Photo by Andrew Neel
The term ‘digital nomad’ is a relatively new one, used to describe someone who can perform their job from anywhere in the world.
Before the pandemic, becoming a digital nomad was incredibly popular, with some countries even passing new laws to entice people there. Greece is one such country that offers the best of both worlds when it comes to remote working, which is in essence what a digital nomad is. It boasts stunning beaches, good 5G connectivity and laws that offer tax breaks to those setting up within its boundaries.
Entering the life of a digital nomad is a great way to travel the world, but work at the same time. Once upon a time, six month’s traveling had to be prepared for, saved up for and worked at. Now, if you were to become a freelancer with no office, you could embark on a round the world trip and work at the same time.
What are the benefits of being a digital nomad, other than the ability to travel wherever you want? We have pulled together some of the reasons you should consider making it your way of life.
Freedom
Do you want to feel truly free? The life of a digital nomad offers you that feeling, within the confines of having an actual job too. You will still have to do some work, and sometimes the life of a digital nomad can be taxing in terms of deadlines, but imagine if tomorrow you could just up and go to another country, or if you wish to take the rest of today off to sit in the sun. If you work as a digital nomad, you can. Your deadlines are still there, but you do not have to answer to a head office, or justify why you are not at your keyboard at 11 am in the morning. If you have the discipline to organize your life, you can feel real freedom.
Opportunity
The world of SEO, content creation and other online businesses offers opportunity, throughout the globe. With companies looking to work in so many different countries and markets, basic language skills or understanding of local tradition can help you make the most of the opportunities out there. Yohan Leon, Head of Marketing of Kensho Media, discussed the markets that his company were looking to expand into, in an interview with Sigma, and it reads like a travel wish list for many. “Italy and Spain are our core markets, but we are following with interest what is happening in South America. Colombia and Mexico have legalized online gambling and Brazil is potentially the next one.” Those are countries they look to expand into, but not have a physical location in. enter the digital nomad!
Geo arbitrage
You may not simply focus on where you want to go for pleasure, but where might be most profitable. As a freelancer, your rates will be set whether you choose to work in Portugal, Colombia or Iceland. That means you can relocate to take advantage of lower living costs elsewhere. Freelancer Jack Krier explained to Medium the possibilities of geo arbitrage, saying: “Last year I spent a month living in Bangkok. I lived in a nicely furnished, brand-new condo with a gym and a rooftop swimming pool in an upper-middle-class neighborhood. The rent was just over 500 Euros, utilities included. In most European or American cities, the same type of apartment would set you back well over 1,000 Euros.”
Conclusion
Freedom, finances, or a flight of fancy, all can be a benefit of becoming a digital nomad. It is not that easy of course, you do have to have a skill that can be taken on the road and clients willing to offer you a degree of security, but with the pandemic recently proving people can work remotely in a range of industries, opportunity is rife. Once the world emerges from the shadow 2020 cast over it, the life of a digital nomad will likely be more popular than ever, and one young people can pursue to achieve their travel dreams.
As a keen traveller, whether working or not, you might find our review of the Qwstion Holdall Bag useful to help you prepare for your next trip.
