Get to know: Digital Nomad, will it be a future trend?

WFH has become the new normal since the pandemic, but after the pandemic, the gate to the world is opened, and many workers are starting to pursue the working style of WFA (Work from anywhere).

That is why digital nomads have become popular again. The concept of “digital nomad” was carried out by Tsugio Makimoto, the CEO of a Japanese company, in 1997. The term means that you can work anywhere as long as there is an internet connection and you bring your laptop with you.

Why do people want to be digital nomads?

The mesmerizing part of being a digital nomad is that you can work anywhere you want. You can finish a project in Japan today, and start a new project tomorrow somewhere in the US. Unlike working from home, you don’t have to go back to your office regularly, you can work far away from your office and achieve your dream of traveling around the world, as well as earn a stable income along the way.

Our stereotype told us we needed to find a 9-5 stable job, buy a house, buy a car, and get married…… This type of so-called “standard lifestyle” might be untimely for the new generation. People nowadays, especially Generation Z and the millennials are pursuing a work-life balance. They want to work where they live instead of living where they work. That is why a lot of people become digital nomads nowadays: to broaden their horizons, feel their lives, and make a living at the same time.

Sounds fantastic, Are there any drawbacks?

Of course, like being a slasher, there must be some uncertainty about being a digital nomad.

First, unless you have a long-term remote work contract, your income might be unstable as a freelancer. If you are a freelancer, you might not have a stable source of income and it is difficult to balance your income and expenses given that you will travel to different places. Therefore, if you would like to be a digital nomad, it is better to ensure that you have a stable source of income.

Also, you might be distanced from your friends and family since you will spend a lot of time working overseas and visiting different places. It is important to keep in touch with your family and friends constantly and maintain the relationship. 

Last but not least, remember that digital nomad is a working style. You need to balance the time between working and having fun. Self-discipline is important here, you need to think twice before getting drunk at a bar when you know the next day is the project’s due date.

I want to become a digital nomad. What should I do?

Here are some of the industries that are most suitable for digital nomads, regardless of full-time contract or free-lance working model:

1. Entrepreneur
2. Translator
3. Photographer
4. KOL or YouTuber
5. Graphic designer
6. Digital Marketer
7. Programmer
8. Website developer

The duties of these titles can be reported online, they do not have to talk to their colleagues face-to-face to get work done. That is why they are suitable jobs for digital nomads.

Apart from choosing the right field, remember to do some research on the countries that support digital nomad visas. More and more countries are now accepting digital nomad visas and allowing their long-term stay in the country.

Everything is a double-edged sword. If you want to live your life to the fullest, grab your backpack and have yourself an adventure of a lifetime. If you want to learn more about HR insights or need any professional advice, feel free to visit www.slindon.com.hk and contact us for more!