It is an unfortunate truth that, for many of us, working can feel like a real chore. While the jobs we hold themselves may not be too bad, we often have to endure the daily grind of a soul-destroying commute or the frustration of sitting in traffic queues in the middle of rush hour.
However, for a growing number of people, work is not like that at all. In fact, they are choosing to work wherever and whenever they feel like it, with some even combining their job with exotic adventures across the globe. If this sounds like your kind of thing, maybe it is time for you to become a digital nomad.
A growing trend
A relatively new concept which has been made possible as internet connectivity has improved, the life of a digital nomad revolves around logging on and working from a remote location rather than an office. For some people, this may just mean a trip to their local coffee shop, but for others, it can mean working across the globe and making beachside café bars or mountain-top hideaways their office.
According to research published by MBO Partners last year, around 4.8 million Americans already undertake some form of digital nomadic work either on a full or part-time basis. Furthermore, around 17 million workers aspire to embrace the trend in the near future.
The study also revealed that while the majority of digital nomads are young males, a third are female and 54 percent are older than 38. Perhaps unsurprisingly, occupations which are popular among digital nomads include roles in creative services, IT, communications and marketing.
Getting started
So, how do you get started as a digital nomad and what do you ultimately need to embrace it as a lifestyle? Well, for the most part having access to a laptop and internet connection is, of course, essential, while other forms of communication like smartphones may also come in handy.
Furthermore, digital nomads have to consider all of the key basics that any self-employed person or business would need to be aware of, including what their responsibilities are in terms of tax and also business insurance. A business insurance cost may be something you want to avoid while on your travels; however, having the right cover will mean you are covered if a client claims you have made a serious mistake in your work.
Finally – and again, like any other business – a digital nomad would, of course, need to have sources of work. Sites like Working Nomads offer listings of positions which are ideal for people who want to work while on the move, but you could also consider simply speaking to existing contacts and old workmates to see if they know of potential opportunities.
A bold step
Becoming a digital nomad may seem like a bold step, but the opportunity to earn serious money while also travelling the world and enjoying incredible adventures is one that not many people could turn down.
The trend is undoubtedly on the rise, and it will be intriguing to see how it continues to impact on the world of work in the years ahead.
