In-person work in the UK offers residents job security and predictable career progression. However, in many cases, these benefits don’t outweigh the tedium and burnout that can come from such roles. Burnout is often caused by ongoing, unmanaged stress and causes you to feel both physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Burnout is more common in full-time, in-person roles where workloads can be excessive and your schedule can feel out of your control. This is precisely the reason why many UK professionals swap the stress for the sunshine and relocate abroad for their new digital nomad life.
What is a Digital Nomad?
The phrase ‘Digital Nomad’ actually came from a Japanese technologist and a British author who named their 1990’s prophecy book after the phrase. The term is given to people who make the most of modern-day technology and work remotely while travelling around the globe. Contrary to what you might believe, most digital nomads still work standard hours and prioritise their careers just as they would in an in-person role.
Benefits of Becoming a Digital Nomad
As long as you have a stable internet connection, working as a digital nomad means you can work from anywhere in the world. But it’s not just the geographical location we’re referring to. Remote workers can choose to work from local cafés, hotels, shared workspaces and even motorhomes and campervans. This location freedom gives remote travellers the chance to visit places they’d never typically have the opportunity to see. For professionals in the UK, remote work opens up doors to travel to more distant locations like Australia and the USA, which are harder to visit when you’re tied to an office position in the UK.
Another appreciated benefit of the digital nomad life is the flexibility and freedom it allows you to have. While work still remains a priority, many digital nomads have embraced more flexible schedules, allowing them to enjoy life abroad while continuing to work productively. Today, there’s a long list of locations abroad that offer a lower cost of living compared to life in the UK. Relocating abroad can help digital nomads save money by living in more affordable places and reducing everyday costs.
Challenges Of Working Remotely Abroad
While the freedom and work-life balance of being a digital nomad are hard to beat, there are still several challenges that can discourage even the most enthusiastic travellers.
Work-Life Routine
During the first couple of months in particular, it can be difficult to balance work demands with personal hobbies and interests. As you can imagine, swapping office scenery for the sunny coastline can be hard to adjust to, especially if you’re moving locations frequently and want to make the most out of your time in each location.
Internet Access
A second hurdle that could stand in the way of you and your dream remote lifestyle is internet availability. We often take it for granted here in the UK, but super-fast and reliable internet connection is an absolute must if you’re planning on working remotely. The digital nomad movement has improved connectivity in popular hotspots over the years, but it’s still important to check the internet quality of any destination before you go.
Visa Application
Obtaining a work visa can be made simple if you’re happy to only stay in one location for a short period of time, usually between 30 and 90 days. But if you’re looking to stay in one location for a little while longer, you’d need to apply for a specialised Digital Nomad Visa in the area where you wish to stay. Every country’s application requirements are different. Spain, for example, prioritises proof of employment or a university degree, compared to Greece, who focus on monthly income and criminal history. If you’re a UK professional looking for support with your visa application, immigration solicitors in London are some of the most experienced with Digital Nomad Visas and can help you prepare and submit your application correctly.
How To Become a Digital Nomad
Hopefully, becoming aware of the challenges associated with the digital nomad life hasn’t put you off, and you’re ready to learn how to actually become one. Here’s what you need to get started with remote work.
A Secure Remote Income
Firstly, you need to make sure your current employer will allow you to work fully remotely. Some won’t, and in this case, you’ll need to factor in extra time to relocate to a new position. In doing so, you’ll also have to check your tax and employment status to make sure you’re eligible to work in your desired destination. Don’t feel like you’re alone in your job search. Specially set up job boards like FlexJobs can help you find permanent roles that are fully remote.
A Chosen Destination (or Two)
If you’re a passionate traveller, you’ll probably already have a good idea of the countries and areas you’d like to work remotely in. Before setting your heart on any of these locations, you should do plenty of research into everything it can – and can’t – offer you. This includes where it sits within your budget and even time differences, because time off work to move overseas isn’t always guaranteed. The destination you choose, although temporary, becomes your home for a period of time, so it’s important to pick one that offers a fulfilling life beyond work. Here are the most popular locations for a couple of different lifestyles you might enjoy:
- Nightlife and Entertainment – Medellin, Colombia or Bali, Indonesia.
- Slow Living – Chiang Mai, Thailand or Azores, Portugal
- Outdoors and Adventure – Queenstown, New Zealand or Banff, Canada
- Faced-Paced City Living – Dubai, UAE or Mexico City, Mexico
Travel Essentials
Packing to relocate overseas can be tricky if you’re doing it solo or if you’re trying to make it as cost-effective as possible. Before you even think about opening a suitcase, make sure you have reliable health and travel insurance. It’s likely that your standard travel insurance will need to be upgraded to cover international medical coverage. Once your insurance is safe and confirmed, you can begin to pack your remote work essentials. It’s better to pack light, so prioritise work necessities like a durable laptop and noise cancelling headphones.
The reality of becoming a digital nomad often involves an initial transition period where you might question your decision, but quick to follow is a dramatically transformed lifestyle that makes burnout feel like a distant memory. If you’re serious about starting a new life overseas, our best advice is to research like you’re a travel expert and be prepared to embrace the uncertainty – it will pay off.
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