The Expanding World for Digital Nomad Entrepreneurs
Guest written by Sharon Wagner
With the increasing availability of internet connections, it has become more and more common for people to work from remote locations rather than show up at the same office every day. Digital nomads are defined as people who do their work online while traveling. Many different types of work can be performed in this way. Read on for tips on how to make this lifestyle work for you, courtesy of Penta West.
Good Practices for Making it Work
There is a learning curve, so be patient while you find your way in this new world. It’s a good idea to stay for at least two weeks in each location. Before you book your lodging, consider asking the host to send you a screenshot of the internet speed test. This will be very important since you rely on the connection to send and receive work-related documents. You might also want to buy a (small, portable) wifi extender to boost the signal when you’re in places with slower speeds.
Consider forming an LLC (limited liability corporation) for your company for tax benefits, flexibility, and, of course, to protect your assets. You’ll need to check the regulations for the state in which you plan to base the company, as they can vary. While you can pay an attorney to set up your LLC, you could also set it up yourself or use a formation service.
Good Places to Go
● Boulder, CO – Boulder is a thriving city with an average rental cost of $2,347 a month and plenty of options for fast internet. While finding a good place to stay can be challenging, it’s possible to do this online, even from a distance. You can sort listings by price, area, structure type, and number of bedrooms and baths, as well as take a virtual tour and see the place from all angles. In a city this size, you’ll be able to access the resources you need, such as a good accountant.
● Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia has an average rental cost of $160 for a short-term stay, an average internet speed of 126.1 Mbps, and is 7 miles from a major airport. Besides having lots of historic sites, Philadelphia also has a great art museum and a zoo. Public transportation here is strong, with train, subway, trolley, and bus lines. Fully furnished short-term rentals are plentiful.
● Washington D.C. – Our nation’s capital has the fastest average internet speed, at 129.1 Mbps. The average cost of a short-term rental here is $186, and the subway system is extensive. The nearest major airport is 3 miles away, and the museums, art galleries, and historic sites are legendary. The nearest national park is less than 100 miles away. There are many co-working spaces with daily, weekly, or monthly fees. Finding an affordable short-term rental may take some looking, but there are a number of websites devoted to helping with this.
● Chicago, IL – The windy city has a lot to offer, with the average short-term rental stay costing $198 and an average internet speed of 104.1 Mbps. The nearest major airport is 7 miles away, and cultural opportunities abound. Short-term rentals here are easy to find. The subway and bus lines make it possible to get around Chicago without a car of your own.
Living and working as a digital nomad has many advantages as well as challenges. There are multiple websites and newsletters offering tips and ideas for making your lifestyle work. The beauty of this lifestyle is that after giving a place a good try if it isn’t working for you, you can easily move on to another location. As you become part of the mobile working community, you’ll make connections and friends that can enhance life and make settling into a new area more enjoyable.
Penta West understands what big and small agencies do – and we can do it better, less expensive, with less bureaucracy and a more hands-on, client-focused approach. Reach out today to get started!