How To Start Working Online - Tips & Advice for New Digital Nomads

Skillshare is offering a free 2-month trial of their online learning platform at: skl.sh/Exploring with promo code*: EXPLORING2
To learn more about Skillshare and to take a peek at the courses they have to offer, visit: skl.sh/Expl
*There is no expiry date on the promo code above.
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In this video, we share tips and advice about working online while you travel, or working online from home.
We've worked online for ourselves, and for a startup, for over 3 years and we love the digital nomad lifestyle. It was intimidating (at first) to leave the safety and supportive office environment to work from home, and on the road. We didn't know if we needed special equipment and gear, if we had to get a super high speed internet connection or a brand new laptop, or where we'd have meetings and find quiet places to make phone calls.
We've learned a lot along the way and so we're sharing tips and advice that we've learned from our experiences to help you figure out how to try this lifestyle. We definitely suggest starting with what you have in terms of gear and equipment, and upgrading once you see that your online work is profitable. We waited a year before upgrading to a newer laptop, and even longer for a newer camera.
Our other tips relate to finding WiFi on the road, co-working spaces, learning skills to DIY and keep overhead costs low (see the Skillshare link above!), being flexible, and where to find the best digital nomad destinations using the NomadList website.
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and to contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
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VIDEO CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

[@StevenDLightspring]

Hi, I've been following you guys for a few months now, and I just "had to" take a few minutes to let you know just how much I've been enjoying your most helpful and inspiring channel! One "happy camper" subscriber here! (For me, the "camping" and "nomading" is still forthcoming, but have been studying ways to get "back on the road" (since I got to do my performing / "troubadour"ing for the greater part of a year a few years back, but have not been able to since, and have been so wanting to get back to it.) Thanks to much of the inspiration you provide...like this succinct, but most informative and helpful video...I continue to stay inspired and moving forward toward my hopeful goal of "nomading" once again. So appreciate all that you do and so freely share with us! Just had to say T H A N K S !!!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great to hear, thanks for the super positive feedback! Best of luck with all your future "nomading" :) :)

[@StevenDLightspring]

Thank YOU for the gracious, thoughtful and meaningful response! And for the best wishes...means a lot coming from you "pioneers" that are leading the way for many of us! So 'preciate you!

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

Steven D Lightspring don't ever give up man...keep the fire alive

[@LivingFree207]

We really needed this video. We are starting our digital nomad lifestyle so we will use some of your tips. Thank you so much! :)

[@michaeljimenez9203]

can you help me I have no idea how to work online :/

[@kundalinihue9611]

Thankyou so much for sharing! Great tips and advice!

[@kidcarlomagno7094]

"Its important learn how to learn and being self sufficient" You guys have a well eraned new subscriber here. Awesome job and awesome channel, Greetings from México

[@haute03]

This video is SO helpful! I'm starting a full-time freelance gig this week and I'll be living a nomadic lifestyle for the duration. Thank you!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's awesome! Happy that the video was helpful. Best of luck with your new adventure and enjoy the nomadic lifestyle =)

[@myozbubble]

Skillshare is the BOMB! I am on my second year with them. I can't tell you how many new skills I have learned.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

I agree, it's an awesome and cheap way to learn tons of new skills. Great platform! Thanks for checking out the video😀

[@ILOLnumber1]

Great tips! I love co-working spaces too! Never heard of the nomad list, so I'm excited to check that out!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Gen, yeah we really love the Nomad List! Hope you'll find it helpful too :)

[@PaolaEnergya]

Fantastic tips guys! Thank you!

[@krisballard541]

Thanks for the advice!

[@DutchNomadFamily]

Great tips, definitely helpful. Co-workspots for stable wifi, loved that one!

[@CrankyBubushka]

This is so helpful! Thank you! I have been looking to change my employment and travel. This gives me food for thought.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great to hear! Best of luck :)

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

OMGGGGggg...you guys have no idea how much justice you're doing for ppls out here...keep up the great work. Great info. There r ppl who go tru rough patches and didn't know what to do...you're helping i'm sure..thx for the info

[@sueg2658]

Great informational video! Thank you!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Sue :)

[@e8blue]

Thank you guys, very motivational.

[@sikantis61]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@rebeccaleahy5731]

I just came upon your site and I have to say you are a life safer! I'm looking to venture out alone and travel before I'm to old to do so. You give amazing information, sites and you emphasized on how to stay flexible and how you have to be able to learn on your own. So at 54 I'm packing up and looking into my new life adventure. I am an artist so if this just gets me state to state and camping and living off grid then I'm happy. Thanks for sharing your story, your advice and knowledge is very appreciated. Looking forward to watching all of the videos. Thank you!

[@jaithevegan]

Very helpful! I'm also planning to transition to working from home and look forward to videos like yours. 🙏🏽💚

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Awesome! Thanks for the positive feedback and best of luck :)

[@adrianshackleton4266]

You guys are great, very informative video, thanks heaps.

[@rons3699]

Thanks soooo much for taking the time to make and share this valuable information. Really appreciate it ::))

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome Ron! Thanks for the positive feedback and best of luck :)

[@stringbender57]

Very valuable information! Much appreciated.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks, that's great to hear, happy it was helpful :) :)

[@itouchtheskyslowlifeitaly]

Thanks for the hints.

[@Metaporphsycosis]

This video was really helpful, Thank you!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great to hear, I'm really happy you found the video helpful, thanks for watching :)

[@zippitydooda9112]

Thank you! Great information.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@QuestforaMeaningfulLife]

There's so much noise in the digital nomad world. Thanks for some good straightforward practical advice.

[@martineluytens3591]

Thank you for these useful tips

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome Martine, thanks for watching :)

[@easterdm]

And number 1, be with someone that is actually working.

[@motherdaughtersister]

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're very welcome =)

[@yulianalopez9187]

guys thank you for sharing.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

You're welcome, thanks for watching Yuliana :)

[@krumamstudio1221]

Thank you So much i will start soon

[@TrishTruitt]

Another excellent video! You guys are amazing. Will have to check out SkillShare again.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Awesome! Happy the video was helpful. Thanks for checking it out Trish =)

[@sarahecho]

Thanks, guys! Another super-helpful video. I'm definitely going to check out Skillshare.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great to hear! Thanks for checking out the video Sarah :)

[@jojo_is_a_go5893]

A friend and I were just having this discussion. How could we continue making money on the road like this and you guys answered it perfectly. Thank you.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Awesome! I'm happy that our videos were helpful, best of luck :)

[@briangalloway7576]

I just found your videos. Subscribed! I'm tired of conventional living and have just started my digital adventure. I'm looking forward to learning from you.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Awesome! I'm happy you found our videos and hopefully you'll find some useful info here. Best of luck! :)

[@briangalloway7576]

Thank you! I'm a citizen of 3 countries (USA, Mexico, Ireland) so that might help me.

[@WanderwithIntent]

Great suggestions. I am a remote employee and have been really wanting to actually work while traveling. I have traveled a lot, but I don't usually work while doing it. The biggest thing I fear, is access to good wifi which is needed for my job. These tips have been super helpful!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Yes, wifi is definitely always a challenge for us too! We've been thinking of getting a mobile hot spot device but the prices here in Canada are just too crazy so we're going to stick with the low budget options for now. Thanks for watching and I'm happy you found the video helpful :)

[@ttfweb1]

The Nomad site is great. I'm from Portland, but work in the EU much of the time - so I'm traveling a lot. I've been following you for quite a while. If you come to PDX, let me know. We'll have you by for dinner.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Sounds great, thanks so much for the invite :) :)

[@luizatosi1370]

Thank you :)

[@veganchaatparty]

Super Superb!! Super Superb!! Super Superb!! Super Thanks for Sharing!!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks Akash :)

[@treg6848]

Thanks

[@maehay4065]

A wonderful presentation from both of you on how you started your jobs and journey! Using what you have and as you grow you can move up or Share Office Space with other Nomadic peers and or Seekers almost more than my brain can handle but I'm way older than you are. I love the ideas you used to share your Filters as an example for others to learn by. Your visual style is awesome too👍👏☝️🏡😎😍

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much for the super positive feedback!!

[@maehay4065]

Exploring Alternatives You are very welcome 👍

[@dever98]

What's your experience with security while using public wifi? I'd really like to be able to manage an online business from anywhere, but I'm worried about the safety of doing business over public wifi.

[@miracleshappen4483]

Good job. Keep up the great work and never give up!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you! :)

[@toutestpossiblegm7007]

👍 nice.

[@TillTheCollapse]

Hey how about a van update ? Would be nice to see

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Great idea! We'll try to make a video soon! Thanks for watching :)

[@BoltRM]

No phone?? Seems like that would unnecessarily complicate mobile living.

[@RavindraRayala]

Hi I have been a happy viewer of your channel for sometime now and indeed it is a very informative channel. Just wondering, can you explore or show some where to find online work especially for technical people such as IT, PM's,BA's etc.? Appreciate your help. Thanks in Advance.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hi Ravindra and thanks for your comment. Here's a link to another video we made about how to find online jobs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3ebk3iseKecr9k ...we're also planning on making an updated version soon so stay tuned :)

[@toaderg]

Id like to earn money online but i've got no idea where to get started. Does anyone have any suggestions? Im all ears

[@TheBearDenPhotography]

Very interesting tips. I took advantage of Skillshare's free 2-month trial and signed up for some classes. Thanks Danielle and Matt! You folks put out some very good and informative alternative lifestyle videos.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's awesome! I'm happy you found the video helpful and I hope you'll learn a bunch of new skills from Skillshare. Best of luck! :)

[@UpNorthTwins]

Link does not work! Real shame because it says up there there's no expiry date on the promo code!

[@simini1837]

Thank you for the video! Two remarks: you guys both look a bit tired, please take good care of yourselves. And second: I tried to sign up for Skillshare but even with your free trial I had to give my credit card details unfortunately. I didnt like that so wont use Skillshare I am afraid...

[@simini1837]

You can use the free version without credit card details but not the premium. I am afraid that if I give my details after the free 2 months my credit card is automatically debited

[@ExploringAlternatives]

I agree, I'm always a bit hesitant to enter my credit card info for free trials because I'm afraid I'll forget to unsubscribe. Now I set some alerts on my iPod and that's working so far. Also, thanks for letting us know about the free version without credit card :) :)

[@jalabi99]

They're not tired. That's their "resting nomad" face XD

[@jeansantos9607]

Hello i start follow your videos and i love it. I have a question, is possible start working as a freelancer/digital nomad without experience in corporative enviroment. Because i want to start this way, but that is the problem, it's is possible? sorry my english is rusty.

[@mcyeti1927]

No phone!! Why??

[@Pozoe12]

Coworking spaces aka libraries except you have to pay?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Sorry, I guess that wasn't super clear :) I meat to say that libraries are free but that you need to pay for Coworking spaces. Hope that helps and thanks for watching :)

[@hollywebster1689]

I'm interested in working from home but don't know where to start

What do you have to offer? What are your skills? Search others that do the same or similar and see if they have a website, blog, how they monetize their skills...

[@hollywebster1689]

I'm a medical assistant in a drug detox and a retired school bus driver of 17 years

Website about detox with counseling and contact for service reservation?

[@sanalettan5794]

why are you not using phone ??

[@TheNotBusyLife]

You don't actually need one... Except to setup the Uber app, urg.

[@jeremybackhouse1028]

Nice, good info and no annoying music montage. Why do bloggers think they have to fill with annoying fill music.

[@SF-yd9cl]

i am freelancer workin from home

[@kimbeckett1486]

Thank you for a very informative subject. I want to take advantage of the 2 free months promotion. Is there a time limit on signing up for this? I am just heading into working full time for the next month and would prefer to start my free months toward the end of June. Will it still be honored then?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hi Kim, that's a good question. I'll email them right now and get back to you soon.....

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Ok, I just heard back from them and they said that there's no expiry date on the free trial promo code. Enjoy and best of luck :)

[@kimbeckett1486]

Thanks for checking. :)

[@JumpingWatermelons]

For places to work, check out college/university libraries. Some may control access to the library or wifi to limit it to students, but most to not. They are typically much better than city libraries because they are much larger and there will always be a spot to work, and because there won't be smelly bum types loitering around. For internet, if you really want to go a cheap route, look for a device that has a grandfathered unlimited data plan. If you don't need super fast 4G, you can get 3G devices with $5/month plans! (And the device can be bought for under $100). I believe there are also 4G plans you can get but I don't know the cost for sure. I've seen people talking about $35/month but that may be for networks like AT&T or Sprint. If you're traveling around the western US, get Verizon. They have way better coverage than the other major carriers.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Nice! Those are some great tips! Thanks for sharing with everyone :)

[@Toglander]

It’s hard to take someone serious who doesn’t have a phone. There is no logical reason why anyone wouldn’t have a phone in 2022. For safety reasons alone it is essential. The last time I checked, 911 doesn’t communicate via smoke signals.

[@AZITHEMLGPRO]

i worked on a survey website for $15 a month lol

[@irj1653]

AZI THE MLG PRO lol

[@MrD0minican]

you can also use your phone's unlimited data, connect your phone to your laptop, and just install pda.net software

[@Pozoe12]

"Keeping the cost low" but you both have MacBooks?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's true Nina :) We worked for a while with some pretty old terrible laptops. We upgraded to MacBooks mostly because we can use Final Cut Pro for editing video. We actually save money that way because we only have to pay once for the program as opposed to paying monthly for ever if we use Adobe Premier.

[@MaSTAChO87]

feel like you guys are barely getting by...