Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
When considering how to become a digital nomad, most of the focus is on the logistics. Do you have a passport? What countries offer digital nomad visas? How much money will you need to support nomad living?
Those are all essential questions that need answers, but they shouldn’t be the only questions you ask. It’s also wise to self-analyze how well you’ll handle life as a digital nomad.
Working your way around the world will likely be an incredible, life-altering experience, but it’s important to acknowledge that it may also be challenging at times.
Consider whether or not you already have the following traits that will help you succeed in the nomad life.
More than your passport and a sturdy laptop are needed to thrive when you’re learning how to be a digital nomad.
Consider this list of traits that will help you successfully pursue the digital nomad lifestyle.
1. You’re Adaptable
You’ve just settled into a cozy cafe in Lisbon, Portugal, around the corner from your rented apartment.
You’re ready for a productive workday with your laptop open and a cup of steaming hot coffee. But the owners have an emergency, and suddenly, the shop is closing indefinitely.
Life on the road is filled with unexpected circumstances: weather and travel delays, power outages, natural disasters, political unrest…the list could go on indefinitely.
None of them are insurmountable, but it’s essential for your career and job performance that you approach unexpected situations with a flexible mindset.
Pro tip: Having a backup plan—and maybe a backup plan for the backup plan—can make all the difference in how you adapt to changing circumstances. When you’re scouting new locations, ensure you have at least one, if not two, backup work options already scoped out.
Knowing where you can go to complete your tasks will keep your stress level low when you need to adapt.
2. You’re Self-Motivated
Analyze the difference between traveling for leisure and traveling while working. Undoubtedly, there will be times when the allure of a new experience competes with your professional deadlines and expectations.
To meet your professional commitments, you’ll need to be self-motivated. Being self-motivated is critical to maintaining productivity without the structure of a traditional office setting.
Self-motivation drives digital nomads to set and achieve personal and professional goals, which is crucial for a successful career.
Pro tip: Schedule non-negotiable work times. Before committing to anything, get in the habit of saying, “Let me check my schedule.”
When you want to rearrange your schedule, block out a new time when you’ll complete your work to stay ahead of schedule. Be realistic, and don’t allow personal interests to interfere with your work commitments.
3. You Enjoy Learning
A passion for learning will help you keep up with new technologies and advancements in your industry.
Beyond professional growth, your commitment to learning will also help you adapt to new environments and enrich your travel experiences. A love of learning will enhance the overall experience of traveling and living abroad.
Pro tip: Schedule time for both personal and professional development throughout your travels. Organize quarterly slots on your calendar to review your career goals for the year and ensure you’re on track.
4. You’re Tech-Savvy
Distributed teams, software updates that bug out, time zones, new company resources.
Being tech-savvy is important for remote work in general, but it’s indispensable when you’re enjoying a work-from-anywhere job and utilizing digital communication tools or troubleshooting common tech problems.
Tech-savviness will enable you to manage your work effectively from anywhere in the world.
Pro tip: Make it a goal to become an expert in the tools you use daily to connect with your team and complete your assignments.
While you might never need to teach anyone those skills, knowing how to will ensure that you can be self-sufficient if you need to problem-solve any issues.
5. You Have a Location-Independent Skill Set
Ask yourself if your skill set will limit or enhance your ability to work on the go.
For example, if you’re bilingual in a language that isn’t in high demand in many places, your options are going to be limited. What will you do if there’s suddenly a need to relocate?
On the other hand, a more location-independent skill set that’s in demand worldwide is an excellent foundation for work-from-anywhere jobs. Web design, online marketing, and project management are great examples of skills that you can easily pack up and take with you.
That’s not to say that you won’t succeed if you’re traveling with a specialized skill set, but the less your experience depends on a particular location, the easier and more financially stable life as a digital nomad will be.
Pro tip: Create a career development plan that includes continuous learning. Rank your skills based on how in-demand and portable they are. If necessary, build your expertise in jobs that are an excellent fit for the digital nomad lifestyle.
That might mean delaying your travels for a short time, but the payoff could be worth the wait. You might be surprised how quickly you can gain hands-on experience through freelancing and volunteering.
6. You Value Experiences Over Possessions
A minimalistic mindset and lifestyle will help you gain the most from your travel experiences. Without a lot to pack and manage, you’ll be more free to follow your passions and work with clients around the world.
You can’t foresee what experience is going to present itself down the road. It could be a dream job in a remote area that requires you to jump on the next train.
Not to mention, at the root of the digital nomad meaning is, essentially, a desire to embrace and explore new cultures.
With fewer belongings weighing you down, you’ll have more flexibility to choose destinations that lead to personal growth.
Pro tip: If you had to pack up and go without much notice, would you be leaving behind many valuable things?
Limit your packing list to the necessities so you have the flexibility to follow your passions and unforeseen career opportunities.
7. You’re Comfortable With Uncertainty
Maintaining a high level of comfort with uncertainty is crucial for handling the unpredictable elements of nomad life, from fluctuating income to travel hiccups. Analyze your level of comfort with risk and change.
Be realistic about how much of a cushion you need before you start to feel pressure and tension.
For example, suppose that you’re working for a company that offers work-from-anywhere jobs, but then they’re acquired by a large organization with minimal flexibility.
Knowing ahead of time what you need to stay calm during financially uncertain situations is vital to thriving as a digital nomad.
Pro tip: Maintain the perspective of a continual job seeker. Schedule time to update your LinkedIn profile and resume so you’re ready to launch a new job search if the unexpected occurs.
8. You’re Mindful of Your Wellness
Jet lag and working odd hours, combined with a desire to soak up every new experience, can quickly lead to burnout. You’ll need to set boundaries and monitor your wellness and habits to thrive as a digital nomad.
Beyond physical wellness, you’ll also need to schedule downtime and create space for your mental health.
Nomad living can be isolating and lonely when you’re not intentional about building relationships. Self-awareness and good self-care habits are essential to a successful nomad life.
Pro tip: Block out time in your schedule to check in with your mental and physical wellness. Monitor the amount of tech and digital devices you’re using daily, and create a workday shutdown ritual.
Outside of work, schedule time to connect with friends and family back home, and try to create connections with other digital nomads.
9. You Have Cultural Sensitivity
Will your role require you to work closely with clients or team members in a new destination? If so, your cultural sensitivity can make a tremendous impact on the success of your collaboration.
But even if your entire team is based in your home country, cultural sensitivity can help you have a smooth experience while traveling abroad.
It’s not just personal opinions you risk when you disregard cultural norms. Laws and regulations vary significantly.
What you view as a minor offense can lead to imprisonment or fines in other locations. A curious but respectful approach helps you prevent cultural mishaps before they occur.
Pro tip: Do a bit of research on local customs before arriving at a new destination. Note key details, like whether or not the culture communicates more indirectly than is customary back home.
Also, show respect by dressing appropriately if you’re invited to someone’s home or office. When in doubt, ask for respectful feedback and keep an open mind.
10. You’re Aware of Digital Security
Understanding and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information and digital assets is critical for your data and that of your client or organization.
Be mindful of security risks by taking extra precautions when you’re far from home. You’ll need a backup plan and a standard operating procedure to adhere to.
That will likely include using a VPN and a personal hotspot, utilizing a password manager and two-factor authentication, and never leaving your work and computer unattended in public.
Pro tip: Stay informed about and adhere to cybersecurity best practices. Create spaces to back up your data in a secure cloud service and an external hard drive.
And remember, even if the cafe or hotel lobby feels cozy, it’s not your office. Don’t discuss confidential information where others can hear you or leave your laptop visible to prying eyes.
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