We all want to live a happy and fulfilling life. So what happens when you are sitting at your office desk and realize this doesn’t cut it?
You look up how to land a remote job, but since you’ve been brainwashed into thinking you’ll fail if you don’t have an 8 to 5 job, you never really commit.
We are here to show you that you don’t have to jump ship yet.
Let’s show you how careful planning, preparation, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and opportunities will make your transition seamless.
Take that extra 10 minutes to ignore your boss today. It might be the last day you spend time waking up to beat the traffic. Here are the ins and outs of becoming a successful digital nomad in Kenya:
Who Is A Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad works remotely using technology, allowing them to travel and work from anywhere.
Imagine getting paid to be out of the office!
They prioritize freedom, flexibility, and new experiences and are not tied to a physical office.
Benefits Of Becoming A Digital Nomad
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You will immediately feel the difference once you embark on the digital nomad lifestyle. Traditional work has plenty of constraints.
From antiquated leadership to suffocating colleagues, you can easily lose your morale in an office. Find out below why you should become a digital nomad today. Here are four benefits of becoming a digital nomad:
1. Flexibility
You can work from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to travel and work on your schedule.
Whether you want to take breaks during the day to explore new destinations, work during non-traditional hours, or manage your workload in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Be Your Own Boss! No time limits, no bureaucracy, no pressure!
2. Cost Savings
You can save money on living expenses by choosing to work from countries with a lower cost of living. You’ll find most digital nomads in Nairobi or the Coast region, but your options aren’t limited. So, cast a wide net and explore different locations.
You can also remember daily transport costs—all the hustle of commuting in the morning and evening completely stricken off.
3. Increased Productivity
You’ll often report higher productivity and job satisfaction than traditional office workers.
This is probably because you get to work during your most productive hours. Also, working from home or in a coworking space can help you relax more, hence stimulating productivity.
4. Personal Growth
Living and working in new and unfamiliar environments can help you develop a sense of independence, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
You’ll also have more opportunities to learn new skills or pursue personal interests outside of work.
If all else fails, the constant exposure to new people, places, and experiences will broaden your perspective and enhance your creativity.
Downsides Of Becoming A Digital Nomad
As much as becoming a digital nomad has plenty of benefits, there are a few drawbacks. Here are some potential challenges you might face when you start your life as a digital nomad.
1. Lack of Stability
You may need more stability and consistency in your work and living arrangements. This can lead to uncertainty about your income, work projects, and living situation. So, if you prefer a structured and predictable routine, it’s best to break down your travels before becoming a fully-fledged digital nomad.
2. Social Isolation
You may experience feelings of loneliness or isolation due to the lack of regular social interaction with colleagues or friends.
This can be exacerbated by moving frequently to new locations and difficulty building lasting relationships in a transient lifestyle.
One of the digital nomads’ most significant pain points is finding long-term travel partners or friends.
3. Work-Life Balance
While the flexibility of remote work is a benefit, it can also blur the lines between work and personal life.
You may find it challenging to establish boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which can lead to burnout or other negative impacts on your mental health.
But you can learn this skill if you join the Digital Nomads Kenya community. There’s tons of advice and support to help you in your journey.
4. Technical Difficulties
Working remotely relies on technology; you may experience technical difficulties such as poor internet connectivity or malfunctions. This can disrupt your work and create additional stress.
9 Steps To Become A Digital Nomad
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Nothing good comes easy. Most remote workers had to part ways with stable incomes and accommodations to live a free life. You can do it too. Using these nine steps, you can easily launch your life as a digital nomad.
1. Identify Your Skill
By understanding your strengths and expertise, you can identify opportunities to work as a freelancer, consultant, or remote employee in writing, design, programming, or online marketing.
Additionally, by building a portfolio or online presence that showcases your skills, you can attract potential clients or employers and establish yourself as a reputable remote worker. Identifying your skills also enables you to develop a plan for building your career as a digital nomad and pursuing a lifestyle that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
2. Research On Jobs
By researching job boards and online platforms specializing in remote work, you can identify job opportunities that offer the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere in the world. You can also research companies and industries with a remote work culture and explore networking opportunities to connect with potential employers or clients.
Researching job opportunities can also help you understand the market demand for your skills and the compensation and benefits for remote work. By conducting thorough research, you can develop a plan for transitioning to remote work and pursuing a career as a digital nomad.
3. Quit Your 9 to 5
By leaving traditional employment, you can build your own business or work as a freelancer, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world.
This step requires careful planning, such as saving money to support yourself during the transition, establishing a client base or building a portfolio to showcase your skills, and having a backup plan if things do not work out.
Quitting your 9 to 5 job can also give you a sense of autonomy and control over your work-life balance, allowing you to pursue a lifestyle that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
4. Pick A Destination
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As a digital nomad, you can work from anywhere worldwide, but selecting destinations that align with your lifestyle and professional goals is essential. Factors to consider when choosing a destination include the cost of living, internet connectivity, visa requirements, safety, and cultural amenities.
By selecting a destination that fits your needs, you can create a comfortable and productive work environment and also have the opportunity to explore new cultures and experiences.
Additionally, selecting a destination can provide a sense of structure and routine, allowing you to establish a work-life balance that promotes productivity and personal growth.
5. Determine Your Budget
As a digital nomad, you may have irregular income streams, and it is vital to understand your cash flow and budget for expenses such as accommodation, travel, food, and entertainment.
By creating a budget, you can track your expenses and ensure you have enough money to support your needs and your desired lifestyle. Depending on your destination and work arrangements, you may also need to consider the cost of travel and visas, taxes, and travel insurance.
Additionally, having a budget can provide financial security and allow you to make strategic decisions about your career and personal life.
6. Optimize Digital Services
Digital services such as payment methods, banks, VPNs, virtual mailboxes, and accounting software can help you manage your finances, protect your data, and stay organized.
Payment methods and banks can provide you with the ability to transfer funds and access your money while abroad, while VPNs can ensure that your online activity is secure and private.
Virtual mailboxes can provide a physical address for receiving mail and packages, and accounting software can help you manage your finances and taxes remotely.
Optimizing these digital services allows you to work seamlessly and effectively as a digital nomad without worrying about security, privacy, or logistics.
8. Find Your Community
By joining a community, you can gain valuable insights into the digital nomad lifestyle, learn about the best tools and resources for remote work, and get advice on overcoming common challenges.
Additionally, being part of a community provides a sense of belonging and support, which can be particularly important when transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle. Whether through online forums, social media groups, or in-person meetups, finding your community can help you build a strong foundation for your digital nomad journey.
9. Build Your Savings
Digital nomads typically rely on their income streams, which can be unpredictable or fluctuate based on the projects they take on.
By having a solid savings cushion, you can weather any financial challenges that come your way, as well as cover your basic living expenses. At the same time, you establish your business or find remote work opportunities.
Moreover, savings also allow you to invest in your business or personal growth, such as learning new skills or attending networking events. Therefore, building your savings is critical to ensuring your success as a digital nomad.
10. Gather Your Resources
Gathering your resources is essential in becoming a digital nomad because it helps you prepare for this lifestyle’s practicalities and legal requirements. One crucial aspect is understanding tax obligations and filing requirements in your home country and the countries where you’ll be working and residing.
You may also need the appropriate visas or permits to live and work in certain countries. Health and travel insurance are also crucial to protect yourself from unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
It’s also important to gather resources to help you navigate challenges and opportunities, such as online tools for managing your finances, finding remote work opportunities, or connecting with other digital nomads.
Start Earning Remotely
Becoming a digital nomad can be a rewarding and fulfilling lifestyle choice for those who value flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to work and travel on their own terms. We are a company that can help you take the first step towards remote work by providing access to our job board with various remote job opportunities. With the right mindset, skills, and resources, you can become a successful digital nomad and enjoy a life of adventure and fulfillment.
Digital Nomads Kenya is a resource to help you make remote income, create a location-independent lifestyle, and achieve more freedom.
You’ll find insights and resources from Kenyan nomads already on the road while inspiring those considering a long-term nomadic lifestyle. We would like it to be a resource to help people get unstuck, avoid getting duped, and achieve the perfect work-life balance.
What can you expect from us? Tips and tricks to hack remote working, insight on earning remote working, and new information on the best destinations, co-working spaces, and accommodations around Kenya.
FAQ
Can I become a digital nomad if I have no experience?
Yes, you can become a digital nomad even if you have no experience. However, it’s essential to be willing to learn new skills and adapt to the challenges of remote work and nomadic living.
How do digital nomads make money?
Digital nomads make money through various remote work opportunities, including freelance writing, web development, virtual assistance, digital marketing, online tutoring, and e-commerce. They may also have passive income streams through investments or online businesses.
Is being a digital nomad worth it?
Being a digital nomad can be worth it if you value freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to travel and work from anywhere. However, it also has its challenges and requires careful planning and adaptability.
Do I need a course to become a digital nomad?
No, you don’t necessarily need a course to become a digital nomad. However, courses or training programs can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for remote work and entrepreneurship.