If there is one silver lining in the pandemic we’ve faced, it is the realization of the value of time and how much work can be done from home.
Even though we’ve known for a while that a great amount of work that was being done in offices could be done from home too, bosses were reluctant to let employees do so.
The only people with these perks were freelancers and digital nomads.
But who are digital nomads?
They are people who are location-independent and use laptops and the internet to do their jobs.
Of course, even they face difficulties as we navigate these troubled times, but here are the perks of being a digital nomad in 2021.
Travel and see the world
This one probably goes without saying, but being a digital nomad means you will travel. Since you can work from anywhere in the world, it is entirely up to you how long you will stay in one place.
But before you travel somewhere, be sure to check the latest update on the covid-19 situation. Look at the rates of vaccination, the number of new cases per day, etc.
Choose a location that feels safe to you and also make sure to comply with the regulations in place for tourists.
Experience the world in a different way
Think about tourists for a second.
They are people who come to a certain place, stay there for a while, see the attractions and leave. They may enjoy local cuisine, post engaging photos on Instagram, but that’s about it.
Digital nomads really get to immerse themselves into the culture, experiencing the life and country itself in a new way.
Be your own boss
Feel like working from the beach today? – Sure.
Maybe want to go surfing before a meeting? – Just do it.
Or just chill in your room and finish that report? – No problem.
You plot your own schedule and choose where you work from. You can go to a nice coffee shop on the corner, work from a beach, or rent a co-working space.
Of course, be sure to stick to all the measures in place. Wear a mask where necessary, keep your distance and if you notice any symptoms, be sure to check in with a doctor.
No more commuting to work
A study from 2019 concluded that, on average, a person spends commuting nine full days a year. That is somebody’s entire vacation!
One of the biggest perks about being a digital nomad is that you cut that down to a trip to the nearest coffee shop or a beach bar. Maybe even just to the room next door.
Obviously, many of us have dropped this entirely for the time being. But if you are a digital nomad, you give up the commute for the rest of your life.
Become a member of a large community
Digital nomads are a large and tight community.
They have groups on social media, accounts, and blogs you can follow for useful information and even organized gatherings in cities and countries favored by digital nomads.
They go above and beyond helping each other, from sharing tips about the best Wi-Fi spot to helping you get started on your journey.
And since they are a close-knit community, often with similar jobs, they can even show you some practical stuff, like how to make a proposal for a client or what VPN to use.
So if you want some first-hand information about the situation in a certain place, all you need to do is ask.
Make life-long friends
More than that, you are bound to make friendships that will last you a lifetime. You never know who you will encounter and click with.
You will often hear about the guys from co-working space becoming partners or someone visiting the hometown of a girl they met hiking one afternoon.
These friendships can last you a lifetime, even if you end up seeing the people just once every few years. And you never know, maybe you will even fall in love on one of your trips.
It is not all sunshine and rainbow
While there are many perks to a digital nomad lifestyle, it is not all sunshine and rainbow. There are challenges and difficulties.
The Wi-Fi can be spotty in some countries, computers can break down, flights can be delayed causing you to miss a deadline, etc.
But more than that, if you are traveling alone, sometimes you will get lonely. You may not have adequate emotional support or just be home-sick.
Paperwork to enter a country can also be a feat on its own. Sometimes you will spend weeks getting everything sorted. Also, check bank fees and methods of payment in a foreign country.
Especially in 2021, you need to check the necessary conditions to enter a country. Given the situation, these change daily and you need to monitor the news closely.
These practicalities can be a nuisance, but they are a crucial step.
It is a life-changing experience
When all is considered, the experience of living as a digital nomad will inevitably change you.
At some point, you may choose to go back home, but you will not be the same person.
Traveling, meeting new cultures and people, and introspection will bring you closer to your true self.
Author: Nina Petrov is a content marketing specialist, passionate about graphic design, content marketing, and the new generation of green and social businesses. She starts the day scrolling her digest on new digital trends while sipping a cup of coffee with milk and sugar. Her white little bunny tends to reply to your emails when she is on vacation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-petrov/
