The 12 Best Digital Nomad Jobs

Digital nomads can work from anywhere, allowing them to explore the world while earning money. The catch is that they need a job without location requirements.

There is a lot to consider if you want to become a digital nomad, and your job is perhaps the biggest one. Having a way to earn money abroad is essential if you want to maintain the digital nomad lifestyle, and you also need to account for the slower months that occur when you’re self-employed.

This guide covers some of the best digital nomad jobs for you to do while traveling, with something to suit every industry. Whether you are an expert in graphic design or are seeking remote digital bookkeeping jobs, there is something for everyone.

What Is a Digital Nomad Job?

A digital nomad job refers to a role without location requirements. However, it’s a little more complicated than that. 

Some jobs require you to be online at specific times, limiting the time zones you can travel to. Others have more freedom, with many self-employed jobs allowing you to choose your own hours and work when you want to.

The best jobs for digital nomads are ones that suit your talents as a worker and that give you a reasonable amount of freedom to move around as you please. Make sure you keep an eye out for remote positions if you plan on traveling while working.

1. SEO Specialist

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a necessary skill for many companies in this day and age. Most companies hire an SEO specialist to help them appear high up in search results and convert leads into sales.

There is plenty of work available in the SEO field, and usually, you can do it from anywhere in the world. Consider being an SEO consultant to businesses in your time zone, or join an SEO department where you can complete your tasks remotely.

2. Brand Strategist

Other digital nomad jobs in marketing include working as a brand strategist. With day-to-day tasks that include brainstorming marketing ideas like brand names, crafting pitch PowerPoints, and planning future marketing strategies, this is a role you can do from anywhere.

All you need is some social media skills, content scheduling apps, and photo editing software, and you’re ready. This role could apply well to those with strong communication skills, creativity, and organization.

3. Social Media Manager

Social media managers often perform similar roles to brand strategists, and they may work closely with them. A social manager needs to create calendars for clients, create social media content, and post it on time. 

Social media managers should also keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends and app updates, so if you enjoy scrolling socials, this could be the ideal job.

However, you do need to be online when the business’s audience is online, which restricts the time zones when you can work.

4. Web Developer

Web developers design and build websites and fix bugs as they occur. You can work freelance as a web developer, taking on clients and constructing websites for them. As a freelancer, you can choose your own hours, work from anywhere, and completely control your job.

The best soft skills you can have to be a web developer are problem-solving, time management, and communication. You will also need a powerful computer to take with you on the go and the relevant software to design websites. 

5. Content Writer

If you are good at writing, there are plenty of jobs available, including ghostwriting or even becoming an author. However, if the freelancing route suits you, then there is no shortage of jobs in the content writing space.

If you have good research skills, strong grammar, creativity, and communication, you can excel as a content writer. There are some roles that allow you to specialize in your topic of expertise and some that allow you to work on a range of different subjects.

As long as you have a laptop and access to Wi-Fi, you can work from anywhere.

6. Graphic Designer

Creative types can also make money as graphic designers. Designing logos, typefaces, and more is something that’s always in demand. You can work freelance or on a contract basis.

You will need a powerful computer with plenty of storage, alongside editing software. In many cases, a drawing tablet is also necessary. Make sure you factor these things into your budget.

7. Content Creator

User-generated content (UGC) is huge on socials. Brands want to see their products and services in action, which is where influencers come in. Content creators can work from anywhere, shooting content for brands they are interested in.

This fun role is perfect for creative people with some photography skills and video editing software. You can make the role work for you, too, perhaps by starting a travel blog or writing reviews.

There are many ways to be a content creator, which is why this flexible job is perfect for digital nomads.

8. Photographer

If photography or videography is one of your key skill sets, then you could consider being a freelance photographer. You can work in almost any niche, traveling around as a wedding photographer, food photographer, and more.

You can also take pictures of your travels and sell the prints to make some extra cash.

Pro tip: ensure you have robust travel insurance for your photography equipment.

9. Business Consultant

Consultants have an opportunity to make lots of cash. If you are leaving a corporate job behind but taking some professional skills with you, you can focus on consulting other clients on improving their businesses.

Alongside live coaching, you can also create online business courses to teach those interested.

10. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, from organizing calendars to data entry and customer support.

As a ‘virtual’ assistant, you can work from anywhere. However, you usually have to be online at the same time as your boss, which means you need to stick to the same (or similar) time zone.

Ensure you have a stable internet connection, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

11. Online Tutor

There are plenty of opportunities to teach online, whether that’s teaching English as a second language or teaching students to code. You don’t necessarily need a teaching degree to get involved with a teaching abroad program, either. 

Often, tutoring means taking an hourly wage, so be prepared to do plenty of work.

12. Video Producer

Video producers can also work from anywhere in the world. Video editing skills are needed for both websites and social media content, so there is plenty of work to get involved with.

Digital nomads can be responsible for the entire video process, from shooting to editing. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment.

Ready to Start Traveling?

There are countless jobs to do while traveling abroad, with something to suit every skill set. The trick is to ensure you have a solid plan in place to manage your work and finances while moving around.

While you’re away, boost your success with online accounting software that helps you pay taxes and manage your income and expenses, no matter where you are in the world. Armed with this, insurance, and a sense of adventure, you are ready to take on the world.

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