According to career coach Tom, “The key to finding remote work without a degree…
… is identifying your transferable skills and targeting roles that…
… value hands-on experience over formal education.”
As someone who’s worked abroad for years without a college degree, I can attest…
… that attitude and adaptability matter more than papers.
The digital nomad lifestyle has opened up a world of opportunity beyond…
… just travel – it’s a chance to redefine success and live life on your own terms. (1)
Whether you’re looking for full-time remote jobs or side gigs to fund your travels, this guide…
… will reveal the most accessible, high-paying digital nomad careers…
… and provide actionable tips to land your dream job, no degree required.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Digital nomad jobs without a degree, what to know?
Digital nomad jobs without a degree (2) include roles like freelance writing, social media management, and virtual assistance.
These opportunities allow individuals to work remotely while traveling the world, without the need for traditional qualifications.
The Best Digital Nomad Jobs for Complete Beginners
Entry-Level Remote Jobs with Minimal Experience
- Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you can take on administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, data entry, email and calendar management, creating documents, and more.
Many virtual assistants work part-time while learning new skills.
With customer service skills and basic computer literacy, you can get started as a virtual assistant with little formal training required.
- Customer Service Representative
Working in customer service is a great way to gain remote work experience.
As a customer service rep, you’ll help customers via phone, email, chat or social media.
Learn basic product knowledge and problem-solving skills to handle inquiries.
Many companies provide virtual customer service representative roles for digital nomads looking to travel while working.
- Data Entry Operator
Data entry operator jobs allow you to work remotely while gaining skills in areas like data processing and database management.
As a data entry operator, you’ll input information like customer details, invoices, records and more into digital files and databases.
Accuracy is key.
With careful double-checking work and familiarity with common computer programs, you can start a data entry career as a digital nomad.
- Transcriptionist
Listening skills and strong typing abilities make transcription a suitable work-from-anywhere job.
Medical, legal and general transcription work involves listening to audio files like doctor dictations or interviews and typing out verbatim transcripts.
Build your transcription speed over time through practice.
No degree required – get started as an independent contractor or for transcription companies.
- Content Writing
For those with strong writing abilities, content writing is a great remote skill.
Research topics and write blog posts, articles, web pages, social media captions and more on a freelance or contract basis.
Learn SEO best practices to make content discoverable.
Content writing allows digital nomads to work their schedule while gaining experience in a flexible and creative field.
Online Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree
Here are some online jobs that don’t require a college degree:
- Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers play a vital role in keeping small businesses organized.
As a bookkeeper, you can work remotely managing accounts receivable and payable, payroll, financial reports, and more.
Learn common bookkeeping software and obtain certifications to advance your career.
The digital nomad lifestyle allows bookkeepers to work from anywhere while helping businesses stay on track financially.
- Client Services
Providing excellent customer service is key in any client services role.
Remote client services jobs involve assisting customers via phone, email, chat and social media with queries about products, orders and accounts.
Build your communication skills and learn industry knowledge to welcome and resolve clients’ needs from afar.
The flexibility of client services work enables a location independent lifestyle.
- Data Entry
As an online data entry operator, you’ll input information like customer details, invoices, records and more into digital files and databases.
Careful attention to detail and accuracy are musts in this role.
Familiarize yourself with common computer programs to start a remote career in data entry without a degree.
The repetitive yet focused work of data entry is well-suited to digital nomad schedules and locations of choice.
- Graphic Designer
Visual communication skills and creativity can open the door to remote graphic design opportunities.
As a freelance or contract graphic designer, you may create logos, websites, social media graphics, presentations and other visual content.
Develop your design software skills through online courses.
The independent nature of graphic design allows you to take on projects while traveling as a digital nomad.
- Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants can take on a variety of administrative tasks from anywhere like scheduling, data entry, document creation and more.
Strong organization and tech skills serve VAs well without a degree.
By learning new skills over time, virtual assisting enables a remote career and digital nomad lifestyle ideal for those just starting their online work journey.
- Online Tutor
Have a passion for a subject and knack for teaching others? Online tutoring lets you help students worldwide right from your laptop.
Tutoring platforms offer flexibility to set your own schedule and choose subjects to tutor in.
Share your knowledge while traveling by becoming an online tutor with just your skills and internet connection.
- Project Manager
Project managers keep complex initiatives on track and on budget remotely.
Build your skills in areas like scheduling, collaboration, communication and problem-solving.
Online certifications and experience can help land remote PM roles even without a degree.
The ability to work virtually from anywhere suits digital nomads pursuing project management careers.
- Property Claims Adjuster
Adjusters assess property damage claims and settle insurance payouts.
Leverage your communication and estimating skills to start as a remote claims adjuster trainee.
Insurance licenses may be required after training.
Adjusting offers independence and mobility ideal for the digital nomad role.
Hands-on experience and continuing education opens doors in this field without a college diploma.
- Social Media Coordinator
Promoting brands online through social platforms is a great remote career path.
Experience using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more along with marketing strategy will serve social media managers well without a degree.
Freelance coordinating allows digital nomads to take on clients while traveling the world with their laptop in tow.
Uncommon or Less Well-Known Digital Nomad Jobs
Niche Online Jobs with Low Barriers to Entry
Some niche online jobs have LOW BARRIERS TO ENTRY and allow you to earn money from ANYWHERE in the world with just an INTERNET CONNECTION.
Here are a few options:
An Online Nutritionist can help clients meet diet and wellness goals remotely through video chats, meal plans, and supplement recommendations.
While a degree helps, CERTIFICATIONS are often all that’s needed to get started in this growing field.
As a Remote Recruiter, you can conduct job searches, screen candidates, and manage hiring processes for companies without being in an office.
Many staffing agencies are happy to hire freelancers with RECRUITING EXPERIENCE to expand their reach.
Moderating comments on websites and social media is another option as an Online Moderator.
Most sites need extra sets of eyes to REVIEW CONTENT…
… and flags issues like inappropriate comments, spam, or abuse according…
… to each platform’s COMMUNITY GUIDELINES.
Experience in content strategy or customer support can prepare you for this role.
For small businesses, remote Online Bookkeepers can handle payroll, invoices, expenses, and other number-crunching from a laptop.
Bookkeeping certifications and experience with accounting software…
… like QuickBooks are common prerequisites here.
If you enjoy coordinating activities, being an Online Tour Coordinator may be a fit.
You can arrange custom itineraries, book tickets and hotels, and…
… manage logistics for independent travelers from wherever you work remotely.
Experience in hospitality, travel planning is a plus.
With paralegal training or experience working in a law office, you can assist…
… attorneys with research, drafting documents, and other administrative tasks as…
… an Online Legal Assistant.
Communication skills and discretion are important as you’ll handle confidential client information remotely.
Unique Ways to Monetize Your Skills While Traveling
Tapping into your existing TALENTS and HOBBIES is a great way to make MONEY on the road.
Here are some examples:
Are you a skilled Digital Photographer? Sell your photos through stock image sites like Shutterstock and keep the ROYALTY income flowing wherever you travel internationally with an INTERNET CONNECTION.
Got a gift for Voice Acting? You can record audio books, podcasts, commercials, and other media from any QUIET SPOT with the right equipment.
Websites like Voice123 connect actors with projects they can complete remotely.
If you’re a STICKLER for DETAILED transcription, you might find success with Closed Captioning videos for broadcasters and publishers looking for CAREFULLY TIMED subtitles.
Experience with captions or foreign language translation is a plus here.
Fashion or decor lovers can offer Virtual Styling services via video chat.
Analyze clients’ styles, recommend outfits and pieces to buy, and help curate effortlessly CHIC looks from afar.
Marketing and retail experience are assets.
Researchers and data analysts can take on contract work analyzing datasets, conducting surveys, and compiling reports as a Researcher/Data Analyst.
Experience with tools like Excel, SurveyMonkey, and MySQL are industry standard.
Seasonal and Project-Based Work
Sometimes it’s nice to shake things up with SHORT-TERM GIGS while traveling.
Consider:
House/pet sitting presents opportunities to care for homes, fluffy and scaly FRIENDS while owners are away.
Sites like TrustedHousesitters connect sitters with positions typically lasting 2 weeks to a month.
Many FARMS need extra hands for seasonal tasks like planting, harvesting, packing orders.
May through September sees the most Farmer’s Assistant and Camp Assistant gigs listed on WWOOF and Workaway for those interested in fresh air and agriculture.
You can earn gift cards, cash, and other perks by accurately FILLING OUT…
… online surveys on your laptop through sites like Survey Junkie, Respondent, and Usertesting.
Keep an eye out for surveys focusing on relevant topics to your knowledge and demographics.
Bring your SKILLS FOR ORGANIZING people and timelines to craft unique experiences.
Events sites need remote help with logistics, reservations, permits and more for…
… conferences, weddings and festivals happening across the GLOBE on a contract basis.
Resources for Finding Digital Nomad Work
Remote Job Board Recommendations
For those looking to FIND A JOB or FIND WORK without relocating, online JOB BOARDS are indispensable.
FlexJobs is trusted by millions worldwide to post ONLY FULLY REMOTE roles, filtering out any that require occasional in-office time.
Another reliable option is WeWorkRemotely, which aggregates open positions from top COMPANIES ENTIRELY COMPRISED OF REMOTE EMPLOYEES.
Meanwhile, RemoteOK allows browsing remote roles categorized by SKILLS, while AngelList connects digital nomads with STARTUPS seeking off-site talent.
Coro caters especially to those starting remote careers or pursuing a CAREER CHANGE…
… without moving, offering roles helpful for gaining experience in…
… CUSTOMER SUPPORT, OPERATIONS, and other growing fields.
Online Communities for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads trying to decide where to go or build a digital nomad journey, NomadList…
… serves as a useful HUB with info on 200+ cities, budgeting tools, and profiles of other location-independent professionals to learn from.
Blogs like Remote Work Hacker publish in-depth guides, CHECKLISTS and…
… online COURSES on topics like online TUTORING, REMOTE COMMUNICATION SKILLS…
… and generating PASSIVE INCOME from anywhere.
Digital Nomad Academy provides online training programs to help improve skills…
… like SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT, WRITING and more in high-DEMAND areas.
Meanwhile, Remote.co doubles as a community forum and database for researching…
… COMPANIES and network with other digital nomads from all walks of remote WORKING LIFE.
Tools for Working Remotely
Digital nomads need ways to collaborate with clients and teams virtually.
Trello excels at PROJECT AND TASK TRACKING in an easy-to-use KANBAN view.
Asana specializes in Gantt charts, automatic WORKFLOW TRIGGERS and reporting features ideal for MANAGING complex projects remotely.
Slack makes remote COMMUNICATION seamless through instant file sharing, scheduling calls within threads, and its overall user-friendly experience.
For core productivity, Google SUITE provides Drive, Docs, Sheets and Gmail fully equipped for cloud-based collaboration from anywhere worldwide.
Finally, Zoom is beloved for its straightforward interface when conducting VIDEO MEETINGS and CONFERENCING with international clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best digital nomad jobs?
Some of the top digital nomad jobs include…
… social media manager, freelance writer, online English teacher, and content creator.
These jobs allow digital nomads to work remotely from anywhere in the world…
… as long as they have a laptop and internet connection.
What types of jobs are available for digital nomads with no experience?
There are several digital nomad jobs that don’t require any prior experience, such as…
… teaching English online or doing search engine optimization (SEO) freelance work.
Starting a blog, YouTube channel, or online courses are also good options…
… for digital nomads just getting started.
How can I find digital nomad jobs?
A good way to find digital nomad jobs is to search online job boards that cater…
… specifically to remote workers.
Sites like RemoteOK.io, WeWorkRemotely.com, and DigitalNomadJobs.co are…
… dedicated to listing remote and location-independent opportunities.
You can also search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Google for keywords…
… like “remote job”, “digital nomad”, or “working remotely”.
What are some high paying digital nomad jobs?
In-demand skills like web development, programming, online marketing, and…
… virtual assisting tend to offer higher paying digital nomad jobs.
Experienced freelance writers, English teachers, and consultants can also…
… make over $75,000 per year working remotely if they have a specialization and solid portfolio.
Having niche skills in areas with a high demand like these can lead to higher salaries.
What are the requirements to become an online English teacher?
Most online English teaching platforms require teachers to be native English speakers…
… from an English-speaking country.
It also helps to have a bachelor’s degree, TEFL/TESOL certification, and…
… at least 6 months experience teaching English.
However, some platforms also offer introductory programs for those…
… without formal teaching qualifications to start as digital nomad jobs for beginners.
What is involved in the digital nomad lifestyle?
The digital nomad lifestyle allows for remote work and traveling at the same time.
It requires being location-independent with a laptop-based job and having digital nomad visas…
… or extended travel arrangements like remote work contracts or freelance assignments.
Other aspects involve having travel insurance, budgeting for living expenses…
… in multiple countries, and learning to balance work with exploring new places.
Managing this type of lifestyle well opens up opportunities for long-term traveling and seeing the world.
How can I become a freelance writer as a digital nomad?
To become a freelance writer, build up a portfolio of published writing samples on websites and blogs.
Use content platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or your own site/blog to gain experience in…
… different types of content like articles, profiles, and long-form content.
Reach out to companies and online publications offering freelance opportunities…
… to pitch article ideas and apply for ongoing contributor roles.
Sites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour are also good for finding writing and…
… editing jobs to gain experience and build a client base as a remote worker.
Consistent networking is important for growth as a freelance digital nomad writer.
Conclusion
The digital nomad lifestyle offers tremendous freedom and fulfillment for those willing to think outside the box.
With the right mindset of adaptability, self-motivation, and focusing on transferable skills…
… over formal credentials, it’s possible to build a location-independent career and life on your own terms.
The options are endless, if you have the courage to take the first step.
I encourage you to use these strategies to create work you love, see the world, and define success for yourself.
The journey starts with a single click – start applying today!
References
- https://hbr.org/2023/02/how-to-become-a-digital-nomad
- https://freakingnomads.com/digital-nomad-jobs-for-beginners/
Related Articles
- https://timecurvesoft.com/finding-remote-job-opportunities-digital-nomad/
- https://timecurvesoft.com/work-nomad-jobs/
- https://timecurvesoft.com/digital-nomad-getting-started-planning/
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I’m Robert C. L., an associate professor of management at Washington & Jefferson College. With a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from The Ohio State University, my passion lies in exploring the realms of creativity, innovation, and the evolving landscape of work. Delving into the digital frontier, my expertise extends to the world of digital nomads, remote work, and the liberating concept of travel freedom. I’m also an author of the book “Digital Nomads: In Search of Freedom, Community, and Meaningful Work in the New Economy” which is sold on Amazon. As a dedicated mind behind timecurvesoft.com, I’m committed to unraveling the dynamics of the digital workforce and sharing insights into the future of work. Join me on this journey of exploration and discovery!