Digital Nomadism : The Pros and Cons of the Work/Travel Lifestyle

Since the global pandemic shut down businesses and forced employees into remote working from home, many staff have seen the advantages that not having to attend a job in person can bring. Saving time and money, allowing childcare and family obligations makes working accessible.

Once the daily commute was a thing of the past, it became clear exactly how much time is wasted stuck in traffic or idling on public transport. That’s why over 15.5 million Americans now choose to make their living as digital nomads.

Digital nomads work entirely online and spend their time travelling. In hostels, hotels or even campervans, these personnel work just as diligently as other employees. Programming, design, copywriting, and editing are just some of the trades that suit nomadism.    

Every kind of work, whether remote, in person or a hybrid of both, has pros and cons attached. If you are itching to travel but lack the funds or are tired of showing up at the same old place every single day, this might be the employment style for you!

Pro : When working online, all meetings, submissions, pitches, and exchanges are through email or by video call and there is no expectation of attending in person.

Con: Access to a stable reliable internet signal is essential, can be hard to find or expensive to pay for.

Pro : If you are a night-owl or prefer an erratic work pattern, submitting assignments at 4am can leave you the rest of the day to sightsee.  

Con : It takes time to establish a smooth working relationship with an employer, especially a remote one.

Pro :  Working while you travel the world is an incomparably incredible adventure, full of new experiences, places and people!

Con : Travelling fulltime is tiring, and some digital nomads say it’s exhausting. The act of working fulltime while you travel may be unsustainable.

Pro : The freedom of movement that digital nomadism provides can really broaden your horizons.

Con : Bureaucracy travels too. Visas, permits, flights, and booking suitable accommodation can be endless administration. Expect frustrating inconveniences like prescription renewal!

If you are questioning your current position, wishing for a little more freedom or suffering from a case of itchy feet, consider the life of a digital nomad. In the face of the Great Resignation, many employers are open to discussing how to better accommodate their employees.  

If the pros of digital nomadism outweigh the cons, speak to your employer about a fully remote gig, or get job hunting for the perfect position that suits your skillset AND your preferred style.

You might be emailing in your days work from a beautiful sandy beach someday!