“What the heck is a digital nomad?”

I’ve been asked this question lots of times ever since I started posting about it on my social media channels. Turns out, not a lot of people know about the digital nomad lifestyle and the opportunities that come with it.

In this post, allow me to pull back the curtain and answer all your questions about the digital nomad life. Let’s start by defining the term:

What is a digital nomad and what do they do?

A digital nomad is someone who primarily does their work online without having to go to a fixed or permanent workplace.

👉 Online work = digital

👉 Nomad = not tied to a fixed workplace

Put them together and you have the term digital nomad.

Instead of being tied to their desks, digital nomads have the freedom to work from anywhere, as long as they’ve got a laptop and a stable internet connection.

The internet makes it possible for digital nomads to:

Complete their tasks
Collaborate with others
And communicate with their co-workers

It’s pretty cool, right?

Aside from the term “digital nomad”, you can also use the terms “remote workers”, “telecommuters”, or “teleworkers” to describe folks who follow this kind of lifestyle.

Traveling while working: the ultimate perk

Apart from being location-independent, travel is also another important aspect of being a digital nomad. Since we can work virtually anywhere, digital nomads like myself use this opportunity to see the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures.

I’ve spent the last couple of years traveling throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia as a digital nomad. This year, I’ll be going to the USA for the very first time. Pretty exciting!

If you have a knack for adventure and exploring the world, you might want to try living the digital nomad lifestyle.

Learn more: My digital nomad bucket list

How do digital nomads make money?

For example, some digital nomads are remote ESL teachers, while others are full-time employees of remote companies that allow them to work from virtually anywhere. Some are freelancers who have their own clients, while some are entrepreneurs just like me.

Again, it all depends. The common denominator among all these jobs is the ability to do work online.

How do they get paid?

Digital nomads get paid just like most people: through bank or wire transfers.

Gone are the days when you still have to line up for a payslip at your physical office. If you’re a digital nomad, your clients or employers can simply transfer your funds directly to your bank account through tools like Paypal, Wise, Stripe, or Veem. You can also check your funds through digital banking apps.

Technology enables us to do all these without having to go to physical offices or banks. It’s pretty cool, right?

Is it possible for Filipinos to be digital nomads?

When I first started researching the digital nomad lifestyle, I rarely saw fellow Filipinos in the scene.
But times have changed for the better.
Thanks to more robust internet infrastructure across the world, accessibility to online tools, and a wider awareness of remote work culture, digital nomad opportunities are now more available to Filipinos.

And while we promote a #GrowthFromHome culture at Shepherd, our hired employees can technically work from anywhere they call home — whether it’s a coffee shop, their home office, or a beach in Bali.

As long as you have:

✅ the right tools

✅ the right skills

✅ the right knowledge

✅ and the right mindset —

You can be a digital nomad. Lots of opportunities await! In fact, here are the most in-demand positions available for aspiring Filipino digital nomads:

Executive assistants
Customer service representatives
Sales representatives
Bookkeepers
Content writers
Graphic designers
Social media managers
Data entry specialists

We list more available open roles here, so make sure to check it out.

How do I become a digital nomad?

There are lots of different paths to transition from office worker to digital nomad. Here’s what I personally experienced:

1. I applied for part-time and freelance positions first

Instead of going all-in, I started slowly and surely by applying for part-time remote work. This allowed me to see if I was a good fit for this work style without risking my income. If you are a breadwinner like me and can’t take a giant leap, it’s okay. You can start by dipping your toes first.

2. I focused on one niche

Instead of hopping from one “online job” to another, I focused on my strengths and specific skill set. This helped me build long-term relationships with ideal clients. Plus, it really honed my skills!

3. I assessed my circle

I learned from others who were also living the digital nomad dream. I connected with them, asked for tips, and built genuine relationships.

4. I prepared for the leap

I set clear expectations with myself, saved a bit of money for some financial runway, and mentally prepared myself for this change.

I talk more about my journey from BPO worker to digital nomad in this post. Check it out if you’d like a more in-depth look at the interesting process of transitioning from office worker to digital nomad. I’ll also be posting more resources on the digital nomad lifestyle here, so please keep an eye out for my next few posts.

The digital nomad wave is here

Being a digital nomad is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my career. By embracing innovation and opening my mind to new things, I unlocked opportunities that I never thought were available to me in the first place.

From spending more than 6,000 hours in Metro Manila traffic, I now get to travel the world while having a steady income stream. My goal is to help fellow Filipinos do the same.

If you found this post useful, please consider sharing it on social media or sending it to a friend Let’s ride the digital nomad wave together!

What Is A Digital Nomad? Everything You Need To Know