The life of a digital nomad has evolved. We used to believe that to be a digital nomad, you had to be willing to couch surf or work out of a campervan instead of utilising a swish coworking space. But the pandemic has drastically shifted the way we all work. Digital nomad coworking spaces are popping up across the world, complete with superfast WiFi, headsets, business lounges and IT support.
Gone are the days of crossing your fingers for good WiFi in the local coffee shop or hoping your phone will hotspot you in time for important meetings. The rise of coworking has made the life of a digital nomad more accessible than ever.
If you’re looking to become a digital nomad or already are one but want to simplify the way you work, keep reading. We’re all about working smarter, not harder.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a person who works remotely. Simple as that. Whether it’s full-time or part-time work, often, a digital nomad will travel to new places working from coffee shops, public libraries or a coworking space to complete their work. Digital nomads differ slightly from freelancers, who are typically self-employed. A digital nomad refers to those who are location-independent, whereas freelancers are independent workers. This is where hot desking or coworking space can be extremely beneficial.
In the past, digital nomads have been associated with high tech jobs like software development, but the truth is, you don’t need super specialised skills to be a digital nomad. There are a huge variety of jobs that allow anyone to live a more location-independent lifestyle and make money on the road. Here are some of the best digital nomad jobs:
- Virtual assistant – a great option for beginners
- Social media manager
- Copy or content writer
- Online teaching – why not teach your native language?
- Data entry
- Translating
- Voice acting
- Customer service
- Web developer
- Graphic designer
Of course, you don’t always have to dive into the deep end when it comes to achieving the digital nomad lifestyle. Research shows that just 36% of digital nomads freelance whilst 21% work for one company. It’s possible in some cases to stick with your current job and go remote if you come to an agreement with your employer. Figure out which style of working you’re looking for, and it’ll be much easier to find digital nomad coworking spaces to suit you.
How to become a digital nomad
So, you’ve decided to become location-independent. You’ve taken the first step – awesome! But what’s next? There are a few nitty-gritty bits you’ll need to tick off before you pack up your office desk.
Key Digital Nomad Stats
- 44% of digital nomads are millennials (aged between 26 and 41 years old)
- 24% of digital nomads actually travel whilst working. The rest simply work remotely in their home country
- 52% of digital nomads agree that their biggest challenge is finding reliable WiFi
- The number of digital nomads in the USA alone has more than tripled since 2018
Location
Figure out whether you’re looking to work remotely in a coworking space in your home country or whether you’re looking to travel abroad. Setting up your new office in a tropical country on the beach is a dreamy idea, but you’ll need to think about visa requirements and tax implications.
If you are working for a company remotely, you’ll need to speak with your employer to determine whether they can support this decision. Often due to tax and insurance, it might not always be possible to work overseas. However, if you’re an independent worker, you have a bit more freedom. Of course, each country has its own entry requirements you will need to look into.
Visas
Many countries offer digital nomad work visas, which can make it easy for you to set yourself up abroad without too much hassle. For example, the Barbados Welcome Stamp is a unique 12-month visa for remote British workers, and Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa with validity for a year. Many visas have fees and contingencies attached to them, ranging from a minimum income to specific documentation requirements. Ensure you’ve thoroughly researched the visa requirements of your chosen location.
Taxes
Taxes can be extremely tricky when it comes to working as a digital nomad. As a general rule, you are considered a tax resident in the country where you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year. Although, it’s important to note that if you reside in a country for more than this duration, you will not automatically become a tax resident of that country. Source
You will need to ensure you have registered your tax residence as required. It’s quite common for digital nomads to find themselves double taxed if this hasn’t been set up correctly. The UK government has a Statutory Residence Test, which allows you to work out your residence status for a tax year.
Digital nomad coworking spaces
Wherever it is you find yourself working from, whether you rent a coworking space in London or find a shared office space in Italy, there are global options to choose from. It’s a great option to help set yourself up and have a professional collaborative workspace from anywhere you need. With WiFi being one of the main challenges for digital nomads, it’s important to mitigate the budget for a coworking space.
The benefits of digital nomad coworking spaces
Networking opportunities
A coworking space provides an incredible variety of networking opportunities. With some offices hosting specific network events, you’ll constantly be surrounded by other professionals across various industries. A collaborative workspace offers tremendous changes for connecting with other digital nomads, freelancers and startups.
Increased productivity
Don’t waste any more time searching for decent WiFi or phone connectivity. Each coworking space is designed specifically for digital nomads and location-independent workers, meaning you are immediately connected to superfast WiFi and headsets when you rent a serviced office. This leaves you with more time to focus on your work, with designated breakout areas and meeting rooms created to help flourishing businesses.
RELATED: What is a serviced office: top ten tips you need to know
Cost-effective options
A coworking space is an affordable option for all budgets. You simply pay for what you need; whether you’re looking to rent a coworking space by the hour, daily hire or hot desk in different cities throughout the week, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Digital nomad coworking spaces are a perfect option for anyone looking to gain location-independence. With on-demand options in a vast range of cities, you can instantly access essential office facilities, tech support and business lounges at no extra cost. Start your search with Easy Offices today.
