Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up in the morning to the sound of the rolling waves of a turquoise blue sea, or sipping a cup of coffee while sitting on a patio overlooking a snow-covered mountain peak? What if you could gain first-hand experience and learn new languages by mixing and mingling with residents of other countries? How incredible would it be to actually be able to cross everything off your bucket list, like scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, and exploring the ancient ruins of Greece (or whatever other awe-inspiring activities your bucket list may entail)?
While all of the above-mentioned scenarios sure do sound enticing, for many they seem like nothing more than pipe dreams – unless, of course, you’re independently wealthy – because ya gotta work, and a job can really put a damper on your ability to travel and do the things that you long to do. If you’re the wanderlust type, there’s good news for you, because these kinds of dreams could become your reality – and you don’t have to be independently wealthy to achieve them. How, you ask? Well, by scoring a job gig that will let you live and work anywhere in the work! Sounds too good to be true, we know, but it really is true! We promise!
Thanks to the advent of technology, there are tons of job opportunities that you can literally do anywhere, as long as you have a laptop and a reliable internet connection. If this sounds like your cup of tea, keep on reading to find out how you can travel the world and live a life that is chock full of experiences, wonder, and amazement – all while earning a reliable income, to boot! As always you can check out some helpful resume writing tips and get started here.
Benefits of Living and Working Abroad
Before we dive into the best-paying work-from-anywhere jobs, let’s explore some of the benefits that you’ll be able to take advantage of when you live and work abroad (as if you needed any more incentive, right?).
- Improved self-esteem. Believe it or not, living and working in another country can actually be a big self-esteem boost. From finding accommodations to learning new languages, there are a lot of challenges that come along with this lifestyle, but these challenges can be very rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction you’ll feel when you navigate the challenges that come your way and come out on top.
- Independence. It goes without saying but it’s totally worth mentioning that living and working abroad breeds greater independence. You’ll depart from your support system, like your family and friends, and you’ll have the time to explore new things and figure out what you’re really interested in and who you are; most importantly, you’ll learn to depend on yourself, which will, well, make you a lot more independent.
- Renewed perspectives. Whether you’re a small town girl or a city boy, living and working abroad will give you a renewed perspective and sense of purpose. You’ll gain so much from your interactions with other cultures, which can really enrich your worldview and your personal values.
- Improved communication skills. You’ll learn how to communicate in ways that are outside of your norm; for example, you can become fluent in a foreign language (or several languages), which will help to make you a more astute listener, as you’ll learn to appreciate listening to hear rather than listening to respond.
The Best Work-from-Anywhere Jobs
So, without further, ado, let’s take a look at some of the best work-from-anywhere jobs. Some of these gigs allow you to work from anywhere, while others require it, and some you may never have thought about being a job that would afford you the opportunity to hit the road and sow your wild oats!
Writer or blogger
Of the long list of remote jobs (which seems to be ever-increasing), writing is perhaps the most popular. You don’t need to have a degree or previous professional experience (though both could certainly help); just a way with words and an ability to communicate effectively via written language. Content writing, blog writing, online publications; there’s a wealth of opportunities for writers.
Photographer
After writing, photography is the next most popular work-from-anywhere job. If you’re good with a camera and know your way around editing programs, you can land a job with an agency that requires on-locations photo shoots, or you could launch your own business and offer your services to clients around the globe. Fashion, weddings, landscapes, wildlife; the opportunities for photographers are endless!
Teach English As A Second Language
Though it may not be for everyone, teaching English as a second language (ESL) is certainly a great option for those who have a wanderlust spirit. There are so many countries that employ native English speakers as teachers. Depending on the location and where/how you are working, you may even be able to have your accommodations paid for – in addition to your salary! Examples of some popular countries where ESL teachers are in high-demand include Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, and the Balkans.
Graphic Designer
If you’re a tech geek, you know your way around a computer, and you have a good imagination and an eye for detail, a gig as a graphic designer could certainly afford the opportunity to live and work abroad. All you really need is a laptop and a few accessories, such as a graphics tablet, and you can launch yourself into this industry – and work from anywhere in the world!
Virtual Assistant
The rise of technology has led to a rise in demand for virtual assistants. There are so many businesses around the world, and while they may be able to do a lot, no business owner can do it all. That’s where you – as a virtual assistant – would come to the rescue. As a virtual assistant (VA for short), you can offer a variety of services to busy business owners, such as responding to emails, scheduling meetings, answering phone calls, relaying messages, research, developing presentations, and so much more! This is another job that offers tremendous flexibility – including the ability to work-from-anywhere – as all you need is a laptop and a reliable internet connection!