The world of work is changing, and it is changing rapidly! With technology and a more knowledge-driven job, you have no reason to be tied to a specific job. You can travel the world, relax on the beach, or just relax on the couch. Sounds good, right?
Well, this is eminently possible these days if you have the right tools to make it all work for you. Every digital nomad will eventually develop a set of tools that suits their needs and profession, but these ten tools are essential for anyone looking to get into this digital nomad lifestyle.
Cloud Collaboration Tools
Cloud collaboration tools
No one person is an island, and if you want to work, more often than not it will be collaboration with a team. There are many cloud collaboration packages out there, but these are the largest and most prevalent options from the world’s tech giants.
Google Suite
If you have a Gmail account, you already have access to the entire Google Suite online applications. This includes Google Docs, a great, optimized word processor.
Google Docs is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to work with someone on a document, and since it’s completely free, you have no excuse not to try it and the other components of the Google Suite at least once.
Office 365
Of course, there is a lot to say about good old Microsoft Office. It remains the standard for overall productivity. However, modern Office is not your grandparents’ desktop program anymore, you damn Clippy.
Office 365 has now moved to the cloud forever, and you can experience an almost complete working drone with just a web browser and internet connection. However, unlike Google Suite, you need to pay for a subscription.
On the other hand, it also allows you to download traditional Office apps, provides a huge amount of cloud storage and a significant list of additional features. If you don’t mind spending a few dollars each month, this is definitely worth looking at. It has great multiplayer plans where you can equip an entire team or family with software and services for a single fee.
Cloud Storage Tools
Cloud storage tools
Do not copy this floppy disk! Oh, the tumultuous days of storing physical media. Even capacious USB flash drives are becoming a rarity these days. Instead, it’s easier to just store your files securely in the cloud.
For the digital nomad, these cloud storage services have become a lifesaver. From keeping digital copies of important travel documents to giving you access to work-related files, you can’t live without the cloud.
Google Drive
Part of the aforementioned Google Suite, it’s a great option and won’t cost you a dime. Google is always adding more space and at the time of writing there is about 17GB of disk space available.
You can store almost any file in your Google Drive, and an app recently became available to allow you to sync offline. Obviously, it also integrates nicely with other Google apps.
DropBox
The industry standard for cloud storage solutions. DropBox only offers about 2GB of free tier storage, but has some of the best integration with Windows and mobile.
The sync is flawless and the company is constantly adding more web features and smart indexing of your information. They also have a Google Docs counterpart, Dropbox Paper
OneDrive
OneDrive offers 15 GB per month for free, but you can pay up to 6 TB or get it as part of your Office 365 subscription.
While OneDrive lags slightly behind Google or DropBox in terms of elegance or intelligence, it offers amazing value per GB. Personal plan includes Office 365 and 1 TB OneDrive for the price of coffee every month.
Coworking
Co-working spaces
With the rise of digital nomads, a new business has emerged. Now there are whole companies where you can just come, book an office and do business for a few hours.
You can get air conditioning, internet access and printing equipment for a reasonable tax-free fee. Coworking spaces are popping up all over the world, but finding one when traveling can be tricky.
DropDesk
DropDesk makes it easy to find collaboration locations across the United States. It has a simple filter system and crisp photos to show you exactly what you are getting.
Too bad it’s not an international service, but if you are traveling in the Land of Liberty this is a great way to find a table.
Employee
If your needs are more international, then a colleague is what you need. From New York to Hong Kong, there is a huge list of interesting places to work.
Coworker operates in 163 countries, which is surprising since there are 195 of them.
Gig-Economy Services
Gig-Economy services
As a digital nomad, you’re probably doing some kind of work in the gig economy yourself, so it’s perfectly appropriate to use these services to support your remote digital career.
After all, if you move from one place to another while browsing the Internet, you will need transportation and a place to stay. Fortunately, gig savings are here to save the day.
AirBnB
If you are very mobile, then a traditional car rental business may not always be suitable. AirBnB is an app that makes it easy for you to find private accommodations from virtually anywhere in the world. I
It is also home to some of the most interesting and unusual places to stay. Ideal for nomads.
Uber
Rental cars are insanely expensive, and you, a nomad, don’t need a car. So a service like Uber is perfect for taking you from AirBnB to your workspace.
Stop on the way for a thin latte. Heaven.
UpWork
Of course, if you want to be a digital nomad, you need to work remotely! UpWork is the largest online remote work platform. If you have the skills to pay bills, someone at UpWork will pay them.
This is far from the only option – Fiverr is another option as well – but any nomad newbie can do more than start here.
Wherever I roam
Wherever you wander
The world belongs to all of us, so why not see it while you have the chance? We don’t need to be tied to a place with our work and life, which is too short not to see the planet.
So pack your laptop, charge your smartphone, and collect your flights.
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