June 25, 2023
Even for those who are accustomed to the traditional ways of working, the term ‘digital nomad’ automatically generates curiosity.
One of the biggest takeaways from 2020 is that being stuck in an office 9-5 isn’t necessary to keep the world turning. Humans are simply not made to be stuck in cubicles or offices all day without the freedom to change their working environment to what works for them.
Let’s look at 5 ways being a digital nomad provides the freedom you crave.
Although the digital nomad lifestyle may feel like it only came about in the past five or ten years, the earliest known use of the term was actually in the 1997 book Digital Nomad, by John Wiley & Sons. However, growth of coworking spaces, advances in cloud technology, collaboration apps and productivity tools has allowed even more people to become location independent. And this appealing lifestyle choice isn’t going to stop any time soon. In fact, some estimates predict that by 2035 there will be 1 billion digital nomads on this planet.
This means that by joining this new way of working, you’ll be able to make use of support, technology and opportunities in the short and long term.
Being location independent means you’re not restricted to taking time off time when it suits your job or boss. Although you’ll still have deadlines to meet and virtual meetings to attend to, ultimately you decide how much travelling you want to do. According to AARP’s 2019 Travel Trends report, millennials are more likely to bring work with them when they travel than baby boomers, and the average millennial planned to make more than 5 trips throughout the year.
Instead of daydreaming in the office about visiting your favourite places, the flexibility of being a digital nomad means long-term travel is a genuine possibility.
Are you a night owl who works more productively when everyone has gone to bed? And how does a two-hour lunch break sound? Not being tied down to the outdated and rigid 9-5 set up means you can ultimately choose your working hours. Recent research by UK-based Capability Jane found that 92% of millennials identify flexibility as a top priority.
Setting your schedule allows you the freedom to work at your own pace at times when you’re most productive, without the stress of having a boss keeping constant tabs on you.
However you position yourself as a digital nomad, whether it’s freelancing, running a small business or taking on gigs, you’ll gain much more control in many aspects of your work than a traditional job role. Although this may feel daunting at first, running things your way provides you with the ultimate feeling of freedom. You won’t have a manager peering down your neck all day, or have your promising ideas swept to the side because someone in a higher position discounted them.
Are you desperately looking to escape the rat race and live a life of freedom? Do you want to be inspired by the great outdoors, the fascinating cultures of the world and the freedom to do things your way? As a digital nomad – what, when, where and how you work is shaped by your own decisions and preferences – providing you with a more fulfilling and happier life.