Work without borders: The growing appeal of the 'digital nomad' life

Close your eyes and try to imagine a life where you're travelling around the world, visiting the Bahamas, witnessing the ancient ruins of Greece, savouring the cuisine of Spain, trekking in Brazil whilst maintaining your work life. It may sound impossible. Even a little bit insane but anyone can lead this sort of life. 

The number of people keen to adopt this type of lifestyle is increasing day by day. These people are better known as "digital nomads".

A digital nomad is an individual who uses digital technology to work remotely and live a location-independent lifestyle. This lifestyle allows people to travel and work from anywhere in the world as long as they can access the internet. 

What differentiates digital nomads from remote workers is mainly their lifestyle. For them, it's about embracing the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, thanks to the power of the internet and digital technology. 

But it didn't really take off until the 2010s, mainly youth who were looking for an early-career escape from the decades of "9-5" office work hours they saw looming before them. Rather than being tied to a traditional office space, home, or another space like remote workers, digital nomads can easily work remotely, often while travelling to different locations. 

A digital nomad's weapon of choice is usually a reliable laptop, a stable internet connection, and various software and apps for facilitating remote work; collaboration tools, project management software and communication platforms become essential for staying connected with clients and colleagues, no matter where in the world they are. 

Adopting a minimalist approach is often part of the digital nomadic lifestyle. 

Since they are always on the move, having a minimalist lifestyle helps keep things simple and manageable and helps with mobility. This means being selective about possessions, focusing on experiences over material things, and prioritising the essentials.

The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is undeniable. 

For those who are passionate about travel and seeking escape from the confines of a traditional "9-5" job, the freedom and thrill of being a digital nomad often drive this metamorphic choice. 

A 2023 report by MBO Partners, an enterprise solutions company that services companies with remote workers, estimates that more than thirty-five million people now consider themselves digital nomads.

The digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to travel extensively or stay in one place for an extended period. 

With new visas in countries like Japan, the UAE and 40 more, aimed at luring remote international workers or digital nomads on the rise, it's very likely that this trend will spread to more demographics and locations. This will ensure proper regulation and also encourage contribution to the local community. Also enabling you to form a charming cafe in Bali or a bookstore in Tallinn, enjoying the freedom to choose when and where you work.

Travelling is not just fun; it's an opportunity to embrace local culture, extend your stay, and adopt a traveller's mindset. The more places you explore, the more you realise your limited knowledge. 

Connecting with diverse people, trying new foods, and experiencing different lifestyles become integral to the journey, teaching you valuable lessons about yourself.

Living as a digital nomad exposes you to diverse environments, challenges, and ideas, fostering personal growth. Whether navigating transportation systems, meeting new people, or handling disappointments, each experience contributes to your overall development. 

Connecting with others while travelling creates unique bonds. Every person you encounter as a nomad has a distinctive story, adding to the depth of your global experiences.

Popular digital nomad destinations are usually places where you are offered everything to meet your needs, from gorgeous landscapes to fast internet, safety, and co-working spaces. 

You'll also save lots of money on utilities, electricity, gas etc. When you rent a suitable accommodation, everything is usually included.

In the simplest of words, a digital nomadic lifestyle is well known for its freedom to work from anywhere, embracing a flexible and mobile approach to work and life. It involves leveraging technology to create a balance between professional pursuits and personal adventures.

Embracing the lifestyle of a digital nomad allows you to reap the advantages of this lifestyle while simultaneously cultivating a fulfilling career. But it increases your responsibilities alongside granting you the freedom to shape life on your own terms, such as reflecting on your ideal lifestyle, being open-minded, and making adjustments. 

You, too, can find the right balance between your career, wanderlust, and relationships by being mindful.

The writer is a first-year student from Computer Science Department of BRAC University and be contacted at [email protected]