WHERE DO THE DIGITAL NOMADS GO FROM HERE?

Businesses, restaurants, and airports closed, and people stopped traveling to halt the spread of the pandemic and ease the burden on healthcare facilities. Adaptation was required of everyone.

The opportunity to “digitally wander” has expanded in recent years, for example. NBC reports that when businesses were forced to go remote because of the spread of COVID-19, previously unreached groups were given the opportunity to try out nomadic living.

Just like everyone else, I had to get used to the new normal. In many countries, people are being forced to work from home. After getting some professional experience in another country, I decided to return to Singapore. My coworker and I had been working together for five months before taking off for a European vacation.

WHO ARE DIGITAL NOMADS?

The concept of “digital nomads,” or individuals who use remote access technologies to maintain full-time careers, is not novel. Digital nomads all trace their roots back to Steve Roberts. In 1984, he shared the story of his “technomadic” travels with readers of Popular Computing.

He explained that his nomadic existence stemmed from the universal desire for freedom and autonomy. They all want to be liberated, he said.

Prior to the spread of the coronavirus, digital nomadism was already on the increase. The number of self-identified digital migrants in the United States increased by 49% from 2019 to 2020, from 7.3 million to 10.7 million.

Traditional office workers are the source of the current uptick. The majority of people seeking this alternative work lifestyle are now “traditional jobholders,” the study found.

THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE DOES HAVE ITS CHALLENGES

I appreciate being able to balance my job and personal life with relative ease. However, the absence of a stable foundation makes the instability challenging. I’ve been to nine cities across five nations since the pandemic.

As a digital nomad, you can work hard for a while and then take a break whenever you like, without ever feeling like you’re trapped in a workplace. On the other hand, self-control is essential. Becoming unmotivated is simple. Although you are on the road, you still need to maintain your regular schedule.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL NOMAD?

Independent working is essential for the modern digital traveler. It is crucial to do thorough research on all aspects, such as technical capabilities, accessible lodging, travel needs, healthcare, and employer support.

It’s important to discuss your future goals with your superiors. Continue communicating, and don’t break your word. Losing someone’s confidence because you couldn’t keep a promise or miss a deadline is a terrible feeling.

MANAGING YOUR HEALTH IS IMPORTANT

Taking care of one’s health and safety as a digital nomad differs from doing so as a tourist or an expat who stays in one place for an extended length of time. It is not uncommon for digital nomads to travel extensively across the globe, spending years in different countries and cities.

Digital nomads should take into account at least two kinds of health and safety protections, both of which should include COVID-related services. As an example, consider medical coverage. Although it’s likely that your domestic health insurance plan won’t cover you outside of the country, it’s worth asking ahead of time in case you’re lucky enough to get a positive response and end up saving a ton of cash. Medicare doesn’t protect you outside of the country.

Aside from that, there is coverage for medical emergencies and escape while traveling. If a digital nomad gets sick or injured abroad, they need access to field rescue services that will come get them from the scene of the accident or sickness (including for COVID-19) and medical evacuation services that will return them to their home country for further treatment or hospitalization.

Although digital nomadism is on the rise in our increasingly interconnected world, people still crave the company of their peers in person.

Working remotely while traveling will continue to grow in popularity as more and more employers come to understand the benefits to both the company and the employee.