I’ve been traveling for the last several years but I have never managed to make a lot of money completely online, I have saved up working in the US a few times and once I got a job for a year in Colombia but that was in person, so no traveling.

I have given a few english classes online as well but nothing sustainable.

I’ve spent the last 3 years becoming a self taught programmer (React) but I havent gotten a job yet although I have started offering freelance services. I am also enrolled in online college for computer science now.

Overall I speak 3 languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese) have experience in sales, and I can build websites.

Any advice for someone trying to break out of just the nomad world and into the digital nomad world? How did you do it?

  • ze-mother@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Had a normal 9-5 gig and during the pandemic the company went fully remote. So I moved where the ocean is vast and the rents are lower ;-)

  • Creepy-Ad-8826@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I spent 20 years building a portfolio of design related skills that eventually converted into a well paid job, and status in a company that allows me to work on my terms, which currently includes working from a country of my choice. At some points of this long journey I only ate instant noodles and had no social life. I don’t recommend doing that, but in my case, there were sacrifices. Just take time and effort to build remote skills and portfolio of impressive work, that will enable the cash flow and location independence that comes with that. Then you should ask yourself if you really want to be a digital nomad. There’s plenty of pros and cons. Be careful what you wish for.

  • putonyourdressshoes@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I chose a job where I didn’t have to deal with people and kind of just figured out one day how well I could do it on the go. I have no attachments back home and I’m not getting any younger, so I thought I’d try out doing the same thing in a bigger place with better food.

  • lovely_trequartista@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Honestly you’re well on the right track to one of the most viable paths.

    You’re an actual self taught web dev who has invested 3 years into learning the right tooling (React) and you’re already capable of building frontends.

    Completely different circumstance and track record than the large numbers who get into web dev just to become digital nomads, thinking that it’s easy and that they’ll be employable in one year.

    You might be the last type of person who should be considering switching careers or formulating a new plan. It really sounds like you’re almost there.

    The fact that you’re also actively working towards a CS degree speaks volumes.

    The global market is pretty bad right now, things like a relevant degree will definitely give you a boost.

    Continue to upskill in your field and research how to specifically seek out remote work opportunities. Ultimately it’s a numbers game.