The digital nomad lifestyle has been on the rise in recent years. That’s because of the many benefits that come with it. You can work from the beach or anywhere worldwide and enjoy more control over your work schedule.
However, there are many doubts about its legitimacy, with some questioning whether remote working works. Is digital nomad legit? Or is it yet another scam? Are digital nomads real?
In this post, I’ll explore both sides of the argument and conclude whether or not digital nomadism is a legit or practical way to live and work.
Let’s dive in!
Is Being a Digital Nomad Legal?
It’s like asking if doing a typical 9-5 job is legal or a scam. It’s perfectly legal for a digital nomad or remote worker to travel and work from different countries.
The only thing you need to be careful about is your visa situation. Ensure you research the right visa for each country before you travel there.
Get a visa to legally do your work online in that country. That’s usually called a digital nomad visa, the official name of the visa may differ depending on the country.
Other than that, no legalities stop you from being a digital nomad. It’s a legitimate lifestyle to live and work.
However, most digital nomads work online while on a tourist visa, which is fine but not legal because the government doesn’t grant permission.
Is Digital Nomadism a Scam?
No, digital nomadism is not a scam. It’s a legitimate way to live and work, with many people doing it worldwide.
There are over 35 million digital nomads around the world today. This number is expected to grow in the coming years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, digital nomadism is a legitimate lifestyle to pursue! It looks unreal to you because you are used to the traditional work system where you must commute to an office daily.
However, you must be careful of a few things, just like any other job or lifestyle.
What is Digital Nomad Lifestyle Like?
There is no one answer to this question since the digital nomad lifestyle can be what you make of it. Generally speaking, digital nomads are people who work remotely and travel full-time.
This could involve moving from place to place regularly or staying in one location for an extended time with digital nomad visas.
One of the great things about the digital nomad lifestyle is that you get to experience new cultures and meet new people. However, it can also be challenging since you often have to deal with border-hopping and paying taxes in multiple countries.
Nonetheless, the freedom and flexibility to work and travel wherever you want is a major perk of this lifestyle.
Can You Make Money as a Digital Nomad?
Yes, you can make money as a digital nomad. Many digital nomads can make a good living from online businesses or jobs.
For example, SDC International Shipping reports that digital nomads in marketing earn an annual salary range of $40,000 to $99,000.
But as an average remote worker, you can expect to make from $10 to $30 or more per hour, depending on your job and expertise.
Digital nomads make money by doing anything that they can do online.
Such as:
- Content creation: writing, blogging, social media posts, etc.
- Videography: creating videos for international clients.
- SEO and other types of online marketing.
- Web designing and development.
- Coaching and consulting.
- Graphic designing.
- Virtual assistance.
- Copywriting.
- Translation.
The list goes on! Anything done online can be turned into a digital nomad job.
Is Being a Digital Nomad Hard?
However, it’s important to note that it’s not easy to make much money as a digital nomad. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, just like any other job.
In addition, you need to be good at what you do and generate a steady stream of clients or customers to make a good living as a digital nomad.
But you don’t need to be a millionaire to live the digital nomad lifestyle.
You won’t believe it, but many digital nomads earn as low as $1000 to $2000 per month and still afford to live and work remotely.
So, if you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad just for the money, you might want to rethink your decision. It’s not impossible to make money as a digital nomad, but it’s not as easy as some people make it out to be.
Does the US Allow Digital nomads?
The US doesn’t have a special digital nomad visa yet. But you can explore many visas and residence permits that make it easy for foreign citizens to live and work here. Whether you work for employers worldwide or freelance on your own, living in the US as a digital nomad is an option.
Does Remote Working Work?
Yes, as far as your clients or company allow you to work remotely, it works! Some digital nomads also work as freelancers and get paid per project basis. As long as you have a good internet connection, you can do your job or run your business from anywhere.
What Are the Main Downsides of Digital Nomads?
While digital nomads enjoy many benefits, there are also some downsides to this lifestyle. For example, you can feel isolated and lonely at times. Finding a good work-life balance as a digital nomad can be difficult. And you must be self-disciplined, which is hard. And the list goes on!
There are many digital nomadic communities and coworking spaces you can join get rid of loneliness:
Is Being a Digital Nomad Worth It?
Yes, being a digital nomad is worth it! This lifestyle allows you to live and work from anywhere in the world. And if you’re good at what you do, you can make a very good living as a digital nomad.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about digital nomads or this lifestyle, ask in the comments below. I promise I’ll answer all your questions to the best of my abilities. Explore more posts about digital nomadism:
