3 Steps to Become a Digital Nomad

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while travelling. They rely on technology and the internet to earn a living. These adventurous individuals often have minimal possessions and work from various locations, such as temporary housing, hotels, cafes, or co-working spaces. Whether it’s typing away on a tropical beach or exploring new cities, the freedom is indeed enticing!

If you’re curious about the origins, one of the first digital nomads was Steven K. Roberts, who rode over 10,000 miles across America on a computerised recumbent bicycle in the 1980s, using amateur radio and other equipment to work on the movie. Since then, the digital nomad lifestyle has grown, and today, millions of people embrace this flexible way of working and living.

No manager breathing down your neck or complaining when you arrive late!  Sounds great, right? Becoming a digital nomad gives you agency.

Well, this is my aim. Maybe you have read the “About Me” page, so now you have a good idea of who I am and what I am trying to change in my life. One of the best bits of advice I ever received in the military was: “If you don’t like something, don’t whine about it.  Get yourself in a position where you can change it”.

Below are 5 steps to become a digital nomad I am taking. The following articles will expand on each subject area, but you should get a good idea below.

1. Assess Your Skills and Job Options

Identify skills that can be leveraged in remote work, such as writing, programming, graphic design, digital marketing, or customer service.

Research and seek out remote job opportunities on platforms like Upwork, Remote.co, or LinkedIn. Two areas that continue to grow are teaching English and Instructional Design.

Teach English online

There is a massive call for people who can teach English online. If you are young and want to travel and explore the world, especially in the Far East, this could be the answer.  Plenty of online companies offer “TEFL” (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualifications, just as many agencies are looking for “TEFL” qualified people. So be careful when selecting a company that will give you a recognised qualification.

So, get yourself qualified. If you are young, energetic, and like working with kids, then you are one qualification away from an incredible digital nomad adventure in the Orient.

I qualified at level 5, so I could also teach business English.  There is a vast difference between the typical English language taught in schools and what I call “Conversational” English.  I am qualified to teach businessmen “Conversational” English that they can use in their day-to-day business activities.

Become an Instructional Designer

Instructional design, also known as instructional systems design (ISD), is a strategic process for creating effective learning experiences. It encompasses the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional materials, both digital and physical. The goal is to facilitate efficient and engaging knowledge acquisition. Instructional designers collaborate with subject matter experts, define clear learning objectives, and apply established learning theories and design principles. Ultimately, instructional design aims to enhance learning outcomes and student success.

Here is a breakdown of considerations if you want to become an instructional designer.

a. Learn the Theory

Instructional design is more than just creating PowerPoint slides. It’s a science that combines psychology, education, and technology. Start by understanding key instructional design theories and frameworks, such as:

• ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation): This systematic approach guides the entire instructional design process.
• Bloom’s Taxonomy: Learn about the different levels of learning objectives, from basic knowledge recall to critical thinking.
• Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction: Explore the essential elements for effective learning experiences.

b. Develop Technical Skills

As an instructional designer, you’ll work with various tools and software. Familiarise yourself with:

• eLearning Authoring Tools: These tools help you create interactive online courses. Examples include Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Camtasia.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Understand how LMS platforms work, as they are essential for delivering and managing online courses.

c. Build Essential Skills

Beyond theory and technology, focus on these critical skills:

• Curriculum Design: Learn how to structure learning content effectively. Understand the importance of learning objectives, assessments, and sequencing.
• Visual Design: Create visually appealing materials. Understand colour theory, typography, and layout design.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Explore methods for assessing learner performance and evaluating the effectiveness of your instructional materials.

d. Create a Portfolio

Showcase your skills by building an impressive portfolio. Include samples of your work, such as:

• eLearning Modules: Demonstrate your ability to create engaging online courses.
• Training Materials: Share instructional guides, job aids, and other resources you’ve designed.

e. Apply for Jobs

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge and skills, start applying for instructional design positions. Look for opportunities in:

• Education: Schools, colleges, and universities often hire instructional designers.
• Corporate Training: Many companies need instructional designers to develop employee training programs.
• Healthcare, Nonprofits, and Government: Explore diverse sectors where instructional design expertise is in demand.

Remember, instructional design is a rewarding field that allows you to make a positive impact on learners’ lives. So, take the first step, learn, create, and embark on an exciting career journey!

2. Secure Stable Remote Income

Find a remote job, freelance gigs, or create a business that ensures consistent income.

Budget for startup and ongoing expenses to estimate how much income you’ll need to support your lifestyle.

Make sure your equipment is reliable and will last. There is no point arriving at your destination and your laptop dies within a month.

3. Becoming self-employed

The biggest step of all is having the courage to make the jump into self-employed status as a digital nomad.  It is always simpler to work for someone else.  You go to work, do your job and get paid. All you worry about is paying your bills and doing a good job.

If you are single, I think this step is a little easier, especially if you have the chance to lean on mum and dad for a while during the initial months of getting yourself set up.  If, however, you have responsibilities, it will take more planning and a lot more courage.

Some of my friends who ended up self-employed and doing very well will admit the only reason they did it was through either redundancy or another reason where they lost their job and technically had no choice.  Had this not happened, they would more than likely still be working for the “man”.

As you come on this becoming a digital nomad journey with me, you will see me plan this step as I have responsibilities and cannot just take the dive.  But you will see how I build up to it and maybe even join me as we put the pieces of the puzzle in place.