5 Top Jobs For Digital Nomads

A digital nomad travels or lives abroad while working exclusively online (this can be as a remote employee or a digital entrepreneur). Multiple countries (e.g., Canada, Portugal, Turkey and most recently Japan) offer digital nomad visas to enable digital nomads to extend their stay abroad beyond what a typical tourist is allowed. For the host countries, it’s a chance to attract digitally skilled workers. For the digital nomads, it’s a chance to experience a new place, and if you’re earning in a stronger currency or higher-paying country, save some money off your reduced living expenses.

If you’re interested in trying the digital nomad life, here are 5 top jobs to consider:

1. The job you already have – negotiated to be fully remote if it isn’t currently

Living abroad or traveling constantly is already an adjustment. Keeping your job constant would take one less variable out of the mix. If your employer values your contribution, then it saves them money and time to find and train your replacement.

The abrupt shift to remote work during the onset of the pandemic has already proven that many jobs that initially weren’t remote could indeed be handled remotely. This makes now an opportune time to negotiate a fully remote arrangement for your current job (see six tips to negotiate for more flexibility, including location flexibility). You don’t necessarily have to disclose that you want to work remotely because you want to travel, though you do need to make sure that you can do your job from wherever you’ll be. For example, can you get back to the home office if you need to meet clients or colleagues in-person? Will your new time zone be convenient for the existing workday? Do you have the appropriate technology (e.g., strong enough Internet connection, secure access to work files) to get your job done?

2. A new job that is already fully remote – or can be negotiated at the offer stage

If your employer can’t be convinced or you’d rather not continue at your current job, you can make a fully remote job your main job search target. (This post on side hustles for stay-at-home parents has ideas for fully remote jobs.) Many job boards allow you to search for remote work specifically, and some job boards specialize in this. One such site, FlexJobs, recently released its 2024 State of Remote Freelance Jobs Report which lists top companies with the most remote jobs, top remote career paths and other flexible options.

If you’re not already working remotely or have a track record of working remotely, you’ll have to establish that you’re comfortable with this, reliable and productive (see how to convince employers your skills are transferable). Having strong examples of measurable accomplishments and results achieved on the job will keep the prospective employer focused on what you will contribute and take the spotlight off your lack of remote experience. Having a plan for how you will manage your time, set up your technology and communicate back to the office can also show a prospective employer that you know how to work remotely.

3. A business built around your travels

If you’ll be traveling to different countries or even places within one country, you’ll have recommendations for places to stay, things to do, food to try, etc. Set up a video channel, start a website or sell your content to other travel platforms as one way of funding your travel. You will also develop valuable skills in content creation, digital marketing and running your own business. You might end up with a new career on your return home.

4. Support work for other digital nomads

As you meet other digital nomads on your travels or in co-working spaces abroad, you might be able to collaborate on their projects, rather than build your own business from scratch. You could be a virtual assistant responding to emails or helping with travel plans. You could copyedit or conduct research for content others create. If you have specialized knowledge in accounting or law, you can help keep other digital nomads from your same home country compliant with tax and work rules.

5. A digital business around your passion

If you love to teach,. If you have a special skill, build an online course around it. If you love real estate, offer to scout properties in your new residence for investors you know back home. As you explore new business ideas, check with local regulations about any work permits or licenses you need. But if you’re now living in a lower-cost destination, it’s a cost-effective time to take a chance on a new career based on what you like.

Start your work journey before your travel journey

Keep in mind that digital nomad visas typically require that you prove an income source, so if you’re planning to start a business or make a career change, that pivot should start while you’re still back home. In addition, your start-up costs will likely be higher than your ongoing costs, as you have travel to your new destination, move-in costs, and visa fees (not to mention you won’t know the cheapest places for grocery shopping and other ways locals save money). Part of your work journey should be saving money for these upfront costs well before you leave. Finally, check to see if your current health insurance will cover you abroad (most plans do not). If you’re staying with your current employee, your medical plan may only work in places where the company has offices. If you’re starting your own business, you’ll need to secure coverage on your own, before you leave.