Digital Nomad Self Assessment

We created this Self-Assessment to help you consciously prepare as the first step in becoming a digital nomad.

The chapters of our book, The Digital Nomad Survival Guide, refer to this assessment as a resource to help you determine which of our suggestions and advice best fit you and your future lifestyle as a digital nomad.

The clarity you’ll gain around your reasons and needs will help you stay focused on your priorities during your planning phase as well as once you are living this lifestyle.

Because you’ll be constantly moving and changing your environment, you’ll need to consider these elements frequently, and perhaps adjust them as time goes on. Adapting and evolving and changing your mind are not only allowed, they’re encouraged! Why travel the world and experience new things if you don’t let anything change the way you think and operate?


A word of advice

How to best approach this self-assessment:

  • Read the questions first.
  • Start a note (on paper or your computer), and answer without editing yourself (stream-of-consciousness)
  • Review your answers and note patterns & inconsistencies.
  • Create a document on your computer and write down your responses, editing if needed to get clear and definitive answers or hierarchies.

This initial assessment is primarily meant to get your planning started and creative juices flowing. We address many of these questions throughout our book and provide helpful tips & resources.


Let’s get started!

Digital Nomad

1. How did you first hear about the digital nomad lifestyle?
2. What appeals to you? Why are you excited about it?
3. What aspects do you think will be difficult for you?
4. What does it mean to be a digital nomad (to you)?
5. What does it mean to do it successfully?
6. Who do you know that is already a digital nomad? Whose lifestyle is an example for you?
7. Why do you want to be a digital nomad? [aim for a direct, specific, and simple  statement]

Circumstances

1. Where do you currently live? [location and residence type]
2. Who are the important people in your life? [family, partner, friends, employer, clients, coworkers, etc]
3. How will you becoming a digital nomad impact them?
4. Do you have pets, a home, a car, and other major considerations that need to be resolved before you can leave?

Work

1. What is your current job and employment status?
2. Is it already remote or is it possible to do it remotely?
3. Have you discussed it with your employer / clients yet?
4. What technology do you need for work? [hardware and software]
5. How many hours a week do you need to work?
6. Do you need to work in a specific time zone?
7. What work challenges do you anticipate as part of becoming a digital nomad / working remotely?
8. What opportunities will become available as a digital nomad / working remotely? [professionally and personally]
9. What are your favorite parts of your job / work? What are you best at doing?

Travel

1. How long are you planning to be a digital nomad? [up to 6 months, 1-2 years, 2+ years, etc]
2. Why that time frame?
3. Do you have anywhere you need to be on certain dates?
4. How many places do you want to go / how frequently do you want to move?
5. Where are you most excited to visit and live? Why?
6. Will you be traveling alone, with someone else, or joining a group?
7. What country’s citizenship / passport will you use for your travels?

Money

1. What do you currently spend on housing each month? Each day? [divide monthly by 30]
2. What do you currently spend on food each month? Each day?
3. What do you currently spend on social + entertainment each month? Each day? [movies, shows, games, happy hours, nights out, etc]
4. What will your estimated monthly income be as a digital nomad?
5. How much will you want to spend on activities each month? [side trips, adventures, classes, big dollar experiences, etc]

Possessions

1. What are a few of your favorite things?
2. What clothes and belongings do you absolutely need?
3. Do you have any medical prescriptions, devices, or other belongings that you need to travel with?
4. What material items in your current life can you live without?
5. What do you want to do with the clothes, furniture, and belongings that you won’t bring with you?

Personal

1. What are your daily routines?
2. What do you need in your home environment to be comfortable and relaxed?
3. What do you need in your work environment to be successful and productive?
4. What do you need in your personal life and relationships to feel supported and happy?
5. Do you need significant time alone or do you prefer to be with others?


Congratulations on taking the first step!

Thinking through these questions and seeing your answers should already give you insights to what you need and want in your new lifestyle as a digital nomad.

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Want more?

We conducted a survey of over 150 digital nomads and visualized the results in an infographic, including data on demographics, remote work industries, average monthly income, and more.

Ready for more information and guidance? Check out our book, The Digital Nomad Survival Guide.