Becoming a Digital Nomad in the Yucatan
Mexico, and in particular the Yucatan, is a popular destination for North Americans to live and work abroad in with more than a million expats currently living there. Mexico is a large country, offering countless options of where to move to. If you are looking for a large metropolis with major corporations, universities and an international airport offering direct flights back to the USA, look no further than the Yucatan’s capital city, Mérida, which is home to almost 4000 expats.
Apart from being one of the safest cities in Mexico, Mérida is also one filled with possibilities. Job opportunities for expats are plentiful with many choosing to work remotely or start their own businesses. Digital nomads, who are individuals who are location independent and use technology such as the internet to perform their jobs, are plentiful in Mexico. Many of these nomads are either self-employed, offering services such as IT consultation, or work for companies locally or back home performing tasks such as copywriting, editing and providing services within the property and real estate industries.
Relaxed working environment
When you become a digital nomad you no longer have to concern yourself with running from one meeting to the next nor worry about trivial things such as dealing with the unpleasant moods of colleagues. You can, for the most part at least, work in peace without any distractions. You can set up your workspace in the way that will benefit you the most, making your work more enjoyable and subsequently increasing your productivity. Rent in the Yucatan is very cheap making it possible to rent a place large enough to incorporate an office space into the living arrangements as well. Due to the fact that remote work generally involves spending prolonged periods of time sitting behind a computer it is important to follow certain guidelines that will help you stay in peak physical condition while behind a desk.
Say bye to commuting
A lot of time is saved when you don’t need to commute to and from an office every day. This time can be much better spent exploring the beautiful beaches and historical sights of the Yucatan. You will also find yourself saving a lot of money on gas and public transport, money that can be put towards luxurious holidays and interesting cultural relics, both which are plentiful in Mexico.
Flexible work-load and days off
Whether you freelance or work for an employer, you can basically determine the amount of work you take on. The more you work the more money you will make obviously but there is no pressure on you to work 60 hours a week to make ends meet. The flexibility with regards to days off is one of the biggest drawcards for many digital nomads. Because you can work from anywhere in the world it is easy to simply pack your bags and go on holiday (if you can’t get out of working altogether). Individuals with family responsibilities tend to benefit the most from this level of flexibility.
It is always a big step to pack up and move to a new country to live and work. As far as choices go, the Yucatan is a good one. Not only is the exchange rate on the US Dollar excellent there but the region is picturesque, the food is sumptuous and the locals are warm and inviting. Even if you stay for a few months initially, it is a very good place to start and not a decision you will be bound to regret in the future.
Editor's note:
This article comes to us courtesy of Jane Sandwood. It is a great primer of considerations affecting digital nomads. See our related links below to dive deeper and email with any questions.
Thanks for reading!
Helpful Links & Resources
- Remote OK job listings
- Flexjobs requires a membership but offer a high standard of listing quality
- Angel List start-up network with many unique opportunities
- Power to Fly is a job resource for women
- Lynda.com and other online education makes learning easy and economical. It just takes a few hours to start on a new career!
Posted By Yucatan Living Contributor
