And I warn you right away: I don’t even work with a MacBook by the sea.
When I launched my book”Digital nomad” in mid-2019 I had no idea that a year after a global pandemic would popularize remote work and, consequently, interest in the topic of digital nomadism.
Practically every week an article comes out with advice for those who want to become a digital nomad, countries that offer special visas or executives who have decided to live by travelling.
That is great. It shows that more and more people are joining this lifestyle and work which favors flexibility of schedules and geographical freedom. But (you were just waiting for the “but”, weren’t you?), there is another not-so-cool side: stereotypes romanticizing digital nomadism.
Drop everything: clickbait vs reality
I’ve lost count of how many articles about people who “left everything to travel the world” I’ve read around. The characters are generally similar.
The guy who dropped everything to live in a remote place, preferably in Southeast Asia.
The young woman who dropped everything to travel alone with a backpack on her gap year and is sure to write a book about it.
And of course, there’s always the story of the couple who dropped everything for a trip around the world – doing it in a Kombi is a bonus.
While the characters in the examples above exist in the real world, albeit on a smaller scale, and their stories are inspiring, in my opinion this type of article does them a huge disservice. Damn. I will also write in bold: great disservice.
And don’t get me wrong: the problem isn’t the characters. They are living their truths. I applaud it. The problem lies in the way these stories are run by partly naïve journalists and content producers; part of the click seekers.
By romanticizing this seemingly perfect life of digital nomads, these clickbaits put off many interested people – who end up reading thinking that digital nomadism is something for those born with a golden spoon. The real thing is that I highly doubt the characters mentioned above just dropped everything.
Of course, I’m only speaking for myself here, but I definitely wasn’t giving up everything to travel the world, nor was I born with a silver spoon in my mouth.
When I decided to become a digital nomad, in 2016, I did detailed planning and double shifts as a CLT and freelancer for 1 year to save money in case something went wrong (it didn’t) until I resigned and “I left everything” in early 2017.
To abandon everything without planning is to enter the market without a parachute. And fall head over heels. On top of something sharp and rusty, with a high probability of contracting tetanus. I think I was clear on that part, right? Do not do it. It doesn’t matter what the hell your favorite guru says.
So if you want to quit your job, whether you become a digital nomad or not, ask for your bills the right way. Again: drop everything, from one hour to the next, only for those born with a golden spoon.
Travel the world: clickbait vs reality
Yes, I live traveling. Since 2017, I have visited nearly 30 countries and more than 50 cities around the world. This “living while travelling”, however, does not mean that my life is just a tour.
I work like shit. This work, however, is not done literally by the sea like the photos that illustrate most digital nomad articles. Yes, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible views, but most of the time I’m cooped up in an air-conditioned Airbnb.
By the way, imagine the horror it would be to literally work by the sea. The sand, the sun on the screen, back pain, the heat, sweat mixed with sunscreen… Step by step.
So does that mean digital nomadism isn’t so cool?
When I pursued digital nomadism as a way of life and work, my primary motivation was the feeling of freedom.
I wanted to have flexibility in my schedules and, above all, the possibility of traveling around the world without having to wait for the holiday period in the company. In fact, being available to travel at any time of the year allows me to take advantage of incredible offers on airline tickets.
Since I have flexibility with my schedule and usually work to deadlines, I can arrange to enjoy a beach during the day and work at night, for example.
That is, unlike the traditional tourist with a closed vacation itinerary, I travel on my own schedule and mood – I usually stay between 2 and 3 months in each location, so I can take things slow and still have a lot of work. .
It’s nice? A fucking hell. But beware of clickbaits.
Now, excuse me, I’m going to enjoy a beach – without a MacBook – today’s one is paid.
he is a digital nomad and has lived in 30 countries before settling in Paris.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
