Earn money regardless of location: These are digital nomads

Use of technological possibilities

Digital nomads are employees who are not tied to a fixed workplace to carry out their work, but rather travel around the world and do their work from a variety of locations. The lifestyle of the modern digital nomad has little to do with the austere life of classic nomadic peoples, whose non-sedentary lifestyle is often due to impending economic hardship as a result of changing climatic conditions. The voluntary decision of many Western workers to live a nomadic life today stems from a strong love of travel and adventure as well as the desire for maximum flexibility. The simple work equipment of many professions makes digital nomadism possible – for many professions these days you only need a laptop and a working internet connection.

Southeast Asia very popular

As StepStone reports, digital nomads typically work in affiliate marketing, travel blogging, social media, digital products, and e-commerce. Countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are particularly popular destinations for digital nomads and have developed into real hotspots. The reasons for this are the low cost of living and the good travel options. In Europe, cities like Lisbon, Prague and Berlin are particularly popular with nomads.

Millennials are particularly well represented

According to the foreign health insurer BDAE, millennials, i.e. those born between 1980 and 1997, are particularly well represented among digital nomads. The biggest appeal is undoubtedly the freedom to travel and explore the world while making money. While many workers have to go to the office every day, digital nomads have the opportunity to work on paradisiacal beaches or in exciting cities around the world. Another advantage is the flexible working hours and the opportunity to get to know other nomads from all over the world. Coworking spaces specifically tailored to the needs of digital nomads make it possible to quickly make contacts and exchange ideas.

However, when considering giving up your traditional office job and embarking on the adventure of digital nomadism, it is important to also consider the possible dark sides of such a life, which are often left out of portrayals on social media. Constantly changing the environment, adapting to new cultures and managing complex administrative processes such as visas and insurance can be complex and not for everyone. The time difference must also be taken into account, which can make communication with colleagues difficult.

Digital nomads can drive gentrification

It is undeniable that wealthy Western workers have a positive impact on the local economy in their destination through their consumer spending and tax payments. However, there are also negative effects of digital nomadism on the local population. In an article on the online platform Medium, author Paris Marx addresses the negative effects on local communities in emerging and developing countries. “The strong individualism rooted in the culture of digital nomadism ignores (and can harm) communities, both at home and abroad,” Marx said. There is often a lack of desire to improve the communities in which one lives. A particular negative impact is that the influx of wealthy Western workers will cause rents and real estate prices to rise drastically and lead to entire inner cities becoming increasingly gentrified. In countries where poorer sections of the population are particularly exposed to free market forces due to a lack of government regulation, this can lead to the destruction of native communities. If you decide to live as a digital nomad, it is important to respect the realities of the local population and to be aware of the influence you can have on them.

C. Kusche/editorial team finanzen.net