How to Become a Digital Nomad by Personality Type

As a writer who takes my remote job wherever I go, I often get asked about how to become a digital nomad. Not everyone uses that specific term, but generally, they’re fascinated by the possibilities that can be found in the freedom of remote work and location independence. For many people, these two factors sound like a professional dream come true. And, with some authority, I can tell you that, yes – it’s pretty amazing.

I get asked this all the time, so I thought, why not write a guide? And better yet, why not write a guide that harnesses the powerful insights of personality theory? Each of the 16 personality types has a unique approach to life (and travel and work), after all, so why not offer advice that’s tailored to each type’s specific needs?

Well… Here it is! I’m pleased to present you with our first-ever introductory guide to becoming a digital nomad based on your personality type.

What Is a Digital Nomad?

Before we start, some readers may not know exactly what a digital nomad is, so let’s clarify.

Digital nomads are people who work remotely in jobs that are not tied to any given location. Many are entrepreneurs or freelancers, but it’s also normal for digital nomads to be employees or contract workers for larger organizations or companies.

Digital nomads take advantage of the freedom that is inherent in remote work to simultaneously travel. Some people go all in on the digital nomad lifestyle, traveling for years without calling a single place home. Others travel for periods of time, then return back to a home base. There’s no one way to be a digital nomad.

What Does It Take to Be a Digital Nomad?

You might think that a job is the most important thing that you need to be a digital nomad. While that is certainly true in a practical sense, finding that ideal remote job will require some ingenuity – quite possibly the most important characteristic that allows someone to make the leap to the digital nomad lifestyle and thrive.

Digital nomads are clever. They are creative. And they are resourceful.

They have to be. There are a lot of logistical factors to juggle when you travel regularly while also maintaining a steady job or income stream. Here are just a few examples:

Maintaining a budget and managing finances in different currencies
Navigating immigration and visa processes
Planning out transportation and lodging options and ensuring internet access
Keeping a healthy balance between work and play

Digital nomads must also be creative about attending to the diverse social aspects of nomadic life, including the languages and cultural differences that they will inevitably encounter on their travels.

Now, all that might sound a bit intimidating, but don’t worry. Every one of the 16 personality types has the ingenuity that is needed to become a digital nomad and tackle the logistical realities of such a lifestyle. And this personality-based guide will help you take those first practical steps for doing just that.

So, without further ado…

How Each Personality Type Can Become a Digital Nomad

Okay, okay. So there is a little more ado. A disclaimer, to be exact. In the limited space of this article, it’s impossible to give comprehensive, in-depth, step-by-step advice for each personality type to achieve the dream of remote work and world travel.

Instead, consider this guide a starting point. With this specific, targeted advice, you’ll be able to tap into your ingenuity and dive into the personal work, professional preparation, and logistical research that’s necessary to accomplish your goal of becoming a digital nomad.

So let’s get to it.

If you don’t know your personality type, now is a great time to take our free personality test.

Analyst Personality Types

INTJ (Architect)

Start exploring rabbit holes. Dive into visualizing and planning your remote work future, from job hunting to managing finances. Research digital nomad visas and get to know your desired locales intimately. INTJ personalities should also remember to research what opportunities are available for cultivating social connections for both work and play wherever they go.

Pro tip: Always create multiple backup plans. Your meticulous nature means that surprises can throw you off. Having multiple contingencies ensures that you stay agile when plans change.

INTP (Logician)

Adopt a personal organizational system. When figuring out how to become a digital nomad, it’s imperative that you learn how to efficiently manage your work and your time well before you embark on your first journey. This skill might require practice and, for some INTP personalities, outside help. Consider downloading an app to help you advance more methodically toward complex objectives.

Pro tip: Choose a remote job that excites you. The allure of exotic locations will tempt you with plenty of distractions, but passion for your work will help you stay on task.

ENTJ (Commander)

Define how being a digital nomad fits into the big picture of your career trajectory. Ask yourself: Is digital nomadism a permanent career path or just an experiential learning opportunity? People with the ENTJ personality type should also consider how their chosen destinations fit in with that big picture and align with their long-term goals.

Pro tip: Be adaptable. Embracing digital nomadism means facing unforeseen challenges, from securing a reliable internet connection to streamlining processes across different time zones. Treat each circumstance as an opportunity to sharpen your problem-solving abilities.

ENTP (Debater)

Network relentlessly. For ENTP personalities, networking is crucial for securing the flexible work arrangements that are vital to their success as digital nomads. Innovate your networking approach, both online and in person, to find varied opportunities beyond the traditional spaces in your field.

Pro tip: Begin downsizing now. When you’re ready to travel, you may embark on your first trip on a whim, so why be burdened by excess stuff? As you set yourself up to become a digital nomad, start with simplifying your tech gear, curating a minimalist wardrobe, and ensuring that all your essentials fit into a carry-on.

Diplomat Personality Types

INFJ (Advocate)

Define your purpose. As an INFJ, you’ve probably found that work that contributes to the greater good can boost your motivation, as can knowing what you want to get out of your travels. Understanding why you want to pursue a nomadic lifestyle – and feeling confident that your actions are aligned with your broader values – may be one of the most crucial aspects for enjoying your life as a digital nomad.

Pro tip: Choose destinations that inspire you. For authentic experiences, explore less-trodden areas. Remember, with reliable internet, the world is your oyster.

INFP (Mediator)

Connect with people who are already doing what you want to do. For many INFPs, when figuring out how to become a digital nomad, reaching out to people with your dream remote job can be a meaningful way to learn how to turn passions into a career. Their experiences and advice will both inspire you and broaden your professional network.

Pro tip: Make a vision board. Setting up a nomadic lifestyle might take longer than you’d like. Creating a vision board will help keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

ENFJ (Protagonist)

Find your digital community. You don’t have to be currently living a nomadic lifestyle to engage with online digital nomad communities. Get involved by asking questions and making connections. For many people with the ENFJ personality type, this early immersion will help shape their “nomad” identity and guide their path to professional nomadism.

Pro tip: Adopt a “slow travel” mentality. Life as a slow-moving digital nomad allows you to connect more deeply with the places that you visit. It involves detailed planning, but that’s nothing that you can’t handle.

ENFP (Campaigner)

Analyze your habits. Your goal is to shape a routine that works for you. When figuring out how to become a digital nomad as an ENFP, it helps to consider your most productive times and how exercise, downtime, and socialization weave into your schedule. Identify when you feel most energized and productive with your work. Then use this information to create a sense of structure in your routine.

Pro tip: Begin a mindfulness practice. The vast, seemingly endless choices that nomadic life offers can be overwhelming. Regular self-reflection will help you stay grounded amid the adventures and opportunities.

Sentinel Personality Types

ISTJ (Logistician)

Plan unstructured time. Embrace unpredictability by leaving room in your current routine for impromptu events. Try accepting more last-minute invitations to do fun things, and see what happens. Being adaptable is critical to enjoying the nomadic life. ISTJs might want to approach adaptability as another skill to learn.

Pro tip: Keep a home base. People with your personality type value stability. Having a place to come home to will provide peace of mind on your travels, and you will be no less a digital nomad for doing so.

ISFJ (Defender)

Talk to your friends and family about your plans. When contemplating how to become a digital nomad, ISFJs might worry about the impact that their prolonged absence could have on the people they love. Discussing your ambitions with loved ones will allow you to address these concerns and find the encouragement that you need to pursue your nomadic aspirations.

Pro tip: Secure a reliable remote job or income stream well before traveling. Financial stability is critical to leading a fulfilling nomadic lifestyle, and you’ll feel safer embarking on your travels knowing that you’ve got your needs covered.

ESTJ (Executive)

Develop a strategy for upskilling. Remote work as a digital nomad practically obligates you to refine your professional skills and pick up new ones. During the preparation phase of becoming a digital nomad, ESTJ personalities can jump-start this process by pursuing specific goals, such as learning the latest in-demand tech skill set or a new language.

Pro tip: Transition your current role to remote. It’s less risky than quitting. Assess whether you can perform your duties remotely and propose a temporary or trial remote arrangement with your employer.

ESFJ (Consul)

Learn about different cultures. Researching the culture of the places that you dream of visiting will help prepare you for the inevitable cultural shocks that you’ll experience during your travels. Being informed and knowing what to expect will help ESFJs adjust and integrate smoothly into new environments.

Pro tip: Experiment with coworking spaces. Working in shared spaces is one way to combat the loneliness that many digital nomads experience. Before you travel, try working in various types of establishments or spaces to see whether they suit your work style.

Explorer Personality Types

ISTP (Virtuoso)

Prep your essentials. Optimize your mobile office or the equipment of your trade by streamlining your gear for space efficiency and quick packing. Being ready to move swiftly is vital for ISTP personalities to take advantage of the unexpected opportunities that nomadic living presents.

Pro tip: Cover the basics. When figuring out how to become a digital nomad, ask yourself what minimum requirements you’ll need to do so. This might include a valid passport, international health insurance, or travel visas. Start organizing these essentials to kick-start your nomadic journey.

ISFP (Adventurer)

Organize your art supplies. For ISFPs, it’s important to allow space in the suitcase for the creative tools that enable self-expression beyond your work or your work identity. Consider what you will want to take with you on your travels, such as musical instruments, sketch pads, or notebooks.

Pro tip: Start a social media account if you don’t already have one. Doing so before you actually become a digital nomad will create a digital space where you can nurture the friendships that you’ll form on the road and experience a sense of connection and community.

ESTP (Entrepreneur)

Make a list of your options. When figuring out how to become a digital nomad, ESTP personalities should contemplate the best potential remote jobs or opportunities to generate income, as well as their favorite leisure activities and dream destinations. To figure out your next step, let inspiration point you in the right direction.

Pro tip: Consolidate your money management strategy. This will help simplify your finances while dealing with foreign exchange rates, tracking expenses, and avoiding unwanted hassles.

ESFP (Entertainer)

Refresh your resume and portfolio. Whether you’re currently employed or trying to gain clients as an ESFP freelancer, having an updated showcase of your work can enhance your networking and credibility, not to mention attract job opportunities around the world.

Pro tip: Choose destinations with few social distractions. Maintaining the discipline that’s required for success as a digital nomad may be challenging, especially for people with your personality type. Establishing a solid work-play balance is essential before heading to livelier places.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, each personality type has a unique starting point for beginning their journey to becoming a digital nomad.

But you know what? All of this advice, regardless of the personality type it was intended for, can potentially help you tap into your ingenuity and transition to life as a remote worker on the move. Take note of which tips resonate with you the most, then start doing the work.

If you’re curious about becoming a digital nomad, what other questions do you have about how to get started? Or if you’re already out there successfully living the digital nomad lifestyle, what advice would you add? Let us know with a comment below.