How a Rejected Law Student Became a Thriving Digital Nomad: Meet Nina Clapperton

How a Rejected Law Student Built a Successful Digital Nomad Job: Meet Nina Clapperton

Nina Clapperton is a Freelance Writer and Editor, and the creator of the travel blog Nina Out and About. From failed job applications to turning down law school, Nina’s unconventional journey into freelancing led her to a freedom-based lifestyle — one that now spans continents and creative passions. Her story is a true testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and following your gut.

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How It All Started

After graduating with a degree in English and Creative Writing, Nina sent out nearly 200 job applications and didn’t get a single offer — not even from a pyramid scheme. What could’ve been a dead end turned into the beginning of something amazing.

With a gap year before law school and no savings, she discovered online freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. She started offering her services and, three years later, never looked back. “Now I freelance for a number of clients — including a law firm.”

travel to bali - girl sitting on cliff overlooking kelingking beach nusa penida bali

A Day in the Life

Nina lives by structure, despite the flexibility of being a digital nomad. She wakes up between 5–6 a.m., works out, and begins her workday by 8 or 9 a.m. Her work includes everything from creating content on beaches and editing Instagram photos in bed, to writing for legal clients.

She takes frequent breaks — enjoying snacks, reading, walking, or doing yoga — and swears by her daily power nap. “It keeps me going.”

Most weeks she works 5–6 days, aiming to stay under 40 hours to protect her mental health. Flexibility is key: “Wednesdays can be a much nicer ‘weekend’ than a Sunday for me.”

What She Loves Most

Nina’s favorite part? Total location freedom. She’s lived on three continents and in over a dozen cities. Whether she’s working from a hammock in Spain or exploring castles for blog content, she thrives when following her instincts — not the 9-to-5 routine.

Biggest Challenges

Freelancing has its hurdles, especially early on. “It took me a year to make decent money. I was working three jobs at once.” The hustle never completely disappears, and unreliable clients or lowball offers can be frustrating.

But with experience and persistence, she landed reliable, high-paying gigs — like writing copy for a law firm — that gave her financial stability and peace of mind.

Average Income

Nina charges around $25/hour or $0.10 per word. Sponsored posts on her blog start at $250. She also occasionally trades content for experiences, like free hotel stays or tours.

“Stick to your rates. People will try to undercut creatives — especially digital nomads.”

 

Qualifications

Nina holds a double BA in English and Creative Writing and an MA in Publishing Media. But formal education isn’t required to start freelancing.

She recommends taking SEO courses or a proofreading certification to raise your value. “I’ve seen people succeed right out of high school — what matters most is your work and your portfolio.”

Advice to Aspiring Freelancers

  • Build a portfolio early — even if it means doing a few lower-paid jobs to start
  • Show your clients results, not just promises
  • Never work for free “exposure”

Tips for Remote Work and Travel

  • Separate work and rest physically (co-working spaces, coffee shops, etc.)
  • Always have mobile data backup for emergencies
  • Use museums, parks, or quiet hostels as alternative workspaces

Digital Nomad Job

Additional Goodies

Facing Criticism

Not everyone supported her path. “My dad hates that I freelance. He thinks I’m bumming around Europe.”

Instead of debating, Nina shifted the conversation to life and happiness. “He doesn’t think it’s a job, but I’m okay with that.”

She uses what she calls the “cookie test” — if a cheap cookie excites her more than a life event (like law school admission), it’s time to rethink her path. “So far, the cookie hasn’t been sweeter than being a digital nomad.”

 

Favorite Quote

“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”

 

Travel Tip

“Carry your student ID long after graduating. Most places in Europe don’t check expiry dates — I used mine for two years to score discounts.”

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