Thanks to the advent of technology, many different business fields have gone almost completely digital. For this reason, people working in digitalized business fields founded the concept of a “digital nomad lifestyle”. This way of living is the dream of many people who want to earn money and continue their life by working while living and traveling in different places. Jobs that can be done while being a digital nomad are frequently researched by many people, especially by the younger generation.
In addition, it is now much easier than before to be where we want when we want and reach people in different locations. Therefore, Y and Z generation individuals, called digital natives, prefer to take different career opportunities and act as they want without being stuck in one place, rather than spending their lives in a company with 9 to 5 shifts.
In this article, we will talk about what the digital nomad lifestyle is and how you can become a digital nomad. Let’s take a closer look at this concept.
What is a Digital Nomad?
First, let’s talk about what a digital nomad is. The digital nomad lifestyle is a concept that includes people who work without the need for specific working hours or an office environment. The main feature of this concept, which is often confused with self-employment, is to travel the world while working. That’s why such people are called “nomads”.
Forbes, one of the world-famous American business, career and economy magazines, states that the lifestyle based on being a digital nomad is more popular than ever and that with Covid-19, more and more people prefer this lifestyle. A study conducted by MBO Partners in 2021 reveals that there are more than 15 million digital nomads in the US alone.
According to a recent Qualtrics report, 80% of new job seekers say it’s important that their next job offers them the opportunity to live anywhere. Companies are also aware of the request from the new generation. Many companies such as Lift, Airbnb and 3M are adopting permanent flexible working models as people want to continue working remotely. Spotify, the world’s most popular music service, is among the companies that have switched to a flexible working model with the principle of “your job is not where you go, it is what you do”. Spotify’s flexible working model allows employees to choose where and how they work within certain geographic parameters.
Misunderstandings that the digital nomad lifestyle is a profession are very common. However, it would be more accurate to define a digital nomad lifestyle as a way of working that covers all professions as long as it allows remote working. People working in different business fields can do their jobs from anywhere as digital nomads.
Digital nomads constantly travel to different places and work in places where they have internet access and comfortable spaces such as libraries, cafes and co-working spaces.
How to Become a Digital Nomad?
The first thing required to become a digital nomad is to have a job that can be done online, which is the foundation of the digital nomad lifestyle so that you can work with flexible time and space. Of course, in order to do this, you may need to have some money before you get your job and put your life in an order. After you get your business in order and start making money, you need to determine where to go and where to stay. After these stages, all that remains is to enjoy traveling the world and working at the same time.
In addition to these, there are some necessary equipment to be a digital nomad. First and foremost, a laptop that won’t let you down is a must. In order to be able to do your work at different times and places, it is essential to have a well-functioning, high-performance laptop. In addition to it, to be able to work, you need to have a stable internet connection in common areas or your environment. When you have these two basic tools, you can easily do the things that can be done as a digital nomad according to your field of expertise.
When you adopt a “nomadic” lifestyle, you are likely to need various hardware and software products to keep your business running smoothly. It is important to have basic devices such as a high-capacity disk, a portable disk where you can back up your work, and memory cards according to the work/work you do. If you are giving various online courses, Vedubox Tutor can be a lifesaver for you, where you can find many features such as enrolling your students, uploading course content, uploading extracurricular materials, exams and questions, and applying the exam you have uploaded.
Advantages of Being a Digital Nomad
The interest and demand for the digital nomad lifestyle stem from the advantages it brings. Let’s take a closer look at these advantages.
A Less Stressful Life
Digital nomads choose their own place and time to work. For this reason, they can participate in many more activities than the standard 9-5 shift workers. Since they can participate in different activities during the day and have the opportunity to work flexibly, they lead less stressful life.
Opportunity to Travel the World
Undoubtedly, one of the most important factors in the popularity of the digital nomad lifestyle is to have the opportunity to travel the world while working. You will achieve this dream while you work at the same time, which most people cannot.
Contribution to Productivity and Creativity
Exploring new places, getting to know new people and cultures, and working at the same time without worrying about workdays and working hours will increase your creativity and productivity in your work.
New Horizons
When you constantly explore new places and meet new people, you become much more open-minded and open to new things. This feature will benefit your personality, reflect on your work and make you more successful, as well as open the doors to new opportunities.
Time Management
With the digital nomad lifestyle, managing your time is entirely in your hands, making it easier to spend more time on the things you love. If you want to do more sports, read books or participate in daily activities outside, all you have to do is plan your work accordingly.
The Opportunity to Have a Wide Network
Digital nomads travel and work in different countries while meeting different people. In this way, they stay in contact with many people working in different sectors and create a professional business network, and it becomes much easier for them to find a job later on.
The Opportunity to Learn New Languages
In the digital nomad lifestyle, knowing English is a kind of prerequisite for doing your daily work and communicating with people wherever you go. You can learn languages that carry the traces of the culture of the countries you visit, even if not completely, on a simple level and expand your horizons.
Disadvantages of Being a Digital Nomad
This working and living model, which seems to be easy, comfortable and stress-free when considered as a concept, actually contains many difficulties in itself. For example, not being dependent on any working hours or an office does not mean that you will not work, it just gives you the freedom to choose the time and place to work. Therefore, if you want to be a digital nomad, you must be self-disciplined and have high time management skills.
You should always keep some money on the side and take into account that the number and amount of work you will do, as the income you have may differ from month to month. When we consider that you will spend most of your money on travel and accommodation, it becomes very difficult to save money for the future. If you want to become a digital nomad, it will be beneficial for you to consider all these challenges along with the advantages.
Jobs Can Be Done as a Digital Nomad
The basic requirement to become a digital nomad is to have a job that you can do remotely. For this reason, the professions most suitable for working as a digital nomad are in sectors such as writing, digital marketing, graphic design, media and communication.
As a digital nomad, you can consider doing these jobs;
- Copywriting
- Online teaching
- Interpreting
- Blogging
- Graphic design
- Digital marketing expertise
- SEO expertise
- Youtuber
- Project management
Once you become a digital nomad, all that remains is to enjoy the world while working!
