help. Typical VA tasks include transcription, Powerpoint slide creation, copywriting, social media content creation, scheduling, engagement, community management, scheduling meetings and light project coordination. You quickly niche and grow from there like I did to turn my business into an online course agency.

How Can Others Get Started As A Virtual Assistant?

First, do a skills assessment and see if you already have what I listed as common VA skills (in my answer above). If yes, then modernize your resume using a beautiful Canva template.

Ensure your social media personal profile and Linkedin profile have a professional image and all your relevant background listed and up to date! Create a business Facebook PAGE and list your new virtual services, a nice headshot of you, maybe post some testimonials and create an awesome cover image for the top of the page.

Join some virtual assistant or online business Facebook groups and get networking! You can tag your page in posts and treat it like a website. If you don’t have any skills then my free class is a great place to start!

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve worked online for 7 years and traveled on and off that entire time but we’ve officially been ‘digital nomads’ for 2 years

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Bali

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

I LOVE being in charge of how I spend my time and going wherever we want to go! Sleeping in if I need to, taking my son to the beach for the afternoon, spa days when I feel stressed, and just booking a ticket wherever we want to go, whenever we want to go.

Fun tidbit about Esther… A lot of people think you can’t travel the world once you have kids (or that’ll be more difficult and less fun) and it’s just not true. You become extremely close with your children without the busy noise of traditional daily life and watching them learn about different cultures and run around with kids that don’t speak their language is priceless. We can’t wait to have more and continue our adventures!

For anyone who is interested in becoming a VA, I have a free class on how to make your resume remote ready in my Facebook Group (Virtual Assistant Internship) where we post legit online jobs every day.

Interested in learning more? You can learn more from Esther about how to become a VA and you can follow her on Instagram.

24. Web Developer or Programmer

• What is a Web Developer/Programmer? These jobs are separate, yet they overlap. Programmers focus mostly on the coding of websites, whereas a developer works on coding as well as big picture building of websites and software.

• How do Web Developers/Programmers earn money? They work with individual clients or for companies and are generally well paid.

• Tips for getting started: If you don’t already have the skills, you can take online courses from Udemy or Skillshare to learn the ropes. Network and build a portfolio you can market.

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Digital Nomad Jobs Working with Languages

Do you speak more than one language fluently? Good for you! Do you have a knack for learning languages? If so, there are many remote job opportunities you can consider, however, they can be quite competitive.

25. Freelance Translator

• What is a Translator? Someone who translates material from one language to another. This can vary from audio and video files to very technical medical texts. It is also important to take into consideration there are certain language translations that are more in demand than others.

• How do Translators earn money? Translators may work on a freelance basis, in which case the client will pay per project. They may also be hired on by a company and be paid a salary.

Translation Expert: Aranzazu Sánchez, from Spain

Describe your job as a translator

I am a translator from English and Catalan into Spanish. I translate highly technical texts related to Law, Marketing, Psychology and Travel.

How Can Others Get Started As A Translator?

Translation is a highly competitive profession. Most companies require their translators to hold a BA in Translation, Philology, Linguistics… However, due to the high number of translators available, this is often not enough.

You need to specialize in a niche that makes you stand out. If you already have what it takes, consider working in-house for a translation company for some time. This way, you will gain valuable connections and skills (for example, a perfect command of CAT tools).

Tip: Sometimes, major translation companies will help you move to a different location while working with them.

How long have you been a digital nomad? 3 years

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Argentina, Chile, Morocco, USA, Czech Republic

Which was your favorite and why? Argentina and Chile. I loved the people and the scenery was simply amazing.

Why do you love being a digital nomad?

It gives me the freedom to travel and focus on the things that make me happy.

Fun tidbit about Aranzazu… I used to struggle to find free time when I was working at an office. Now, I am pursuing a BA in Psychology, I have learned to make my own pottery pieces and I have enough free time to study two more languages.

Interested in learning more? Check out Aranzazu’s website, The Nomad Words.

26. Online English Teacher

• What is an Online English Teacher? You will teach English via video chat to language learners around the world. You will work for a company — like one of these top companies for teaching English online — who places you with students so you don’t have to find them. They will even provide the lessons, making this one of the easiest jobs for native English speakers to get when they first start their Digital Nomad journey.

• How do Online English Teachers earn money? The platform you choose to work for will pay you based on the number of classes you teach. We’ve known many people who make a full-time living by teaching on VIPKID, and we used this platform to make a good and consistent living while we were traveling.

• Tips for getting started: Begin by reading up on our article all about teaching English with VIPKID (our recommended English-teaching company). If you qualify, start your application process right away! It will take at least a week for you to get through your interview process, but one you do, you can start earning up to $22 per hour from wherever you want!

27. Freelance Language Teacher

• What is a Freelance Language Teacher? Someone who teaches a language — any language! — to students online. You can target adult learners, children, or both! If you are working on a freelance basis, this means you must find your own students, or create a platform where they can find you!

• How do Freelance Language Teachers earn money? If you’re working on a freelance basis, you will come up with your rates per lesson as well as packages. You will be in charge of collecting payment from your students.

Language Teaching Expert: Bea Laszlo, from Hungary

Describe your job as a Language Teacher

I teach English, Spanish & Dutch online. My lessons are mostly one-to-one although sometimes I also do small group lessons. I work for myself so finding new students is the hardest part of it. The advantages are not having to adapt to any company/school, no boss but my own schedule, my own rates, so ultimately more freedom.

How Can Others Get Started As A Language Teacher?

First of all, if you are not a teacher, start with a TEFL course. It is only a month (very intensive month though) and totally worth your time and energy if you feel this could be something for you. Then I would suggest getting some practice teaching in person. At least a couple of students. I have 8 years of experience teaching in schools and private lessons, which is a great asset, but not absolutely necessary.

There is also a really helpful course on Udemy called “Teach English online: find students and start teaching now” if you are just starting out. Apart from the practical bit, if you like languages and different cultures, have good people skills, enjoy communicating, explaining and listening to others, it might be just the right thing for you!

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Mallorca, Spain / Berlin, Germany / Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand, & moving to Bali for a while just now.

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

Freedom, freedom, freedom… sometimes even too much!

Interested in learning more? Check out Bea’s website, Language Learning is Fun, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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Invent You Own Remote Job

If you read through this list of Digital Nomad Jobs and didn’t see any that piqued your interest, you might want to consider creating your own profession. That’s right — you can literally invent your own job.

Below, we’re even talking to some women who have built the job of their dreams without following any road map. Most of these jobs are ones that didn’t exist before they created them. Read about the inspiring way these women pinpointed their talents and passions, and created a career around them.

28. Language Mentor

Lýdia Machová from Slovakia

Lýdia’s story… I worked as a freelance conference interpreter but after a few years, I realized that this job would always be based on trading my time for money. Also, I wanted to make a difference and share my message with the world. So I decided to become an expert on how anyone can learn languages by themselves. Learning new languages was my greatest hobby and I spoke 6 at that time but I didn’t quite know how others can do the same.

Describe your job as a Language Mentor

I do online courses in which I explain methods to learn any language by yourself. I took my own language learning experience and that of many other polyglots (people who speak a lot of languages) and turned it into a systematically processed set of practical tips that anyone can follow. On top of the know-how courses, my team and I work with our VIP clients for two months to help them create their own learning plan and build up learning habits which they’ll be able to keep long-term. All our work is online and location-independent.

I had to learn everything about business from scratch. I had no idea about digital marketing, webinars, social media, conversion rates or content creation. But it is all out there, all you need is start reading and watching a lot of marketing tips and most of all, apply it in practice!

How Can Others Get Started In This Line Of Work?

Anyone can become an expert in an area they are naturally interested in, especially if they have already spent a lot of time learning about it. In the beginning, everybody thinks that they are not good enough and that they are starting way too late. I know I did. I was intimidated by other experts in the language learning industry. But you just have to start putting your content out there: videos, blog articles, Facebook posts, ebooks…

I recommend starting offline: organize a live seminar for 10-20 people in a local co-working space. You’ll see if people are interested in your topic and you’ll get invaluable feedback. If you see interest, create a simple website and offer a free ebook (just 3-5 pages long) that gives useful information in your expertise. You’ll start building your mailing list, which is the single most important asset in an expert business. You’ll learn everything else on the go! 

How long have you been a digital nomad? I’ve had my online business for 3 years but I’ve just started working from different countries this year.

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why do you like living in Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai is probably the easiest nomad destination to start. That’s why I picked it as my first one. The community there is amazing. The coworking spaces (my favorite one is Punspace) will help you get things done but also socialize after work. 

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

Freedom. You can spend your time where you like it most. I enjoyed every minute of sunshine in Thailand during the winter months in my home country. 

Interested in learning more? Find more of Lýdia’s work on her blog, Language Mentoring, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

29. Impact Design Strategist

Jessica Newfield, born in Los Angeles, California, but raised in Paris, France

I knew that I needed to create a career where I had the agency to choose my clients and colleagues, and to work on a diversity of purpose-driven initiatives that embodied my values, all while having the freedom to be location independent. 

I approached contacts and mentors I respected in my network and asked them for guidance on my professional development and referrals to potential clients I could start working with as a freelance strategy consultant. Bit by bit, I was able to build out my experience and take on new projects with nonprofits, social businesses, startups etc. I’ve been a full-time digital nomad now for the last 2 years.

Describe your job as an Impact Design Strategist

My goal as an impact design strategist is to equip all my clients with the right resources and tailored tools to implement innovative sustainability practices within their organizations and teams to better service their clients and communities. I believe that all organizations, without discrimination and regardless of sector, have the capacity to hire, create, and allocate knowledge and resources in a way that we can tackle together the largest social issues we face today. 

Some examples of the type of work I can be hired for: providing recommendations to organizations for improvements to their diversity & inclusion systems, advising on how to evaluate frameworks for community impact assessments in the context of technology testing, advocacy campaigns, curriculum adoption, governance issues, etc.

How Can Others Get Started In This Line Of Work?

There are an increasing amount of remote work opportunities in the social impact space. It’s an exciting time to explore new options as we witness social innovation emerging as a profitable and resilient sector.

Get involved in your local social innovation scene! Attend all the networking meetups, all the hack-a-thons, all the creative mornings, all the panel discussions. Volunteer or mentor at an incubator, or offer some pro-bono consulting to your local nonprofit. Above all else, share your work and passions with as many people as possible.

How long have you been a digital nomad? 2 years

Where have you lived as a digital nomad? Canada, US, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Portugal, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia, Morocco, South Africa, Madagascar, & Thailand.

Why do you love being a digital nomad/remote worker?

Because it allows me to be more intentional about work and which projects I invest my time in. I also get to visit my close friends that live in different parts of the world, and avoid the Canadian winter forever!

Fun tidbit about Jessica… Right now, I’m on a mission with some badass humans to reimagine the future of work and mission-led organizations. We’re working on building a global cooperative of social impact consultants.

Interested in learning more? Check out Jessica’s portfolio and follow her on Instagram.

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Helpful Resource for Digital Nomads

Whether you’re just getting started as a Digital Nomad *virtual high five*, or you’ve been at this for a while, this list of resources is GOLD.

There are many things on here that we’ve only just heard about. And other tips listed here have literally changed the way we work. do yourself a favor and take notes on the resources that sounds interesting to you!

Organization

• Notion: We just discovered this app and are obsessed! It allows us to map out content calendars, to-do lists. and assign each other tasks in an easy-to-look-at format (very important for me!). It even syncs to our phones which is pretty great. It is free to start with, but once you reach a certain threshold, it is a monthly fee. We find it totally worth it. —recommended by: Two Wandering Soles

• Airtable: This is my favorite online tool for organizing projects and creating content calendars. It is easy to use/learn and share with other collaborators such as clients. –recommended by Amanda Pointer, Social Media Manager

• Bear as a notes app which is synchronized to my phone. —recommended by: Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

• Trello as a project management tool and to keep track of lead generation. —recommended by: Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

• Later and Buffer to schedule social media posts and for analytics. —recommended by: Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

Further learning

• Skillshare: There are a ton of courses on writing on Skillshare on all sorts of topics. –recommended by Lara, Content Writer

• Facebook BluePrint: Free training from Facebook on how to run successful ad campaigns. –recommended by Sarah Gregg, Online Coach

• Google trends: Great for researching a topics popularity or to spot emerging trends. –recommended by Sarah Gregg, Online Coach

Books

• Best books to learn about the expert business: Expert Secrets and Dotcom Secrets both by Russel Brunson, and The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Burchard. –recommended by Lýdia Machová, Language Mentor

• You are a Badass at Making Money: This book really resonated with me and had me revaluate my relationship with money and my value. It is seriously inspiring and people of all walks of life can relate. It’s a super easy read! —recommended by Two Wandering Soles

• Get an Audible subscription! We always talk about how we want to read more, but we find it hard for us to carve out time to sit down with a book. We’ve been loving Audibles lately because we can listen on the go — when we’re walking places, during lunch, when we’re cooking breakfast! It feels like a life hack because it has allowed us to read so much more! Sign up on this link and new members get 2 free book downloads! And after that, it’s $14.95 per month, but you can cancel at any time. —recommended by Two Wandering Soles

Storage & Security

• Dropbox: Our online set up is essential to what we do, so we’ve got Dropbox for cloud storage plus an Office 365 subscription which includes OneDrive and SharePoint to make sure if a laptop fails our client files are easy to get access to. –Penni Pickering, Website Designer

• NordVPN for public internet security (such as the MANY wonderful co-working spaces and coffee shops) and encrypt our devices. –Penni Pickering, Website Designer

• Last Pass to securely share login details of myself and clients. —Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

Taking care of Business

• Zoom: Free video calling software, perfect for scheduling and recording client calls.-recommended by Sarah Gregg, Online Coach

• Toggl to track my working hours and how much time I spend on which client. —Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

• Typeform to create a questionnaire before jumping on a call with a new client. —Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

• Zervant to write invoices. —Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

Everyone Can Use These

• Grammarly: Very useful spelling and grammar Chrome extension. As a writer, you want to make sure you double check your spelling and grammar. –recommended by Lara, Content Writer

• Make sure your phone is unlocked so you can purchase local SIM cards for cheap data. – recommended by Penni Pickering, Website Designer

• Canva: Knowing how to make light graphics is an important skill for so many jobs. Canva is a free tool and they have great free tutorials on their site! —recommended by Esther Inman, VA

• Travel Insurance: We never leave the US without travel insurance. We have a yearly travel insurance policy through Allianz Travel. We’ve found it is more affordable than other policies for similar coverage.

Mindfulness

• Headspace is a meditation app that we love. We try to start each work day with a work out and then 10 minutes of guided meditation followed by hot lemon water, and it is amazing how that routine sets up up for a successful day. –recommended by Two Wandering Soles

• Momentum as a desktop plugin to set my daily focus. —recommended by Christina Spoerer, Digital Marketing

Facebook groups

• Remote Like Me Facebook Community: This group is run by my good friend Taylor who helps girls land remote jobs. She was also a guest on my podcast, she’s great at what she does! –recommended by Lynn Hulver, Remote Fitness Coach

• The Female Digital Nomad Facebook Group has been a great resource. While I don’t believe I’ve ever found work through there, it’s definitely a good sounding board if I ever have questions on things—from reasonable client rates to the best co-working places in Chiang Mai. —recommended by Ashley, Digital Marketing Consultant

• If you’re a lady, I highly recommend the She Hit Refresh Facebook group (the Workationing group is a great resource, too). In general, Facebook groups are where it’s at for DNs – if you search for nomad groups in the cities you’ll be headed to, you can pre-connect and network before you get there. There are often fun outings organized by group members, too. –recommended by Kari DePhillips, SEO

Nomad Websites & Apps

• Nomad List: This website that allows you to find out more about potential locations before you have actually been to them. —recommended by Aranzazu Sánchez, Freelance Translator

• Work Hard Anywhere: a really great app for finding laptop friendly cafes and coworking spaces in any city! —recommended by Jennifer Rae, Graphic Designer

Gear

• Thule Laptop Case: This is a super durable case that is drop-proof and water resistant. Our jobs depend on our laptops, so we make sure they are protected. We carry them around quite a bit to cafes and coworking spaces and on our travels, so we want to be extra careful. Ben and I both have this case, and it has lasted years! –recommended by Two Wandering Soles

• Spending hours behind your laptop can be a strain on your body. Purchase a laptop stand/back support to ensure you can work comfortably no matter where you are. —recommended by Jennifer Rae, Graphic Designer

• Pretty notebook + nice pens: Even though I work on my computer, I love the act of actually writing notes down on paper, especially when I’m brainstorming or sketching out designs. And it’s helpful if it’s all in one place instead of on a ton of Post-it notes (definitely used to do that!). It might sound silly, but I’ve also found I enjoy it more when I use a notebook I really love and nice pens. –recommended by Two Wandering Soles

• Active noise canceling headphones: These can be a life saver in coworking spaces and long flights. Some brands can be quite expensive, but this pair Ben just bought is pretty affordable and he loves them! –recommended by Two Wandering Soles

Words of Advice from Digital Nomads

Taking the leap to become location independent is exciting, but it can also be scary. We’ve been there. And so have all the women interviewed in this article.

We asked them to share some sage words of advice for those of you who are considering the journey to become a digital nomad.

Here’s what they had to say:

“Build a business in an area you are passionate about – when you love what you do, it’s easier to find the courage, patience and persistence you’ll need on this journey.” —Sarah Gregg, Online Coach

“Just go for it! You don’t need to have all the skills and knowledge to get started. You don’t need the perfect website (believe me it will never be perfect, websites are constant works in progress). Also, be money smart about it. Do you have the budget to take the leap and be OK for 6 months or a year? Go for it. If not, you might want to start with a side hustle instead of jumping into the deep.” —Lara, Content Writer

“Just do it! You can figure out the rest as you go. You will surely find that you are no longer attached to those material possessions that you thought would be hard to leave behind. You may even find you save money by living on the road and not having so many set monthly expenses.” —Amanda Pointer, Social Media Manager

“I’d suggest that you start building your business while still at home. Don’t just buy your ticket and hope you’ll figure everything out. There will be far too many distractions in a new place. Have at least something ready, such as your website or your first product. And secondly, give yourself deadlines. Don’t wait till your product is perfect, till the website is complete, till you have 10 articles on your blog.

I promised myself that my website with the first product (a live seminar) would be online on my 27th birthday, and it was. Before that day, I spent many days (and several nights!) working hard on preparing everything, and the website was far from perfect, but the deadline forced me to go out there and start offering my know-how.” —Lýdia Machová, Language Mentor

“If you want to create this lifestyle for yourself, take your time to come up with a strategy. Becoming a nomad is easy, being able to do it long-term is hard.” —Aranzazu Sánchez, Freelance Translator

“1. Get clear on what you want. There are so many ways to make this lifestyle a reality, so don’t just grab the first thing you find (like I did….whoops). Figure out what you would actually enjoy doing, and then find out ways to make it happen. Anything you can do in an office you can do as a digital nomad!!!

2. Join FB Groups for networking, but don’t get caught up in trying to get all the answers from other people. Use it as inspiration, but be proactive and do your homework (Google is King). You can find all the answers you need on Google.

3. Find someone who has what you want, specifically in terms of work & lifestyle. Message them and ask if they could give you some practical tips or advice. Most people are more than willing to help out if you ask them!” –Lynn Hulver, Remote Fitness Coach

“Becoming a digital nomad in not rocket science. You will be surprised how you can easily become a digital nomad with the profession or the skills that you already have. Also, find someone that inspires you. This will help you realize being a digital nomad is possible.” –Evy Hopman, Photographer 

“Don’t over plan your route. If you book every single flight before you leave home you might end up stuck somewhere you hate, or wishing you could stay longer in somewhere you love. Personally I wish I’d not booked internal flights in Thailand as I wasn’t a huge fan of Chiang Mai (I’m not a city girl), but Koh Phangan is my new favorite place so far on our travels.” –Penni Pickering, Website Designer

“Stop thinking of yourself as a freelancer or contractor—think of yourself as a business. Make a name, register an LLC, establish “guidelines” for how you run your business if it helps. This will help you (especially as a woman) to ask for more money, stricter client contracts, etc. Speaking of client contracts—get all payment agreements in writing!” — Ashley Uzer, Digital Marketing Consultant

“Just try it and embrace the digital nomad experiences, even when it’s not the great one. Live the moment, make it count, strive to improve and get better results every time. You’ll get there before you know it!” —Febriana Isnaini, Entrepreneur

Take the leap and don’t doubt yourself! There will never be the “perfect time” to follow your dreams. Look at joining up with coworking/digital nomad groups to give yourself a base to work and network from and make new friends. —Jennifer Rae, Graphic Designer

“The best advice I can give to hopeful digital nomads is not to be afraid to reach out. Whether it is to get advice from someone who is doing exactly what you want to do or to a potential client. The worst thing that can happen is you get told no, but remember- all those no’s will lead you closer to a yes. You’ll never get what you want if you don’t ask for it!” —Debbie Arcangeles, Podcaster

JUST START. Focusing on the bills, the house, the lack of remote job, the dog, the kids, etc. isn’t how any of us got to where we are now. Focus on the solutions. You know tons of people are doing this so they’ve clearly figured it out, that means you can too! —Esther Inman, Virtual Assistant

“Don’t worry or plan too much, just go for it and if it’s meant to be your path, it will work out. Be patient and perseverant though – it is not all going to happen magically right away.” —Bea Laszlo, Language Teacher

You will face challenges. First, spend time to get to know yourself and whether you want to build your online work, travel, or both. Be really honest with yourself and you’ll be able to focus on what matters to you and have the best experience. —Gabby Wallace, YouTuber

“DO NOT ditch your life to become a nomad unless you already have a consistent stream of revenue coming in. I’ve seen too many cry threads on Reddit from people who took a dropshipping course and thought they’d “figure it out when they got there” to count. You don’t want to get stranded in Chiang Mai (or wherever).

Also – just get started. Want to ditch your desk job? Start looking for freelance gigs. Build a portfolio. Work toward that goal in some way every single day, even if you just put 5 minutes toward it. Improve your skill set, charge more over time, and level up your side hustle until it can become your primary source of income. It’s not that hard, it just takes work and commitment.” —Kari DePhillips, SEO

You will work more as a digital nomad than you do in a more traditional profession. This is not a 9-5 job, and you’ll find yourself working into the wee hours of the morning constantly. Have some time for you where you shut off or disconnect, and try to see the world with your own two eyes as opposed to through a screen. –Jen Ruiz, Self-published Amazon Author

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Are you interested in living the digital nomad lifestyle?

We have TONS of resources on working remotely and traveling as a digital nomad. Check out our Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• How to Become a Digital Nomad: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Best Cities for Digital Nomads Around the World

• The Ultimate Gear Guide for Digital Nomads

• Legit Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money Online — Now!

Save this HUGE list of Remote Jobs for later on Pinterest!

We want to hear from you!

What job is most exciting to you? Are there any you’ve never heard of before? Whose story inspired you most? Comment below with any questions you have about the journey to becoming a Digital Nomad and we’ll see if we can help!

Are YOU a Digital Nomad? Don’t see your job listed in this article? Shoot us an email with the Subject: “Digital Nomad Job”, and we’ll get back to you about how to contribute! (Note: For this article, we are only featuring women.)