Work Your Way Around The World: The Digital Nomad Revolution
Save up enough money to quit your job and travel the world? Unlikely. (Although we’re rooting for you!). How about travelling the world while keeping your day job, then? Now, there’s an idea…
Working and travelling at the same time may sound like a pipe dream, but it's actually quite possible, thanks to the rise of remote work. This style of travel has become particularly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and seems to be here to stay. If you have a laptop or other device with internet access, plus the permission of your boss (or a reliable pipeline of clientele if you're a freelancer), you can easily work while you travel. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you're productive and efficient while working on the go.
Make sure you’ve got what it takes.
Working remotely full time can be a great opportunity to live in a new country and explore a new culture. However, it's important to remember that simply going to a new country won't necessarily change your life. It's important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the transition, and to seek out relationships with people who you mesh well with.
There are many people who feel that they need to commit to an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to work and travel. However, this is not always the best option for everyone. For some people, a work-travel program that lasts for a year or a few months can be the perfect way to experiment with this lifestyle. This can help them gain invaluable experiences, make deep friendships, and learn more about the world around them, without actually emigrating (or selling everything they own!).
Secure your income.
If you're hoping to convince your boss to let you work remotely while you travel, you'll need to do your homework and present a well-thought-out case. Do your research and have a solid strategy. Plot out every detail of your itinerary and have a backup plan in case your boss has questions or concerns. Be prepared to explain how working remotely will benefit both you and the company. Try to minimise the potential disruptions to your work schedule. If possible, offer to stay available during your company's normal business hours, even if this means working odd hours in your remote location.
Freelancing can be a great way to create the freedom to work and travel on your own terms, but it can also be a huge risk if steady income dries up. That's why the age-old practice of networking is so important for freelancers. Always be open to new work opportunities and talk to people about what you're doing (and what they're doing). By building up a strong network of contacts, you can make sure that you always have potential work lined up, even if some of your current projects fall through. Joining a great co-working space is a brilliant way to expand your network - but more on that later.
Work hard, play hard, repeat.
Although it can be difficult to focus on work when you’re in a new country, it is possible to manage if you’re a dedicated remote worker. It’s important to cultivate self-discipline and use your time efficiently to be successful. This can be difficult to do when there are so many new people and experiences around you, but it’s totally possible with a bit of effort.
Our advice? If you want to make the most of your time in a new city, try to schedule your work in short bursts instead of trying to do it all at once. That way, you'll have more time to explore and enjoy your surroundings. For example, you could work for two hours in the morning and four hours in the evening, with an afternoon of sightseeing in between, instead of trying to cram a full day of work into one continuous stretch.
Find the right space to work from.
This goes without saying, but you’re probably not going to get much done if you’re trying to work on a beach (sand in your keyboard is NOT a vibe) or a busy public space with the world’s slowest WiFi. What you need is a dedicated co-working space, complete with hot desks, private boardrooms and speedy internet access. Bonus points if there’s coffee. Co-working spaces have been helping digital nomads achieve their dreams for years now, and almost every major city in the world has at least one of these innovative locations on offer. Do your research and find a workspace that has the package you need (e.g. a hot desk for a day vs. a private office for a month).
Visiting Cape Town? We’ve got just the place for you to work from. In fact, we offer not one, but two connected workspaces that are built for collaboration and productivity. Find out everything you need to know here.
Happy digital nomad-ing ✌️