My name is Peter, and I’ve spent decades of my life working for one corporation or the next. I have sat at so many cubicles that they all look the same to me. I’ve spent hours commuting, and listening to my colleagues complaining or gossiping about each other. I’ve also spent hours in one boring meeting after another in stuffy conference rooms. There came a day when I decided, enough was enough. But I needed to earn a living somehow, but how? My buddy suggested that I should become a Digital Nomad. I didn’t quite know what it was, but it sounded intriguing, and that’s how it all started.
WHAT IS A DIGITAL NOMAD?
According to Investopedia.com, Digital Nomads like myself are “…people who are location-independent and use technology to perform their job, living a nomadic lifestyle. Digital nomads work remotely, telecommuting rather than being physically present at a company’s headquarters or office.”[1]This sounds correct, I have lived in 4 different countries so far, and all I’ve needed was my laptop and some small computer appendages.
MY TYPICAL DAY
Wake Up and Get Started!
I try to set a schedule and stick to it as much as possible, this helps to keep me on track. I also have a productivity app that can give me help planning my day.
- Check Your Email and Social Media Accounts
Next, I check my email and social media accounts for any messages or updates that need my attention. I also use this morning slot to post any content that I’ve been working on or promote any upcoming events or projects.
- Work, Work, Work
Now it’s time to get down to business. I start working on clients’ projects and try to stay focused so that I can get as much done as possible. My goal is to get as much work done as possible before afternoon hours so that I can enjoy the rest of the day.
- Take a Break
If I find myself getting distracted, I take a break or move to a different location. Sometimes I even go for a walk, explore my surroundings, read a book… do whatever helps me to relax and recharge. Of course, I also take a break to feed myself. Sometimes I set up shop at a local coffee shop, so this is where I have my meals for the day.
- End of Day
Once I’ve finished all my assigned tasks for the day, I finish up any loose ends. I am also careful to prepare for anything that needs to be done the next day so that I can start off with a clear mind. And with that, my workday is complete! I then get to enjoy the rest of my evening however I see fit.
- Planning my next destination
One of the best things about being a digital nomad is that I have the freedom to work from wherever you want—whether that’s a beachfront bungalow in the Caribbean or a snowy area in Canada. But these trips must be planned, so this research must be scheduled in.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
It’s not all fun and games though, there are some serious issues to consider if you are planning to join me in this lifestyle. For instance:
- If you are crossing international boundaries, you must ensure that you have your passport and any relevant visa or work permits needed.
- You should ensure that you have clearance to work in this country if you are planning to stay for a significant period.
- Thanks to advancements in technology, it’s easier than ever to stay connected no matter where you are in the world, but you should do your research to ensure the area has all the technological capabilities for you to work. For example, strong Wi-Fi connections.
- Do your research to find communal workspaces that are specifically set up for digital workers.
- If you are still working for or associated with a company, you still must be available for online meetings etc. being aware of time zone differences.
- This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, you need to be disciplined, organised, and self-motivated.
- You also need to be comfortable with a certain level of uncertainty and be able to adapt on the fly.
- You must find a balance between work and play so that you can enjoy both your job and your personal life. You must make sure you are meeting deadlines to ensure desired income levels are attained.
- Make certain that you have the mental and emotional build to be alone at times, and apart from family and friends from home.
So that’s it for now, I’ve finished my work for the day, I am off to the beach. Do I have any regrets? Not many. I do occasionally miss my family, but I try to fly home several times a year, or I just stay home and work from the coffee shop nearby. This lifestyle took a bit of getting used to, and it’s certainly not for everyone, but I am a more peaceful and fulfilled human being, much more so than when I was chained to my corporate desk. I’ve met other Digital Nomads and we often laugh as we remember the good old days of Cubicle Life. Peter, over and out!
Definition from https://www.investopedia.com
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