With the rise of remote work over the past few years, more people than ever are considering becoming digital nomads – working remotely while traveling the world. The idea of working from exotic beaches in Thailand or cozy cafes in Europe is certainly appealing. But is it realistic to work a remote job from anywhere in the world?
The short answer is yes, it is absolutely possible for many remote workers to do their jobs from anywhere with an internet connection. However, there are some important factors to consider before becoming a globetrotting remote employee.
What types of jobs allow remote work from anywhere?
The most common remote jobs that can be done from anywhere include:
- Software engineers and developers
- IT professionals
- Designers and creatives
- Writers and content creators
- Customer service representatives
- Virtual assistants
- Social media managers
- Online teachers and tutors
Jobs that require extensive collaboration, equipment, or resources that are only available locally tend to not work well for the digital nomad lifestyle. But many technology, creative, and service-based roles can be done entirely online from anywhere with an internet connection.
What are the benefits of being a location independent remote worker?
There are many alluring benefits to the location independent or ‘work from anywhere’ remote work lifestyle:
- Travel and live anywhere – With just a laptop and internet connection, many remote jobs allow you to travel to and live in destinations around the world while continuing to work.
- Experience new cultures – Slow travel while working remotely provides opportunities to truly immerse yourself in new cultures and destinations.
- Adventure – Working remotely opens up opportunities for various adventures in your free time – from surfing to jungle treks.
- Lower cost of living – Choosing to live and work remotely from less expensive destinations can significantly lower living costs.
- Healthier lifestyle – The flexibility to choose your own work/life balance and surroundings can enable increased health and happiness.
The freedom and flexibility provided by location independent remote jobs allows workers to create a customize lifestyle perfectly tailored to their needs and dreams. Who wouldn’t want to work from a penthouse in Thailand or a cottage in the Scottish highlands?
What challenges should be considered?
Despite the many upsides, working remotely while traveling long-term also comes with some potential challenges:
- Obtaining visas/work permits – Some countries limit the amount of time visitors can stay or require a work visa/permit for remote work.
- Time zone differences – Coordinating with team members in different time zones can require compromising on work hours.
- Language barriers – Language differences could impact day-to-day life while working in foreign countries.
- Weak infrastructure – Unreliable power, internet connectivity, etc. can disrupt remote work in some regions.
- Isolation – Frequent travel and lack of routine can lead to difficulties establishing community/friendships.
- Travel costs – Frequent relocation and international travel can be pricey, offsetting lower living costs.
While these challenges should not necessarily prevent you from becoming a digital nomad, they are important to seriously consider and prepare for. Some planning and compromising will likely be required to create a sustainable location independent remote work lifestyle.
What jobs offer the most travel freedom and flexibility?
The most digitally nomad friendly remote jobs include:
| Job | Travel Freedom Description |
|---|---|
| Freelance Web Developer | Can work from anywhere with a laptop and internet connection. Short-term contracts allow for flexibility. |
| Freelance Writer | Writing work can be done from anywhere. Writers can choose contracts with flexible deadlines. |
| Online ESL Teacher | Teach English online to students across the world. Flexible schedules and ability to set own hours. |
| Social Media Manager | Managing social accounts can be done remotely from anywhere. Flexibility to choose own workload and clients. |
These location independent jobs provide both the remote work flexibility to travel frequently and also control over workload/schedule. For digital nomads, having control over their schedule is just as important as being able to work remotely in allowing for a successful traveling lifestyle.
Tips for assessing job travel freedom
When evaluating potential remote jobs for travel freedom, consider:
- Does the job allow you to fully work remotely or do periods of time in a main office location?
- How flexible is the schedule and workload? Can you choose your own clients/projects?
- Is the work largely independent or are there required team meetings/collaborations?
- Are there long-term client contracts or commitments that limit ability to travel frequently?
Jobs that provide the highest amount of control, independence, and flexibility will make travel easy. Some restrictions may still apply, but overall the most freedom.
What skills are most in-demand for remote work?
While remote work has expanded to many different fields, there are some key in-demand skills most sought after by employers:
- Technical skills – Such as software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity. Technical skills allow for fully remote technology occupations.
- Digital marketing skills – Including search engine optimization, social media marketing, pay-per-click. Can be implemented remotely.
- Writing and communication skills – Strong writing and communication skills enable freelance writing/marketing work remotely.
- Specialized expertise – Law, medicine, engineering, finance. Consultants with specialized expertise can often work remotely.
- Project management skills – Important for finding remote work in managing projects, teams, and workflows.
Developing expertise in certain technical, digital, and specialized skill areas can open up the most opportunities for secure long-term remote employment that facilitates a nomadic lifestyle. Focusing your skills in these in-demand areas will make you a competitive remote job candidate.
Soft skills also essential for remote work success
In additional to technical hard skills, strong soft skills also play an important role in thriving as a remote worker including:
- Self-motivation and discipline
- Ability to work independently
- Task and time management abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Comfort with technology and digital tools
Mastering both the technical skills required for your profession and these soft skills that enable success as an independent remote worker is key to unlocking the freedom of work and travel.
What are top remote worker destinations?
While literally hundreds of destinations around the world are welcoming remote workers, some of the top digital nomad hotspots include:
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| Thailand | Low cost of living and beautiful beaches. Popular locations like Chiang Mai and Bangkok. |
| Mexico | Close to the US with affordable cosmopolitan cities like Mexico City and beach destinations like Playa del Carmen. |
| Portugal | Welcoming culture and charming Mediterranean landscapes. Remote worker visas available. |
| Czech Republic | Stunning European city Prague with digital nomad visa program launching in 2021. |
Other sought after remote work destinations include Bali, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, Japan, and many more. When selecting your ideal work/travel destination, consider things like visa requirements, cost of living, infrastructure, and language.
Resources for finding top remote work cities
Great resources for discovering the best places to temporarily live and work remotely include:
- Nomad List – Details on cost of living, internet speeds, weather, and other factors.
- CodersTrust – Compiles remote work guides for top cities around the world.
- Anyplace – Remote work space listings and city guides.
- Teleport Cities – Information on quality of life, job opportunities, and details on major global cities.
There are countless incredible destinations around the world welcoming digital nomads. Do your research to find the perfect places to create your ideal remote work lifestyle.
How can you find remote jobs that allow work from anywhere?
Some strategies for finding location independent remote work include:
- Use remote job boards like FlexJobs, Remote OK, and We Work Remotely.
- Search LinkedIn for remote openings and location “anywhere”.
- Join Facebook groups dedicated to digital nomads and remote work.
- Build a stand-out portfolio and LinkedIn profile highlighting your skills and experience.
- Cold pitch companies proposing a remote working relationship.
- Find freelance clients through Upwork, Fiverr, and other marketplaces.
Job search sites, social networks, and freelance marketplaces can all be leveraged to connect with remote employers open to applicants worldwide. Building authority as a skilled remote worker through online profiles and portfolios helps attract client attention when applying and pitching remotely.
What are the keys to successfully working while frequently traveling?
Some best practices for succeeding as a traveling remote worker include:
- Maintain a consistent morning routine – To stay productive regardless of location.
- Have a dedicated travel workspace – Either a co-working space or compact portable setup.
- Take advantage of time differences – Shift hours to accommodate colleagues in different time zones.
- Utilize productivity methods – Like time blocking to maximize focus.
- Limit distractions – Remove tempting distractions from your work environment.
- Communication discipline – Be transparent with your availability and stick to core hours.
Having strong routines and habits despite frequent relocation and time zone changes is key. But also taking advantage of schedule flexibility working remotely affords. Finding this balance enables maintaining productivity, focus, and collaboration even when work location is always changing.
Conclusion
While working a remote job from exotic destinations around the world certainly sounds idyllic, it does require careful consideration, planning, and preparation. But for remote professionals who invest in the right skills, secure location independent roles, and implement successful remote work strategies, your office can essentially be anywhere you want it to be. With a little effort, the digital nomad lifestyle letting you explore the world while working remotely is absolutely attainable for today’s global remote workforce.
