How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2024

alivewithad/ read time 10 mins

It is 2024, and everyone wants to be a Digital Nomad. The freedom to work from anywhere, the opportunity to explore the world, the infinite possibilities of meeting new people in new places- there’s so much that a digital nomad can experience in today’s time!

But very few know the complications that go into becoming a successful digital nomad.

In this 2nd edition, we will help you learn how to become a digital nomad in 2024.

Oh, well, in this second edition, I have collaborated with Bidisha Dutta, a personal brand strategist. 

Now, without wasting any more time, let’s jump straight to the details that you’ve been waiting for so long!

Who is a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are those people who say no to their 9-5 office chairs and choose every corner of the world as their chair. Some of them still do 9-5, but they can work on a remote basis. All they need is access to a laptop and a strong wi-fi. 

What qualities do you need to be a successful Digital Nomad?

It sounds so lucrative to “earn on the run”, but there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before you leap!

Here are a few qualities that you must have to work from any corner of this world: 

• Adaptability

The first and most important quality of becoming a digital nomad is always being ready to love uncertainty and adapt to any place. As you don’t know what you will eat tomorrow, whom you will meet tomorrow or which climate- there’s no stability.

So, the more adaptable you are, the higher the chances of you becoming a ‘successful’ digital nomad.

• Excellent communication skills

Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.”

– Gerald R. Ford, former United States president

According to a stat, there are an estimated 40 million digital nomads worldwide in 2024, with 17.3 million in the US alone.

So, if you are meeting new people in a foreign country or working on a project with your client thousands of miles away, a solid communication skill will make you far better than anyone else. 

• Self-dependency

When you choose a digital nomad life, you choose loneliness and living on your own. 

You have to be dependent on yourself for your everyday needs. From cooking and washing to finance, you need to be completely self-dependent. 

• Problem-solving Capability

Even if you’re living a simple life, you need to have a skill that can’t be changed, and that is problem-solving. Now, when you choose to move from one place to another while managing both work and life, problems are bound to arise. 

But a pro digital nomad never gives up. You gotta focus on the solutions rather than the problems. 

• Good planning 

When you consider yourself a traveller, you need to forget everything else and focus on planning; nothing will matter if you don’t make a plan. 

You need to have excellent planning skills to be a digital nomad. 

From luggage to itinerary, from work projects to deadlines- you need a failproof plan for every single thing. 

Here’s a pro tip: Always have a plan B ready!

Let’s say you are flying to a new city, but your flight gets delayed. In that case, you need to find something that can help you be safe in a new city. 

• Tech-savvy

As mentioned in the first edition, we discussed whether or not you should go for the digital nomad lifestyle or not.

You really need to ace the “digital” part of your nomadic lifestyle. 

The more you learn about new apps and software, the easier it will get for you to make the most out of your life.

Tools we recommend you use:

• Self-discipline

Since you are not restricted in a 9 to 5 routine, self-discipline is a must to keep you on track. If you are someone who hates discipline, this nomadic lifestyle is NOT for you. 

Better you leave it under the roof of your sweet house. 

Financial Planning and Budgeting

The Digital Nomad lifestyle always demands that you be sustainable, but this sustainability comes from good financial planning and budgeting. 

This includes not just daily living costs like food, accommodation, and transportation but also travel-related expenses such as flights, visas, and health insurance. 

Emergency Fund 

Before you choose to be a digital nomad, you have to have an emergency fund. The life of a digital nomad is full of uncertainty, and you don’t know what’s coming on your way. 

I would suggest you go with a simple Excel sheet to track your budget and use two bank accounts- one is for complete savings, and the other one is for investing or daily expenses. 

Right Destination 

It is not only about travelling or working. It is also about working or travelling from a place which is safe, affordable and has proper connectivity. 

In 2024, several cities and countries stand out as top choices for digital nomads. 

Places like Bali, Chiang Mai, Lisbon, Medellín, and Ho Chi Minh City offer affordable living costs, spirited communities, and excellent internet connectivity. 

Each destination has its unique appeal, cultural experiences and natural beauty. 

So, these places will align with your personal interests and work requirements.

Cultural Adaptation

It is always difficult to adapt to a new culture. But it is a vital part of being a digital nomad.

You have to research the local customs, etiquette, and language before you choose your destination. 

Even basic knowledge of the local language makes you more connected with the local community. 

Always embrace the local culture and be respectful of traditions for the best experience.

Safety and Accessibility

When you become a digital nomad, especially if you’re a girl, ensure that your chosen destination is safe and accessible. 

Check travel advisories, health and safety regulations, and local infrastructure. 

Check the availability of quality healthcare services and emergency facilities, as well as accessibility to amenities such as co-working spaces and reliable transportation. 

Work-Life Balance 

The biggest challenge of being a digital nomad is to balance work and travel, but you can follow these strategies to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance:

1. Setting Boundaries: 

Nothing comes close to a healthy boundary if you want to find a balance between your work and personal time. 

-> Designate specific work hours and stick to them, even if you're in a different time zone.

-> Create a dedicated workspace (I mean both offline and online, like ClickUp and a cafe).

->  Communicate your work schedule to friends and family to minimise interruptions.

2. Staying Healthy: 

There is a proverb that says what we eat, we become. 

When we choose to be a digital nomad, the most important thing that we should keep in mind is we go through constant changes in climate and cuisine, and that affects our health in the long run. 

It makes us tired and homesick. 

So, you need to work on your physical fitness and mental health actively and lead a healthy lifestyle. 

3. Building a Community: 

The best way to live is with a community that might be of help to cater to your needs. So, you need to find digital nomads and locals who can provide support. 

Join social media groups or attend local meetups to network with like-minded individuals. 

You can also build a community online by finding some digital nomads and creating a WhatsApp group and asking them, or you can keep adding fellow digital nomads. 

Wrapping Up

Well, this is all you need to become a digital nomad in 2024. 

Becoming a digital nomad is neither simple nor easy. But all you need is a mindset to do everything that comes your way. 

If you’re ready to take the challenges and live an ordinary life in an extraordinary way. 

Then, welcome to the Digital Nomad lifestyle. 

I will see you next week with another guide. Till then, byeeeee 👋🏻

Follow Anirban here → Anirban

Follow Bidisha here → Bidisha