To celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Digital Nomad Girls Community, we asked 50 Digital Nomad Girls to share their online jobs. We put together a series of mini interviews to show you that there are many different ways to become a digital nomad, you don’t have to be a web developer or blogger to live location independently. Due to technical issues (and sadly I’m not a techie myself ? ) I split this post into 3 parts to make it faster!
We sorted the jobs into categories that you can jump to by using the pink menu bar above!
p.s This post contains some affiliate links.
50+ Digital Nomad Girls Share Their Online Jobs – Part 2
Consulting
Angelique – People and Culture Consultant
Although I have been travelling the world for over 25 years, I always had a home base in a small town in The Netherlands, while working as an HR manager for corporate companies. Four years ago, I decided to become more location independent and started building an online consultancy business. Two years ago I rented out my house and have since lived in Brazil, Lisbon and Amsterdam.
What is your location independent job?
I’m an organizational consultant, specializing in The Future of Work and startups. I support CEO’s with organizational strategy, structure, culture and leadership and have over 15 years of experience. My biggest challenges in becoming location independent have been that I am now aiming at a new market with different needs, and that most people expect an organizational consultant to work “on site” and not remotely. Therefore, I had to come up with innovative solutions that fit the needs of remote startups. As well as offering remote consultancy, I am also developing online programs to offer specific modular solutions for startups.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
This business started as a site project: a blog about how to manage and organize innovative professionals in the 21st century, which then turned into a blog about The Future of Work, remote work and startups cultures. I wanted to turn this into some kind of remote business, but did not know how.
I started to meet location independent entrepreneurs and remote founders, and learned loads about building and running online businesses, which is very different then being in the board of a corporate company. I also focused on what impact I wanted to make, what clients I wanted to work with and what kind of business would fit my ideal life style.
When I decided to work for startups, I had to find out what they needed and expected and developed my business and services accordingly.
My main advice would be to take your time and make sure it all “fits”, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a bit longer to figure it all out. It is YOUR business, and YOUR life.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Lisbon
If you want to find out more about Angelique you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Sarah W. – Hiring Consultant
Born in Northern California, I grew up in the great state of Kansas. The travel bug bit when I first went abroad at age 19, and I vowed to live and work abroad. After teaching English in South Korea, I returned to the US and got into real estate, but knew location independence was key to my happiness. Through luck and hard work, I found my current job in August 2015, and have been remote ever since. I’m currently traveling in south Spain, where my boss lives.
What is your location independent job?
I am a remote employee for Pro R.E.A. Staffing, a female-owned and operated company with a team of five living in Hawaii, Colorado, and Spain. We hire consultants for real estate professionals. Our clients are real estate agents and brokerages all over the US and Canada. When our clients want to add to their teams, they hire us to recruit, source, screen, and interview candidates, and we consult them on their hiring needs. We love helping our clients add leverage to their business by adding talent to their teams.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I joke that my boss hired me because I love to travel, but she swears it was because of my journalism degree. I also have real estate experience, which is needed for this role, as we consult real estate agents on their new hires. My best advice to those wanting to work remotely is to be purposeful. I wrote in my journal: “I want to be location independent,” and eight days later found this job on Craigslist. I now know that you don’t have to work for yourself if you find the right company and boss.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… a toss up between Granada, Spain and Medellin, Colombia.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Grammarly. We all make mistakes; now I make less.
The one item I always pack is… Earplugs and my journal.
If you want to find out more about Sarah you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Tatiana – Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant
I’m European who’s passionate about travel and the environment, and can’t imagine working in a field other than climate change action. I’d been working for my current company in Paris for over 2 years as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultant when my boyfriend got a job offer in Australia. My boss and I found a way to change my responsibilities so that I could work entirely remotely.
What is your location independent job?
CSR is the way companies apply the principles of sustainable development in their policies and everyday actions. I work with companies to elaborate and implement sustainable development policies. We take into account their values and translate them into applicable policies for their employees. My work mostly consists of project managing sustainable development policies within companies.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I have a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy. Right after university, I started working for a French start-up, which ended up becoming an entirely remote job. My boss said she only agreed this arrangement because I had already worked for her for over 2 years and she knew she could trust me.
Some advice for talking your boss into going remote :
Start by going remote a few days a week. Always be super productive when you work remotely.
Build up trust! Your boss needs to know that you are working for him/her even if you are literally on the other side of the world.
Think about everything you do in your daily work routine: what can be done remotely? Try to adapt the things that cannot; e.g., can your colleague take over some of your responsibilities? Can something become remote with a few adjustments ?
Stay in touch with your boss and coworkers at the office. Every day, at 9am Paris time, I have a 5-minute Skype meeting with my whole team to keep in touch, talk about work issues, etc.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Mexico !
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Skype and any instant communication tool.
The one item I always pack is… my boyfriend 😉
If you want to find out more about Tatiana you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Want more? Grab our FREE Digital Nomad Toolbox with over 100 tools to help you stay productive, healthy and connected!
Design & Creative
Alyssa – Home Design and Decor Consultant
I’m a coffee and wine loving wife and mama of 2, who loves big city living, craft brewery-hopping, and helping people create their dream homes. After living in Chicago for 7 years, and Grand Rapids, MI for 2 years, my family is selling everything and moving to a tiny house in the Florida Keys for a year.
I started a business to stay home with my kiddos and chase my dream of being financially and location-independent. (Someday, my husband and I plan to flip houses and invest in real estate together!)
What is your location independent job?
I am an online home designer. I can work with my design clients from anywhere that has internet and a phone! I help my clients decide on furniture placement and paint colors, help them shop for home furnishings and accessories, and consult on light fixtures and bathroom design.
I also run a membership community (the Mamas’ Design Mastermind) where I work with a group of women daily to give them support, guidance, and inspiration so they can confidently design and decorate their family homes (for WAY less $$ than hiring a designer!).
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I started this business after designing and managing the renovation on two of my own homes. I always loved decorating, and found myself increasingly offering free advice to friends and family. It took almost 2 years for me to work out my services, my niche, and how I was going to market my business in a way that worked for me (and offered what my clients really wanted!). I did a LOT of research, connected online with other online businesses, and simply never quit.
Some of the things that worked the best for me in the beginning are:
– offer your services for free to a few clients in return for testimonials/exposure. You’ll learn so much about working with clients, and clarify your products/offerings in the process.
– tell EVERYONE what you do. It will feel strange at first, but eventually it becomes part of your narrative.
– always look for places to get visibility. Pick online platforms and commit to being an expert at 1-2 of them.
– avoid “shiny object syndrome”. It’s tempting to want to do everything, but it will slow you down. FOCUS!
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Acuity scheduling- my clients can always find me!
The one item I always pack is… My bujo (bullet journal) planner notebook.
If you want to find out more about Alyssa you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Erin M. – Print and Web Designer
Hi! I’m Erin and I run Evergreen Design Studio from the jungles of Costa Rica. I tried “normal life” in my hometown in South Carolina, but a 9-5 office job just wasn’t for me. I broke free from the cubicle about 7 years ago and have been working while traveling around Costa Rica ever since. It’s not any easier, but it sure is a lot more liberating!
What is your location independent job?
I founded, and run, a graphic design studio online. We design websites, brands, logos, books, and printed marketing materials for small to medium sized businesses. We also help people with SEO, sales funnels, and other aspects important to a successful website. I’m super passionate about helping other business owners succeed with the knowledge I’ve gained through my journey from cubicle to boss lady!
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I’m from the awkward in-between generation that remembers life without computers, but mastered them when they came on the scene. It was the combination of my training in arts and creativity, and my desire to learn computer art, that lead to me running an online design studio.
I have a degree in graphic design, but the program was so new at the time that they really didn’t teach me anything. So I taught myself and decided on my own projects and goals. Through this, I realized you don’t actually need a degree to practice graphic design.
If you have self-discipline, dedication, and time to learn and practice, there are many routes that you can take to become a nomadic designer. You can get a degree, work in house, then break free on your own. You can teach yourself art, design, and business, then open a studio. No matter your path, make sure to join design groups and get lots of feedback!
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Costa Rica! The internet is a struggle, but it forces me to disconnect and refuel my creativity 😉
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… A good CRM and project app – I use Dubsado.
If you want to find out more about Erin you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Ieva – Freelance illustrator
I’m a 22 year old freelance illustrator from Lithuania. Started traveling three years ago and this year decided to continue my travels in Asia. After two months of traveling, I decided to settle somewhere far from home – the vivid and crazy Phnom Penh.
What is your location independent job?
Since I’m an illustrator, I usually make illustrations for magazines, independent brands, etc. Being only 22, I can’t afford an agent and am not signed with any illustration agency, so I need to find my own clients, which can sometimes be very tiring. So, my work is really a mix of communication and artistic skills.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
It might not be a good example for everyone, but I dropped out from art academy at 20 and took my time to understand what I really wanted and needed. It’s taken a long time, and still I struggle to get clients, but when you decide to be freelancer you must understand that you will always have up and downs, which makes life even more exciting. There is really no space for “giving up” and you need to work and try day-by-day.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Phnom Penh is my favorite city is Southeast Asia, so I’ll give it a shoutout!
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… a drawing tablet
The one item I always pack is… notebook! I like it oldschool!
If you want to find out more about Ieva you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Jessica – Head of Design Development
I’m currently in Adelaide, the wine capital of Australia! I’m relatively new to the location independent scene – a little over 6 months – but, having discovered the large amount of community support through a friend who’s been location independent for years, I jumped in and look forward to many more years of it!
What is your location independent job?
I work as a designer for a US-based cross-stitch company! I design patterns, books, merchandise, and general imagery within their specific genre of art. I am in the process of building a website for my own textile art endeavours, but I thoroughly enjoy that this role allows me to lose myself in my passion for design without having to worry about promotion, business requirements, social media, etc.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I’ve been stitching for over 6 years and started designing soon afterwards when I couldn’t find patterns I wanted. I don’t have an innate entrepreneurial spirit and wasn’t raised in a business-y environment, so taking the initiative and building my own company seemed too big a task. Stitch People placed an ad for an admin/social media role on Facebook and, during the application process, my skills as a designer kept popping up. At the end of the process, they offered me a choice between the admin job or a designer role they created specifically for me. I was lucky to come across the role and that it was a fantastic fit; cross-stitched roles in existing companies are very rare. I look back now and realise that starting my own business was, and is, a very doable endeavour.
For those in niche markets, and those who, like me, feel intimidated about taking charge of your own pay packet, I’d thoroughly recommend jumping off the deep end instead of waiting for a role to be advertised. There is tonnes of support and information out there and, while it can be a bit overwhelming at first, it’s 100% worth it.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… I love Harvest – it’s straightforward and lag free!
The one item I always pack is… An extra power board – useful, and makes you many friends!
If you want to find out more about Jessica you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Laura – Motion Designer and Animator
Born in the Dominican Republic, I moved to NYC in 2005. After years of doing motion graphics as an in-house senior designer, I decided to quit my job in 2014 and start my company. A year later I realized clients didn’t mind where I was working from, so I put my belongings in storage, and took my work on the road. In February of this year I decided to work from Southeast Asia and now I’m back in Portland, Oregon.
What is your location independent job?
As a motion designer I create animated videos to be used as online content, and for live events. I work with my own clients from concept to completion, and as a freelancer for bigger creative agencies in the US and the Dominican Republic. I am also a speaker and mentor young girls.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I went to school for graphic design in the DR. I had no idea how I was going to make money at first, but this path proved to be very rewarding, both financially and artistically. I later discovered animation, and fell in love with giving life to my designs. That led me to a scholarship to Parsons School for Design in NYC, where I focused on design and technology. After school I got into the fascinating world of animation for web and games. I then discovered the live events video industry. Traveling for work was one of the perks of doing events worldwide.
Every path is different, and although I went through years of school to get here, the internet offers many ways to learn motion graphics without leaving your couch (or beach chair!). If you’re interested in getting into it, I would recommend checking out schoolofmotion.com and thefutur.com
As a motion designer you could work in film, commercials, online content, events, apps, etc. All you need is good internet and a computer!
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Koh Lanta, Thailand. And Kohub is my favorite co-working space.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… FlatTomato app. The Pomodoro technique helps me stay focused
If you want to find out more about Laura you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Lorna – Freelance Graphic Designer
I live in England on the south-east coast of Kent – the sunniest part of the country! My house is just a 5 minute stroll from the beach and a short drive gets you into the beautiful countryside. I have been freelancing for ten years and became location independent five years ago, but I don’t choose to travel all the time.
What is your location independent job?
I work as a freelance graphic designer. Over the years I’ve worked on a lot of different projects, but my first love is publication design and I’ve worked on a lot of magazines and books over the years. Exhibition stand design and branding have been a big part of my work in recent years and I’m starting to take on more web design work.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I always knew that I wanted to work for myself and the design route made the most sense because I love organising information in a pretty way. It’s visual problem solving. I started by trawling Gumtree for small local jobs and, after completing a few, I decided to study for a Masters in Graphic Design. At this point I quit the publishing company I was working for (in project management), but not before securing a position as one of their freelance cover designers. I still work with them 9 years later. I moved back home for my masters and kept looking for freelance work in the area. Income-wise it was pretty up and down for the first few years, and I did take a full-time design job for a few months, but I continued freelance work on the side. I kept my eye out for part-time freelance jobs and was fortunate enough to get one with a luxury travel publication. I am now able to work for them remotely and all my other client work is remote based. Skype, email, drop, and WeTransfer are everything to my business!
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Ubud, Bali – you can’t move without bumping into a fellow nomad and everyone is so open-minded.
The one item I always pack is… My Roost stand – your neck and back are important.
If you want to find out more about Lorna you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Want some extra inspiration while you’re working on your nomad dreams? Grab our FREE DNG Motivational Wallpapers for your laptop here!
Ecommerce
Diana – Digital Marketing/CRO for eCommerce (Shopify)
I’m from Sofia, Bulgaria. Currently in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. I’ve been location independent since February 2016.
What is your location independent job?
Working with small/medium companies on growing their online businesses, by improving e-commerce stores and developing related marketing strategies. I find products that were in a successful crowdfunding campaigns particularly interesting.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I have been in marketing for over 10 years, but got into e-commerce 2 years ago. At first, I was doing it on the side, just for myself, but then people started asking “Hey, can you do this for me?” With time I realised I liked new challenges and helping people, and here I am now – working on customer projects.
How to do the same? Think of a problem many people have and would like someone to help them solve. Pick a related skill set in a niche that you like and start working hard on becoming very good at it. Keep an open mind and look for opportunities. Be flexible, learn constantly.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Koh Lanta in Thailand, Georgetown, Penang in Malaysia, Hoi An in Vietnam, loving LPA so far.
The one item I always pack is… My Kindle.
If you want to find out more about Diana you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Erin B. – Graphic Designer and Etsy Entrepreneur
My hometown is Sydney, Australia, where I started my main business (graphic design) in 2010. I was always location independent (living and working between Bondi Beach and Kangaroo Valley – yes there really is such a place!), but moreso since I began travelling in 2014 and opened my first (of many!) Etsy stores while living in Prague. I arrived this week in my next new ‘home’ in Vienna, Austria where I’ll be living for the next 10 months!
What is your location independent job?
I’m going to call it an ‘Etsypreneur’ – does that work?! By day, I work on my graphic design business, but I am always thinking of new ideas for stores to start and designs to sell on Etsy! My first store was Daydrift, a store selling aerial beach photography inspired by a photo I took in Capri. Since then, I’ve started over 10 Etsy stores (and one Amazon store) selling prints, framed prints, pillows, mugs with my designs on them.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
My concepts are inspired by my travel and surroundings, so once I have a new idea for a new store, picking an available name and getting the URL are the first steps. Selling on Etsy is super easy – you go to Etsy, create a new store, and then start filling it up and making it look pretty! It’s important to write keyword-rich product descriptions so that customers can find you. I also recommend styling the shop as nicely as you can – as a graphic designer I like to create beautiful branded banners and product shots. Dropshipping (having a third party facilitate your order) makes selling even easier for my location independent lifestyle, so most of the fulfilment is done for me while I work on marketing and customer service from wherever I am in the world. Once you launch a store, it may take time for sales to come in, but I find it gains more and more momentum over time. For me it took around 8-12 months for Daydrift to start thriving.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Capri… it was the start of something that now allows me to work anywhere in the world!
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Etsy! Then Photoshop and Indesign!
If you want to find out more about Erin you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Luna – Ecommerce Consultant / Dropshipper
I have been location independent on/off for about four years now. Before I became a digital nomad, I was living in NYC with a cushy six-figure job. I left it all to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I started as a Freelance/Consultant traveling 6 months out of the year to various locations. I am currently splitting my time between Miami, Barcelona and New York. I like having a base and traveling from there because I feel drained when constantly being on the road.
What is your location independent job?
I started as a Fashion Ecommerce Consultant – helping various brands grow their business & increase their sales. I quickly decided to start generating more passive income to enjoy my traveling lifestyle more. As I knew the ins and outs of e-commerce, I decided to start experimenting with dropshipping. I had plenty of experience working with my e-commerce clients, so the change was rather smooth. I have been able to scale my dropshipping business while working with a select few e-commerce clients. I’ve never looked back.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I started my digital career working for a range of large-scale digital campaigns for a list of Fortune 500 clients. An assignment to Singapore in 2012 made me realize the countless opportunities for e-commerce retailers to reach a global market. Afterwards, I quickly wrote my book – The Global Influence – and launched a Podcast and weekly Youtube channel. I was applying my knowledge and helping smaller fashion e-commerce brands reach a global market. My experience in digital advertising has helped me get into the world of e-commerce consulting & dropshipping. The recommendation I would give to anyone looking to get into dropshipping/ecommerce is to start small. There are so many great courses out there – you should invest in these courses to help you get ahead. Some guys I’ve been following include Justin Cener, Sebastian Gomez, and Ezra Firestone. Put up a landing page using clickfunnels, test different products, advertise on Facebook & don’t overthink it. Test the market, test different products, and test different niches. Don’t wait for the perfect logo – branding, etc. You will gain your knowledge through doing.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Barcelona (because as a NYer – I do need a bit of a cosmopolitan city). I also love Bangkok & Chang Mai.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… nomadlist.com
The one item I always pack is… My running shoes 🙂
If you want to find out more about Luna you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Marcherry – Online Store Owner
My name is March. I’m a filipina, born and raised in the Philippines. Now I live in Chiang Mai and have been traveling in and out of Chiang Mai for 4 years now.
What is your location independent job?
When I moved to Chiang Mai, I started as a VA and, fast forward to today, I now own a few successful e-commerce stores and have just started a venture with Merch by Amazon.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
My now-husband was running an online business and asked me if I wanted to travel with him. He suggested that I work for him as his VA, which I tried for a month while we were in the Philippines and liked it. After we moved to Chiang Mai, I met awesome lady bosses and realized that I need to step up and couldn’t be a VA forever. I went to meetups, asked questions, and decided to quit as my husband’s VA to open my own e-commerce store. I watched a lot of youtube videos about dropshipping, FBA and even blogging, but knew dropshipping was perfect for me, with no inventory and low costs. It wasn’t hard for me to find my first niche. I joined loads of FB groups, asked questions and decided to use shopify. As a VA I had learned about building social media and did a good job building my brand. When I launched my website I had 3,000 followers on instagram already and messaged them all (LOL) and BOOM 8 hours later I made $80 and the rest is history. I created a six-figure business with two online ecommerce stores, all with organic sales. My advice is, don’t be afraid to be proud of your idea. The world is a big place and you’ll be surprised how many people shop online. It’s not easy, but don’t think for a second that you are alone. Back yourself up with like-minded people that have the same goals as you.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Chiang Mai and Lisbon
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Dynamite circle.
If you want to find out more about marcherry you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Marisa – Online Bakery Owner
I’m 29 years old, originally from Atlanta, GA. After working in NY and LA for a Fortune 500 company for six years, I quit my corporate marketing job a year and a half ago to start my own location independent company. As of a few months ago, my company is finally in a place where I can be location independent!
What is your location independent job?
I run an e-commerce bakery business. I brought back a family restaurant business that my mother had closed years ago. However, there is no brick-and-mortar restaurant like the old days…all orders are placed online and sent via mail to our awesome customers. I have wonderful bakers and a system in place for orders to be delivered. I run the business from my laptop…and some great apps on my phone!
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I got into the location independent work by being extremely mindful about the lifestyle I wanted to live, and working backwards to make it happen. These days, it’s easier than ever to create an e-commerce business with very little upfront investment. I built my website myself with no background in coding. My advice to others is to pick a product and niche that you LOVE, and be sure to share the STORY of why you are in this business. People are more likely to invest in you and your products when they feel your passion and understand why you brought your products into the world.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Costa Rica. But I haven’t yet explored SE Asia, and I have a feeling I will fall in love with the region…
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Shopify! It’s such a great e-commerce tool.
If you want to find out more about Marisa you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Want some extra inspiration while you’re working on your nomad dreams? Grab our FREE DNG Motivational Wallpapers for your laptop here!
Entrepreneurs
Alexandra – Co-Founder and CEO
Nomad traveler since birth. Born in northern California and began crossing the USA a month later as a newborn with my parents. Since 2012, I have averaged a different city every 10 days. Recently returned from Rwanda and currently located somewhere in Colombia, but that could have changed by next week.
As a kid, I said I wanted a career as a ‘tourist’. Clearly, that isn’t feasible, so I began figuring out how to intersect social good with travel. I am now the Co-Founder and CEO of a technology company building devices for children with disabilities in developing countries.
What is your location independent job?
I envisioned, and now lead, a company focused on co-creating technology for people with disabilities in developing countries. We collaborate with NGOs and government entities to build and distribute affordable and sustainable hardware to those who need it most. Our first project is with Handicap International-Rwanda. My ‘professional’ nomadic lifestyle began when I started working for an international nonprofit (NGO) before I finished graduate school. My job was to write grants and travel to social innovation conferences both in the USA and Europe. Basically, I kept up-to-date on all the movers and shakers making major impacts in their communities around the world.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
It’s been a crash-course with endless risk-taking. Early-on, I knew I wanted to work in international development, but wasn’t sure how to go about it. I studied Political Science and Public Relations. After college, I volunteered at a local nonprofit. I knew I wasn’t cutout for direct-service, but great for a managerial/strategy-type role. I searched for jobs I envisioned doing in 10 years and the skills most in-demand were grant-writing/fundraising. So, I got a fundraising job at a nonprofit and learned how to grant-write.
To work internationally, you need a masters or 10 years’ experience, so I went for the masters, ultimately giving me a strong knowledge baseline. Before finishing graduate school, a leading international NGO (nonprofit) contacted me via LinkedIn offering me a fundraising role…BINGO! My lifelong strategy worked (PHEW)! Soon thereafter, I was traveling the world meeting with groups/leaders introducing our mobile learning projects. I was exposed to a wide-range of efforts targeting the bottom-of-the-pyramid. About a year later, I met some students building technology for people with disabilities. I was familiar with existing tech gaps, so I contacted disability networks and, next thing I knew, I was starting my own company focused on supporting the world’s most marginalized.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… the mountains of Colombia.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Priority Pass, aka layover in style.
The one item I always pack is… my travel microfiber towel – it’s essential!
If you want to find out more about Alexandra you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Maartje – Blog & Liquor Brand owner
I’m Dutch, 33 years young, and currently in the Netherlands to set up a new business… I bought my own liquor brand! 🙂 I quit my job as a Project Manager in February 2012 to travel the world and I’ve been location independent ever since.
What is your location independent job?
I’m not the typical Digital Nomad Girl, I don’t always work, and also not always online. During my travels I became a freelance dive instructor, I started a blog, gave talks, and worked behind bars and in tour agencies, but never with any commitments. I discovered that the less you spend, the less you have to work, so I only really work when I feel like it. But, I just signed up for my first commitment in 5.5 years, I bought a liquor brand with two of my friends and I’m responsible for the branding! Online, haha! Excited!
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
I lived, volunteered and did crazy adventures all over the world. I drove a crappy car from London to Mongolia, drove my own tuk tuk across India and took a cruise ship across the Atlantic Ocean to finally arrive at my dream destination, Antarctica. In the meantime, to make some money, I did everything that crossed my path. I like to party so I worked behind bars, I like to dive so I became a dive instructor, I love to travel so I started a Travel Blog. Now, because I’m in the party scene, I got the opportunity to get my own liquor brand, “Drop It”! It’s a liquor made from a typical Dutch Candy, called Drop. I’m convinced that if you choose a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life! Especially when you do it part-time, with no commitments, to keep it fun. I live a minimalistic life that’s full of freedom! I can go wherever I wanna go and do whatever I want to do!
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Medellin, Colombia
If you want to find out more about Maartje you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Marta – Travel Blogger and Social Media Influencer
I’m originally from Poland and now based in London. I’m not quite sure if ‘location-independent’ is the best way to describe my current lifestyle – although my job certainly allows me to live anywhere with a wifi signal. I prefer having a base in between my travels as it helps me focus. I’ve been self-employed for over 6 years now, with 2.5 years spent blogging.
What is your location independent job?
I’m a travel blogger and Instagrammer. My website, A Girl Who Travels, was born out of passion for travel and a desire to show other women how to live unapologetically passionate lives filled with a deep-rooted sense of purpose and fuelled by the desire to live on their own terms and experience new exciting things, one trip at a time.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
My blogging business is fuelled by passion and a genuine love for travel, lifestyle and self-development. I feel that passion is key when starting a blog, or any business in fact! Forget about fancy website design and a huge social media following – if there’s no passion behind what you do, it will show and you’ll lose the motivation to keep going. My second piece of advice would be to get very clear on who your audience is and how you can serve them – be it in terms of content, the social media channels you choose, the look and feel of your site, etc. To secure blog projects, focus on multiple income streams – mine include content writing, SEO, sponsored trips, brand collaborations, and photography assignments.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… I love my London life and I’m in no hurry to leave!
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… FEA, remoteok.io and DNG of course! 🙂
If you want to find out more about Marta you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Nataliya – Online Business Strategist
Hi, I’m Nataliya. I’ve swapped Israel’s heat and unstable national security situation for traveling the world. Currently, you can find me on a beautiful, exotic island called Koh-Phangan, located in the ridiculously gorgeous Thailand.
What is your location independent job?
I own a website studio, where me and my team plan, design and develop websites. My goal is to not just build clients a “pretty website”, but to plan and execute a full blown sales strategy that will automate my client’s sales process and sell their product or service for them, 24/7. Think of it like having a business coach that tells you exactly what to do to get to where you want to go, while also creating and handling the tech stuff for you.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
If you want to do what I do, you’ll need four things:
1) Learn everything you can about sales psychology, which is how to persuade someone who doesn’t know who you are to buy from you. “Amateurs” in this field focus on the tech stuff, but the truth is that understanding how to structure a website that will work and make money is most important. That’s how you can give the max amount of value to your customers and charge more.
2) Put up a website describing what you do, what makes you different, and allow people to contact you.
3) Plan your sales process and how you’ll get customers to your business. There are many ways to do it, and you’ll need to find the method the works best for you and your personality. Remember that your sales process is like a “preview” of the work you’ll actually do for your customers, so make sure it’s good.
4) Start creating websites! As many as possible, even if it means you’ll have to work for free at the beginning.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Thailand! For the exotic views, super cheap prices, fast internet and awesome nomad communities.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Trello! Kind of like a to-do list on steroids. I use it to plan my projects and to keep my team and clients in the loop.
If you want to find out more about Nataliya you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
Sarah K. – Coworking Space Founder and Owner
I’m Sarah, a 32 year-old Hamburger Deern (girl), traveling the world since January 2016 as a freelance business plan writer. In April 2017 I opened Hub Hoi An, a coworking space in the rice paddies and near the beaches of Hoi An. I set up my own 100% foreign-owned company in Vietnam without any local partner involved. Hub Hoi An is run by women only, and I’m lucky to have a great team of girls.
What is your location independent job?
Sabai Dii is my German company and online business. I am a freelance business plan writer and consult people in English and German in all business-related manners. I love hearing people’s ideas and dreams. My job is to listen to my client’s passion and create a strong, analyzed and well-funded business plan to help them make their dream real. At Hub Hoi An, I offer a casual consultancy for interested members in creating a business plan. We brainstorm, chat, laugh, scrap and create a step-by-step plans to make ideas happen.
How did you get started and how can others do the same?
After studying and 7 years of office jobs, I started researching how to combine work and travel without picking fruit on Australian farms. I read an e-book from a digital nomad guru, which was the only investment, except for a new laptop, and wrote a plan for my online business to write online and print text for tour operators, in which I had experience from previous jobs. I loved the idea and registered a company, but never did what I wrote in my plan. Instead, I met two clients on the road by accident. One was looking for a business plan writer. As I had written my own plan, why not for other people? So I started writing business plans for other people. I was really lucky, and would never start traveling again without a job or clients to pay the monthly expenses. Slow traveling is one way to reduce costs, but it can still be tough to find clients on the road.
My favourite Digital Nomad location is… Hoi An, that’s why I settled here. If that doesn’t count, I would always go back to Koh Lanta and Bali.
My favourite digital nomad app/tool/resource is… Airbnb, Wunderlist, Headspace, Sleep Cycle.
If you want to find out more about Sarah you can check out her website and follow her on social media here.
A HUGE Thank you to all the girls who shared their stories with us here! You see? There are TONS of ways to become location independent, you don’t have to be a web designer or blogger (but you can if you want ?? !) With a little bit of inspiration, a lot of hard work and a pinch of Wanderlust, everyone can become a digital nomad!
Want to see more Online Jobs? Click here for PART 3 > >
