We have been digital nomads since 2013.
Here’s our 3-step guide on how to become a digital nomad. I’m using the word “dummies” in the title but what I actually mean is normal people who don’t like listening to, reading, or watching complicated explanations. This is for you – normal people.
Becoming a digital nomad can seem daunting when you read or even see those 5000-word articles or watch 4-hour-long digital nomad courses but it isn’t. It’s super easy.
How to Be a Digital Nomad? It’s Only 3 Steps
You can do it in 2 steps (skip the number 2), but I recommend you to do it the better way, better than we did all those years ago. If you don’t have a backup at all, that sucks.
1. Find a Job/Gig/Project That Brings in $1,000 a Month
The first step is to find a way to earn $1,000 a month from anywhere in the world.
Both parts are important – 1,000 dollars AND from anywhere in the world.
This amount is a good starting point, as it covers basic expenses and is achievable for many people. Many thousands have started with this amount or are living on the same money right now. If you are a couple, and you earn $2,000, you can live a good life abroad. When we are in Thailand, we live on that amount easily and comfortably also in 2024.
If you can find a job that brings in $5,000 or $10,000, even better! However, $1,000 is a realistic and practical goal for 2024.
Why focus on one job? In my opinion, it’s much better to find a single source of income that covers all your basic needs rather than juggling multiple projects, clients, and invoices. Starting with one reliable source of income allows you to simplify your life and gradually build from there.
2. Save $3,000
The next step is to save $3,000.
Why $3,000? This is a good amount to give you a safety net and a smoother start into your digital nomad journey.
- $1,000 for initial transport expenses. If you will be going to places like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, this is a good enough amount of money to buy 10 – 20 flights. If you travel by bus or train, it may also be cheaper than this. For example, 2023 was a big year with a lot of travel for us, and even then our transportation costs were under $2,500 per person. You won’t be doing that at first, and I don’t recommend that much travel right away.
- 1,000 for living expenses. This is for that one month when your salary is late, or you need money a bit sooner than usual, or a bit more of it.
- $1,000 for emergencies. You can buy a last-minute flight home to almost anywhere for 1,000 dollars.
Trust me, you’ll be happy you have this backup.
3. Go Travel – Now, You Are a Digital Nomad
That’s it.
You don’t even have to become a travel influencer. You can do whatever job you have – translating, teaching, consulting, doing social media marketing, design, video editing, etc.
You see – it’s easy to become a digital nomad.
Don’t over-complicate things. Try it. See how it goes. Maybe you’ll decide that it’s not your thing at all and will want to abandon this idea in 6 or 12 months.