The digital nomad lifestyle is a unique one and is very attractive to many young professionals. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the world while still earning an income, you might be asking “what is the digital nomad lifestyle anyway?”
Digital nomads have the opportunity to live in and explore incredible destinations without sacrificing their careers. They get to leave the confines of a cubicle behind but take their work with them. Being a nomad is a bit different than traveling as a tourist. You experience a destination differently, because you’re interacting with it in a way that is more similar to locals.
The digital nomad lifestyle is the lifestyle of the future for many professionals and industries. Already today, many of the world’s top companies allow their employees to work remotely. Some have given up their offices entirely. More than likely, in every city you visit as a digital nomad, you’ll run into other young professionals following the same path.
The easiest answer to the question “what is the digital nomad lifestyle” is choice. Nomads have immense amounts of flexibility and can choose everything from the cities they live in, to the spaces where they work. For most young professionals who choose this path, that flexibility is the main draw. To be a digital nomad, you don’t necessarily have to travel all year. Some digital nomads keep a home base and travel during certain seasons or for shorter chunks. Others are always on the go! That’s the beauty of being a digital nomad – it’s always up to you.
Living and working in a new city allows you to get to know it in a different way than a whirlwind vacation. You’ll almost certainly meet more locals who are also working at coffee shops and coworking spaces. You’ll probably plan your days around your work schedule, and have a bit more consistency day-to-day than when you travel. Digital nomads get a strong sense of what it’s really like to live in a place!
For most people considering a digital nomad lifestyle, finances are the biggest concern. Just as with where you work, how you work is completely up to you. Of course, stability is ideal, but you don’t necessarily have to work a 9-5 job. You could also consider contract or project-based work, depending on your industry. You might not be paying rent, but you’ll still have to find a safe place to stay and work in each destination, so figuring out your finances should be your first priority.
Working hours often look different from nomad to nomad. Your schedule will most likely depend on the type of income you pursue – do you work full-time on a UK calendar? Do you freelance and work on different deadlines? Everyone’s situation is unique. Knowing what your work schedule will be will help you plan both travel and leisure!
Being on the road all the time and far from your home and family can be lonely. But one of the best things about the digital nomad lifestyle is the incredible community of people you meet. The first few weeks as a digital nomad might be tough, but you’ll quickly find people with lots in common. Consider joining Facebook groups for digital nomads, reaching out to people you know in different destinations, or even taking part in a program!
Apply to our Digital Nomad Program to intern remotely and live like a local in up to 3 different destinations!
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