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Everything you need to know about digital nomads
Human habits and lifestyles are changing. The COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing has only accelerated the growth of new working models and the emergence of the digital nomad figure.
Lifestyles are changing. Working patterns are very different now from 10 years ago, let alone compared to our parents. Factors like mobility, globalization and the evolution of digital technologies have affected the way we work and live these days, and the way companies hire.
Lifestyles are changing. Working patterns are very different now from 10 years ago, let alone compared to our parents. Factors like mobility, globalization and the evolution of digital technologies have affected the way we work and live these days, and the way companies hire. And of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the growth of new working models and the appearance of the digital nomad figure.
Keep on reading to go deeper on the concept of this new working style, learn about what contributes to being a digital nomad and the pros and cons that come with it. Who knows, maybe you will realize you are one of them.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels to different places. Digital nomads are not the same as remote workers. They are not tied to working only from home, as they can often set base from a coffee shop, a co-working space, a public library or a park. Anything goes, as far as the work gets done.
Schedules are also flexible. There is definitely no 9-5 and each day is different. Apart from regular check-in calls with clients and coworkers, digital nomads don’t typically work during fixed times. Nomads set their own rules and their own working habits as far as tasks are delivered on time and with the quality they require.
But what are the key factors to becoming a digital nomad? Let’s go find out.
How to become a digital nomad
Before you jump into conclusions, being a digital nomad is not for everyone. There are some types of jobs that don’t allow for that at all. Some jobs need regular face to face interaction with clients. While it is true that many jobs are evolving to hybrid patterns, there is still a minimum in person service and physical location that may be needed to drive business.
If, on the other hand, you have realized you can do your work anywhere in the world, here are some ideas on how to become a digital nomad.
Become a freelancer
We hear so many stories about people who can’t take their regular office jobs anymore, and they really need to break free. Freedom is the number one reason people go down the digital nomad path. But at some point you need to make a living and try to generate some nomad work.
You may have it really clear in your mind what your skill set is, but you need to get organized. The key here is to know what is required to work independently, prepare yourself, and work out all the legal local requirements where you are to set base. There are plenty of options to get it done.
Start your own business
This is step 2 of the previous point. Once you have passed the survival phase and have exponentially grown your business and client base, you might start thinking about setting up your own remote company, and even hire other digital nomads who will help you get further.
Ensure connectivity and technology.
While schedules are flexible, you still need to make yourself available. You might be able to manage your own time when working on a project, but other stakeholders might have different schedules from yours and might come up with questions that need quick answers.
Make sure you have really good mobile data connectivity and roaming capabilities so that you don’t have to miss a beat while traveling. You can also find great local wifi spots where you can work.
Find communities around the world
While remote working can be isolating, a digital nomad’s working life doesn’t have to be. Socializing is really important and you have to find environments where you can meet people who share your mentality. It’s healthy and it makes work more fun.
A co-working space is an excellent setting to work and exchange ideas with other people. There are already quite a few online communities like thenomadist.com that offer very useful information and tips for traveling and working around the world. Other options include cafés or other commercial spaces with good wi-fi, or specific events designed for digital nomads.
Cons of being a digital nomad
Not all grass is greener on the other side, so there are the benefits and disadvantages of the nomadic lifestyle. Many people have developed a very idealized image of what it is to work and live wherever you want (picture Instagrammers), but it can also be stressful and demanding. Let’s start with the cons first and then move on to our happy ending.
Isolation
On one hand, it’s great not having to deal with co-workers or a boss on a regular basis, but on the other hand, working by yourself can feel pretty lonely at times. You do have to make a conscious effort to socialize and build relationships with other digital nomads and professionals in your network.
Feeling unrooted
Being a citizen of the world is a liberating experience, but when you travel to different destinations for an extended period of time the result can be not feeling like you belong anywhere. With time, the strong bond you once felt to a certain place might get diluted.
Managing time
Having flexibility is great, but you have to be extra organized and keep your agenda constantly updated in order not to miss anything. It can be stressful at times and you have to keep certain factors like traveling time and time difference into account. It is essential to use apps that best fit you and be extra diligent to constantly use them (i.e. slack, airtable, or Google Drive).
Missing family events
There will be times when you miss important family times, and it will break your heart. Work-life balance will be a plus on an individual basis, but being far from your loved ones can definitely take an emotional toll.
Unsteady income
Any person who works as a freelancer or starts his or her own business knows that some months you feel like you are a rich person and can splurge, and other times you are pretty sure you will not make it to the end of the month.
Language barriers
Even though lots of people speak English these days, it’s not a rule of thumb for every place you go. Lack of communication can be especially daunting when you need to be extra pragmatic and set to work quickly so you can deliver things. So expect some occasional difficulties.
But not all have to be negatives. Being a digital nomad means dancing at your own beat, and enjoying life just the way you picture it, and when you want things to happen. It’s blissful working freedom 24/7. There are numerous advantages to the nomadic way of living and working.
Pros of being a digital nomad
No commuting
How many years have you spent wasting at least 2 hours of your day going back and forth from work? I think that’s probably one of the main factors of daily burnout. No commuting time definitely means having extra sleep, living a more relaxed lifestyle, and having lots of extra time on a daily basis.
Healthy finances, cheaper housing
When you are a digital nomad, you are free to choose locations where you get more for your money. You don’t need to spend half your salary on rent or mortgage payments. You also have the chance to get away from stressful city living and look for short or mid rentals in places with better quality of living.
Work-life balance
In general, when you live a nomadic lifestyle, you achieve a better work-life balance because you don’t need to stress about commuting or wasting money on expensive clothing or rent. You have full control over the way you want to live. Life can feel more fulfilling and motivating.
No dress code
You want to attend a call in pjs? No problem! Everything is more relaxing in the clothing and grooming department. Unless you have calls with CEOs and similar (and even then), you can live in jeans and sweatpants and no one will judge you.
No boring days
You can alternate between going snorkeling and writing up a sales deck before going to bed. Each day is different. Work can be more fun because you set the pace and the tone, and you can alternate between one project and another. And the environment really plays a big factor in how each deliverable feels.
Setting your own milestones
You can choose how much work you want to take and what milestones you need to reach. This is something you establish with your clients and you decide who you want to work with, so you can set your own work volume and pace.
You get to see the world
When you become a digital nomad you get to travel anywhere you want to. You don’t need to wait until you retire to be able to discover the world. The world is your basecamp, and you decide when you want to switch scenarios.
The concept of being a digital nomad is becoming increasingly familiar. There is a growing number of cities and governments that provide work spaces and services for temporary remote workers, some of which you can reserve on the spot. They are also coming up with easy ways to set up companies online.
The nomadic concept is also being transposed to other aspects of life, like fractional ownership. In essence it can be applied to anything from vacation homes to luxury items like planes and boats, but it can also apply to art and fashion.
In the case of second home ownership it really pays off. Instead of buying a second home that you will rarely use and will be costly to maintain, there are companies that make it easy for you to afford more and pay much less. Some companies offer the possibility to buy shares of amazing homes in really sought-after European destinations for ⅛ of the price in exchange for 6.5 weeks of exclusive use. They work with selective local partners to fully manage the home for you and you get high quality services to pamper you during your stay.
What do you think? Are you ready to turn yourself into a digital nomad? We hope we at least got some inspiration to get you thinking.
[:es]
Human habits and lifestyles are changing. The COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing has only accelerated the growth of new working models and the emergence of the digital nomad figure.
Lifestyles are changing. Working patterns are very different now from 10 years ago, let alone compared to our parents. Factors like mobility, globalization and the evolution of digital technologies have affected the way we work and live these days, and the way companies hire.
Lifestyles are changing. Working patterns are very different now from 10 years ago, let alone compared to our parents. Factors like mobility, globalization and the evolution of digital technologies have affected the way we work and live these days, and the way companies hire. And of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the growth of new working models and the appearance of the digital nomad figure.
Keep on reading to go deeper on the concept of this new working style, learn about what contributes to being a digital nomad and the pros and cons that come with it. Who knows, maybe you will realize you are one of them.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels to different places. Digital nomads are not the same as remote workers. They are not tied to working only from home, as they can often set base from a coffee shop, a co-working space, a public library or a park. Anything goes, as far as the work gets done.
Schedules are also flexible. There is definitely no 9-5 and each day is different. Apart from regular check-in calls with clients and coworkers, digital nomads don’t typically work during fixed times. Nomads set their own rules and their own working habits as far as tasks are delivered on time and with the quality they require.
But what are the key factors to becoming a digital nomad? Let’s go find out.
How to become a digital nomad
Before you jump into conclusions, being a digital nomad is not for everyone. There are some types of jobs that don’t allow for that at all. Some jobs need regular face to face interaction with clients. While it is true that many jobs are evolving to hybrid patterns, there is still a minimum in person service and physical location that may be needed to drive business.
If, on the other hand, you have realized you can do your work anywhere in the world, here are some ideas on how to become a digital nomad.
Become a freelancer
We hear so many stories about people who can’t take their regular office jobs anymore, and they really need to break free. Freedom is the number one reason people go down the digital nomad path. But at some point you need to make a living and try to generate some nomad work.
You may have it really clear in your mind what your skill set is, but you need to get organized. The key here is to know what is required to work independently, prepare yourself, and work out all the legal local requirements where you are to set base. There are plenty of options to get it done.
Start your own business
This is step 2 of the previous point. Once you have passed the survival phase and have exponentially grown your business and client base, you might start thinking about setting up your own remote company, and even hire other digital nomads who will help you get further.
Ensure connectivity and technology.
While schedules are flexible, you still need to make yourself available. You might be able to manage your own time when working on a project, but other stakeholders might have different schedules from yours and might come up with questions that need quick answers.
Make sure you have really good mobile data connectivity and roaming capabilities so that you don’t have to miss a beat while traveling. You can also find great local wifi spots where you can work.
Find communities around the world
While remote working can be isolating, a digital nomad’s working life doesn’t have to be. Socializing is really important and you have to find environments where you can meet people who share your mentality. It’s healthy and it makes work more fun.
A co-working space is an excellent setting to work and exchange ideas with other people. There are already quite a few online communities like thenomadist.com that offer very useful information and tips for traveling and working around the world. Other options include cafés or other commercial spaces with good wi-fi, or specific events designed for digital nomads.
Cons of being a digital nomad
Not all grass is greener on the other side, so there are the benefits and disadvantages of the nomadic lifestyle. Many people have developed a very idealized image of what it is to work and live wherever you want (picture Instagrammers), but it can also be stressful and demanding. Let’s start with the cons first and then move on to our happy ending.
Isolation
On one hand, it’s great not having to deal with co-workers or a boss on a regular basis, but on the other hand, working by yourself can feel pretty lonely at times. You do have to make a conscious effort to socialize and build relationships with other digital nomads and professionals in your network.
Feeling unrooted
Being a citizen of the world is a liberating experience, but when you travel to different destinations for an extended period of time the result can be not feeling like you belong anywhere. With time, the strong bond you once felt to a certain place might get diluted.
Managing time
Having flexibility is great, but you have to be extra organized and keep your agenda constantly updated in order not to miss anything. It can be stressful at times and you have to keep certain factors like traveling time and time difference into account. It is essential to use apps that best fit you and be extra diligent to constantly use them (i.e. slack, airtable, or Google Drive).
Missing family events
There will be times when you miss important family times, and it will break your heart. Work-life balance will be a plus on an individual basis, but being far from your loved ones can definitely take an emotional toll.
Unsteady income
Any person who works as a freelancer or starts his or her own business knows that some months you feel like you are a rich person and can splurge, and other times you are pretty sure you will not make it to the end of the month.
Language barriers
Even though lots of people speak English these days, it’s not a rule of thumb for every place you go. Lack of communication can be especially daunting when you need to be extra pragmatic and set to work quickly so you can deliver things. So expect some occasional difficulties.
But not all have to be negatives. Being a digital nomad means dancing at your own beat, and enjoying life just the way you picture it, and when you want things to happen. It’s blissful working freedom 24/7. There are numerous advantages to the nomadic way of living and working.
Pros of being a digital nomad
No commuting
How many years have you spent wasting at least 2 hours of your day going back and forth from work? I think that’s probably one of the main factors of daily burnout. No commuting time definitely means having extra sleep, living a more relaxed lifestyle, and having lots of extra time on a daily basis.
Healthy finances, cheaper housing
When you are a digital nomad, you are free to choose locations where you get more for your money. You don’t need to spend half your salary on rent or mortgage payments. You also have the chance to get away from stressful city living and look for short or mid rentals in places with better quality of living.
Work-life balance
In general, when you live a nomadic lifestyle, you achieve a better work-life balance because you don’t need to stress about commuting or wasting money on expensive clothing or rent. You have full control over the way you want to live. Life can feel more fulfilling and motivating.
No dress code
You want to attend a call in pjs? No problem! Everything is more relaxing in the clothing and grooming department. Unless you have calls with CEOs and similar (and even then), you can live in jeans and sweatpants and no one will judge you.
No boring days
You can alternate between going snorkeling and writing up a sales deck before going to bed. Each day is different. Work can be more fun because you set the pace and the tone, and you can alternate between one project and another. And the environment really plays a big factor in how each deliverable feels.
Setting your own milestones
You can choose how much work you want to take and what milestones you need to reach. This is something you establish with your clients and you decide who you want to work with, so you can set your own work volume and pace.
You get to see the world
When you become a digital nomad you get to travel anywhere you want to. You don’t need to wait until you retire to be able to discover the world. The world is your basecamp, and you decide when you want to switch scenarios.
The concept of being a digital nomad is becoming increasingly familiar. There is a growing number of cities and governments that provide work spaces and services for temporary remote workers, some of which you can reserve on the spot. They are also coming up with easy ways to set up companies online.
The nomadic concept is also being transposed to other aspects of life, like fractional ownership. In essence it can be applied to anything from vacation homes to luxury items like planes and boats, but it can also apply to art and fashion.
In the case of second home ownership it really pays off. Instead of buying a second home that you will rarely use and will be costly to maintain, there are companies that make it easy for you to afford more and pay much less. Some companies offer the possibility to buy shares of amazing homes in really sought-after European destinations for ⅛ of the price in exchange for 6.5 weeks of exclusive use. They work with selective local partners to fully manage the home for you and you get high quality services to pamper you during your stay.
What do you think? Are you ready to turn yourself into a digital nomad? We hope we at least got some inspiration to get you thinking.
