Digital nomadism is no longer just a phase. A report by Yahoo! on digital nomadism reveals that over 16.9 million American workers are already adopting this technology-enabled lifestyle. Additionally, the number of digital nomads compared to those working traditional corporate jobs increased by 9% in 2022, growing from 10.2 million to 11.1 million this past year alone. This shows that more individuals prefer flexible work arrangements, a trend forever changing how people work today.
But as new workplace trends arise, new demands in the field will emerge as well. One of them is the demand for tools and software that will help remote workers perform their tasks more efficiently. The market responded in spades, and there are now countless tools for you to choose from. Below, we discuss the four things you need as a digital nomad to help you narrow down your options:
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Noise-Canceling Headphones
With these headphones, you’ll be able to tune out distractions from your surroundings. As such, they’ll allow you to concentrate more on your work, whether you’re on a plane or in a cafe. They’ll also help you hear and present discussions more clearly during meetings because they reduce any potential background noise from your end. Top brands, like Sony, offer some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market today. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 pairs superb noise-canceling features with a long battery life of 30 hours. They’re also lightweight and comfortable on the ears, making them suitable for digital nomads who are always on the go.
A High-Definition Camera
Although most laptops have webcams, their built-in camera quality isn’t always going to be great. So having a high-definition camera will be a valuable investment for you, especially if you regularly attend virtual meetings. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II mirrorless camera is a good option for digital nomads. Apart from the high-quality camera output, it is lighter and more compact than other types of cameras, making it more convenient for those who need to travel light. It also has an adjustable LCD monitor, allowing you to check your camera’s field of view while recording. Lastly, you can use a high-definition camera for other purposes as well. If you’re not meeting with clients, you can use your camera to take quality travel photos.
Project Management Applications
One of the perks of being a digital nomad is that you have control over your schedule and projects. However, it can also be a drawback if you don’t have a project management application helping you keep track of your tasks. That’s why using reliable organization software is a must. If you’re working with a team, the free web-based app Trello can help you manage all your business projects, exchange notes with clients or colleagues, and even set reminders for deadlines. If you’re working alone, Evernote is a great note-taking app that lets you store files, photos, or website links. Since you can download Evernote on your phone, you can access these notes easily anytime and anywhere, even without your laptop.
Presentation Add-Ons
Because presentations are necessary for most virtual meetings, creating an effective slide deck is essential for captivating your audience. Fortunately, there are various presentation add-ons available that you can use to level up your presentation skills. My previous article ‘What I Learned After Teaching With Zoom And Canvas For Almost A Year’ explains how Google Slide add-ons like Peardeck can help encourage interactivity during a presentation by allowing your audience to draw directly on your slide deck and answer embedded questions with a short response. Ultimately, this lets your audience know that you’re a digital nomad adept with technology and that you can maximize the use of tech tools to make your presentation more engaging.
Visa Requirements
Equally crucial to a seamless digital nomad lifestyle is ensuring your paperwork is in order. If you’re venturing to places with specific entry requirements, such as China, staying informed is key. Familiarize yourself with the China visa requirements to ensure your adventure is as smooth as your packing strategy.
Looking For Work as a Digital Nomad
Finding the right job as a digital nomad can be tough. Building a wide network within your digital niche is critical for landing the best digital nomad positions. As a digital nomad you might need a number of clients or have to take a handful of different jobs before you land the perfect gig. Sometimes you just need a little bit of extra income or maybe you want to build your resume. Thankfully there are websites that offer digital job listings. It can be hard to trust the authenticity of websites though; especially in the digital nomad world. I recommend a job website for digital nomads that ALSO has in-person jobs. Be sure to research both the website you use and also your potential employer.
