Methods to Get Began as a Filipino Digital Nomad: Instruments and Assets

So you’re new right here? And also you’re dreaming of getting that digital nomad life-style? It’s thrilling, however getting began can really feel a bit overwhelming.

Don’t fear! I’ve been there. And on this final information, I’ll present you the right way to develop into a digital nomad. Listed below are necessary instruments and assets that helped me start and made me who I’m as a Filipino distant employee!

1. The First Step: Setting Up Your Distant Work

Earlier than you hit the highway, the very first thing you want is a distant job. It’s not all neck pillows, water bottles and journey journals in any case!

There are numerous assets for a Filipino distant employee that may make it easier to discover job alternatives or on-line enterprise.

Some common roles embrace internet developer, freelance author, or digital assistant.

Listed below are some platforms I’ve used:

• Upwork: A world platform the place you could find freelance jobs in several fields like graphic designer or social media supervisor.
• OnlineJobs.ph: A platform only for Filipinos! You’ll find full-time or part-time work right here, and it’s an awesome place to begin to your nomadic life-style.
• Fiverr: Recognized for its gig-based system, Fiverr lets you create service packages that purchasers should purchase. It’s best for showcasing your particular expertise, corresponding to graphic design, content material writing, or video modifying.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking web site, LinkedIn encompasses a devoted job board the place you could find distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn lets you construct your skilled community, which may result in referrals and job provides.
• Toptal: Should you’re an skilled skilled in fields like software program growth, design, or finance, Toptal connects you with high-quality purchasers and tasks. It’s a extra selective platform, however the potential for well-paying, long-term gigs makes it value exploring.
• Freelancer: Much like Upwork, Freelancer provides a variety of tasks throughout a number of classes. You possibly can bid on jobs, enter contests, and join with purchasers worldwide. It’s an awesome platform for constructing expertise and securing constant work.
• We Work Remotely: Specializing in distant positions, this platform options jobs in design, advertising, buyer help, and tech. It’s a wonderful useful resource for locating roles which can be totally distant, providing flexibility and a world consumer base.

When you land your distant job, you’re already one step nearer to beginning your digital nomad journey.

2. Digital Nomad Instruments to Keep Productive

Getting one of many digital nomad jobs just isn’t sufficient. As a freelancer, staying organized is essential. Listed below are some must-have instruments that I depend on:

• Trello: This device helps you handle your tasks, duties, and deadlines multi function place. I take advantage of it to maintain observe of every part, from work assignments to private journey plans.
• Notion: That is my go-to device for note-taking, creating to-do lists, and storing all my journey data.
• Google Drive: Cloud storage is important. I retailer all my necessary paperwork right here, in order that they’re at all times accessible, regardless of the place I’m.
• Slack – For staying related with purchasers, distant groups, or collaborators, Slack is a game-changer. It streamlines communication and permits file sharing, making it simpler to work throughout time zones.
• Canva – A user-friendly design device for creating displays, social media content material, and advertising supplies. As a freelancer, this helps me keep knowledgeable edge without having superior design expertise.
• Clockify – Time administration is essential when working remotely. I take advantage of Clockify to trace how a lot time I spend on tasks, serving to me keep environment friendly and keep away from burnout.
• Grammarly – Whether or not it’s emails, proposals, or weblog posts, Grammarly ensures my writing is polished {and professional}. It’s a useful device for anybody whose work depends on clear communication.
• NordVPN – A VPN is non-negotiable for digital nomads. NordVPN secures my web connection, defending delicate knowledge when utilizing public Wi-Fi in cafes or coworking areas.
• Zoom – Important for digital conferences and consumer calls, Zoom ensures I can keep skilled relationships regardless of the place I’m working from.
• Expensify – Managing funds might be difficult on the go. Expensify helps me observe bills, handle receipts, and even simplify tax preparation.

These instruments have develop into my digital Swiss Military knife, serving to me handle work seamlessly, whether or not I’m in Metro Manila, El Nido, or exploring the seashores of Sri Lanka.

3. Dependable Web is a Should

Other than the 4-hour workweek plan or schedule, one other one of many greatest challenges for any nomadic life-style worker is discovering dependable web connection. 

Southeast Asia is a well-liked hub due to its reasonably priced price of residing and first rate web entry (Yesim code: KATRIN8414).

• Pocket Wi-Fi – I at all times carry a pocket Wi-Fi system as a backup, particularly after I’m in distant areas or island hopping in locations like El Nido or Palawan. It’s a lifesaver when native connections are spotty, and lots of suppliers now supply reasonably priced, travel-friendly plans.
• Co-working Areas – Cities like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Metro Manila are recognized for his or her wonderful co-working areas geared up with quick and dependable Wi-Fi. These areas additionally supply alternatives to community with fellow digital nomads and distant professionals.
• Yesim – Native pay as you go SIM playing cards are one other nice choice for staying related. Right here’s considered one of my favorites so don’t overlook to make use of my code: KATRIN8414 for a great low cost!
• Excessive-Pace Web Suppliers – Some lodging, particularly in bigger cities, now supply packages with high-speed web, catering to the rising group of distant employees and digital nomads. When reserving, at all times test the critiques for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – Should you want a extra relaxed setting, many cafes in common digital nomad hubs have free Wi-Fi and cozy workspaces. Simply bear in mind to help the enterprise by ordering meals or drinks whilst you work.

4. Visa and Residency Choices

Should you’re planning to remain abroad long-term, journey or medical insurance isn’t sufficient to have. Take a look at visa choices for a digital nomad.

Many international locations supply a digital nomad visa or vacationer visa with extensions for any distant employee.

Listed below are some nice locations for Filipinos to think about:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Generally known as a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai provides reasonably priced residing, wonderful co-working areas, and a visa system that’s comparatively simple to navigate. You can begin with a Vacationer Visa (Single-Entry or A number of-Entry) and prolong it at native immigration places of work. For longer stays, contemplate the Schooling Visa for finding out Thai language.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka combines affordability with a rising distant work tradition. The nation provides a Vacationer ETA (Digital Journey Authorization) that may be prolonged, making it an awesome selection for digital nomads.
• Hong Kong: A vibrant and bustling metropolis, Hong Kong is ideal for digital nomads who thrive in city environments. Whereas there’s no particular digital nomad visa but, you’ll be able to apply for a Hong Kong Working Vacation Visa (if eligible) or a regular customer visa with the opportunity of renewal.

Further Assets

Listed below are some useful hyperlinks to discover visa and residency choices:

• Immigration Web sites: All the time seek advice from official authorities web sites to get up-to-date visa and residency info.
• International Citizen Options: A useful resource for these contemplating investment-based residency or citizenship choices.

Should you plan to remain even longer, contemplate wanting into everlasting residency or citizenship choices within the nation you’re keen on. This may make it simpler to cool down whereas having fun with your digital nomad life.

5. Staying Linked and Secure

Being a Filipino digital nomad additionally means staying related.

And belief me, it doesn’t simply imply the same old Fb teams, weblog posts and digital nomad communities. It additionally means holding in contact with our household and pals.

Additionally, I at all times be sure that to have journey insurance coverage for security, particularly throughout lengthy journeys overseas.

Listed below are the apps I take advantage of to remain related with my family members and work:

• Viber: Viber is a favourite for Filipinos due to its user-friendly interface and strong options. You possibly can ship free textual content messages, make voice and video calls, and even share photographs and movies. The group chat function is very useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or pals directly.
• WhatsApp: Widespread worldwide, WhatsApp is a flexible app for texting, voice messages, and video calls. Its end-to-end encryption ensures your conversations stay personal, which is a bonus for holding your private updates safe.
• Fb Messenger: Many Filipinos depend on Fb Messenger as a result of it’s extensively used and integrates seamlessly with Fb. It’s excellent for sending fast updates, sharing photographs, and even internet hosting group video calls with household again house.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can also be a wonderful device for internet hosting digital household gatherings or catching up with pals throughout totally different time zones.
• collaborate professionally:
• Slack: Slack is a best choice for staff communication. You possibly can create separate channels for various tasks or purchasers, share information immediately, and combine it with different productiveness instruments like Google Drive or Trello. It’s excellent for holding your work organized and your staff on the identical web page.
• Skype: Skype stays a extensively used platform for skilled calls, significantly for formal conferences, interviews, and displays. Its screen-sharing function is very useful for collaborative discussions or walkthroughs.
• Microsoft Groups: For these working with company purchasers or bigger groups, Microsoft Groups is a robust device. It combines chat, video conferencing, and doc collaboration in a single platform.
• Google Meet: Built-in with Google Workspace, Google Meet is a dependable device for digital conferences. Its ease of use and compatibility with Gmail make it a handy choice for freelancers and distant employees.

Becoming a member of Digital Nomad Communities

Staying related additionally means participating with different digital nomads who can share suggestions, recommendation, and even potential job leads. Platforms like Nomad Checklist and Reddit supply vibrant communities the place you’ll be able to join with like-minded people. For Filipinos, teams like Pinoy Digital Nomads on Fb present an area to share experiences and help one another.

By leveraging these instruments, you’ll be able to make sure you’re by no means too removed from the individuals who matter most whereas staying environment friendly and related in your skilled life. Communication is the guts of a profitable digital nomad journey, holding you grounded and supported wherever your travels take you.

Last Ideas

Beginning a digital nomad journey can really feel a bit scary. However with the suitable digital nomad assets, or some device and talent, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.

Simply bear in mind, being organized and staying related are key. So seize your laptop computer, pack your baggage, and prepare for an incredible journey!

Joyful travels, fellow digital nomads!

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