Digital Nomadism has become a popular option for Gen Zs majorly because of its convenience. The style even became popular in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world at that time. Although several companies adopted this style of working, some other companies strongly frown on it.
Digital Nomadism has become a popular option for Gen Zs majorly because of its convenience. The style even became popular in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world at that time. Although several companies adopted this style of working, some other companies strongly frown on it.
Whichever is the case. We’re here to extensively discuss digital nomadism for newbies who wish to work remotely. And for veterans who wish to transition into digital nomadism, this post discusses just how you can do that.
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle
The Digital Nomad lifestyle revolves around location-independent working principles. It means breaking free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind and gaining the freedom to choose your work environment. The main feature of digital nomadism is the opportunity to work from anywhere, hence why it is often referred to as remote work. The ability to shape a work routine that aligns with personal preferences is a defining characteristic of this lifestyle.
The beauty of the digital nomad lifestyle is simple – liberation from the constraints of a fixed office. So, it means digital nomads won’t be confined to a cubicle, hence they channel energy into their creativity and productivity.
Building a Remote Career
We promised newbies to create a section on how to build a remote career, and here it is.
A remote career begins by identifying suitable online work opportunities, developing in-demand remote skills and utilising them effectively. It is vital we mention at this point that you must focus on getting high-paying skills rather than low-paying skills because a high-paying skill pays more for lesser work. An example of a high-paying skill is web development, product design and copywriting; and a low-paying skill is virtual assistant and community management.
That said, it’s also important that you learn the art and act of communication if you want to survive in the remote world. In fact, effective communication is among the bedrock of remote skills as you’d be working with people from diverse cultures and values. Hence, a need to communicate effectively for project execution.
Nomad-Friendly Destinations
Choosing a nomad-friendly location is an easy but complex process. It involves choosing locations that are harmonious and blend in with a reasonable cost of living. The location you choose must have reliable internet connectivity and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. You’d need a supportive community because of the loneliness that comes with digital nomadism. We’ll discuss that shortly.
Challenges of the Nomadic Lifestyle
As you’d expect, there are challenges of the nomadic lifestyle, one of which is constant travel. Constant travel cannot be avoided if you want to be a digital nomad, but it impacts your personal and professional development. For instance, a digital nomad in search of a new destination faces issues like isolation, and navigating time zone differences while trying to balance the nomadic lifestyle. This is also seen in nomads as they struggle to blend in different cultures and infrastructures.
But the good news is that there are solutions to this challenge. Let’s look at one together.
Join online communities or events to connect with other digital nomads who understand the lifestyle. To help you, you can find such groups on Reddit, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You can also find them on the Meetup or Eventbrite apps.
You can also decide to volunteer for local activities or join local workspaces to tackle the isolation that comes with digital nomading. Plus, you get to meet new people and learn the culture of your locale.
Finally, take up a hobby. Hobbies are an interesting way to spend time. You can join clubs too if it’s one with experts in your hobby.
Future and Trends of Digital Nomadism
The future of digital nomading is clear and driven towards evolving work. It starts with restricting the office structures (organisational and physical) to accommodate experts who are digital nomads. Plus, there will be a need to advance technology to support digital life, and the creation of tools and patterns that will enhance productivity, collaboration, and connectivity.
On trends of remote work, remote work has come to stay. It’s not a fleeting trend but a shift in how workspaces will mould their activities. Flexibility and work-life balance – cores of digital nomading, have come to stay and stay for eternity. And they’ll become the center of employee expectations, leading to a surge in remote opportunities. So companies that are looking for tangible growth must adopt this working style.
Digital nomading will also revolutionise the structures of traditional offices. Therefore, making offices reconsider physical structures and reduce the cost of building offices at the same time. This is the same for nomads who won’t be coming from long distances to get the job done on a 9-5 schedule – they spend less on transportation to a physical office. Therefore, giving time for creativity and productivity.
What’s the way forward?
Offices will opt for hybrid models with flexible working hours to provide employees with enough space and opportunity for productivity. And some other offices will completely shift to online working styles. In short, this transformation will challenge the norms of traditional workplace and work ethics.
Advancements in Technology Supporting the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Technology is at the front line, supporting the digital nomad lifestyle. With the incorporation of virtual hubs like virtual meetings, advanced technological tools, plus the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), technology will break down barriers and allow for seamless remote work experiences. There would also be the development of more tools to aid this task. Of course, creating more opportunities for remote workers too.
To Wrap It Up
The digital nomad lifestyle is the new trend of official work. It offers you the opportunity to work where you want, when you want, and how you want. It also offers you the opportunity to work with who you want to and you get to charge people based on your services.
Remote working comes with its challenges, one of which is loneliness. However, it can also be a great lifestyle for you.
