The idea of working as a digital nomad has been popularised and romanticized in recent years, with many touting it as being the ultimate approach to adult life. Digital nomads travel the world, never remaining in one place for too long, and making money using their laptops and the Internet. Many people were worried that this lifestyle was threatened during the pandemic, with its accompanying travel bans and nationwide lockdowns. In this article, we look at what it means to be a digital nomad and whether this way of life is still feasible.
What is a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is a person who is able to work entirely remotely, usually on a self-employed or freelance basis, traveling the world and moving from place to place as they do. These people often work in creative industries and are marketers, writers, photographers and influencers, and so on. Unlike with traditional jobs, the digital nomad’s job doesn’t require them to go to any physical place or meet anybody in person, as such they are free to work wherever they like, often at times of their choosing.
These entrepreneurs enjoy a great deal of freedom through their lifestyle, as they are not tied to a 9 – 5 job, nor a house with a mortgage. Instead, they live somewhat minimalistically, having few possessions so as not to be dragged down by them. Thailand is the most popularly visited country by digital nomads, followed by Vietnam. These countries are well-suited to hosting digital nomads because living costs are relatively cheap and with most of them earning wages in Western markets, they have more than enough money to get by.
Can I still become a digital nomad?
You can certainly still become a digital nomad, though it may be a bit more difficult than it used to be. Due to new restrictions that are in place worldwide, crossing borders and gaining access to countries may be more inconvenient now and there may also be rules that you have to follow while in transit. If you have both doses of the COVID vaccine, you shouldn’t be hindered too severely in your travels, but you will probably still need to wear a mask on planes and other transport. COVID tests are also still in use in many airports.
There are still approximately 55,000 British ex-pats in Thailand, a good portion of which will be digital nomads, so this is evidence the lifestyle can still be achieved. You can raise money to kick-start your life as a digital nomad by selling cash for tech, such as unwanted phones or laptops. You can also set up profiles on freelancing websites to start generating some money remotely and lay the foundations for your money supply that you will use when traveling. Or you could even start a drop shipping business from an Asian country, where manufacturing costs are much lower.
