The Latest Trends in the Digital Nomad Job Market

ABOUT THE LATEST TRENDS IN DIGITAL NOMAD JOB MARKET

If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, there are certain jobs that are perfect for the remote line of work. However, while being a digital nomad has it perks, it’s not always as glamorous and perfect as it may look from the outside. It requires willingness to change your surroundings frequently, adapt to new conditions, and above all, it requires flexibility to embrace unexpected circumstances. That being said, here’s quick overview of the latest employment opportunities for people who people who enjoy this kind of challenge.

Remote as business strategy

Rather than presenting itself as a perk for employees, remote work is becoming a full-fledged business strategy focused on accomplishing company goals. Using data from American Community Survey, Global Workplace Analytics has produced a 2017 report that shows that telecommuting by employees has grown 115% in the last 10 years. Remote work helps businesses reduce operating costs, retain talent, expand into new markets or exploit environmental incentives.  Whether you’re looking for a remote position yourself or trying to convince your current employer to let you telecommute, it’s important that you understand the business case for remote work and present it as a business strategy, rather than a perk.

Not because it’s easy

Still a prime employment opportunity today, computer programming is paid royally because it requires certain skills that need time and effort to acquire. Those who are determined to make their way in this field should focus on developing one of the skills in high demand, such as information security, C++, cloud computing or Perl. Each of these can land you a salary not less than $100K, so prepare for some hard work until you reach that figure. Although not paid as programmers, app and game developers are still in high demand, with salaries reaching even $80K for an iOS specialist. Their working hours can be as long as those of programmers, but the working conditions needn’t be as intense.

A growing alternative

The year 2018 is expected to show an expansion of remote jobs and gig economy. Whether they are already working traditional part-time or full-time jobs, people are interested in finding a professional-level side job they can do from home. One of simplest way to earn an additional income, but also to influence decision makers is by completing paid surveys online on various products and services you are familiar with.  A remote side job is a great alternative for anyone who, due to requirements of their current job, parenting responsibilities or traveling, cannot fit another commute in they daily schedule.  

Turning normal into remote

One of challenges that still persists today is finding more jobs that allow you to work remotely. Even though remote jobs are growing rapidly, remote workers are growing at the same pace or even ahead. Another challenge is for people to mentally transform ‘normal’ jobs into ‘remote’ jobs. Nomads who have taken a habit of spending time in different countries are often faced with a choice between a tourist and a working visa. Fernando Mendes, who runs four coworking spaces in Maputo, Mozambique, says that Thailand was the first country that recently started issuing remote workers visas, allowing digital nomads to legally stay in Thailand, pay taxes and work with clients from abroad.

Ubiquitous virtual assistants

The number of various administrative tasks which need to be completed on time, as well as those more creative and technical, is growing as more and more entrepreneurs recognize that their business is lagging simply because they are wearing too many hats. Among the tasks that can be outsourced to a virtual assistant there is email management, operating auto-responders, booking appointments and following up with clients, database building, blogpost research, personal errands, participating in discussion forums or message boards and recruiting other team members.  

Blockchain social media

Not far from being the Holy Grail for digital nomads, a new social platform that pays back for posting is a reality. Especially for bloggers and content creators, Steemit is potentially the biggest monetary influence there is. Operating on a blockchain principle, similar to Bitcoin, it rewards its users for creating and curating content for the community. Basically, you get paid for writing and posting, based on the number of votes your content receives. Steemit pays up in various currencies, which can be traded for Bitcoin and then cashed out in USD. While it may prove challenging at first, especially to those inexperienced in cryptocurrencies, it’s possibly the biggest trend of 2018.

While working remotely has its ups and downs, just like working from an office, some people choose freedom and adventure over security. However, make sure you are informed how much each job role pays before you jump onto the remote job bandwagon.  

About the Author

Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Highstylife Magazine.