The Digital Nomad Lifestyle – More Than Just Location Freedom

It’s the question I see everywhere—on Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Instagram comments: How do you become a digital nomad with no experience?

For a year, I avoided answering this on my blog. Not because I didn’t have insights to share, but because I refuse to add to the avalanche of content profiting off a limiting belief—one that keeps people stuck instead of helping them achieve real entrepreneurial freedom.

So, let me cut to the chase. In this article, I’ll do three things: debunk the limiting belief behind your question, help you create an actionable plan to leap into the digital nomad lifestyle, and introduce a course designed to support your journey toward location independence.

But let’s get something straight: this isn’t an article about landing entry-level jobs stuffed with soul-sucking tasks or strict schedules that strip you of the one thing you crave most: time freedom. Instead, this guide will show you how to build a freedom-based business using the skills and experiences you already have.

If you’re ready to challenge your beliefs and start building the life of your dreams, keep reading. If you’re here for a quick-fix solution, then this isn’t the article—or the business—for you.

What Are the Actual Intentions of a Digital Nomad?

To become a digital nomad with no experience, your first task is to get real about your intentions. Why, exactly, do you want to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle?

These days, it feels like everyone wants to become a digital nomad, chasing some version of freedom. But let’s dig deeper. What does freedom mean to you? Is it simply about location independence—escaping the monotony of a desk job and working from anywhere? If so, that’s just phase one.

Phase two—the often-overlooked but absolutely critical piece—is about time freedom. And here’s the truth: snagging just any remote job that ties you to rigid deadlines or endless tasks won’t get you there.

Instead, I suggest you take control by creating your own business. A business where you call the shots and—more importantly—one that aligns with two non-negotiables: authenticity and structural freedom. (Don’t worry, we’ll dive into both in just a moment.)

Starting your own business might sound intimidating, especially if you feel like you have no experience. But trust me—your unique skills and passions are the foundation for building something meaningful. Let’s unpack that next.

You Don’t Need a New Career – Just a New Approach

Here’s some good news: to become a digital nomad with no experience isn’t about switching careers. Why? Because digital nomadism isn’t a job—it’s a lifestyle. That means you don’t need a specific professional background to make it happen; you most certainly don’t need to start from scratch.

What you do need is a fresh approach to creating this next chapter of your life. (You see how ‘no experience’ isn’t fact, but perspective, don’t you?)

Let’s start by focusing on two things: your experience and your mindset.

Experience:

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What are 10 things you do throughout the week that come naturally to you? (This could be anything—from managing tasks at work to organizing family schedules. Think communication, planning, or problem-solving.)
2. What are 10 things you genuinely love doing and would choose over tedious tasks? (Think planning a party, mapping out a dream trip, or even negotiating a deal.)

Take a moment here to acknowledge your unique skills. Not only have you identified what you’re good at, but you’ve also unearthed the things you love doing. With just a little more brainstorming, your business idea will emerge at the intersection of these two lists.

Mindset:

Now, remember, being a digital nomad is a lifestyle, not an escape route. Sure, you could try to leave behind relationships or situations you dislike, but the truth is, emotional baggage travels with you no matter where you go. Alternatively, you can embrace this lifestyle as an opportunity for self-discovery—to heal from old conditioning and uncover your most authentic self.

Here are a few questions to help you align your mindset with your nomadic journey (and, in turn, your work with your desires):

• If no one would judge or be disappointed, what choices would you make for yourself right now?
• When was a time your gut instinct didn’t make sense but led you exactly where you needed to be?
• What does your ideal day as a digital nomad look like? What thoughts would you think, actions would you take, and conversations would you engage in—or avoid?

When you’re intentional about both your experience and your mindset, you’ll discover that your digital nomad journey isn’t just about finding work—it’s about designing a life that aligns with who you truly are.

Steps to Become a Digital Nomad with No Experience: A Strategic Plan

Here’s the deal: scrolling through listicles of digital nomad jobs entry level is not your path forward. Seriously, stop selling yourself short. You’re more than a checkbox on a job description. You’ve got a unique genius—yes, genius—that the world is waiting for.

And here’s the best part: stepping into that genius isn’t just about serving others; it’s the key to finding fulfillment, purpose, and joy.

Taking any remote job just because it lets you travel? That’s a fast track to burnout, not freedom. Let’s build something better.

So, how do you start building a location-independent business?

First, let’s address a common pitfall: not all online businesses are built for travel. If you’re stacking up one-on-one clients without a scalable plan, you’re chaining yourself to a desk—and probably setting alarms for 6 a.m. calls in random time zones. That’s not entrepreneurial freedom.

Instead, think of it this way:

1. Start by landing a few one-on-one clients—just enough to cover your baseline income. This will give you the breathing room to A) quit your job and start traveling, and B) invest time and money in scaling your business.
2. Then, diversify your offers to build a business that works without you being tied to your laptop 24/7.

This approach is exactly what I teach in my course, Book Clients to Book Flights. Inside, I’ll show you how to sign clients without posting on social media, align your pricing to your goals, and—here’s the game-changer—craft a mission statement. You can buy the course right here.

You’ve already started laying the groundwork for your mission statement by reflecting on what you’re good at and passionate about. Now, let’s refine it with these two questions:

• When you’re doing the things you’re most passionate about, who’s benefiting?
• What happens for you and for them as a result?

This leads you to the three core elements of your mission statement—your guiding North Star:

1. What you do
2. Who you do it for
3. The impact you create

Pretty amazing, right? You came here asking how to become a digital nomad with no experience, and now you’re transforming that experience into a business. This is just the beginning, and I’m proud of the work you’re putting in. Let’s keep moving forward!

Digital Nomad Job and Business Suggestions: Where to Start

Now, if you are feeling a bit stuck on what your business should focus on, let’s spark some inspiration. This list isn’t about finding a quick freelancing gig that leaves you overworked, underpaid, and tethered to your laptop at odd hours. Instead, think of these as starting points to build a business that aligns with your needs—so you can serve your clients in a way that’s sustainable, impactful, and fulfilling.

Here are some ideas to get the wheels turning:

Copywriting: If you’ve got a way with words, you can create content that drives sales and engagement. Eventually, you can create courses that teach others how to do it for themselves.

Virtual Assistant (VA): VA work is versatile and flexible, and it is a great way to learn about business from the inside. You can develop your own processes and grow into a VA or OBM agency, winning back your time.

Social Media Management (SMM): Got a knack for content creation and analytics? Then you can help brands grow their presence online. Over time, you can bring in contractors to take the workload off your shoulders and devlop your own teaching courses to teach entrepreneurs what you know.

Online Language Teaching: Fluency in a language? Another great way to get started with a few private clients and then build an entire community around your memberships and courses.

Business or Career Coaching: Well, most of this blog is dedicated to this, so I’m going to just say – stick around to learn all about that, and this is a great article to start with.

Yoga or Vocal Coaching: Grouped together here as one of my clients has done just that. Either way, this is a field where live classes or private sessions seem to be the growth ceiling…but I’ve seen yoga teachers wake up to passive income made, so let’s not let others’ business model restrict your own.

Website Designer: If you’re skilled in design or coding, help businesses create stunning websites. You can then expand your offerings with pre-made designs that you sell, memberships to provide b-roll for social media, or design DIY courses to scale your business.

Online Business Manager (OBM): For natural organizers, OBM roles let you oversee operations for small businesses, and yes, this is scalable as well.

Read also: How to Create Coaching Packages as a Digital Nomad Coach

A Note on Turning Services into Sustainable Businesses

You can turn any service-based role into a scalable, location-independent business by diversifying your offers and implementing the right marketing strategies and systems. For example:

• Start with one-on-one clients to establish income.
• Expand into group offers, courses, or memberships.
• Automate your workflows to free up time and energy for growth.

And don’t forget: jobs like data entry, transcription, and online tutoring can provide a temporary stepping stone while you build your dream business, but not the ‘way’ to become a digital nomad with no experience. By now you should be hyper-aware of all the experience that you can turn into a profitable business.

From Employee to Entrepreneur: Transitioning to the Digital Nomad Business Model

Let’s talk about the timeline. By now, you know your starting points:

1. Craft your mission statement.
2. Develop your first 1:1 offer.
3. Begin creating your first 1:1 clients.

These steps are your foundation for transitioning from employee to digital nomad entrepreneur.

Realistically, it will likely take about 4 to 6 months to generate the income needed to quit your job and start traveling. However, let’s be clear—there are no guarantees. The timeline depends on several factors:

• Your entrepreneurial stamina—how well you stick with it when things get hard.
• Your willingness to get uncomfortable—stepping outside your comfort zone is essential.
• Your financial goals—how much you want to earn or save before taking the leap.

Important PSA on Affiliate Marketing: If you’re thinking about affiliate marketing as part of your income plan, that’s great! However, it’s unlikely to generate enough money to live on within six months. Think of it as a long-term, supplemental income stream you can build in the background—not your main focus at this stage.

The Transition Timeline: From 9-5 to Digital Nomad Entrepreneur

Month 1

• Create your timeline: Use this article to map out your priorities.
• Mark your calendar: Set your official Take-Off Date.
• Craft your Mission Statement: Define what you do, who you do it for, and the impact you create.
• Create your 1:1 offer and pricing: Build a clear and compelling offer. Utilize this course should you need it.
• Activate your network: Begin connecting with potential clients (I teach you how in this free download).
• Determine your financial requirements: Outline your income and savings goals for your leap. Make sure this is based on factual research, not assumptions.

Month 2

• Continue activating your network to build momentum and trust.
• Schedule enrollment conversations with potential clients to start filling your calendar.
• Prepare contracts and billing systems: Have professional processes ready for clients.
• Set up your business entity: Research international tax requirements and establish your structure.
• Align your schedule with priorities: Dedicate non-negotiable time to your goals.
• Address your housing situation: Notify your landlord or prepare your home for platforms like Airbnb.

Month 3

• Onboard your first clients: Begin serving and learning from them.
• Research travel destinations: Identify nomad-friendly locations that align with your goals.
• Plan your job transition: If needed, initiate discussions about wrapping up responsibilities.
• Audit your finances: Review investments, retirement accounts, and savings.
• Set up travel-friendly financial tools: Apply for an international banking account (e.g., Wise), travel credit cards, and global health insurance (e.g., SafetyWing or PassportCard).
• Continue building your network and scheduling enrollment calls.
• Book your travels: Celebrate this milestone!
• Negotiate remote work arrangements: If keeping your current job, explore transitioning to an independent contractor role.

Months 4-5

• Downsize your belongings: Begin selling or storing what you don’t need.
• Handle de-registration tasks: Schedule appointments with the DMV or local agencies for necessary paperwork.
• Focus on client creation: Prioritize signing new clients and scaling your business.
• Seek coaching support: Get help to accelerate your results and stay on track.

Month 6

• Submit your resignation notice: Celebrate the leap into your new lifestyle!
• Diversify your offer suite: Begin creating scalable options like group programs or digital products.
• Plan your travels around your business needs: Keep your focus on building a sustainable, thriving business.

By following this strategic timeline, you’ll have the financial and operational stability needed to transition from employee to digital nomad entrepreneur smoothly.

How to Find Remote Work from Clients as a Digital Nomad

Good question! As I mentioned before, my course teaches you how to create clients—all without relying on social media. Now, this doesn’t mean social media isn’t important. It is! But building traction on those platforms takes time, and you don’t need to wait for a large following to start signing clients.

Instead, activate your network: start intentional conversations with people already in your environment. For example:

• Social Media Managers: Reach out to local business owners or professionals in your network and offer your services.
• Coaches: Begin coaching colleagues or friends for free, then transition into offering your paid services.
• Yoga Teachers: Offer free 1:1 sessions to people within your existing community.

To do this effectively, group the people you know into categories, such as:

• College connections
• Current or past jobs
• Gym buddies or hobby groups
• LinkedIn or other professional communities

You don’t need hundreds of connections to start. Just 20–30 people who genuinely need what you offer are enough to kick things off. Focus on building trust and showcasing your skills.

The first five clients to get your business started already know, like, and trust you. So, boots on the ground—let’s go!

I’ll also mention that it’s not a bad idea to see if you can negotiate your current job to be remote and, and this is important, turned into an independent contractor position. This can provide you with some additional stability as you continue to build. Changing the tax status on your job, however, is crucial, in order to claim control over your time and make it easy on tax-reporting.

Read also: Creating Clients without Social Media

Additional Support

My course offers all the tools and strategies you need to get started as a digital nomad entrepreneur. If you’re not ready to invest, download my free guide to help you take the first steps toward finding clients and building a sustainable business.

Final Thoughts: Your First Step Towards Becoming a Digital Nomad

Becoming a digital nomad with no experience isn’t about settling for just any job—it’s about using your existing skills to create a business that aligns with your vision of freedom.

The journey requires focus, growth, and a willingness to challenge the limiting beliefs holding you back. By following the actionable steps laid out here, you can build a location-independent business that not only sustains you financially but fulfills you on a deeper level.