What you will learn on this page:
Travel and work remotely as a digital nomad
A digital nomad is someone who uses digital technology to work while traveling or living in different locations, with no fixed base. They typically rely on laptops, smartphones, and internet connectivity to perform their job, which can range from freelance work to full-time employment with remote-friendly companies. Examples of tech roles where you can work and live anywhere include; software developer, web designer, graphic designer, social media manager and vlogger.
Live and work in another country long term
There are some careers where you may have the opportunity to work and live abroad, especially if you train in a career where there is high demand. For example if a country accepts your qualifications you could end up emigrating or living there long term. Jobs which are in demand include; vet, nursing, medicine, engineering and IT.
You will need to check the immigration rules for each country as they publish a list of jobs and skills they are looking for. You may also need to check other requirements re: visas such as language proficiency, and you may also need to get a company to sponsor you into a job.
Careers that could involve trips abroad
- Travel and tourism - you could be a holiday rep for a tour operator or work as a sail or ski instructor abroad.
- TV/Film - you could work in outside broadcasts, for example, setting up the audio/visuals at the Olympics or other sporting events.
- Construction - could would work as a construction manager on a new building in Dubai.
- Performing Arts - you could go on tour as session musician for a band, or as a director for a touring play.
- Teaching - you could be teaching English as a foreign language overseas.
For all working abroad options make sure you check out on the country's website to find out what is required before you go!
A selection of jobs
Tap any job below to see the full career profile on the National Careers Service website – including what the job involves, what it pays, and how to get into it.
See more jobs...
Check out more than 800 other job profiles. The above list is just a selection of jobs where working where and when you want could be valued, there will be loads more!
These job sectors might be good places to start if you want the freedom to work where and when you want, click through to the job profiles to find out the details.
Gap year options
If you are keen to go abroad before you have an established career, as part of a gap year, what are your options? It is worth thinking about what skills you want to develop and where you want to do this. You can go from three weeks up to a year and the type of experiences vary depending on the country and what you are doing.
- For example if you want to do a degree in marine biology, teaching or medicine you could sign up to work with turtles in Costa Rica, teach English in Chile, etc.
- On some projects you may also get paid and gain useful work experience and qualifications in skills such as ski instructing, or get paid for farm work in the Australian outback or work on a children's camp in the USA.
- There are also options to work on environmental projects in South America.
Some countries such as Australia offer short term visas you can apply for in the UK for young people who want to work there for up to a year.
More about Gap Years here
