THE 'DIGITAL NOMAD SCAM' | MY THOUGHTS AND ADVICE
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- Not my usual style of video but with all the misinformation and 'nomad-shaming' going around, I felt I had to speak out. It's time to get real...
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I do not know why people start calling everything that is out of their world "scam". For me the scam is to be stuck in a regular job and never see the world. Good Video Chris.
haha there ya go!
+Shariq Torres enjoy that wage slave lifestyle.
Said every scam victim ever.
I think she needs your advice!
Digital marketer from France
ruclips.net/video/iYE5INnAAPo/видео.html
EXACTLY!
You young people are so lucky to have been born in the information age. I'm 49 and learning web development so I can join you soon. One thing young people should keep in mind is that you must start saving for retirement early in life. If you aren't paying taxes in your home country, you may not be entitled to benefits. That's how it works in the US anyway. Make sure you take it seriously as old age sneaks up on you.
Hello! Thank you! I have that in mind! :) Good luck in your journey :)
@@carleflores9065 I saved HARD in my earlier years - what's it worth now I'm 63 - (politely) - bugger all!!!! .. Better advice would have been to; trust myself - follow my intuition and go for it! Everything mainstream education will dissuade you from...
Eric Weiss thank you. I will keep this in mind
Eric Weiss most under rated comment. Thank you for the kind wisdom.
Thank you sir; I will take this advice. How's web development going?
Being a digital nomad or starting any business is hard. Not everyone is cut out to be able to do it. If anyone is selling something and tells you that they can teach anyone how to run a business is lying to you. They can teach some people how and most not. There is always a downside to working for yourself but there are some serious downsides for me to go to a conventional office. If you are going to be a nomad you need to have a skill/tallent that you can market and sell. When you first start out it will be hard. There will be good times and there will be bad. You will lose clients if you have them. It can be done but not by everyone. If you can't sell you won't last long so learn to sell.
I've seen a few of your videos.. and as a fellow YT creator, I think your channel is very authentic and down to earth. My only complaint is you apologize to much.. You have nothing to apologize about, keep being honest and keep talking about the DN lifestyle :) Enjoying your stuff and your delivery. I'm a DN some of the year (i'm based out of NYC). I will be in Mexico City for 6 weeks starting in March!!
Yep. No more apologies. Thanks man. Being on RUclips opens yourself up to much scrutiny but it's just something to get used to.
Yeah. I get bored with my channel when all I get are compliments, some constructive disagreements with viewers can be fun actually!!
I think she needs your advice!
Digital marketer from France
ruclips.net/video/iYE5INnAAPo/видео.html
I don't think you're apologizing. Too many people need a reality check. I think you've done this eloquently enough.
PS-a French proverb. Rester, c'est exister. Voyager, c'est vivre. (To remain is to exist. To travel is to live.)
Great video Chris. You're one of the few DN vloggers I follow who offers a healthy amount of authenticity in your videos, and I totally value your opinion on matters like this. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Scott 🙏
Do you have to pay to watch video? That’s not fair!
Chris ive been in business for myself over the past 15yrs, have owned everything from Beverage importation to custom furniture production and design. I looked into Drop shipping for a friend that wanted advice. I didnt even have to look far 1) Macdonalds have never sold a course to teach people how to make burgers, nor does Goldman sachs sell a course to teach people how to invest. Why would you if you have cornered the market, its insane for any successful business model to do so. If Drop shipping is so lucrative, why sell a course on how to do it? Ive seen Mr FD's figures, I would say a good percentage of his income comes from affiliate commission from Dropship lifestyle. Seems like a good guy don't get me wrong, but hes still making a buck off everyone. Drawing people into an oversaturated market and selling a dream. That dream may have well been real 4-5 years ago, even 8 years ago, however like any market place you open the door and it gets diluted quickly. Why are dropshippers, amazoners, or ebayers always trying to sell you this trick or draw you into it? Because its not as lucrative as they lead everyone to believe. Hence why the title of digital nomad is copping a back rep.
Its not guys like yourself Chris, whom are programing or doing legitimate work, earning a honest dollar, diluting the digital nomad name. Its the ones as I previously mentioned making money from selling people false dreams, hyping up a lifestyle to make themselves money, trying to better their position in life by taking advantage of someone else's naivety.
End of the day, if your the type of person to leap into something and not do your home work, I doubt this will be the last time you invest in a false dream or get rich quick scheme.
100% agree.
I see a lot of people (who call themselves Digital Nomads) whose sole businesses are about... telling other people how they can become Digital Nomads! ...Offering them courses, guides, etc.
Yet most of them don't really seem to have achieved of a successful business idea themselves. It's all about "I'll show you how to have your own online business! *results may vary (lol)" ... well, if you actually were brilliant at running an online business and were making a considerable amount of money from it, you'd be enjoying managing it and enjoying your profits and free time, you wouldn't be needing to 'teach' people and advertise your services 24/7 online in order to get some customers.
This is not the case with Chris, though, he does have his own business projects and gives a bit of guidance to people on the side.
Mc and Goldman Sachs will not sale you a course because their ultimate end is that you stay in the location working for them. Follow me. We are moving to a digital world is not like in the 70's or 90's anymore. Read the economist, NY Times and the wall Street Journal by 2030 we all are going digital and remote. People need to realize and accept the changes in our world and stop bashing others.
How will trades people such as builders, painters, electricians or even product based businesses like bakeries, car sales be digital? Thats a very broad statement, Cynthia. Not all professions are able to convert to digitalism. Ive been Digital for 10 years, Im still location dependant, but have the flexibility to work where ever I want.
PS, i think you missed the point of Mc's and Goldman.
Exactly Miguelvasquez.
We will move to 3d printing. With al respect you need to read more about the 2030 tendencies and all the jobs are going to dissapear and architects are on the list
You're awesome, man. Love how flat out you're about everything. You won my trust today.
You can't blame everyone for the actions of few. I just want to say you have never painted an unrealistic picture of being a digital nomad, you have always been very straight forward with what it ACTUALLY takes to become a DN (unless all the other "how to become a digital nomad" videos that are so vague you don't learn anything), the hardships of getting there/being a DN and what you can expect once you get there. You're an awesome person man keep up the great work!
Dude, I saw your $600/mo video, and that was the realest thing I've seen. Didn't seem overly hypey or positive at all, but for anyone wanting to start a business, it takes time and money, and you're definitely adding a lot of value to the community by showing the possibilities.
Cheers Tim :)
Dear Chris, I just finished watching this latest video. Thank you so much for your integrity. I've always felt you have been upfront with us as regards to the digital nomad lifestyle. In fact, when I watched your pros and cons videos, I noticed that you actually cited a number of cons, making me say to myself, "he's being pretty honest." Further, I got wind in a few of your videos that helped me to see the practicality of this life, for example, how you mentioned that it took a year to get yourself ready to do this. I said, "oh, this didn't just happen overnight." And then, in one instance, I remember you advising to have a plan before you leave, don't try to find a job after you leave. I definitely caught that in watching you look for work, think what pressure that must have been. Further, just recently, I messaged you over Facebook about not being able to get your memoir from Amazon. Rather than just refer me back to them, you sent me the PDF. Thanks so much. All of this helps me to appreciate your genuineness in sharing this lifestyle and inspiring us. I've appreciated your work on our behalf and am actively trying to implement aspects of this lifestyle to help me reach my life goals. Thanks again, look forward to what.s next, keep up the good work. Rick Cruz
Thanks so much Rick. Hope you enjoy the book!
I think most of your points boil down to having common sense and researching the lifestyle before you fully commit.
I appreciate your honesty. Thanks for doing what you do.
Everything you said is just common sense. Sad you have to explain that to people.
I agree
He's Full of shit.
@@robuk3723 How do you know?
This is spot on. This is something I have seen pop up more and more recently and is something I'm trying to work towards. I have recently started an online business and first plan on traveling over seas for a few weeks at a time as a short trial. I have kids so jumping straight in to it is out of the question but would like to build up to traveling for a full year at a time, documenting my experience along the way. It's nice to see that not everyone thinks it's a scam or simply impossible to do with a solid foundation.
There are pros and cons...good and bad in any job, business, lifestyle, where one lives, etc......no matter if one lives in the suburbs or if one is traveling the world for travel, living in the city, living off the grid...ec.... We all need to find out what is best for ourselves, do our own research and not blame anyone else fo our own lives. We all have to work hard for any type of success no matter what we do in life.
This was an awesome video. Excellent points!
Thanks Chris. Love this Episode! Straight, direct, honest. 👍
haters gonna hate, we are with u chris, we love ur videos..!!
Having enough savings and skills is the way to go. This way you don't have the pressure to make money right away and it gives you the opportunity to explore along the way what your talents are and what your passionate about.
Dutch Nomad Couple cool een nomad koppel. Ik wil ook graag digital nomad met mijn vriendin gaan doen. Hoe zijn jullie te start gegaan als ik vragen mag?
Hi Chris, I appreciate such insightful and specific comments. I do know being a digital nomad has a lot of challenges involved as you not only have to work hard on your skills but at the same time take care of your travel plans and scheduling in relation to your work meetings and the visa renewal schedules. I use to be one but it only lasted for less than 2 years as I needed to find options to make a much more stable income to build a stronger financial savings.
One thing I'd like to add from the experience is that, I came back to work in Singapore in a construction company doing the same services I did during my freelance years and I was surprised to discover how far I have improved in terms of my skills. I was use to cracking several tasks in a day during my freelance years and my superiors were actually curious of how I figure my way around to finding solutions. Long story short, being a digital nomad is actually an excellent experience for me. I can understand the language of my superiors because of the experience, my confidence just naturally developed without even realizing it, and because of that I gain the trusts from the right people because of the reliability I have offered them in terms of imformation hacks.
I was based in Chiang Mai as well because of the convenient services they offer for digital nomads. I took the opportunity with no goal in mind but only a stable workloads coming in on a daily basis and Co-working space is something that is unheard of during my time (2011-2013). I simply work straight from where I lived and go out and socialize on weekends.
Im currently in Philippines and been to a co-working spot here and I thought it was something that still needed a lot of improvement in terms of what exactly digital nomads do and need. Hopefully if you have the time, you can feature some ideas for business owners who would like to try to run a co-working space for their business here for your insights of a basic idea of what people like you need in your work space, your preferred neighborhood, ideal internet speed and so on. I think this will help improve things for some here in the Philippines in terms of design ideas.
Your insights have been quite useful. Thank you!
From the videos of yours that I've watched, I feel like I got a pretty even look at what's involved. I got the picture pretty quick that there's a lot of work involved, and while there is a lot of fun to be had, that's far from all it is. I read some of the comments on your last video and I got the impression someone tried the life but crashed and burned. Keep up what you're doing, you're putting out some great content.
I think she needs your advice!
Digital marketer from France
ruclips.net/video/iYE5INnAAPo/видео.html
Wise words there Chris. Good vlog. Just the sort of things I wanna hear as somebody who is going to be trying to re-train and re-invent himself to give this lifestyle a go. More like this please !!
Thanks Ian
Thanks for taking the time to cover so many topics. I'm definitely into these more in-depth videos, trying to learn as much as I can about the pros and cons of the DN life. Your videos are a great source of motivation for me, keep up the good work mate!
thank you for being REAL! it's important to show everything! Clearly fun and success sells but we do need real people showing real results and the background is also important!
Thanks for keeping it real. I went location independent back in 2010 when I decided to move my family from Western Australia to Utah. Quit my $200k job and became a consultant. I would never recommend a move like that to someone with big financial responsibilities who doesn't have the skills, savings and, most importantly, the kind of network I've built over more than 25 years in my industry. Now our youngest kid is graduating from high school we're going to move again in 2020. I'm drawing inspiration from your videos. Keep it up. I think that your stuff is ideal for people who are free of the kind of responsibilities I had back in 2010. In fact I would encourage any young person to consider the digital nomad lifestyle before they get stuck with the whole spouse/kids/house thing.
Thanks Chris for this video. I appreciate the genuine discussion that you're bringing to the digital nomad and freelancer community. I made the decision to wait six more months before I start my freelancing journey so I can establish more clients as a developing writer/editor. While I want to start working abroad as soon as possible, waiting six more months will not only build more possible clients but allow me to save up to $15,000 when I leave the US. This video reassures my decision to be patient and to do the smart thing. Keep up the great work!
I think she needs your advice!
Digital marketer from France
ruclips.net/video/iYE5INnAAPo/видео.html
Great stuff man! I love the honesty and the realness of this talk. I'm working towards being a location independent filmmaker, and I realize now it's going to take a lot more time and energy to make it a reality.
Thank you for everything you do!
Chris, I've watched probably 15-20 of your videos now, and I am super impressed with your authenticity. You seem like a genuinely good guy. Thanks for all the great content and the balanced approach to everything! I'm gonna buy your book! This channel is worth supporting.
Thanks Carlon!
:) Glad I came across this channel. I recently came back from Chiang Mai from holidays and was pretty hyped about hearing that was a digital nomad hotspot on my trip. Definitely at one of those pivoting points in my life and appreciate the balanced view of the digital nomad scene, especially from a fellow Aussie as well. Keep it up and I'm sure we'll all keep tuning in.
Thank goodness someone who is speaking Real Talk. Fed up of seeing glossy videos then seeing nomads complaining on forums that they are struggling to rub 2 cents together. Like running an business or working in any role. You need a skill and a plan.
Very very true. It's a shame people are giving the digital movement a bad name for whatever reasons. I agree with you about not quitting your job with nothing but a positive mindset and zero skills... I made that mistake but I'm learning everyday and being sensible about my future choices so that I can bring the digital nomad lifestyle closer with every new skill I learn as I travel. Luckily for me I can work in Australia without having the pressure of only being able to do freelancing because my Visa allows it and this means that when I'm not working I can study and learn new skills that will eventually lead me to being able to be a digital nomad. I have accepted that this hustle is very difficult and if you've watched any of my videos you'll see that. You right about the struggle because choosing this lifestyle isn't all rainbows and butterflies, it's a daily grind and you need to have a vision, determination and willingness to study while traveling. Great video Chris, thanks.
Australia is definitely a good place to pick up work while you work on freelancing. Thanks Kyle.
so... how long has it been since you have been in australia...?
its just about april 2017, i've never seen the job market so dire. the construction/maintenance industry are offering wages less than when i started in 2006 - if you can get the job to start with...
+Justin Macklin Arrived in August 2016
The problem with these folks is that they do believe that paying couple of bucks they will have the instant money. All in life is a sacrifice, some ppl do not have the skills like myself and we need to pay to get them. I love to watch your videos. I am a single mom and I got it rough and I must say that I have learned so much about this movement that I am starting myself. I know it wil be a hard journey but never impossible and I am determined to try it 100 times if is necessary. Keep posting videos that encourage single moms to we do better and not become millionaires but economical independent. Pardon my english is not my main language.
BOOM!!!!!!!!! Chris droppin' bombs.
fuck david bond
i am a online travel agent. i resell plane. cruise.,hotels, etc tickets. i built up a custom base of people that don't have time to do it themselves. i have live around the world doing this.
why do people need a travel agent?
3 years after, your video is super useful. Thanks man!
Honesty and humility are the long game. And you know what? the truth always wins. GG dude
People taking the Nomad lifestyle need to be very careful in that they also allocated a good % of income regularly (just as you would in a corporate career) to private tax free savings for retirement (ISA - in UK, Roth IRA - USA) in equities/funds etc or (and) a private retirement fund. Due to not having regular incomes or success/failures they maybe gaps in adequate financial planning to retirement but your 20's/30's are the most important time to build this retirement capital foundation so compounding can work its magic. Food for thought!
Hi Chris, I have been watching your videos for a few days and have now subscribed (what took me so long, I don't know!). Even though I am not planning to move to Thailand but simply live and work around Europe I am finding your videos to offer excellent advice so I simply wanted to say keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your experience
Thanks Paola
Hey Chris, I've been a nomad for years, just doing whatever I can with the skills I have, and have been thinking about trying the "digital nomad thing" for some time now, so I'm preparing myself for it.
I've found your videos very helpful. You are positive, which I like, but down to earth and real in how you show your experience and give advice.
I agree that you have to be prepared to fail and pick yourself up, there are bad days, weeks and maybe months, and it is rarely as glamorous as people like to believe.
So to those who are thinking in going nomad, be it digital or not, I'd say the first thing is to know is that you have to take responsibility for your self and your decisions. If you're going to blame anyone else on how hard things are, on not being "warned", like blame a streamer that is doing nothing but sharing his experience, maybe being nomad is not for you.
Thanks for your vids!
Gotta agree with you on one thing: "A stable income is a beautiful thing." I own a business now, but I DID fly to Chiang Mai, and I told myself I was only going to work on my business, because I could make it work.
Eventually, I did make it work (1.5 years later!) but not before running out of money, living on $1/day for a few days, and going through a ton of stress.
I should have kept the freelancing going! Would have been a lot less stress, and given me more money to invest in starting a biz.
Hi Chris. My wife and I have both been following and enjoying your videos for a while now, and one of the reasons we follow you is because you never come across 'hyped'. Yes you show the 'positive' more than the 'negative'. But honestly, as a consumer, it's the positive I want to know about. I want to know what worked, and why more than 'well this is shit'. That doesn't really teach me anything. Also, I have seen your comments on a few 'digital nomad scam' videos. There was one in particular where their response was so vitriolic I was actually appalled. For my two cents, ignore him and anyone of his mind set. They are responding based on emotion rather than rational review. You do a great job, and are in fact one of the top 3 influencers that will have me and my wife living in Bali next month. (After 3 years of dicking around.) Keep up the good work, don't be afraid to celebrate the positive in your life.
Thanks Jeremy. Don't worry. The content on this channel won't change based on critics with no real argument.
Yes, I like hearing the positive aspects too. I don't see the point of hearing about things that didn't work. There will always be challenges and we get that.
Chris, stop lying!
gdnchg74 what did I Lie about?
Well, that's a good point, but I don't completely agree on the "talking about negativity is useless" bit. Part of it because it gives you a better perspective, a better picture of what to expect, but also because it's crucial in any work or research to learn from experience, seing what does not work (not especially for everyone but just in your case) to build upon that.
Because negativity is just a perspective on something, it's an opportunity to learn and grow, what do you think ?
(but I believe you also meant "having a negative attitude" which is, I'll agree, useless in general).
BTW cheers Chris, I love your candor !
I have met a digital normad in Melbourne once and he said the biggest struggle of being a digital normad is being homesick and getting contract
Thanks for the awesome and honest video, Chris. Look forward to following along your journey!
Putting a blanket over everything is not good.
This is my first video of your channel and already like you.
Thanks for clarifying this issue.
Thanks for highlighting the pitfalls of DN life, because it is very tempting to some to 'try it out' without the proper preparations. Preparations are vital! I believe one needs at least one year of preperations before embarking into DN life. It's a hard life, and unrewarding
for long period of times, but, as you know, the benefits at times are
worth it all. It's hard work. And it's good that positive guys like
yourself are puting it out there in such a detailed and upbeat fashion.
Good stuff.
Thank you so much for all your videos. I'm currently learning to code and moving to Bali in October to see how far I get as a digital nomad. Your advice is very practical, as well as being balanced and sincere. Keep it up!
Social media really puts a high gloss finish on the proverbial painting of the digital nomad lifestyle that it's hard to make out the actual picture. You're like polarised lenses that cut the glare to help you see all the details of the pictures so you can decide whether you actually like it. In large part thanks to your video, I'm at the beginning of my "runway" because you've presented some of the most balanced information and opinions about the digital nomad lifestyle which made me consider it as a viable option. Thanks.
Cheers Emma
I'm up and coming and will hopefully be in thailand in the next year. It's great to see that there are cool people in this community I'll be entering. Keep up the genuine videos brah! Shout out from NZ
Good business has a good product. It sells, it grows, it lasts. All scams have a shelf life. They just disappear.
This was the single best video I've ever watched on this topic. Thank you for giving practical advice.
Very Real Talk... This is like the vlog version of a Cheat Day for Dieting, only this time for the Entirety of all vlogs in this channel... Thanks for the insights... Great Job!
+UCbxtV_oVIXBtLRmyPfcLKVg Chris, when I was in engineering school at my univerity, for my first set of degrees, one professor as he handed back homework would always say to those with less than 80% scores, "It's not too late to get into marketing" :). Although, I got my Ivy League MBA, and Doctorate in Law from YALE Uni, I never truly put down marketing, as I was a marketing consultant throughout the 1990's, with 2 companies in the power tools business in Japan, and left the U.S. when I was 29, back in 1990, long before there was anyone else doing it. I started the first branches of Black & Decker, ESTWING, Cooper Tools, DeWalt (just brand name of B&D), etc., ran warehouses, and did seminars with real life stories and numbers of how to do business against the Japanese competitors. I also ran my own law firm in Bangkok for 4 years and had the top ranking spot on Google for years for Law Firms in Bangkok.
The one problem I have with the Digital Nomad movement in Chang Mai (BTW, my house is in Lopburi), is you guys NEVER say what product you are selling on Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and there seems to be no way to verify your websites with physical products on them. All I hear is "Affiliate Marketing" nomenclature, which makes me doubt more than believe. If even ONE of you guys would takes us through the daily life of putting a product online, and showing the sales as they came in, I might have more faith in the Digital Nomad movement.
Moreover, Chang Mai is NOT anywhere near as inexpensive to live, as areas like Lopburi, etc. I have a 3 bedroom house, I co-own with my wife, as I seem to be one of the few people who know the law that was made with U.S. Congress in the 70's that allows ONLY Americans to own land under 1 Rai. I used to work for Dr. Thaksin, 2 Prime Ministers ago, who is responsible for Thailand's economic ramp-up, although the military junta ran him out of office in 2007. We have 3 cars, have a few real physical companies that export Thai agricultural products that are grown to Japanese standards, and sell the fruit/vegetables to Japanese food processors. And, we import products from Japan, such as beer, shochu, etc... things Japanese cannot find here in Thailand easily, and sell them at our store in Bkk, restaurants, pubs, etc. My business is completely transparent, but I have not seen ONE Digital Nomad with a transparent business.
I would love to actually see your business in action, as you are a short plane flight or long drive away from me, as if this digital nomad business works, I would certainly be able to help some Nomads running legitimate businesses with the skill set I posess, having done all my own marketing, copy writing, advertising, logistics, import paperwork, etc., in over 8 countries, and I would love to have a DN business, if it is indeed, a viable option.
You can reach me at: greg.anderson.lawyer@gmail.com. This RUclips account is for my punk rock hobby, so doesn't help much to reply here. I also tried to link your profile, but like many Dn's, you have no linkable profile.
Great video. Very true. As much as I love JohnnyFD's stuff, the whole 'Making money passive income is so easy' is far from reality and it's fabricated, I've currently ruined my life quitting my cushty job and trying to make a go at it at the Chiang Mai nomad lifestyle. When I got here, I was working 3x as much as full-time job, for less money. I'm pretty sure Ombra Cafe still has my ass groove imprinted in it.
Thanks for posting your experience...helps a LOT to hear all sides. Hope things look up for you very soon!
Yet at least you tried! You now do not have to wonder "what if"... Seemingly you are still young enough to obtain anther cushy job or try the nomad life in a different way, or a combo!
I think she needs your advice!
Digital marketer from France
ruclips.net/video/iYE5INnAAPo/видео.html
What did you try? Freelancing is real but it takes skill, positioning, marketing, sales, strategic partnerships etc.
This is the same thing with some people who wants to be a digital artist..some quits job or doesn't want to study the courses they are stuck in to because they want to be an artist. it's ok but without a plan or even a starting funds to keep things going , then things will really be hard and failure is guaranteed 100% , When i started i worked dozens of jobs while improving my skills and slowly building a following now I'm a full time freelance artist and what i earn is what keeps me going and now i am starting a youtube channel too... the road is not easy
Well said. One of the best commentaries I've seen on the "Digital Nomad" phenomena. The tips at the end are the best. Thank you Chris!
Aloha from a Maui, Erik
Spot on my friend... tomorrow isn't guaranteed to anyone but we don't go to sleep at night thinking it's the end
The 2 clowns you are referencing are Aaron and Travis Hankins, are currently known as the Atlas brothers. They grew up in the same town I was raised in and I played sports with them when I was growing up. They were simpleton, shady trash when they were young and it looks like not much has changed. Hope they get the justice they deserve for the wrong they have done. Kudos to you for making the video.
2 of the best markets to get into. Making money fast, loosing weight fast. You will always have a market of desperate customers.
it's all about what shit sandwich you would rather eat! for me it'll always be a digital nomad above a regular 9-5 job in a large city
Honestly the smartest and most stable way to go freelance, whether offsite from home or similar or nomad, is to build skills, work in that field for a few years, network, build clients that will allow you to work remotely, and then go remote or nomad. It's exhausting mentally and physically to have to constantly look for clients.
Agreed!
The Japanese concepts of Ikigai - Am good at it? Do I enjoy it? Does the world need it? Can I get paid for it? When you answer yes to those questions you know it's for you. Those should be the guiding questions for those trying to figure out a career.
You have inspired me to learn programming languages. Thank you! You have led me to many free resources. I think you have always been level headed and sincere with your views on learning skills first. I am looking at a thumbnail of one of your videos. It lists build skills, get paid, achieve freedom, go nomadic. You have never said this will happen overnight. You have always said it takes time and patience. I agree that you have to research if DN is a lifestyle a person wants. It is the same as moving to a different city 50+ miles away or the next state/province or the next country. No one just picks up and goes without the skills to get a job at a new location and hope everything will just be rainbows and butterflies. Thank you for all the advice and inspiration to learn coding.
THe Nomad movement began in the late 60s with the Hippie Movement that was totally Nomad. It was often referred as simply "Vagabonding" . In Europe I met some nomads in 1984 and what they did for survival was to return back home ( in their case it was switzerland) work in a factory 6 months, earn enough to return to India for the remaining six months. I did quite a bit of nomadism in europe and north africa in 1978, inspired by the writings of beatnik vagabonds. What is interesting is that the Hippie movement in part was triggered by the ideology of Dr Tim LEary of Harvard university. He was a visionary and wrote much at the end of his life about the nomad life of the future and the coming digital age to be the way to accomplish the dream of full time free spirit nomadism.
As someone who aspires to be a digital nomad, I would personally like to see more of the negative side of being a digital nomad.
Even though I didn't hear anything I wouldn't be doing or think about myself, I enjoyed your video. Good vibe, authentic.... subbed!
How could the whole digital nomad phenomenon be a scam? As long as there are ways to make money solely via an internet connection, it will be possible to do the work from anywhere that has said connection.
Do anything what you really enjoy to it is the key, not do because people do or thought that it's a awesome lifestyle, I think.
Being a digital nomad is not for everyone, but for many it is what it is . . . . a great lifestyle
Haven't watched the full video but on your overly positive standpoint I'm all for it. You're showing us what could be the good side of being a digital nomad you've 100% inspired me to work toward relocating to S.E.A from Australia and giving it a go.
I'm not overly romantic with the idea i know it's hard to be a freelancer or entrepreneur it's hard work no matter what. if you want some real talk go watch Gary Vaynerchuk videos and he'll talk you out of it. However if you want to learn how to be a digital nomad this is a great channel and a great resource so thanks!
Your opening statement about what is and what isn't a scam is spot on. It just isn't unusual for a course to cost $1500, there are plenty of programs that are $5000-10,000. A subject matter expert or teacher, also doesn't need to be a practitioner either. Yes, it might be more inspirational to learn freelancing from a freelancer that's making $100,000 a year, but they could be the worst trainer in the world, whereas someone who is able to impart learning and information in an efficient way, to provide you with a new skill that you can monetise, is worth their time and the cost.
To all those spouting 'xxxx scam', then I put it to you that the vast majority of university courses are scams. Degrees that cost enormous amounts of money, take three years, in the belief that it's the way to get to upper tier positions, then look at the number of grads struggling to even get started. Uni's don't provide career counselling or business advice, or even on the whole, a monetisable skill (excl coders, designers etc).
On the whole, in regards to the key message in this video, I agree. You'd be daft as a brush to not create an income first, before ditching your job and moving abroad. But no matter what you say, there'll still be those that do.
P.S. The above comment in no way supports or legitimises the brothers mentioned. 10seconds of seeing their ridiculous video was enough to raise a red flag. Chancers at best, most likely criminals at worst. Karma will most likely come back to bite them in the arse.
That why I never tell anyone how I make money online. Most people don't like to fail. But you usually fail before you succeed.
*This is one of the most honest, accurate and concise explanations on this subject, and covers quite a few topics in different realms......you can't buy common sense after all*
Thanks Noelio. I'm glad you like it!
***** No probs Chris, on another note, I really liked you're vid on starting off.....with the languages etc...PHP, HTML etc...reading the books at my own pace currently, which is a slow burner, cos of work and travel etc.....heading to Capetown next month....another cheap destination...first time using Air B n B too....it's like a trip for free....more money for beers!
Totally agree! Good and bad people in all demographics, including the nomad scene. Shame that us honest ones are being dragged down... but think it's just part of becoming more mainstream! Great video :)
14:14 This is so true... this has been the case in the translation business ever since I started! Whether it was when I worked as an employee or as a freelancer: The boss/client wanted the translation done at a certain time, and he/she doesn't care how, when, where, what you look like, who you are, what you do.. as long as you submit the translation before the deadline, and the standard is good enough. Amazing!
With any movement, there is always someone that is going to take advantageof the situation.
I think you made some good points, but I think the whole "Scene" lacks some pure truths. Firstly why people are in certain locations and not others, yes it is because they are nice places but it's also cost to earnings based. Secondly that it really is a young persons game and with the need to be working from an earlier age in the developed world is a great way to make a bit of money and travel but really where does it go? Do you find a partner, settle down and be happy. Can the lifestyle be sustained with family? Schools? etc. Personally it could be a great way as I said to travel but it isn't long term, most of what people do will eventually be automated and it's worrying that the types that do this will not have the "skills" to return to working or set up tangible long term businesses in the future.
Two good points bobby
Thanks for the reply Chris, i'd love to see you do a video on something like "Where to go when life catches up with you" or something with a similar title.
Bobby Blaze To let go of a stable job, and test if you can survive, why nomad? just work from your home, and see if it can support your plan of travelling. Simple proofing.
Chris , I think your best video to date. Thanks.
OMG
I was working and YT just going on automation in the background and it went to this videos of yours- and i remember that !!!!
I was in CM in the end of 2016, and the first month of 2017 and I remember these guys. (Not gonna say much, to be nice)
I do have my strong opinions on these guys, mostly cause they tried to befriend me and have me recommend them to friends, which I refused... And one of my closest friends fell into their scam...
Crazy throwback man.
PS, the accounts they have deleted were their fake ones!! There was a mess with the local PD in which we found out that those weren't their real names, they changed their names cause they left the USA after running a mortgage scam.
Great video Chris and delivered as promised! I can't speak for anyone else but you have been very transparent in your videos and nobody can say you personally are not legit. You and your girlfriend have been working hard and yes i will have to say some might be taking advantage of people and portraying a false image but that has not been you.
Thanks Dario. Yes, some just want to lump me in the same category just because I use the term 'digital nomad'. It's stupid if you ask me.
Chris the Freelancer I totally agree.
great video Chris! Realistic and inspiring at the same time.
Very reasonable and realistic video, thank you for that! Being a "hater" is as bad as being a "worshiper" of the movement. It's true that if something is bankable, there will be always scammers trying to make money on people's weaknesses. Of course if you've been a victim of a scam or your own silliness it's much easier to point a finger out instead of assuming and learning from mistakes. It just is. We all do it at some point in our lives. It's also much easier to say these people are scammers trying to sell me a dream etc., because then it's easier to accept that I'm still in a lifestyle I hate and I'm not doing anything to change it. To demonize 9-5 is also silly, structure and security are things that a lot of people value over excitement or travel. And it's ok, to be honest I would worry if suddenly everyone would become a digital nomad. I think now more than ever it's important to develop critical thinking and be able to recognize information vs empty marketing playing on our emotions.
Aww darn, the footage of the scam in question isn’t available :(
You can't do a course and then build up a business in a couple of weeks. The best thing is to start and grow your business while having a regular income, it would probably take at least 12 months to build it up to the level where you can quit your job and become location independent.
You do not have to apologize! Its not your fault if people do not have common sense to realize there are pros/cons to everything or that there are scammers in any given field.
Hi Chris ..thanks for doing the video and putting everything on the table. Your videos are always inspiring and helpful.. please give us your feedback about the nomad summit in a future video.. thanks !!
I would be curious to hear about some of the problems you've experienced while trying to get work during your time as a digital nomad.
great video man. It seems so simple/commen sense, but a lot of people seem to lack it.
Thanks for the help
Good job Chris. You come across as sincere.....thats a gift...use it
this was a great video! thank you chris! i live a location independent life and it is hard sometimes but it works for me. I love the freedom that comes with it. There are days that i wish i had more security but then i think of the routine of a nine to five and i just look outside the window or go for a walk in whatever country or city or town i'm in and i FEEL the energy of being somewhere new. I don't believe you can learn how to be a digital nomad from a course. you can watch youtube channels like yours and get tips but the only way to 'learn' is by doing it. i became a nomad in 2014 but then went back to work for nine months a year later, and then i jumped back in after that. it is a process. it doesn't happen over night. also for me being location independent is nothing to do with the money. i think it has everything to do with the experience, with the feeling of freedom. but that is just my opinion. money is not a motivator for me - living is. anyway, thank you for this honest video.
Same here. I do this for the experience not the money. Although we all need money to survive.
If you focus on Chris' face long enough, he has a Hitler mustache. 0_o
Loud And Out ha ha you have ruined him for me. thanks! 😠
Loud And Out h@h@ What's up with that? it's as plain as the 👃 on his face 21:27 lol ok
Haha i know! i can't un-see it.
Loud And Out
Haha now I can't stop seeing it :)
Loud And Out oh my god
Well said, Chris.....very responsibly said but still enthusiastic about the "life-style" and why shouldn't you be, you and many others are...succeeding as "Digital Nomads" and you have very been very fair and balanced in your caveats about "great expectations", that those starting out should not have. I would give you an "A" here for content and delivery.....again, very well said and done...
awesome vid mate. i'm from melbourne & do online fitness coaching. Nice honest video!
"Footage of the 'scam' in question" is no longer available. What can I search for in hopes of finding the video?
Amazing video. Definitely the words of someone who has legit insights in the matter.
As I said, it is possible to derive an online income and live the DM lifestyle, but how many are truly making a good living and can call themselves a success? People who promote this lifestyle and especially profit from it aren't being honest and are looking to make a quick buck. It's unethical and dishonest. I was considering paying for Anton's course, but thank God Kay Train's video made me investigate further and helped me to realize that's it's all a scam. Thanks Kay Train!
6 in one half a dozen in the other..... work home or work abroad .... work is work... it all depends your approach to life.... "I'm so happy I'm traveling" "I'm so happy I spent the weekend with my family" what its important to you?.... no video on youtube can help you on that.... stop following trends..
tbh i cant stand the hype on youtube, when i see a video like that i literally switch off and go to another video, but i do like real genuine authentic videos... its so much more helpful to see the negatives and positive because it shares an expereince that others can learn from
I think there could be more material about digital nomads that go the home office route rather than the own business route. Because lots of the second ones have their own obvious interest in selling the dream in a exaggerated way that creates revenue because well, they rely on doing this to survive themselves.
Nice video, chris! I like your videos because you feels like a real person, you are honest from inside
Thanks Mateus. I do my best
Hey Chris, I love your content and I know you're the real deal. I think you would benefit from being more direct and concise. I feel like you're holding yourself back a bit and we're not getting to know the authentic Chris. Being authentic & raw brought my channel to the next level
Thanks for the comment man. I've been hearing this a bit lately
That's the bad thing about these digital nomad vlogs. Everyone seems so happy, all the places seem so perfect but they don't show their negative feelings, the negative aspects of a place like getting robbed, scammed by locals. I tend to avoid those vloggers.