According to a study by MBO Partners, the number of digital nomads continues to rise. In the case of the USA, the biggest increase was seen in 2020, with 10.9 million digital nomads, compared with 7.3 million in 2019, a considerable 49% growth.
Numbers continued to grow steadily in 2022 when 16.9 million Americans reported identifying as digital nomads. The data shows that the total increase reached 131% between the pre-pandemic years (2019) and 2022.
In short, it's an attractive lifestyle. But how do you convert a moment's infatuation into a lasting one? Here's our advice.
The benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle
- Geographical flexibility
This is the very definition of a digital nomad. They travel and work from the geographic area of their choice. It's a chance to mix work and pleasure, to rub shoulders with different cultures, in short, to broaden your horizons while earning a living. It's tempting, isn't it?
- Cost savings
It may seem counter-intuitive, but it's not. Despite their frequent travels, digital nomads can make impressive savings. In many cases, they can choose to live in places where the cost of living is significantly lower than in major European or American cities. This allows them to live more comfortably.
- Work-life balance
Ultimately, digital nomads are a special kind of remote worker, in the sense that they are constantly on the move. In other respects, like other teleworkers, they benefit from the enormous advantage of flexibility. This means they can organize their schedules to achieve a fair balance between their professional and personal lives. This improves both job satisfaction and overall well-being.
- Expanding your network
Travel offers the opportunity to meet new people, especially professionals from different backgrounds. These connections can prove invaluable in advancing a career.
A challenging lifestyle
- Professional stability
On paper it's obvious: there seems to be an almost insurmountable contradiction between incessant travel and the quest for professional stability. This is certainly one of the challenges facing digital nomads.
- Time management
Here again, it can be a real headache. Managing time efficiently while traveling requires discipline. On the road, distractions can abound. That's why it's essential to meet deadlines and stay productive.
- Internet connection
The Internet is the digital nomad's constant ally. Without a connection, preferably a stable one, it becomes impossible to transmit your work to your employer. Of course, there are many parts of the world without quality infrastructure. That's why it's highly advisable to find out all you can about the situation before setting off.
- Legal and administrative issues
Visas, taxation and other legal and administrative issues inevitably accompany digital nomads on their travels. They require advance planning to avoid the pitfalls that can be so difficult to extricate oneself from.
Our tips for successful digital nomads
- Draw up a solid financial plan
This is a crucial point. Digital nomads need to be able to count on sufficient savings to meet their needs in the event of a drop in business activity.
- Be organized
There are many digital tools available to help you manage your time (such as Toggl, Todoist or Appointlet) and increase your productivity. These are invaluable aids that make it easier to meet deadlines.
- Choose the right destinations
It's not a good idea to get lost in the jungle if, at the same time, you have an important job to hand in to your employer. In this case, it's best to choose a location with a good Internet connection, an adequate workspace (and at the same time an affordable cost of living). So, forget Tarzan. It will be for later.
- Ongoing training
Since mastering digital technologies is the lifeblood of any business, you should never hesitate to keep up your training. Competence in the field is a must, and can make all the difference on the job market for digital nomads.
- Adaptability
The digital nomad lifestyle can be unpredictable. That's why you need to be flexible enough to deal with the unexpected.
Thorough preparation
Becoming a digital nomad has many attractions. But it also brings its share of challenges. For anyone wishing to take this professional step, meticulous preparation is essential. It's the prerequisite for professional and personal fulfillment when you're constantly on the road.