A growing contingent of American workers has decided to abandon the rigid, restrictive world of traditional work in favour of the freedom and flexibility of a remote position. Among the most salient advantages of this kind of switch is that, when you earn your living through the internet, it’s possible to work from just about anywhere on the planet. Thus, a ‘digital nomad’ can earn a living while moving from place to place, in what amounts to a never-ending sightseeing adventure.
To make this kind of existence work for you, however, you’ll need to have the right equipment and the right software. So, which apps are worth looking at?
Productivity Apps for Focused Work
Depending on the kind of work you’re engaged in, you’ll need to install a few key time-management apps. For many, a simple stopwatch might help them stay organised. Note-taking and project-management apps might also be worthwhile – and many modern ones offer a number of special advantages, especially for nomads working as part of a larger team.
Communication and Collaboration Tools
As a digital nomad, you may be required to communicate with a wider team. Many of your colleagues might be based in different time zones, which makes asynchronous methods like e-mail and text messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal essential. You might also need to contribute to the occasional video call or be able to collaborate on a shared document or two.
Online Safety Tools
When you’re working remotely, security and privacy become absolutely critical. You’re not contributing from the same local network, or even the same country, as those with whom you’re working. Thus, you’re particularly vulnerable to malicious online actors.
Fortunately, there are a few tools that will allow you to avoid the danger. A VPN Chrome extension might provide you with a simple means of encrypting all of the data that you send, and diverting it through the remote server of your choice. A good antivirus app might be essential, too.
Travel Planning and Navigation
Since you’re going to be travelling constantly, you’ll need to be able to keep track of your next flight and your next accommodation. You might also need to be able to check out what’s available in a new city, in terms of dining and entertainment options. The right applications can help you to do all of this. And, what’s more, to do it without wasting large amounts of mental energy.
Finance and Expense Management
The amount that you spend on the road can vary massively from one month to the next. Your location in the world, your income streams, and your currency-related costs will all need to be factored into a budget. There are apps that help with all of this, too!
