In short, the Digital Nomad lifestyle refers to people who travel the world, relying on WiFi to enable them to work.
Typically, they stay on the move as they travel to different locations, working in coffee shops, libraries and co-working spaces around the world.
Below, I will dicuss why the Digital Nomad lifestyle is on the rise, along with the different types of Digital Nomads and the benefits of taking on this role yourself.
Reasons why this lifestyle is rising
1. Internet
Internet is no longer a luxury, but something that you can find almost anywhere you travel to. This means it is possible to travel to less developed countries while still being able to work at the same level as if you were at home.
2. Co-working Spaces
Co-working spaces are on the rise. This does not just refer to designated office spaces, although these are a great choice, but also to cafes with free WiFi, restaurants and even parks in some places. Therefore, if you do decide to travel while you work, you will not be limited to the hotel lobby; you can still explore the new area you’re in while knowing your work will get done. Companies such as Spaces now have branches all around the world.
3. Visas
Countries are beginning to recognise the benefits of inviting Digital Nomads across their borders. It can boost the local economy and bring tourist awareness to the area. As such, more and more Visas are being released that specifically target bringing in remote workers. For a list of some of our favourite Digital Nomad Visas, see here.
Types of Digital Nomads
1. Corporate
Corporate Digital Nomads refer to people who have a Digital Nomad lifestyle while working for a corporation. These will typically be workers in tech with a remote work schedule offered by their employer. However, lots of other work sectors are starting to offer remote positions, such as in Marketing and HR.
2. Freelance
Freelancers do not have a boss to defer to. Their only limits will be set by the clients they chose to take on. As such, they are in charge of their own schedule and can work from anywhere. This is a very popular type of Digital Nomad, as there is a lot of freedom in this area. Freelancers can have travel agnostic roles, but still incorporate it into their lifestyle, or they may use travel to benefit their business, such as travel bloggers.
3. Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs are people that have started their own business, and as such become their own boss. It takes a lot of dedication and mental strength to set up a business while travelling the world; the benefits are well worth any sacrifices Entrepreneurs may have to make.
Benefits of being a Digital Nomad
1. Travel the World
The main benefit of being a Digital Nomad is the ability to travel the world. This is a draw enough in of itself. It has never been easier to bring your work with you as you experience everything life has to offer. One week you may be in a cafe in Mexico, while the next you could find yourself on the beach in Thailand, all while never sacrificing your career. Travel is no longer for just the gap-year students.
2. Save Money
This may come as a shock to some people, but travelling the world can actually work out cheaper than staying put in your home country. Of course, this refers more to countries with a higher cost of living such as the UK or USA.
Travelling around countries with a low cost of living (see our article on cheap places to travel to) will save you on your home countries rent costs, as well as food, drink and entertainment costs.
As such, lounging around on the beach in Belize after a day exploring tropical islands will definitely be cheaper than a day spent in the office and on the tube in London.
3. Become more adaptable
Personal growth comes hand in hand with travel. Digital Nomads meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures.
Your eyes are opened to a multitude of new and different ways to live your life and acomplish tasks.
This is very rewarding and can help you change your mindset, so that when or if you return home, you’ll be a better, more well-rounded person.
