Bored of your desk? Want to work wherever the hell you want? Todays digital nomads and freelancers have a lot to choose from..
Thanks to the internet we can work from pretty much anywhere, if our job allows it. There are several jobs which can be done on the road and can make a a few decent pennies as you go.
It pays to have experience before you go, so perhaps get your self up and running before you go.
For the independent and free spirited, these are the best digital nomad and freelance jobs which can help you travel indefinitely.
Graphic Designer
It’s not the highest paying job but people always need graphic design work. From logos and layouts to illustrations or web design, graphic designer is one job which can help you travel indefinitely. Expect to earn around US$25,000-40,000 per year for a quality experienced graphic designer.
Fiverr has created a great way for designers to tap into the market of freelance. But, obviously, the pay is pretty low unless you can upsell extra services. If you have access to a marketing agency, private clients or a solid reputation then you’ll find that you can make it pay very well.
Writer
Written content is everywhere and copywriters are in big demand. The downside is there is a lot of low paying chaff out there. But if you can build up a client base or a solid reputation, you could find your writing skills take you around the world. Pay varies wildly from US$15,000 – 40,000 per year for the right experience.
Think along the lines of content for blogs (look on Upwork, Hirewriters or PeoplePerHour for jobs), marketing for companies or even creative writing like novels and screenplays. The latter don’t necessarily produce money quickly, but if you can get rolling with your writing skills you’ll find the world is your oyster so long as you can make time to craft.
Translator/Interpreter
Speak two or more languages fluently? You could be a freelance translator or interpreter. This is a job in high demand, especially among bigger businesses. It pays to get in with an agency who can hire you ad-hoc, but you can still find some freelance clients to pay your way.
If you want to find consistent freelance work you can also take a peek at sites like UpWork and Freelancer who have loads of listings for freelance translators and interpreters.
Alternatively, set up your own website as a freelancer and market yourself locally or internationally.
WordPress/Wix/Website Builder
What do you know about website builders? Many people don’t know anything but want someone else to build and run their website for them. WordPress and Wix are two of the most popular site builders and are pretty easy to get to grips with.
If you don’t already know how to build websites, take a look at Udemy for lots of affordable courses (many of them free) to help you get started.
If you can code in HTML or C# then you’ve definitely got an edge and can do web design anywhere.
Musician
Is a musician a digital nomad? Well, they can be. As a DJ (full article here) you can carry a digital console around the world and rock a party wherever you can. If you can play an instrument then even better as places always need live music. If you can produce music on the fly then maybe you’ll be the worlds first globetrotting music producer.
Besides live entertainment, musicians are always needed for backing singers in bands, creating jingles, session players and even composing original music for adverts, corporate videos and films. Got a good voice? Do voice overs, monologues or any other voice work.
Release an album, advertise yourself on Freelancer/Upwork/Fiverr or get an agent to really make the most of your talent.
Drop Shipping/Re-Seller
If you’re not familiar with drop shipping then you’ll be interested to know it’s a great way to sell a lot of products without holding any stock. You create a product line, find a supplier (usually via Alibaba or Oberlo) and then advertise online via your website (or eBay).
People have made millions from supplying baby clothes, sports accessories or vehicle spare parts sourced from places like China and shipped directly from supplier to customer. You don’t even need to touch the product!
You will of course need to organise a solid returns and customer service policy and quality check your suppliers before you kick off. But, as a way to make a remote income it’s pretty good.
Photographer/Videographer
You’ll need to be a pretty damn good photographer and/or video producer but if you’ve got the skills, they can definitely pay the bills.
Stock photography won’t make you millions, but having a good site with all your awesome pics may well pique the interest of media agencies who need a reliable photographer. Money can be made as a freelance wedding photographer, underwater photographer or specialist in sectors like architecture or insurance.
If you’re a video producer you’ll find work around the world as an editor or camera operator, usually with semi decent pay. Or, if you’re not looking for a job with a boss, make your own clever YouTube channel…
Forex & Stock Trader
We ran an article about this a while back, but if you can suss the financial markets you could stand to make very good money. You’ll need a reasonable wedge to start with as you’ll be making small percentages on the total invested.
This isn’t for everyone, but if you have an eye for numbers and a good understanding of economics and finance then you could be on to a winner.
See if you’re onto a good thing by signing up for SureTrader. You’ll get a free account to try your hand at trading before you get stuck in.
Teacher
Not so much a playboy option, but definitely a safe and reliable option. You’ll find teachers required around the world, especially English speaking language teachers.
If you have a degree you’ll find some institutions will hire you regardless but it helps to have a TEFL or Celta certification.
Habla Espanol? Parlez Francais? You’ll be able to get certification to teach these languages too.
Sports Instructor
Hows your skiing or snowboarding? Or maybe you’re a yoga guru? Perhaps you’re a seriously good personal trainer?
People pay good money to be taught or have an expert improve their skills in all sorts of sports. From rock climbing to pilates or boxing to tai chi, you’ll find a great opportunity to pass on your skills.
Heading to the mountains in ski season is a popular option as is dive instructor in beautiful tropical beaches. If you can get certification to say how excellent you are that will help. Some sports though you will just need to turn up and advertise.
Think Outside The Box
The joy of the modern age is that most of work with technology and the internet. If you can provide your service on or via the internet, the world is your oyster.
We will be featuring interviews in the coming weeks with a logistics freelancer, a drone photographer and a manufacturer/exporter, so stay tuned (well, bookmark us).
Global Playboy is all about the savvy digital nomad and the luxury travel lifestyle so if you have any suggestions for budding playboys (and girls) let us know in the comments below.
