3 answers
Fabiana
Student
Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
1
Question
Asked
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Electrical Engineering and digital nomad friendly jobs?
Hello.
I am currently on my third gap year. Which I am very ashamed of but unfortunately I had health issues. I applied to Architecture but if I don’t get in I must have a plan B since Architecture is limited number. I’d like to do a fully remote job in the future because I want to live in Thailand. My main passion is Architecture but if I don’t get in I am thinking about Industrial Design or Electrical Engineering. I am thinking more about Electrical Engineering because I enjoy physics but my main worry is that it’s not digital nomad friendly. I also like Industrial Design because i’d like to get creative as well but I am scared that I will be unemployed though it’s the most remote friendly because of UX design etc. What should I do? I will be 22 this year and I want a safe path that wont force me to get another bachelor or master’s degree. I studied Computer Science for a few months but I hated coding though it was the most remotely friendly. Is it possible to get entry level jobs completely remotely with Electrical Engineering degree? I live in the Netherlands but I am not dutch
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3 answers
Eniola Taiwo
I teach and write as well
2
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Eniola’s Answer
Hi Fabiana,
Thank you for sharing your situation, it sounds like you’ve been navigating a lot, and it’s completely understandable to feel unsure about the next steps. First, don’t feel ashamed about your gap years—health challenges happen, and what matters most now is planning a path that works for you.
Regarding your career options:
1. Electrical Engineering (EE): While EE can be very rewarding and aligns with your interest in physics, most entry-level EE roles are not fully remote, as they often involve labs, hardware, or in-person projects. There are some niche remote roles, such as embedded systems, simulations, or technical consulting, but these are rare for beginners.
2. Industrial Design / UX Design: These fields are far more remote-friendly and can give you the creative outlet you enjoy. Entry-level remote jobs, freelancing, and building a portfolio are all possible paths, making it a safer choice if living abroad as a digital nomad is a priority.
Given your goal to live in Thailand and work remotely, Industrial Design or UX Design is likely the most practical route. You can still explore EE skills later if your passion remains strong, perhaps combining them with design or product development.
Remember, your health, happiness, and career flexibility are all part of building a sustainable path. Focus on a field that allows you to start living the lifestyle you want, while keeping room for your passions.
If you’d like, I can suggest a roadmap to combine your creative interests with a remote-friendly career so you can start immediately without needing another degree.
Thank you for sharing your situation, it sounds like you’ve been navigating a lot, and it’s completely understandable to feel unsure about the next steps. First, don’t feel ashamed about your gap years—health challenges happen, and what matters most now is planning a path that works for you.
Regarding your career options:
1. Electrical Engineering (EE): While EE can be very rewarding and aligns with your interest in physics, most entry-level EE roles are not fully remote, as they often involve labs, hardware, or in-person projects. There are some niche remote roles, such as embedded systems, simulations, or technical consulting, but these are rare for beginners.
2. Industrial Design / UX Design: These fields are far more remote-friendly and can give you the creative outlet you enjoy. Entry-level remote jobs, freelancing, and building a portfolio are all possible paths, making it a safer choice if living abroad as a digital nomad is a priority.
Given your goal to live in Thailand and work remotely, Industrial Design or UX Design is likely the most practical route. You can still explore EE skills later if your passion remains strong, perhaps combining them with design or product development.
Remember, your health, happiness, and career flexibility are all part of building a sustainable path. Focus on a field that allows you to start living the lifestyle you want, while keeping room for your passions.
If you’d like, I can suggest a roadmap to combine your creative interests with a remote-friendly career so you can start immediately without needing another degree.
Thank you so much for your answer. I really enjoy design and the fact that it is way more remote friendly it’s completely true. Though im a bit worried about the future because im scared of not making enough money. Is this a rational worry?
Fabiana
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Fabiana,
I am sorry you are dealing with health issues while trying to get an education that will allow you to follow your dreams. I hope things will get easier for you going forward.
There are remote roles in EE, but I don't think it's wise to invest that much time and effort into your education and then restrict yourself to a few rare options from the start. EE includes a lot of hands-on work (and training) that you wouldn't be able to do.
You can use Indeed or LinkedIn to search for remote roles in EE and what the requirements are. One point to make: remote working and working as a digital nomad based in a different country/continent are not necessarily the same thing. Many jobs that are "remote" still require you to come to the office every now and then, maybe weekly, maybe monthly, maybe a few times a year.
Then there are visa and tax issues to consider. Thailand has a 5-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads but it only allows you 180 days in the country per entry.
Maybe you could research European companies that have an office in Thailand. You may need to be fluent in Thai though to fill such a role. These kind of roles typically only become available after working for a company for several years. You might e.g. work in a hands-on engineering role for some years and then move into a project management/sales role where they might send you abroad for a few years.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I am sorry you are dealing with health issues while trying to get an education that will allow you to follow your dreams. I hope things will get easier for you going forward.
There are remote roles in EE, but I don't think it's wise to invest that much time and effort into your education and then restrict yourself to a few rare options from the start. EE includes a lot of hands-on work (and training) that you wouldn't be able to do.
You can use Indeed or LinkedIn to search for remote roles in EE and what the requirements are. One point to make: remote working and working as a digital nomad based in a different country/continent are not necessarily the same thing. Many jobs that are "remote" still require you to come to the office every now and then, maybe weekly, maybe monthly, maybe a few times a year.
Then there are visa and tax issues to consider. Thailand has a 5-year Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for digital nomads but it only allows you 180 days in the country per entry.
Maybe you could research European companies that have an office in Thailand. You may need to be fluent in Thai though to fill such a role. These kind of roles typically only become available after working for a company for several years. You might e.g. work in a hands-on engineering role for some years and then move into a project management/sales role where they might send you abroad for a few years.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Armando de Jesús Herrera
Sr. Project Engineer
41
Answers
Roswell, Georgia
Updated
Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Hi Fabiana,
Sorry to hear about your health problems, please don’t feel ashamed about your career gap. Health issues are real, and taking time to recover is not a failure. At 22, you’re still extremely early in your career path.
Regarding your question, Electrical Engineering can lead to remote work, but usually not at the entry level. Most EE roles become remote‑friendly only after you’ve built 3–5 years of experience. At that point, positions like systems engineering, embedded firmware, technical consulting, or design‑focused roles can be done remotely. It’s just not the most digital‑nomad‑friendly field at the start.
Industrial Design has some roles that can be remote from earlier on, things like CAD modeling, product visualization, or system design (e.g., control panels). But to access those opportunities you’ll need a strong portfolio, and the early job market can feel unstable. Once you build that portfolio, though, it becomes one of the most nomad‑friendly creative paths.
Sorry to hear about your health problems, please don’t feel ashamed about your career gap. Health issues are real, and taking time to recover is not a failure. At 22, you’re still extremely early in your career path.
Regarding your question, Electrical Engineering can lead to remote work, but usually not at the entry level. Most EE roles become remote‑friendly only after you’ve built 3–5 years of experience. At that point, positions like systems engineering, embedded firmware, technical consulting, or design‑focused roles can be done remotely. It’s just not the most digital‑nomad‑friendly field at the start.
Industrial Design has some roles that can be remote from earlier on, things like CAD modeling, product visualization, or system design (e.g., control panels). But to access those opportunities you’ll need a strong portfolio, and the early job market can feel unstable. Once you build that portfolio, though, it becomes one of the most nomad‑friendly creative paths.