“Location independent” means being able to travel, live and work anywhere in the world. It’s like having your own home office but with no permanent address. So, how would you know if the location independent lifestyle is for you? And if you decide to become a digital nomad (another common term), where should you start? Let’s find out.
Location Independent Lifestyle: Too Good To Be True?
Living the location independent lifestyle sounds cool. You get to work in the most hidden corners of the earth while meeting people from different cultures, indulging in locally made delicacies, enjoying nature, and having a good time in the big city life. However, it’s not meant for everyone.
It takes time and effort in order to find a good place you can call home for a little while. So, here are some guidelines for anyone who’s considering a location independent lifestyle.
Find a Job or Start an Online Business
Thanks to WiFi, many companies hire without ever meeting their employee. Look for a remote job online and start building your portfolio. It’s a highly competitive market, so you need to have faith in yourself and be patient in order for you to succeed in this transition. Alternatively, you can also start an online business and work for yourself.
There are many occupations you can do while traveling all over the world. You can be a photographer, translator, blogger, online interior designer; the list is rather long and full of variety.
Give It a Try
Plan your trip and the places you want to visit in 4-6 weeks. When you are on your own, which is a million miles away from home and friends, you’ll soon discover if you can turn this adventure into something permanent or not. It is always better to travel with a friend or a partner, but still, you will get nostalgic and lonely.
This isn’t a school test, so you cannot fail. You can try and see if you are made for this lifestyle.
Learn What You Can
First, pick countries with a language you are familiar with. Learn all about travel insurance, visas, bank accounts and taxes; all paperwork should be done before you start your journey.
Start exploring cultures and regulations of the countries you are going to visit. Book a room with WiFi and start packing.
Travel Lightly
In order to get some additional money, you can sell some of your possessions or you can just donate them. You need to travel as lightly as possible; with your laptop, mobile phone, some clothes, and your passport.
Find Your Rhythm
Don’t try to see the world in a month or so. Take your time and get to know every place you visit, while having the time to work.
The great thing about being a digital nomad is that if you are not too fond of the place, you move on. Similarly, if you do fall in love with a place, you can stay longer or come back soon.
It’s Okay to Be Scared
Whether you’re a male or female, it doesn’t matter how old you are or where you come from, fear is going to get you. But as long as your excitement is bigger than your fear, then you will be fine.
There is A Life In between
You can keep your place and travel. Since accommodation is one of the biggest issue (money wise), you can have your place rented or find a trusted house sitter. Digital nomads don’t have one address, but you can still travel and have a base-like place.
This adventure will turn into a lifestyle once you stop thinking about your hometown as your own and accept that you are now a citizen of the world. Check out the Nomad List website and start planning.
Contact location-independent bloggers and vloggers, tell your plans to your loved ones and don’t take any drastic measures before the trial run (do not sell your house or your car). Remember, you are not just moving abroad, you’re becoming location independent, which is on a completely different level.
