Years ago, even working from home was a difficult concept to grasp. Today, it’s not only increasingly popular but also preferred by many. Digital nomadism is the next evolution of the job market, with people going one step further—instead of working from home, they work from, well, everywhere. Let’s take a look at why becoming a digital nomad is a dream come true for so many people and how it can change the job market.
The rise of digital nomadism
According to Statista, there were more than 15 million digital nomads in the United States in 2021 alone. By mid-2023, that number had risen to 17.3 million. That’s just the United States, and people around the world are increasingly interested in becoming digital nomads.
Digital nomads are remote workers but with extra steps. Remote work or telework isn’t a brand new concept, but the COVID pandemic has permanently changed the way some of us think about work. Many workers haven’t returned to their offices, opting for a more relaxed home environment and saving on commuting.
Digital nomads are particularly drawn to the opportunities presented by technology. Thanks to laptops, smartphones, and the internet, they’re rejecting the standard 9-5 work structure and instead choosing to travel the world while still earning an income.
Today, there are a number of new technologies that make this easily manageable. You don’t even need to buy a local SIM card to stay connected. For example, nomads in Mexico can use an eSIM in Mexico to use the internet without worrying about excessive roaming charges. And that’s something crucial if you use the internet for work.
What do digital nomads do?
57% of digital nomads work as freelancers or run their own businesses. The most popular industries are technology, marketing, and design. Some nomads are also employed—holding full-time remote positions that don’t require them to be in an office. Most (76%) say they work full-time, so contrary to popular belief, they don’t go on perpetual vacation.
Digital nomads work in virtually all fields that are available remotely, so you may meet a nomad who is a programmer, marketer, or translator. Because digital nomadism allows people to experience the world, a social media presence is also common. Many nomads earn money through platforms such as Instagram, thanks to the ability to attract large loyal audiences with their unique lifestyles and interesting content about remote areas and different cultures.
What are the benefits of digital nomadism?
Digital nomads from around the world are mainly focused on the freedom this lifestyle gives them. They are no longer tied to one place and one office chair from 9 to 5—they travel the world and go wherever they want, whenever they want. For some people, such freedom can do wonders for their mental and physical health. Imagine, for example, simply relocating to a warmer country in the winter.
Nomads also experience different cultures from the inside out. While you may learn some interesting things as a tourist, sightseeing will never teach you as much as living in one place for many months. While nomads move around a lot, they stay in one city or country long enough to get a feel for it. It’s a good way to meet new people, try new foods, and learn new languages, so digital nomads usually come out of the experience wiser. At the same time, they still have the opportunity to earn an income or even climb the corporate ladder.
Of course, it’s not always bright and breezy. Digital nomadism isn’t for everyone and can be as freeing as challenging. Constant travel is stressful, and many—if not most—prefer a simple but stable life without moving and dealing with bureaucracy in different countries. There is also the problem of loneliness—while digital nomads can technically meet many people, it’s difficult to develop deep relationships. Cultural and language barriers stand between nomads and the local populations, and constant moving doesn’t help.
The future of digital nomadism and job markets in general
From what we see, digital nomadism may become even more popular as both travel and new technologies become more accessible. High-speed internet is provided in more and more places, and devices needed for remote work are generally available. These are the two things a nomad needs to be able to work.
What’s more, digital nomads embrace the world, and, in turn, the world also embraces them. Some countries, like Estonia, are eager to attract foreign workers who can spend money and contribute to the economy, so they’re even introducing digital nomad visas that allow them to work legally for several months.
Job markets are slowly changing to accommodate the needs of today’s workers, who are increasingly seeking flexibility and work-life balance and rejecting the stresses of a traditional 9-5 life. And with more of us working remotely, more of us are also free to see the world.
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