Digital nomad, some advantages and disadvantages of it.
Probably, when you hear the word nomad you think of a group of cave men, with beards, and long filthy hair, who wander through valleys or forests looking for animals or fruits to eat.
However, the term “digital” – which is used for a lot of things nowadays – changes the meaning of nomad. If you are a digital nomad it is quite likely that you already know. If you are not, it is possible that you might turn into one after reading this article. Or maybe not. It’s up to you.
The meaning of digital nomad is related to the people who work without a fixed workplace, thanks to technology.
The main element that distinguishes the digital nomad from the “smart worker” is that, while the second one uses technology to have relative mobility, the first one almost depends on it: if you want to change country, you can; if you want to work while sipping a piña colada on the beach, you can.
Digital nomadism is a romantic conception of life, which values freedom and adventure above all things. However, the idea of working while sipping a piña colada in Ibiza might seem great but it has some advantages and disadvantages.
SOME ADVANTAGES OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD
You can work from (almost) anywhere in the world.
We already know that this is one of the main advantages of digital nomadism. Picture yourself finishing your project while lying in a hammock on the beach in Australia. Most people who practise digital nomadism are keen on travelling the world, which actually sounds amazing.
You can live a life full of adventures.
The freedom of digital nomadism and the option to live in (almost) any place on the planet, will fill your life with experiences that you would not get by having a ‘’normal’’ job.
You can choose your work schedules.
If you are a digital nomad you will usually be able to choose when your working day stars and when it finishes. You can take days off, or work on a Sunday.
You could improve your economy.
Did you know that a can of Coke costs half a Euro in Hanoi? Of course, if you practise digital nomadism in five-star hotels, you will probably notice later in your bank balance, but if you have good control over your finances and choose the right places, you can end up saving money. Digital nomadism can allow you to work from home – and thus saving on the rent of an office.
You’ll be more creative.
The possibility of getting to know new places, cultures and people, will make you have multiple points of view and many stories to tell your friends afterwards. For certain jobs – writing or photography, for example – being a digital nomad can be great for creativity and might take you to unexplored places.
SOME DISADVANTAGES OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD
You may have technical problems.
If you are a digital nomad, you probably need connection to the Internet, even a few hours a week. In some areas and countries, connections might not be good, or non-existent. In other places, Internet can be very expensive, to the point that it might not be worthwhile for you to work there. Other places might not have access to electricity. You should have in mind these types of problems before becoming a digital nomad in certain places. That’s why we said earlier that you could do it from “almost” anywhere.
Some places will not be good.
In addition to the technological limitations, there are others that you must keep in mind. You will find that some places might be busy or noisy to work. In addition, some places will be so attractive that will be a continuous distraction. Therefore, you will have to look for places where you know that you can really dedicate yourself to your work and be productive.Working can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Leaving the office forever also has its disadvantages. You will find it difficult to find an armchair as comfortable as the one you had before, and it is possible that sometimes you do not even have a desk. Sometimes you will work from a bed, or under a tree. It sounds very exciting, but it is likely that your back does not agree with you, and some pain might arise from this.
You could have problems with the time zones.
If you live in a country different from the one where your customers live, and if you have to adjust to a schedule or a deadline, it is likely that you will have to adapt yourself to their time zones, which will involve working at strange hours.
You could feel lonely.
According to the people who are digital nomads, this is the worst disadvantage of being a digital nomad. Even if you are really sociable and outgoing, and depending on the type of digital nomadism that you practice, you can also find it hard to build lasting bonds. In addition, it can be a real problem if you have relatives who live in your home country; because you will not see them very much due to your work.
Not everyone can be a digital nomad.
This drawback can be understood in several ways. First, not everyone has a job that allows being today in Madrid and tomorrow in New York. There are a number of jobs that are very easy to adapt to digital nomadism, such as writing, photography, coaching, consulting, etc. However, if you work in a farm or in a factory, then this is impossible for you.
On the other hand, some people are not ready for digital nomadism. Whether they do not possess the talents that are needed for this, either because they are fighting with technology, or, after all, they need a fixed place to anchor themselves, probably they are not really made for this.
What about yourself? Are you a digital nomad or do you feel like giving it a try? Share your experiences with us by leaving a message in the comment section below. Thank you!
