How to succeed as an expat digital nomad

Being an expat doesn’t always mean moving to a fixed location and staying there, but how do you fund being footloose and fancy free internationally?

The expat demographic is getting younger and younger, as millennials join professionals and retirees in a rush to relocate. Many return home after their contracts expire, and retirees may decided to repatriate for reasons of health or finance, but younger expats have no such pressures and can go or stay as, when and where they please.

In these internet times, they can easily earn enough to survive or move on across the world simply by becoming digital nomads. All that’s needed is a good command of your language, a computer, a fast, stable connection and a fixed bank or Paypal account for payments from clients. There’s no pounding the pavements in searing heat in a search for the next job, and no hassles with managers, bosses or bureaucracy.

Internet cafes are everywhere nowadays, performing a business and socially-related service to modern-day wanderers with the time and incentive to research various subjects and write for pay. The internet is crawling with online work sites, covering every possible subject and activity. Rates of pay vary client by client, and it’s up to you whether you choose full-time of part-time gigs. Starting your own site is another option, but skill is needed to generate enough hits to pay for your needs.

If you fancy being an online English teacher, there’s good money to be made, although you may need a qualification to earn more than the average. Web design is another option, and content creation is an all-time favourite. Retaining clients once you’ve worked for them is important if you’re planning to be a nomad for an extended period of time.

Staying in contact is essential, as is keeping to deadlines no matter what happens. Producing your best, highest quality, fully edited work every time you write is a must, as is keeping your client happy. If you’re not familiar with a given topic, taking extra time to familiarise yourself before you start writing ensures a good result.