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Sara Joy ❊ Travel Digital Nomad

@joyoushapes

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I’m sure you have a friend that needs this! (And maybe that friend is you!) 🙌

If you don’t know where to start to travel the world while being paid, like, AT ALL, well, get some inspo here!
These are the most common digital nomad positions that my world traveller friends and I are into 🌎 👩🏻‍💻

If you don’t know where to start to make money while travelling, in my free mini-guide in my Bio, my boyfriend Ryan & I will cover the steps that YOU can take to become a travelling digital nomad! ✈️ ✨

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#travelingtheworld #travelforever #worktravel #worktravelrepeat #thetraveltag taken in United Kingdom by @joyoushapes

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3 years ago

More info ⬇️

South America 🌎 
This amazing continent offers so much, especially in terms of natural beauty. Still relatively new to the digital nomad world, some of its countries have already rolled out a digital nomad program visa, which is awesome.  It’s definitely a side of the world I’d recommend to more advanced travelers, simply to avoid overwhelming those who are just starting to explore both travel and the digital nomad lifestyle. It’s a more raw side of the world, and oh, you NEED to have at least basic Spanish skills! 
Southeast Asia 🌏 
I’ve explored all the countries in SEA and spent about 4 years there, so I feel like my heart belongs there. But taking a step back, I’d recommend it to new travelers who are trying to figure out their lives and have just started their nomadic journey.  The only country that offers a proper digital nomad visa is Malaysia, but all of Southeast Asia offers the best co-working spaces and Wi-Fi I’ve ever experienced! It’s also easier to travel around and, for this reason, it’s more populated among digital nomads and backpackers.  Which one would you choose? 👀

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#southeastasiatrip #southamericatravel #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadism #nomad taken in United States by @joyoushapes

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3 years ago

Digital Nomads Tips Day 6 of 30 ⤵️🌏

I won’t romanticize job searching because we all know it’s not easy, but if you know what you’re looking for, it can be more manageable.

One way is to dive into remote job sites and send out a ton of applications for entry-level remote work. But even then, there’s no guarantee you can actually travel with that job.

I remember applying for a remote customer service job in Scotland. Even though it was remote, it was only available to people in Scotland (basically a home office job) 💻 
If you haven’t yet, check out my Reel about the difference between freelancing and remote work (if you can’t find it, let me know and I’ll send you the link). It should help explain why you might be struggling to find a remote job. 
Another option is to take what you currently do and turn it into freelance work or become an independent contractor. ✨

For example, if you’re an admin for a company, you could continue doing admin tasks but as a freelancer from your laptop.

If your current company won’t allow that, you can start your own business & work online with clients who don’t need you to be physically present. 
If you’re great at what you do and build your reputation, your clients won’t care if you’re working remotely as long as you deliver your best work. 
What’s your biggest struggle in looking for a remote job? 🤔

#freelancelife #freelancelifestyle #freelance #freelancework #freelancers #digitalnomad #travelwork #makemoneyonline #escape9to5 taken in Travel the World by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Digital Nomads Tips Day 5 of 30 👩🏻‍💻🌏
 Almost 7 years ago, I quit my 9-5 life to travel & explore the world.  I decided to become a digital nomad & work from my laptop wherever I wanted to be. Here’s how you can do it too ⬇️  
1. Resourcefulness 💭 You don’t need clients to practice your skills. Wanna be a remote writer? learn about SEO and write articles. Wanna learn coding? Try it out on your website. Be resourceful; you just need a laptop to start! 
2. Put Yourself Out There 🙋🏻‍♀️ It might be overwhelming at first, but let people know you’re looking for gigs! FB groups, forums & social media are great places to start. Don’t overlook the power of word of mouth – that’s how most people get gigs nowadays! 
3. Do Some Math 🧮 Determine what a full-time income means for you. How much would you charge for your services? How many hours can you work? How many clients do you need to cover your expenses? Find a number that resonates as “full-time income” for you, but remember, you can earn even more – aim for the stars! 
4. Be a Pleasure to Work With 🤝 This advice comes from my bf, a remote video editor. Be responsive, kind & attentive. I used to work with distracted freelancers, and believe me, I wouldn’t recommend them because they weren’t a pleasure to work with. 
5. Consistency 💻 You want a steady income, so make sure your clients are a pleasure to work with too. Secure long-term contracts, or if the work is project-based, ensure it’s consistent. 
6. Know Your Worth and Protect Yourself 📑 You deserve to be paid for your work. Avoid sketchy deals and always ask for a contract! 
7. Patience 😌 Job hunting can be tough, but remember, you’re building skills you enjoy to do something you love. You’re not just waiting for something to come up! You’ve got this! 
If you want to know how to become a digital nomad, I can send you my free guide! LMK in the comments 🚀

🫶 Follow @joyoushapes for more travel digital nomad tips!

#remoteworklife #remoteworkinglife #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadinsider #digitalnomad #remoteworkinglife #remoteworklife #workingremotely #worktravelrepeat #worktravel by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Basically, keep failing 😅  The journey to becoming a digital nomad isn’t a straight line, especially if it’s new to you as it was for me 👀   Almost 7 years ago, I quit my job without knowing what I wanted, except to travel and explore the world. I didn’t want to be stuck in an office 9-5.

A one-way ticket to India seemed perfect to start fresh & figure things out during my travels 💭   But traveling fast was quite expensive, so I joined volunteer projects, working a few hours a day for food & and a bed.

During these experiences, I met digital nomads who inspired me. They were writing blogs, building websites & working freely from their laptops. That’s when I knew what I wanted! 💡

I started googling stuff like “how to become a digital nomad” and “how to make money while traveling”.  Marketing kept coming up, so I took a course and learned everything from strategy to social media. I never liked studying until I realised what I enjoyed, and I promise, it has never been that easy! 😲

As I wasn’t making money and running low on funds, I returned to Europe, got a remote job, and kept learning focusing on social media & content creation.  In the meantime I saved up and, despite the big C time, got another one-way ticket. This time to the digital nomad hotspot of Bali ✈️👩🏻‍💻

There, I met many incredible digital nomads, got inspired, learned so much & landed my first clients through word of mouth!  Managing a creative team, my skills improved, and I saw real results. I realised I could do this and found better clients! 🙌  Now, I make money while traveling the world, working in social media & content creation.  My goal is to help more people achieve this freedom & monetize my boyfriend & I travel blog! 🚀 Want to become a digital nomad? LMK and I can send you my free guide! 
🫶 Follow @joyoushapes for daily digital nomad tips!

#wearetravelers #wearetravelers #travellovers #travelbugs #wearetravelers #wearetravelers #girlsthattravel #sheisnotlost #girlsthatwander #backpackerstory #travelstory #backpackerlife #backpackergirl by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Digital Nomads Tips: Day 4 of 30 👩🏻‍💻🌏

You don’t need to have traveled solo to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. Seriously, being a digital nomad and a solo traveler are two different things 🙌🏼

You can totally be a digital nomad & enjoy staying in one place, or you can be a solo traveler without being a digital nomad!

BUT if your dream is to become a digital nomad & travel solo (or learn how to), here’s how to get started ⤵️

* Take yourself out on a date 💝
 First things first, get comfortable with your own company. Take yourself out for a solo date – maybe a walk in the park, a cozy cafe visit, or a nice meal at a restaurant. Being a solo traveler means loving your own company, and this is a perfect way to start building that confidence. 
* Plan a weekend getaway 🧳
 Ready for the next step? Plan a weekend getaway to somewhere new. It doesn’t have to be far – just a nearby city or a quaint little town. This is your chance to dip your toes into the solo traveler life. Explore, try new things, and handle all the travel logistics yourself. It’s a mini-adventure that’ll prep you for the full digital nomad experience. 
* Join groups and meetups with other travelers and digital nomads 🤝
 You’ll be surprised at how many people are in your boat, looking for like-minded people! Join groups and meetups with fellow travelers and digital nomads. There are so many amazing online communities and social media groups out there. Connecting with like-minded people will give you support, inspiration, and maybe even some new travel buddies. Plus, you’ll get the best tips and advice from those who’ve been there, done that. 
What’s your biggest struggle as a digital nomad? 🤔  Comment “NOMAD” in the comments if you want my free digital nomad guide!
💾 Like & save this reel for travel digital nomad inspo!
🫶 Follow @joyoushapes for more travel digital nomad tips!

#mythbuster #solotravel #solotravellingwoman #solotravelingisfun #travelsolo #solotraveltips #digitalnomadgirls #nomadict #realitycheck by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Digital Nomads Tips Day 3 of 30 👩🏻‍💻🌏

Being a digital nomad is all about freedom and flexibility, but let’s clarify the type of digital nomads out there!  As a freelancer, you’re your own boss, choosing the clients you work with and setting your own schedule. 👩🏻‍💻  As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can work from anywhere in the world - that beachside cafe in Bali or that cozy cabin in the mountains? The choice is yours! ✈️ 
‼️HOWEVER, with this freedom comes more responsibility. You’re responsible for finding clients, managing your finances & staying motivated. 
On the other hand, remote worker life offers stability and structure. 📑  You’ll have a set salary and benefits from your employer, but you’ll also have a boss and likely less flexibility with your hours and location (working from your pajamas doesn’t always count!). 
So, which path is right for you? 🤔 
If you crave adventure & the freedom to create your own work life, the digital nomad freelancer lifestyle might be your dream. But if you prefer stability and a clear structure, being a remote worker could be a great fit! 
Ultimately, the best way to find out is to try both! Many companies offer remote work options, and freelancing platforms are a great way to dip your toes into the freelance world.  Comment “NOMAD” in the comments if you want my free digital nomad guide!
💾 Like & save this reel for brainstorming your nomadic life!
🫶 Follow @joyoushapes for more travel digital nomad tips!  
#travel #laptoplifestyle #laptoplife #workfromanywhere #workfromanywhereintheworld #freelancinglife #remoteworklife #digitalnomadslife #workingfromanywhere #remoteworking by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Digital Nomads Tips Day 2 of 30 👩🏻‍💻🌏

You should stop trying to be good at everything!

DON’T ❌
try to excel in writing, creating websites, managing an online shop & handling all social media platforms all at once. And avoid obsessing over the appearance of your website or creating the perfect package for a potential client (I’m guilty of this lol 🥲)

My top tip?✨   Focus on ONE thing and make it YOUR specialty.  ASK YOURSELF THIS 👉 if you could talk for 30 minutes straight about something you know really well, what would it be? What do you want it to be? 🤔

Get clear on these things ⬇️  
* What you want to do – like being a remote writer
* Who you want to work with – maybe travel agencies (niche down)
* What your clients are looking for – like local tourism boards needing articles about the best coffee shops in town 
Meanwhile, take an online course to learn the skills you need, like keyword research, SEO, getting backlinks, structuring blog posts, etc 💻  
You don’t have to niche down too much, but I’d recommend it. It’s easier to stand out as an expert in a specific area.

I have a FREE guide on finding a remote job ready for you. Let me know in the comments if you want it, and I’ll send you the link 🔗 🤗  If you could talk for 30 minutes about the thing you know more, what would it be? 💭
 #remoteworklife #remoteworkinglife #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadinsider #digitalnomad #remoteworkinglife #remoteworklife #workingremotely #worktravelrepeat #worktravel by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Anyone else have travel zoomies? ✈️🌎💨

It was the 21st June 2017, I was supposed to go to Berlin with friends but I decided to go there a few days before by myself to experience solo travel & hostels for the first time.

THE BEST DAYS EVER!! ✨

The sense of freedom, the tingling feeling of having to figure out the train in another language, getting tipsy & making friends in the rooftop bar hostel, flirting with a guy from another country, waking up in a room with friendly strangers, exploring a city you’ve never been before. That was the start of something new and my life there changed forever.

I got my travel bug and, on the way, I understood what being a digital nomad meant and how to make it my lifestyle! 👩🏻‍💻

Now, almost 7 years later, which seems such a long time ago but I’m amazed to see where I started and how far I got!

Where did you get your travel bug? 🐛✈️🌎

#liveyouradventure #travellovers #wearetravelers #wearetravelers #liveyouradventure #travellovers #travelbugs #wearetravelers #wearetravelers #girlsthattravel #sheisnotlost #girlsthatwander by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Digital Nomads Tips Day 1 of 30 👩🏻‍💻🌏

Traveling full-time as a freelancer (or with a remote job) isn’t about ditching work altogether. It’s about creating a life where you can explore & get things done!!!

Here’s how this kind-of boss babe stays balanced (and travel-ready!) ⬇️

Visual Weekly Schedule ✨ If I don’t have my schedule written down, I would probably end up working 8am-8pm so I asked ChatGPT to create a detailed weekly plan… It did a great job! If you want, I can send you the script of how I ask it to do my schedule, lmk! 😊

Travel Slow 🐌 I stop for 1-2 months per location, and since I started doing it, the travel/work quality has improved sooo much, including my mental health!

Coffee Shops & Coworking Spaces ☕️ I often work from the Airbnb I rent as they come with Wi-Fi, but there are times where I really feel like I need a proper coffee, or to be around people with things going on. Those are the times when coworking spaces and coffee shops come in super handy!

Work with Like-Minded People 🧠 What I love about my work are my clients. They are travelers themselves, so they understand when I tell them I’ll be off for a couple of days exploring the Bolivian desert.

Travel Bucket List 🪣 Before arriving at our next destination, my boyfriend and I pin what we want to visit on our shared Google Maps and plan our working schedule accordingly. It’s easy to check out an actual travel bucket list when you have it on your phone instead of your mind lol.

Weekend Warrior Mode 🤘
Smart workweeks mean long weekends (or weekdays, based on your schedule) for exploring hidden gems! I conquered Machu Picchu on a Thursday morning – I felt so blessed!

In short, yes, I’m glued to my laptop because I’m my own boss, but ultimately the key is flexibility! YOU control your schedule, not a manager. So ditch the myths and literally create your own digital nomad adventure! ✨
 What questions do you have? 👇  
#digitalnomadlife #laptoplifestyle #workfromanywhere #travelgram #bossbabe #mythbuster #wanderlust by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

What are you guilty of? I’ll go first ⬇️

I thought for a long time I wasn’t lucky enough to travel the world and make money, comparing myself to actual nomads. I thought they were richer & smarter than me (well, lack of self-esteem, here we go!).

I failed so many times and went back home heartbroken 💔

Can you believe me if I tell you I ended up working at the market in Camden Town in London instead of being a digital nomad? 😅

The reason why that happened is that I didn’t have my goals straight. I just wanted to travel. I certainly ended up in another country, but still, that wasn’t how I envisioned it lol.

What changed the game for me, ironically while I was a broke backpacker in India, was getting to know actual digital nomads and hearing their stories ✨

Most digital nomads have been in your situation—feeling lost, just wanting to leave the 9-5 grind and wake up in front of the ocean, sipping coffee in a bamboo hut! Ahhh, the simple life... 🛖

There’s so much hope in getting to know digital nomads who seem to have it all but once had nothing, just a dream and a couple of subscriptions to basic marketing courses.

These are the 6 things I wish I had done when I started, as I’d have probably taken a shortcut instead of ending up making sandwiches in London’s alternative scene! 😬

If you’re looking for real digital nomad BTS content, follow me.

I’m on a journey to travel the world, manage my clients, and open another business with my partner in crime to help you become a digital nomad in less time than me! 👩🏻‍💻🌎

#digitalnomadliving #digitalnomadgirls #nomadiclife #slowtravel #fulltimetravel #lifeabroad #travelwoman #travellifestyle #freelancelifestyle #makemoneyonline #travelnomad by @joyoushapes

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2 years ago

Which one would you choose? 🤔

Colombia and Mexico share many similarities when I think about them as an overall. But, when it comes to pick 2 places I experienced as a digital nomad, I can clearly see the differences.  MERIDA, MEXICO ⬇️ 🇲🇽
 Merida is an upcoming digital nomad spot which on my surprise, even though it’s the safest city in Mexico, I didn’t met many digital nomads, but mostly tourist. Merida gives Spain vibes, filled with art galleries, restaurants, cafee and shops.  What I truly loved about it is that you can walk everywhere, even at night, and still feel safe. As female digital nomad, this is super important for me!  
MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA ⬇️ 🇨🇴
 Medellin, with more than 1,5 population than Merida, is a well known digital nomad destination, especially among Americans as it’s better for time-zone. Medellin offers many co-working spaces and caffee in specific neighbourhood, such as El Poblado and Laureles. 
I have a full Youtube video about digital nomads in Medellin, let me know if you want the link!
 Unfortunately I didn’t vibe with Medellin as much as I thought 😔  It might be because it was my first city in South America, but I didn’t felt as safe as I wished and this was a big turn down. I guess I need to go back and try it again!  Overall, I loved Merida more than Medellin, but they are 2 completely different city and they both deserve to be explored! ✨   If you’re a digital nomad, or want to learn how to travel & work from scratch, follow me! I share all the real digital nomad stuff! 👩🏻‍💻🌎  
#remoteworklife #remoteworkinglife #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadinsider #digitalnomadwomen #travels #digitalnomad #travelwoman #remoteworkinglife #remoteworklife #workingremotely #worktravelrepeat #worktravel by @joyoushapes

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