There are many reasons that people choose to adopt a digital nomad lifestyle. Freedom, flexibility, and having the opportunity to live life to the fullest without sacrificing an income are among these. But, it isn’t always easy, and there are many ways that you can quickly derail before you’ve ridden the remote work train to professional freedom. Keep reading as Bradley Robinson Media shares several tips on how to get started in the world of remote work.

 

Stay organized.

 

Organization happens in many ways, from keeping your desk neat and orderly to looking ahead at the next three to six weeks’ worth of projects. If keeping up with deadlines isn’t your strong suit, look for an online monthly planning template that can help you see what’s coming down the pipeline for the next 30 days or so. There are many options available with visuals – graphics, colors, fonts, “sticky” notes – that make it easy to see into your future.

 

Get your EIN.

 

EIN might be the most important acronym you’ve never heard of. An EIN is an employee ID number, which is how the IRS tracks how people are paid. When you’re getting your business up and running, particularly if you are a freelancer or consultant, apply for your tax ID now, which can make it easier on you come the tumultuous tax season. Keep in mind that you may be required to pay taxes quarterly instead of annually, depending on how much you make.

 

Fill in your skills gaps.

 

If you struggle with communication, project management, or handling technology, all skills that We Work Remotely acknowledge are essential in today’s digital age, it’s time to refine your capabilities. Consider going back to school to fill in the gaps. Earning an online business degree, for example, is something you can do while you work remotely, and you can choose to boost your business skills in marketing, leadership, or management.

 

Follow the technology.

 

Being a digital nomad implies that you must stay online no matter where you are. To start, plan on staying in the US so that you can get acclimated to traveling without losing your link to the internet. Stick closely to heavily connected cities, such as Brooklyn, Seattle, or Denver. As you get more comfortable managing your own technology, such as portable hotspots and printers, you can extend your travel arrangements to include more secluded areas.

 

Learn to live with distractions.

 

If you think your coworkers are a distraction, you haven’t seen anything yet. When you work remotely, particularly if you plan to travel while doing so, your mind is going to be racing 1000 miles an hour all the time. Distractions are everywhere, and it can be difficult to contain your excitement when it’s time to prioritize professionalism. The Serene app offers several suggestions on this, and cautions against multitasking and leaving your notifications on. Be selective about which notifications you turn off, however, as you do not want to miss important communication from teammates or clients.

 

Brush up on your communication skills.

 

Just as important as organization, technology, and focus are your communication skills. In the real world, you can be a better communicator with physical gestures that show your intent when you have a conversation. It’s not that easy in the digital realm. Learn how to effectively communicate over email, text, instant messaging, and video calls so that you can eliminate misunderstandings. Great communication also ensures everyone’s always on the same page.

 

Remote work is a dream come true for many of us. When you have aspirations of seeing the world, having the ability to go mobile is a godsend. To be successful in your nomadic endeavors, be prepared. Make sure you’re organized and ease into the process. As with all things, perfecting your craft (in this case, working remotely) means practicing and gaining experience in the real world.

 

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