What is a Digital Nomad lifestyle?
Most of the techies might have heard of this word during the end of 2020 or earlier.
As per Wikipedia:
Digital nomads are people who live in a nomadic way while working remotely using technology and the internet.
So a quick Google search will end up in images such as these above, People working on their laptops surrounded by beautiful scenery. Sipping on cocktails surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Working while sunbathing near a pool in Greece.
Well, for starters Digital nomads do not or cannot work like that. Let’s take the picture above for context, the lady is working on her laptop while sitting on a rock surrounded by water. Do you really think that she can get any work done?
First off-> where is the internet coming from? Second -> the laptop can get wet or worse washed away if there is a high tide. Third-> That is not a comfy place to sit and concentrate on your work.
So, much of the hype that digital nomads are living the dream life in Bali is like all things somewhat Fake reality.
Now let’s focus on what it really is like working as a digital nomad.
Living life as a digital nomad means you don’t have a permanent home. You keep travelling from place to place, meeting new people, eating out most of the time and spending almost 90% of your monthly income.
The Digital Nomad lifestyle is great for content creators and our new-gen social media influencers. But is it the same for the other nomads?
Some of the problems you might encounter are:
1. Internet connectivity:
A good Internet is pretty much a basic need for any job that allows you to work remotely. Without a good internet connection, you literally can’t get any work done. The truth is that fast internet is still not an easily accessible commodity in many parts of the world.
2. Shift time:
You might be working for an international company based in New York or France or Germany while living in for eg: Bali, India etc. Your contract might require you to work 9–5 PM their time. This means it can be literally midnight if you are living in the other part of the world. If you are a night owl, then Woo hoo!!!!
3. Rent:
Since you are a nomad, you don’t have a permanent residence. You shift between cities every 2–3 months. Some cities might cost you less to live but others can be costly. For eg: Switzerland. One of the most beautiful places on Earth can literally cost you a bomb to live in even for a week.
4. Food:
Well, safe and healthy food is sometimes hard to get when travelling around the world. Food in some places costs more than it does in others. Also, you might not always get the cuisine you are used to. So basically get ready to eat a lot of variety food.
With all that said, let’s look at some of the benefits of being a digital nomad:
1. Travel the world:
If you have been bit by the travel bug, this is the life you need. You get to travel and stay in multiple cities. Work while you live the dream life. You can enjoy the place while you are not working. Also, working means you have a running income while travelling, which is a great plus (+).
2. Personal Experiences:
One of the main reasons many people travel is for the experiences. You meet a lot of people from different cultures and countries. Learning about their different life experiences will enhance your understanding of the world.
3. Get paid in US Dollars
Well since you are travelling all the time, the best form of currency to receive your salary from the perspective of the employer, as well as the employee, would be the US dollar. With the current inflation and the US dollar local currency exchange rate. This in itself is a big advantage.
4. Spend quality time with family
Well, this is also a benefit of remote working. Being a digital nomad gives you the authority to decide where to work from. If you feel like being with your family, you can always return home and spend some quality time with them.
With all that said, a Digital nomad lifestyle can be fun as well as tiring. It might be the dream job for some and a nightmare for others. But you do get to click such cool pictures and show them off to your friends
This is one of my favourite YouTuber explaining his take on it
If you do like what you read, hit the like and share it with your friends!!!
You can always reach out to me on Linkedin. Would be happy to chat.
