(Photo courtesy of socialmonsters.org)
Finding a suitable place to rest your head was once a hassle. If you didn’t know somebody who had an open apartment or house to rent, you had to rely on a real estate agent or spend time calling up landlords all over town to ask about vacancies.
Websites like AirBnB, Furnished.com and Hostelworld have changed all that. These networks connect you with temporary-stay locations and make it easier than ever to live a life on the go. These digital nomads look at travel less like a once-a-year luxury and more like a lifestyle. They have harnessed the widespread availability of affordable places to stay and built a life that allows them to explore without worrying that they will ever be stranded. Gaining such freedom isn’t effortless, but it is achievable if you start to think differently.
Earning an Income
This is the biggest hurdle for most people because their salary is tied to a job that requires them to show up at a physical location. But this is shifting. Those in creative fields, especially bloggers, software developers and graphic designers, have realized that they can earn money while on the go. All it takes is a laptop, a few computer programs and Skype for the occasional phone meeting.
Although this may seem hard at first, you may be surprised by how quickly you can learn the requisite skills. Learn a computer coding language, take classes on Photoshop or start a travel blog. Monetizing those talents won’t happen overnight, but start with some freelance work on the weekend. You might be amazed at how quickly your new hobby can become your new job.
Changing Your Expectations
After you free yourself from the workplace shackles, your perspective will change. The freedom of not having a boss lessens your need for material purchases. This isn’t to say you have to give up everything, but try to think about how many of the things you buy are related to impulse buys and convenience. Instead of paying for dry cleaning or dinner out, you can save that money to travel and experience new things.
Moreover, you don’t need as much income if you spend time in countries where your money goes further. Nations like Peru and Portugal let you live on less in a month than you do in a big U.S. city in week. Change your latitude, and it will change your whole attitude.
Taking the Plunge
Whether you want to make the digital nomad lifestyle a long-term plan or a temporary escape, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Find a way to get a month or two away from your current job, and go explore somewhere that’s not too expensive. Before you leave, make sure to squirrel away a few thousand dollars for a plane ticket and the cost of living.
If you love it, then you can take the next steps to make it longer-term. If you don’t, you will still get an unforgettable time away from the stresses of current-day living.
