As technology continues to evolve, the opportunity to work from anywhere has become easier
than ever, and because of that, it has become possible to start just about any type of business
as a traveling nomad. Whether you are starting your own podcast, a clothing company, or
anything in between, technology has allowed us to take our work on the road and build our own
brand from anywhere.
However, becoming a freelance nomad is not without its challenges, especially when you are
first starting out, but that is where we come in. If you are thinking about ditching the typical office
and taking your laptop out into the world, we have some great tips for how to manage your
work, make smart choices, and stay healthy along the way.
Be Smart About Travel
While some freelancers choose to travel 365 days a year and live out of a bus or van, many
others travel part of the time and return home to a house or apartment. If that is your situation,
then the first important tip is to secure your house during extended travel sessions. You can do
that by locking up all entrances, including the garage door, and consider installing a security
system that sends alerts to your cell phone if someone approaches a door. You should also
hide all valuables while you are away and pause your mail, so it doesn’t start piling up. By
securing your home, you won’t have to worry while you are on the road.
You will also need to be smart about the equipment you bring with you while you are out and
about so you can always be connected. It is a wise idea to pack at least one cell phone and
laptop charger, so you never run out of juice when you need it most. If you plan to leave the
country, make sure to also get an international power adapter. It is also a good idea to pack a
portable GPS so you have no problems getting from place to place.
On that note, before you depart, you should have a good plan as to the first couple of places
that you plan to stop during your travels. Whether that is a hotel, cafe, or coworking space.
Have the addresses available, so you don’t get lost. This is especially important if you are
planning to travel to a country that you have never been to before. Write down the address and
keep them on you at all times. Also, make sure to bring money that you can convert into the
local currency.
Stay Healthy
Working on the road can often be a great adventure, but sometimes, we get so wrapped up in
the excitement that we forget to practice self-care and prioritize our health. The last thing you
need is an unplanned illness that could cut your nomad career short. Start by getting enough
sleep. Even though you might be traveling, you still need to get your seven to nine hours of
shut-eye, so you can give your body time to heal, and you can wake up feeling refreshed and
ready to take on the day. Also, if you can start the day with 20 minutes of cardio, then you can
also remain in good physical shape.
Since your gaze will likely be glued to your laptop screen or the beautiful sights around you, it is
important that you are safe and take care of your eyes while traveling. That means wearing
sunglasses whenever you are outside and wearing a hat whenever possible to protect your
head and face. To avoid strain when looking at your computer, invest in a pair of blue light-
blocking glasses. These are typically very affordable, and they can be a lifesaver during those
big projects and 12-hour days.
You also need to prioritize your mental health. While seeing the amazing sights of the world is
fun, sometimes traveling solo can get lonely, and if you don’t keep in touch with others, then you
could start to feel isolated and depressed. To get the personal contact you need, make it a habit
to call home or reach out to a friend a couple of times per week. Also, consider taking your
laptop to a coworking space where you can be amongst other professionals and get the sense
of community that we all desire.
Time Management and Scheduling Are Key
When your job is completely remote, and you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder, it
can be easy to lose track of time or fall short of your responsibilities, and that is why good time
management is key for digital nomads. It is wise to organize your day by setting your working
hours and creating a schedule of which tasks you need to complete and when. It is easy to fall
into the habit of wanting to work when we want, but without a good structure, important tasks
can quickly fall to the wayside.
It is also essential to prioritize your tasks. Make a checklist and put the most pressing projects at
the start of your day, and once those are done, then you can check your phone and emails.
That way, you won’t get sidetracked and stretch yourself too thin amongst too many tasks.
Remember that you don’t always have to work nine-to-five. If you think that you perform better
in the early morning, then start your day then or work at night. Either way, set your schedule and
stick to it.
Finally, in order to ensure that you complete your work for any given day, it is essential that you
eliminate distractions. If you don’t need it for your job, then turn off your phone while you are at
work and avoid social media. Again, working out of a coworking space can help you to avoid
unnecessary distractions and stay focused on the tasks at hand. When the job is done, go out
and explore!
In the end, the life of a freelancing digital nomad is a very exciting one, but you still need
structure and the right tools to become a true success. Consider the tips mentioned here, and
you could have a fruitful and adventurous career.
Article written by Frankie Wallace