How To "Work From Home" From Anywhere In 20 Easy Steps

There are many different names for the work-from-home lifestyle – digital nomad, remote worker, telecommuter. But they all describe people who can do their job without having to go into an office. For some people, this means being able to work from anywhere in the world as long as they have a laptop and an internet connection. For others, it might mean working a few hours each day from home while taking care of their children or doing other household tasks.

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No matter how you define it, the work-from-home lifestyle is becoming more popular every year. There are many reasons why people choose to work from home. Some want more flexibility in their schedule so they can spend more time with their families. Others want to avoid the stress and noise of a traditional office. And still, others want to be able to travel the world while they work.

Whatever your reasons, here are ten steps for how to live the work from home lifestyle:

Steps 1-10

1. Figure out what you need to make it work.

Before you can start working from home, you need to figure out what you need to make it happen. Do you need a designated workspace at home? A good internet connection? Enough money saved up so you can afford not to work for a while?

Once you know what you need, start putting together a plan to make it happen. If you need a new computer or a better internet connection, start saving up for them. If you need to find a new job that allows telecommuting, start researching your options.

2. Make a schedule and stick to it.

One of the benefits of working from home is that you can set your own hours. But that doesn’t mean you should work all the time. Just like in a traditional office, it’s important to take breaks and get some exercise.

Set a schedule for yourself and try to stick to it as closely as possible. That way, you can avoid the distractions that come with working from home and stay productive.

3. Create a workspace.

If you’re going to be working from home, you need a designated workspace. This could be a separate room in your house or an area in your living room that you can call your own.

Make sure your workspace is organized and has everything you need, including a good internet connection, a comfortable chair, and plenty of storage for your files and materials.

4. Stay connected.

One of the challenges of working from home is staying connected to your team or boss. Make sure you have a good internet connection and set up regular video conferencing calls or chat sessions to keep in touch.

5. Get dressed for work.

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you can wear pajamas all day. In fact, it’s a good idea to dress like you would for a traditional job. That way, you’ll feel more productive and professional.

6. Stay organized.

Working from home can be chaotic if you don’t stay organized. Make sure you have a system for filing your papers and organizing your files. You might also want to create a calendar to keep track of your deadlines and appointments.

7. Set boundaries.

One of the challenges of working from home is resisting the temptation to work all the time. Make sure you set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. That way, you can make sure you have enough time for your family and friends, as well as your work.

8. Take breaks.

Just like in a traditional office, it’s important to take breaks when you’re working from home. Get up and move around every hour or so, and take a break for lunch. That way, you’ll stay productive and avoid getting burned out.

9. Stay connected to the outside world.

Working from home can be isolating, so it’s important to stay connected to the outside world. Join a book club or a fitness class, or meet up with friends for coffee or dinner once a week. That way, you’ll stay social and sane.

10. Embrace flexibility.

The best thing about working from home is the flexibility it offers. You can work when you want, take a break when you need it, and travel whenever you have the chance. Embrace the freedom and flexibility that comes with this lifestyle, and you’ll be happy you made the switch.

So there you have it! Ten easy steps for how to live the work-from-home lifestyle. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to successfully transition to this new way of working.

Now we move on to steps 11 through 20 for how to live the work-from-home lifestyle, focusing more on the digital nomad side of things.

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Steps 11-20

11. Choose your travel destination wisely.

Not all countries are created equal when it comes to being a digital nomad. You’ll want to find a place that has good internet connectivity, affordable living costs, and plenty of things to keep you busy. Some popular choices include Thailand, Spain, and Portugal. You can also keep it local and check out Breckenridge cabins for your home away from home!

12. Invest in a good laptop.

A quality laptop is essential for any digital nomad. Make sure you choose one that is powerful enough to handle all of your work tasks but also light enough that you can take it with you on the go.

13. Download some useful apps.

There are a number of helpful apps out there that can make life as a digital nomad a lot easier. Some of our favorites include Slack for communication, Google Drive for document storage, and Airbnb for finding accommodation.

14. Create a workable budget.

One of the most important things to do when becoming a digital nomad is to create a realistic budget and stick to it. This means factoring in all of your regular expenses, as well as the cost of living in your chosen destination.

15. Get yourself some decent travel insurance.

No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance in place just in case something goes wrong. Make sure your policy covers all of the activities you plan on doing while abroad, such as skiing or diving.

16. Invest in some quality gear.

When you’re constantly on the go, it’s important to have quality gear that can withstand wear and tear. Make sure you have a good backpack, a sturdy laptop case, and weather-proof clothing for any extreme conditions.

17. Stay connected with loved ones back home.

Even though you’re living the nomad life, that doesn’t mean you have to be completely disconnected from your loved ones back home. Make sure you have a way to stay in touch, whether it’s through Skype, WhatsApp, or Facebook.

18. Create a work routine.

One of the benefits of being a digital nomad is that you can work from anywhere in the world. But this also means you need to be disciplined and create a work routine that suits you. Try to stick to the same hours each day, so you don’t get too distracted.

19. Explore your new surroundings.

As a digital nomad, one of the best things about your lifestyle is that you get to explore new places all the time. Make sure you take advantage of this and see as much as possible of your chosen destination.

20. Have fun!

Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey! You’ve worked hard to achieve this lifestyle, so make the most of it. Live a little, try new things, and meet as many people as you can. The world is your oyster!

There You Have It

Twenty easy steps for living the work-from-home life from anywhere in the world. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a more adventurous and fulfilling lifestyle. Bon, voyage!

Six Top Tips to Stay Safe During Travels

Getting an injury, being robbed, getting sick, and other unfortunate circumstances can ruin your journey. Therefore, observing some practical travel safety tips is wise to prevent or counter glitches.

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Dress Carefully

How you dress can make you an easy target for robbers and scammers. If you are going to a new place, do not make it obvious that you are a visitor. Instead, do your research and try to dress like the locals.

Some destinations and countries have laws regarding the dressing code. Therefore, it would be best to familiarize yourself with the laws of a new destination. Furthermore, it is wise to dress conservatively if you visit a conservative country for respect’s sake.

Note Down Emergency Contacts

Before you go on a journey, remember to save important details that can help you out of sticky situations. For example, you may not have the time to contact relevant people in the face of calamity. You may also be too anxious to act on your own.

Record contacts in places that other people can easily access. For example, you can write them on a card, laminate them, and then keep them in your purse. As you note the contacts, you also note how to make your travel impactful.

Learn Tactics of Self Defense

Learning the basics of self-defense is crucial for your safety. However, you do not have to apply them in all situations, so you need to discern when and when not to be defensive. For instance, do not resist if an armed robber wants you to give them money or belongings.

It would help if you only used force when your life is in danger, and there is no other way out. In addition, you can carry pepper spray to use for defense except when using commercial airlines.

Set Aside Emergency Cash

Hide some cash in secret places among your clothing or belongings. Then, you can leave some emergency cash with a trusted friend or relative if you lose everything, including the hidden money.

A secret credit card and dummy wallet can save you a great deal. Have a dummy wallet with some money to give in a mugging scenario. For the credit card, do not carry it alongside other cards.

Use Safe Transport

Avoid travel mishaps by using reliable transportation companies. Get recommendations from relatives or friends who have used the services or check online to see reviews. If you lose your travel buddy due to the action or misaction of other people, contact a wrongful death lawyer who offers legal assistance to represent you in court.

Avoid Posing in Risky Places for Likes

Influence from social media has led people to take risky selfies. For instance, getting too close to wildlife or standing at the edge of a cliff to pose. Do not try to get more likes at the expense of your life. In addition, don’t ignore posted signs and cautions.

Conclusion

You cannot always avoid risks. However, you can mitigate them. Now that you have ways of staying safe, go on your journey and practice them. You will enjoy your journey more knowing that you are prepared to avoid danger.

Leave With Confidence

Getting ready to leave for a trip can feel like a long list of must-dos. Travel prep seems to never end, especially when you're the one planning everything and are stressing out. You may have remembered the important things, like packing underwear, paying your bills, and unplugging appliances/electronics that don't need to be sapping energy when not in use, but maybe you've forgotten equally important things that haven't crossed your mind. 

Well, here are a few things to do before you leave that will give you peace of mind and allow you to relax knowing you're as prepared as you can be:

1. Alert your credit card company(s) and bank - You don't want your purchases to get declined because your credit card company thinks your card has be stolen. Let them know you'll be on vacation, for how long, and where, so all your purchases go through like normal. A lot of bank apps or websites allow you to do this without actually talking to a rep, so that's easy!
2. Leave your info and itinerary with someone at home - You never know what might happen, so make sure you give someone you would contact in the case of an emergency a copy of your plans for vacation. It's nice for people to know if you need help or that you're even gone.
3. Clean out your wallet/purse - You don't need that yogurt punch card or your 900 crumpled up receipts taking up space. Take only the necessities and then use the extra room to keep receipts so you can stay within your travel budget. Often, I'll use an app called Smart Receipts, which lets me take photos of my receipts and it adds everything up for me and keeps a runny tally.
4. Call your cell phone carrier - If you'll be traveling out of the country, you'll want to make sure your mobile works, or else what's the point? Contact your carrier and make sure you don't need to get on a different plan for the duration of your trip and learn about any excess charges for international calling, roaming and text messages. In these cases, I ask everyone to skip texting me and instead use Facebook Messenger or the Voxer app, for free communication. (You might prefer WhatsApp.)
5. Go through your fridge - No one wants to come home to smelly house. Eat anything you can that's a leftover or close to an expiration date. Throw out what you need to, so when you come home, it's not full of rotting foods. If you can't eat everything in there, you can always make meals and freeze them, so then you have easy food for when you return and are trying to ease back into daily life. (While you're at it, take out the trash, too.)