If you’ve ever stared longingly at photos of digital nomads working from breezy beachside cafes or cozy European balconies, sipping something exotic and effortlessly typing away on their MacBooks, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there, scrolling through Instagram while eating cold leftovers at my desk, dreaming of a life where I could earn in one currency and spend in another (preferably a much cheaper one).
But let me tell you this: that dream can become a reality. Remote work isn’t just for tech bros and influencers anymore. With the rise of flexible jobs across industries, anyone with the right strategy can land a remote job and take it global.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the practical (and sometimes hilarious) steps I took to find a remote job that let me move abroad—and how you can do the same.
Step 1: Get Real About Your Skills
Let’s rip the bandaid off: not every job can be done remotely. If you’re a surgeon or a firefighter, your remote opportunities are…well, limited. But if your skills fall into categories like writing, design, programming, marketing, customer service, or admin work—you’re in luck!
Ask Yourself:
- What skills do I already have that are valuable online?
- Are there online certifications I can get to improve my chances?
- Can I freelance first to build up my remote portfolio?
For me, it started with freelance writing. I took small gigs, built a portfolio, and eventually landed a remote content strategist role that allowed me to pack my bags and head for sunnier skies.
Pro Tip: If you have zero experience in remote work, start small. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even LinkedIn can be goldmines for beginners.
Step 2: Know Where to Look for Remote Jobs
Finding remote jobs isn’t like finding a regular office job. You can’t just walk into a recruitment office and say, “Hi, I’d like to work from Thailand, please.” But the good news? There are dedicated job boards just for remote positions.
Some of My Go-To Remote Job Boards:
- We Work Remotely: Great for tech, marketing, and writing roles.
- Remote.co: Curated list of legitimate remote opportunities.
- FlexJobs: Paid platform, but excellent for avoiding scams.
- LinkedIn: Use filters like “Remote” and “Work From Anywhere”.
- AngelList: Ideal for remote startup jobs.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Slide into those LinkedIn DMs, attend virtual career fairs, and let everyone know you’re looking for a remote gig.
Pro Tip: Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your remote-friendly skills, like self-discipline, digital communication, and time-zone flexibility.
Step 3: Choose Your Destination Wisely
Now that you’ve got your eye on a remote job, let’s talk about where you’ll actually go.
Not all countries are equally welcoming to digital nomads. Some have special visas for remote workers, while others…well, let’s just say overstaying your tourist visa is a very bad idea.
Top Digital Nomad-Friendly Countries:
- Portugal: Digital Nomad Visa, affordable cost of living.
- Mexico: Great internet, diverse landscapes.
- Bali (Indonesia): A classic remote worker hub.
- Thailand: Affordable, vibrant expat communities.
- Colombia: Medellín, anyone?
I personally chose Portugal because pastel de nata and sea views. No regrets.
Pro Tip: Always check visa requirements before booking a one-way ticket. Some visas require proof of income, health insurance, or a minimum salary.
Step 4: Prepare for the Remote Work Lifestyle
Contrary to what Instagram would have you believe, working remotely from abroad isn’t all beachside hammocks and sunsets. Sometimes, it’s trying to troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues in a tiny hostel room while sweating profusely because the A/C is broken.
Essentials for Remote Work Abroad:
- Reliable Laptop: No brainer.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Because roosters crowing in the background are not “professional.”
- Portable Wi-Fi Device: For those off-grid emergencies.
- A Decent Workspace: Cafes are fun, but ergonomic chairs are forever.
Also, set a work routine. Time zones will play tricks on you, so make sure you’re clear on your availability with your employer.
Step 5: Budget Like a Pro
Working remotely abroad doesn’t mean you’ll automatically save money. Trust me, those €5 gelatos add up fast.
Budget Tips for Remote Workers:
- Have at least 3-6 months of savings before you move.
- Use apps like XE Currency to track exchange rates.
- Look for long-term rentals instead of overpriced Airbnbs.
- Don’t underestimate health insurance costs.
When I first moved, I tracked every euro I spent using a budgeting app. Turns out, I was spending way too much on artisanal bread.
Step 6: Build a Support Network
Remote work abroad can get lonely if you let it. But the good news? There are vibrant communities of remote workers and expats in most major digital nomad hubs.
Ways to Meet People Abroad:
- Join Facebook Groups for expats or remote workers.
- Attend local coworking spaces.
- Say yes to social invites (even if they’re out of your comfort zone).
- Use apps like Meetup or Bumble BFF.
Some of my best friendships were made at coworking spaces over lukewarm coffee and complaints about Wi-Fi.
Step 7: Embrace the Unexpected
Things will go wrong. Flights will get delayed. Wi-Fi will drop during important meetings. You’ll probably accidentally order something bizarre from a menu in another language. Roll with it.
The remote work lifestyle abroad isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability.
Final Thoughts: Just Start
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: there’s never a perfect time to start. You’ll always have reasons to wait—more savings, more experience, more certainty. But sometimes, you just have to take the leap.
Finding a remote job and moving abroad changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And if you’ve read this far, I have a feeling it’s about to change yours too.
So go ahead. Start small, dream big, and maybe—just maybe—I’ll see you in some sun-soaked café halfway across the world.
