Seeking Feedback on Career Transition: From Firefighter to Remote Work/Digital Nomad

[DragonDF]

Seeking Feedback on Career Transition: From Firefighter to Remote Work and Digital Nomad Life

Hello everyone!

Today is my birthday! ?

First, I’d like to thank God for another year of life on this earthly journey, filled with health, skills, and responsibilities. I couldn’t let this day pass without stopping by here!

I also want to express my gratitude for the goodwill of everyone in this forum. I’ve spent time reading several posts and, especially, the Wiki page (https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Degree_Forum_Wiki).
It’s clear that a lot of effort and collaboration went into its development.

The purpose of this post is to seek feedback from people with diverse experiences and perspectives, particularly those living in other countries, regarding my current situation and plans for the future. 
My ultimate goal is to transition into remote work, ideally in the IT field, although I also have experience in various other areas.


About Me
I am a military firefighter in my country, and I’ll soon be retiring.

Education:

• Bachelor’s in Fire and Panic Engineering (yes, I’ve taken Calculus I-IV, Differential Equations, Numerical Methods, Physics I-IV, Thermodynamics, and many other engineering courses).
  
• Bachelor’s in Law and have passed the bar exam in my country, though I can’t practice due to incompatibility with my current job.
  
• Currently finishing two more degrees: Business Administration (next 12 months) and Accounting (next 4 months).
  
• Seven postgraduate diplomas, including Systems Analysis and Development (focused on Java and object-oriented programming), Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Administration, Tax Law, and Corporate Law.
  
• Professional Experience:
  • Former university lecturer (Catholic University) in IT for two years.
    
  • Former instructor for preparatory courses for public service exams, a well-paying role in my country.
    
  • Experience as a systems analysis chief and extensive work in public and private administration.
    

Academic Perspective
I’ve always viewed a master’s degree as a pathway to teaching, not as a means of increasing income in a corporate environment. However, I’ve noticed from posts here that, in American culture, a master’s degree often correlates with higher salaries. At the time, it would’ve increased my pay by less than $1 per hour.


Ph.D. in Law
To give you an idea, I was recently invited to pursue a Ph.D. in Law at a university in my city, free of charge, with a 4-year in-person program. I’m no longer interested in in-person courses, especially not a 4-year program. Mainly because it wouldn’t put more money in my pocket—just an “academic title.”


My Vision for the Future
I’m interested in starting “part-time” remote work for an American or European company to gain experience and adjust to the lifestyle. My ultimate goal is to live as a digital nomad, working while traveling, and adopting the “flag theory” to minimize income taxes. For this reason, I do not have interest to have a GREEN CARD. 


Priority Areas:

1. IT:
   This is where I started, serving as a Systems Analysis manager.I obviously need to update some skills. It’s a field that still pays well, especially for experienced professionals.It allows remote work.I enjoy it because it rewards competence and results. It has meritocracy embedded.I could also obtain some certifications that the market values and that I don’t yet have, especially in AWS, Linux, Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity.I don’t have a degree from the U.S., but I believe I could earn one in less than 6 months, as I already have knowledge in many subjects since I taught them.
2. Law:
   In the United States, for example, I could take the bar exam in New York and Florida and start practicing federal law.The problem is that I would need to be in the U.S., and as I mentioned, I’m not interested in staying in any country for more than 3 months a year.I’m unsure if remote work is possible in this field, especially since most cases are digital nowadays. However, if it means being tied to one country, it wouldn’t be worth it.
3. Accounting:
   In the U.S., I would need to pass the CPA exam or another similar certification. The good thing is that I can take it in my country. I would arrive in the U.S. already certified.I’m not sure if remote work is possible, but I believe it is.
4. Administration:
   I have extensive experience in this field, both in public administration (e.g., public procurement) and private administration.I also have a Master’s degree in this area.I know American companies value both experience and diverse backgrounds.
5. Fire Protection Engineering (NFPA):
   A very specific niche, but all buildings and large corporations need professionals concerned with the safety of their greatest asset: the people inside their buildings.I believe I could find opportunities here, but what bothers me the most is the lack of remote options.

The Future:
With these initial considerations, I’d like to ask the group members for your personal opinions on:

1. IT:
   Would it be worth it for me, as an international student studying from my country, to complete an accelerated U.S. degree in 6 months? Maybe Bachelor's in Computer Science? From the perspective of portfolio building and improving how American and European companies perceive my résumé?Or should I try to validate my postgraduate degrees (transcripts) and pursue a Master’s degree?Or would it be better, since I’m targeting the job market and higher salaries, to focus solely on certifications?

I was surprised to learn that American companies pay more because someone has a Master’s degree.

Regarding the other areas, if you could also share your thoughts, I’d be grateful. However, they either don’t allow remote work or pay less than what I could earn in IT.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to respond with your insights!

I wish you all a 2025 filled with health, peace, and great accomplishments.



P.S.: I plan to keep this thread updated over the next 12 months with my decisions to inspire others.