The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our perception of work forever. Now, that’s not a bad thing, if you think of all the benefits it brought to the labour force: flexibility, better work-life balance, it even introduced a new concept- digital nomads. If you ever dreamed of logging in for work from a cabin (with a good internet connection) on the highest mountain peak or from a stylish hotel room on the French Riviera? If yes, becoming a digital nomad might just be a dream come true.
In this article, we uncover what digital nomads are and how you could become one yourself, what jobs suit the profile and how you can thrive in the “gig economy”.
What are digital nomads?
As the name evocatively suggests, digital nomads are professionals who decided to work remotely while wandering around the world. The only job requirement is a reliable internet connection. Finally, you can work from anywhere in the world, and enjoy the freedom you’ve always craved.
Digital nomads choose their destinations as they please; the only thing that matters is getting the job done. How or where you do it from is entirely up to you!
What are the most common gigs for digital nomads?
Technology and the web space offer you the possibility to work and explore the world’s wonders at the same time. With more and more companies favouring remote working and start-ups even encouraging people to chase their work-from-anywhere dream, being a digital nomad is a career path to follow.
Some of the most common jobs you can do as a digital nomad are:
- Digital marketing specialist (SEO, Social Media Manager & Strategist, Copy & Content Writer, Copy Editor and the like)
- Web developer
- Web designer
- Foreign Language Tutor
- Consultant/Adviser
- Virtual assistant
- Freelance translator
- Influencer
- Email marketer
And the list can continue. Virtually any office job can be perfectly well done online. But how do you become a digital nomad?
How to become a digital nomad
In terms of taxation and payment chasing (that is if you’re juggling a few gigs), there may be a challenge. Yet, if you compare it with the benefit of breaking the 9 to 5 routine, it is worth the effort.
To become a digital nomad, you need to choose the destination where you’d picture yourself working from for say 1-2 years. Once you’ve figured that out, apply for the digital nomad visa or temporary residence permit in that country. And don’t forget to get a tax number too.
Countries like Portugal, Spain, the Cayman Islands and other exotic countries whose economy relies heavily on tourism suffered a massive blow during the pandemic. So, applying for a digital nomad visa in any of these countries is just right. We will tackle this topic in more detail in a future article. Keep an eye on us!
Meanwhile, let’s delve into payment handling as a digital nomad because you need to be paid for your work, right? Keep reading as we reveal the best solution for digital nomads yet.
Getting paid for your work. Go Zazoo!
Why Zazoo? What is it that makes it a great payment solution for digital nomads like you? Created for the gig economy, Zazoo lets you get paid seamlessly, wherever you are. Automating the tedious KYC processes, Zazoo gives you access to an EU IBAN account, so you can easily handle SEPA transfers in the same way you would using your “traditional” digital banking app. And just like your standard digital banking app, it comes with a branded MasterCard debit card. Feel free to check us out and open an account.
