It's safe to say that the digital nomad way of living is one of the fastest growing lifestyles we have today. There are estimations, which assume that by 2035 there will be 1 billion digital nomads on this planet. But why is it so popular? Why do more and more people choose to work remotely and travel the world? Take a look at the following benefits of becoming a digital nomad and learn how you could profit from this lifestyle, too.
The Perfect Lifestyle for You?
Say goodbye to your cubicle or office! No more sitting around in the same sterile and uninspiring atmosphere every single day. Enjoy the freedom to choose your own working environment and change it whenever you like. Be inspired by a lovely mountain backdrop, a tropical beach scenery or whatever enhances your creativity. In a recent survey, 92% of all questioned digital nomads said, that they are happier since they are less tied to a physical workplace.
You don't have to run from one meeting room to the next one anymore. No more arguments about leaving the door open or who has to clean the dishwasher. You can work in peace without your colleague distracting you by yelling at someone on the phone. Create a working environment, that you enjoy working in and you can be most productive.
You get to save so much time when you don't have to commute to an office anymore. 30 minutes more sleep in the morning or spare time in the afternoon! Don't waste your precious time in traffic jams anymore. That also saves you loads of money on gas or public transport.
One of my favorite benefits of becoming a digital nomad: You don't have to care about a proper business attire anymore. No more expensive suits, but mostly flip-flops and shorts. No need for makeup or hair-jobs if I don't feel like it. Wear whatever you like and look however you want – no one cares.
If you work as a freelancer or start your own business while traveling the world, you are in a very lucky position. No one tells you how you need to do your job. If you have a great idea how to improve a process, go for it. If you think a task should be done differently, do it. You are in charge now and make your own rules.
Work from the comfort of your own home, no stressing out about commuting or the perfect outfit.
Another great reason, why I love becoming a digital nomad so much. You don't have to work from 9-5 anymore if you don't want to. You are not exactly a morning type of person? Start working later. You want to take a three-hour lunch break to meet a friend? No problem. Do your job at a time that works best for you and be as flexible as you like.
Again, if you work as a freelancer or run your own little company, you are free to work as much as you like or have to. The more you work, the more money you can make (at least if you get paid hourly). If you are happy with fewer financial flexibility and prefer more free time, work less. You can build your own empire and become a millionaire or enjoy a basic life and have much spare time. Your decision.
The same goes for vacations. If you want to go on a 6-week holiday to South America, book your tickets and go. You want to spend the entire day with your grandma because it's her birthday? Do it, no need to ask for permission. Or maybe you feel a cold coming and would rather stay in bed – don't feel guilty about it, just take your time and rest.
Another massive benefit of becoming a digital nomad. Since many of us are working as a freelancer, we can choose our own clients and projects. Stop formatting PowerPoints for your boss and do corporate reports you couldn't care less about. Do jobs you thoroughly enjoy. Find a position, that is so much fun it doesn't even feel like working anymore.
I find that you are way more motivated when you have a location independent job. You are simply happier when you can do it your way. When you get to choose your own workspace, your own schedule, and your own tasks. This also creates a sense of ownership since you are responsible for your own life and luck now. This freedom and independence feels great!
Talking about motivation. Since you can work from literally anywhere, you can also travel the world. You get to see all the amazing places you've always wanted to see and experience fascinating cultures. Work from Argentina, Tanzania, France or Sri Lanka. There are so many places to see and you are free to go wherever you want to.
You can use this independence as a financial advantage. Living in places like Southeast Asia can be way cheaper than the USA or Europe. Save money on accommodation, food, and transport. At the same time, you can work for clients in expensive countries. Chances are good that they are willing to pay higher prices. So in the best case, you earn more while spending less. Jackpot! Plus, if you do it right, you can live legally without paying income taxes.
Living and working in different cultures will also enlarge your world. You grow with the new influences and experiences. You discover what you are capable of and broaden your horizon. Become the best version of yourself!
I'm not going to lie; this lifestyle isn't always the easiest. It will bring new challenges in both your private and working life. But often, these difficulties can be a great benefit. They can be fun, exciting or interesting. Nothing you've ever experienced before.
Another great benefit of becoming a digital nomad is that your life won't be boring anymore. Hardly any daily routine, no dull moment, every day can be different if you want it to. When you look back at your life in the end you can happily say that you lived your life to the max instead of wasting it.
Since you can change your location whenever you like and work flexible hours, you also get the chance to do things you couldn't do at home. Snowboarding in Canada, kitesurfing in Sri Lanka, diving in Australia, or hiking in Peru – now you finally have the chance to do it.
Traveling also means that you get to know many people. But I'm not only talking about locals. The community of digital nomads is constantly growing. There are thousands of like-minded people around the world with the same lifestyle. Thanks to the internet it's super easy to make new friends and exchange experiences. Learn from others, you don't have to invent everything yourself.
Speaking for myself I'm most happy when I'm somewhere at a tropical beach. You prefer a colder climate? No problem! The digital nomad lifestyle allows you to live wherever in the world you feel most comfortable with the weather. No more rainy days or super humid nights if you don't want to. Choose a climate that makes you happy.
You are a beach type of person? Move to the beach! You prefer mountains? Go there! Work wherever you feel most comfortable.
Long-term traveling is a great way to meet friends or family all around the world. Maybe your great-great aunt lives in Kenia now and you've always wanted to visit her. Or your best friend from school days is studying in China at the moment. Use your location-independent work and spare them a visit.
At the same time, your current location can be a great opportunity for your friends and family to spend their next holiday. They can come and visit you wherever you are in the world and you can show them around and spend time with them.
If one person in an office is sick, it usually doesn't take too long for the rest of the team to get infected. Bacteria is easily spread in closed environments. Avoiding an office can decrease that risk. Being able to live at your own pace and listen to your body rhythm in terms of working hours also contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Plus, the happiness and positivity your new lifestyle brings aleads to a healthier body, too.
A big benefit of becoming a digital nomad for every food-lover is the fact that you have more opportunities to eat well. You don't have to rely on the food in staff canteens or cafeterias anymore, but can cook your own fresh food or go to your favorite restaurants.
When you are traveling a lot you learn how to live with less material possessions. You obviously can't carry a TV or expensive furniture or tons of clothes with you. Soon you'll realize that you don't need all this stuff anyway. Set yourself free from all the things you don't need and enjoy the freedom you have without all that. You will then start to value experiences way more than money or things. Many digital nomads enjoy a minimalist lifestyle, too.
As I just said, you don't need much to live and to be able to work. As a digital nomad, you usually need a proper laptop, a good smartphone, and an internet connection. Depending on what kind of work you do maybe a camera. But that's about it. That's your mobile office that you can carry around wherever you go.
You can study vocabulary as much as you like. But when it comes to learning a new language, nothing is as effective as actual practice. Becoming a digital nomad can help you with that. Travel to Latin America to learn Spanish! Since you have to speak it all day to get along, your language skills will soon improve.
Like I said in the beginning, the digital nomad lifestyle is one of the fastest growing ways of living we have today. That also means that there are many websites and blogs to get information from, many apps to stay connected and lots of tools to help you getting along. The market is constantly growing and soon this will be a very common lifestyle.
There is so much information and help out there for aspiring digital nomads. It has never been so easy.
How amazing are these advantages? There is definitely a reason why 79% of all questioned digital nomads expect to live this lifestyle forever. If you are convinced that you want to work remotely, have a look at this post to find out how to start your new life.
But keep in mind: Despite all the great benefits of becoming a digital nomad, this lifestyle is not the right thing for everyone. Check here if you have if you have all the necessary digital nomad skills. I hope this list helped you a bit if you are considering to change your current life and escape the treadmill.
Do you think there are more benefits of living a digital nomad life? Let me know in the comment section below!