In recent years you may have heard the term digital nomad being thrown around and wondered just what it is. This is a phrase that may sound as though it has come out of a sci-fi movie or that it is a software virus on a computer but the truth is far more simple. A good friend of mine Abhishek Gattani has been working as a digital nomad for 3 years now and I caught up with him to find out exactly what a digital nomad is, and why someone would choose to be one.
What Is It?
A digital nomad is someone who works online and can work anywhere in the world as long as they have their laptop and an internet connection. This lifestyle is a blend between backpackers who want to travel the world, and people who are trying to launch a business from their laptop. Digital nomadism has given many travelers the chance to keep their travels going and make money as they do so.
How Do You Become One?
It is important to note the contrast between someone who works online and a digital nomad, the slight difference is generally that a digital nomad actively seeks travels whilst they work. In order to become a digital nomad, you need to find a way of using the internet to earn money. There are many ways in which you can use the internet to make money but using it to make a living is a slightly different prospect. If however, this is a lifestyle which you really want to pursue then as long as you work hard and do all that you can to succeed, you can find ways of of hearing a very good living.
Any Downsides?
The only notable downsides are that you don’t get the social setting that you may have with a ‘real’ job and you will need to work hard to replace this. My friend tells me that as much as he loves working from his laptop and traveling, he does miss having a good chat with his colleagues. This may be an issue but it is nothing that cannot be remedies with some networking on social media or some good old fashioned meet and greet.
Is It Safe?
In terms of financial safety, there is much to consider when you want to become a digital nomad and one of them is the risk attached to your salary. There is nobody to pay a retirement fund for you, there are no paid vacations and there is often no guarantee that you will make money the following month. With this being said, it is important that you plan well to avoid getting in financial difficulty. This lifestyle is no different to creating any other business and if you really want it, you should be prepared to take some risks.
Why not investigate the possibility of joining the digital nomad community.