Becoming a digital nomad is one of the popular trends among remote workers. So what is a digital nomad and how to pursue this working style? Let’s find out with Enouvo Space in the article below!

What is a digital nomad?

Digital nomad refers to freelancers who often work on digital platforms and are not tied to a traditional office or fixed location. 

Digital nomads can live and work anywhere in the world with just a laptop and a sustainable internet connection. Common digital nomad jobs include marketing, communication, IT, design, consulting, and any other job that can be performed remotely.  

The rise of digital nomads is the result of the continuous advancements in technology and the digital landscape. If you delve deeper into this phenomenon, you will discover a new trend that millennials, also known as Gen Y, refer to as “digital nomadism.”

The origin of Digital nomad

The definition of Digital Nomad is said to have first appeared in the book “The Digital Nomad”, published in 1997 by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners.

However, from 1964-1981, the strong development of this trend was already predicted by many people. Steve Roberts is said to be the first person to embrace this lifestyle. From 1983 to 1991, he cycled around the United States on a computerized bicycle with an internet connection. Roberts described his bicycle as his mobile office that accompanied him wherever he went. It wasn’t until 2014 that this captivating way of life gained widespread popularity, as reported by Tech Monitor.

With the increasing number of digital nomads, the concept of coliving and coworking spaces has also gained attraction. Many countries around the world have even introduced digital nomad visa to provide legal recognition and support for those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of digital nomads?

Benefits of digital nomads

Reduce stress 

Unlike the 8-hour workdays of traditional office workers, digital nomads have full control over their daily work schedule. They are not restrained by strict rules and pressures commonly found in traditional workplaces. Thanks to that, digital nomads experience minimal work-related stress.

Improve productivity

Digital nomads have the freedom to choose their work environment at any given time. They can choose to work from home, a coffee shop, a library, a park, a co-working space, or even go to another country for a unique experience. Constantly changing work locations inspires digital nomads to develop their skills and provides motivation to enhance their work performance.

Practice adaptability

The characteristic of a digital nomad is flexibility and constant movement. Exposure to diverse environments and cultures helps them quickly adapt to change and embrace new experiences. This lifestyle encourages nomads to step out of their comfort zones, leading to personal growth and a multitude of interesting encounters.

Enjoy life better

Digital nomads not only have the opportunity to travel and explore various destinations, but they can also fully embrace their preferred lifestyles and personal interests. This may include indulging in the culinary delights of different countries, meeting and connecting with people from various cultures, or even learning new languages. This constant sense of novelty and joy enriches their lives in countless ways.

Drawbacks of digital nomads

Lack of working equipment

Digital nomads are constantly on the move, they rarely stay in one place for an extended period. This makes it challenging to carry all the necessary work equipment, resulting in inconvenience during work.

Cope with the financial burden

To maintain the digital nomad lifestyle, a stable financial source is essential. Accommodation and travel expenses make up a significant portion of a nomad’s spending, and these costs can vary greatly between countries. Therefore, if your finances are not stable and you do not have any backup funds, you will likely have to give up early when issues arise.

It is difficult to ensure health

Becoming a digital nomad requires more than just meeting financial and work conditions; good health is also crucial. Frequent changes in the environment can lead to issues such as heat shock, culture shock, unfavorable weather, and unsuitable food. Therefore, if one wishes to pursue this lifestyle long-term, it is important to prioritize building resilient health.

Experience loneliness

Unlike an office environment surrounded by many colleagues, most digital nomads work independently and have limited interaction with others. Although some digital nomads work in teams, those who freelance for extended periods often experience feelings of loneliness. 

This feeling can affect the performance and morale of the digital nomad. So, if the life of a digital nomad is what you choose, finding effective solutions to combat loneliness is a must.

How to become a smart digital nomad

Make a specific spending plan

Before embarking on your digital nomad journey, it is crucial to identify what is a digital nomad’s level of expenditure. Take the time to carefully calculate expenses related to accommodation, shopping, and travel throughout your journey. Keep in mind that when you start working as a digital nomad, you may face financial challenges due to unstable work during the early stage. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your spending during this time and have a backup plan in place when needed.

Ensure necessary devices and internet connection

A reliable laptop and a stable internet connection are absolute must-haves for a digital nomad. While a digital nomad work schedule may be flexible, it is essential to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment such as a laptop, charger, and headset with a microphone. Additionally, regularly check your internet connection to ensure uninterrupted work. Also, having strong and a reliable internet connection will allow you to stay connected and collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, or partners, regardless of your location.

Get to know about the place you’re heading to

Before setting foot in a new land, make sure you research it thoroughly. It’s important to get to know some basic details such as climate, geography, culture, people, language, political situation, standard of living, and popular tourist attractions to determine if the destination is suitable for you. Additionally, create a list of potential work locations, such as coworking spaces or well-known work-friendly cafes.

Buy travel insurance

Traveling to many places can bring you great experiences, but it can also pose unforeseen risks. Investing some money in travel insurance is a necessary guarantee for you. Be sure to choose the digital nomad visa countries before you decide to visit.

Equip yourself with the necessary skills

No one can predict what problems will be encountered in the journey of a digital nomad. Therefore, it is essential to equip yourself with fundamental life skills such as self-care, problem-solving, financial management, effective work, and time management. These skills will prove invaluable in navigating the lifestyle of a digital nomad.

We hope that the article above has provided you with a clear understanding of “what is a digital nomad”, the advantages and disadvantages, and guidance on how to become a true digital nomad. Make sure to follow Enouvo Space’s articles to stay updated with valuable information for those who are pursuing the digital nomad lifestyle.