Imagine it's Monday morning and instead of dragging yourself out of bed and commuting to the office, you snooze until you are fully awake then start the day with some yoga on the beach before settling down with your laptop on the terrazza of a café, your productivity aided by the stunning sea views. Imagine you work just the hours you need to, leaving you free to meet up with new traveller friends, relax on the beach or explore your current 'home' town. Imagine this is your daily routine: no commute, no office hours, travelling the world and living for a month or two in a new city or country before moving on. Unattainable fantasy? Well, maybe not.
For many digital nomads – location-independent travellers who work remotely – this is the reality. Taking advantage of cheaper air travel, better global internet connection and advances in technology that not only allow us to be in constant contact with people all over the world, but reduce the need for workers to physically be in the office to get the job done, the global digital nomad community is expanding rapidly.
Working from cafés, co-working spaces, or the terrace of their short-term Airbnb apartment, they are free to travel the world, setting up home (and office) wherever they fancy, and staying for as long as they please – or as long as their tourist visa allows. As a result, nomad hotspots full of busy co-working spaces have sprung up around the world in popular backpacker locations such as Chiang Mai and Ubud, and cheap European cities such as Lisbon. Online communities connect people with other nomads living or travelling in the same area and provide a network for advice and support, while companies such as Remote Year and Unsettled offer the chance to try out the nomadic lifestyle with more structure and organisation.
In an uncertain post-Brexit-vote Britain where the normal milestones of adult life – like a secure job, stable income or home ownership – appear unattainable for many millennials, the appeal of this nomadic lifestyle is obvious: freedom, a healthy work/life balance with an emphasis on the pursuit of happiness, and the chance to travel the world while working, not to mention that a salary paid in sterling goes a lot further in Thailand than it does in London.
But what about the less Instagram-friendly aspects of this lifestyle? Of course it's not all working from a hammock on the beach, but could digital nomadism offer a sustainable long-term alternative for a displaced generation deprived of job security and affordable homes? Ahead, we speak to four digital nomads about the reality of living the remote-working dream.
Molly, 33, is from London and is a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and marketer currently living in Hoi An, Vietnam. She has been working remotely for one and a half years, living in five countries.
What were you doing before you became a full-time digital nomad?
I spent five years in London working for a publishing company.
How did you become a full-time DN?
In 2015 I knew I needed to make a big life change, but I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. Later that year I took a leap of faith and quit my job with minimal savings, determined to somehow find a way to work my way around the world. I started by taking on a four-month work placement at a yoga school in India, doing their marketing. But after it ended, I started running low on money and quickly realised that I had to either find a more sustainable way of working, or go home. I'd never heard of 'digital nomads' before, but I'd met a few people working online and someone had recommended the book The 4-Hour Work Week to me, by Tim Ferriss. After reading it, things suddenly clicked into place and I was inspired to see if there was a way I could work remotely and keep travelling. I put a post out on social media that day offering freelance graphic design work and within a few days, I had enough work to keep me going for two more months. Suddenly, I had a business!
Describe your typical working day.
I usually start my day with yoga and coffee at home before heading out to work. I'd like to say I work from a beach or in a hammock, but I'd be lying (sand and laptops don't mix well!). I usually head straight to a co-working space or café where I'll grab breakfast, check emails and then stay there for the rest of the day. I have a number of different clients, so each day is quite varied and usually busy; it could involve anything from designing a logo to creating a newsletter or illustrating a book cover. At around 5pm I'll often Skype my clients back in the UK to touch base (that's morning time for them). I'll then finish around 6pm and head out to a local restaurant for dinner, often meeting up with other travellers or people from the co-working space for a drink.
What is your criteria for deciding where to move to and how long on average do you stay in each place?
My goal is to travel to at least four new countries each year, so I try and pick places I haven't been before. I always look for somewhere with good Wi-Fi, cheap cost of living, and ideally a co-working space. I prefer to stay in places for about three months at a time, that way I get to discover the area as a local, make friends and experience more than a tourist would. You also get much better deals on accommodation!
What is the biggest challenge about working remotely?
Self-motivation can be difficult; when there's no one looking over your shoulder or telling you off for being late, it's easy to procrastinate or get distracted. The freedom is great, but I still need to stick to a good routine otherwise I'd spend all my time under a palm tree and lose all my clients. Not being able to see my friends and family can also be tough. Some of the closest people in my life are back in London and I miss them. I've met lots of great people on my travels but after three months I tend to move on, so I have to make new friends all over again.
What have you had to sacrifice for this lifestyle?
There is usually a price to pay for freedom and in this case I think it's security. By going freelance and taking off across the world I gave up a lot of the comfortable perks that most people take for granted, such as knowing exactly how much money I'll get paid each month, or the benefits of a company pension scheme. I also miss small things like being able to drink tap water!
What effect has your nomadic lifestyle had on your relationships (romantic, family, friendship)?
Some old friendships have inevitably drifted apart, but others have grown stronger. With Skype, Facebook and WhatsApp it's so easy to keep in touch with people, so I try and speak to the people I love as often as possible and spend time with my friends whenever I'm home. In terms of making new friendships, the nomadic lifestyle has been great! I never had any intention of getting into a relationship while travelling but I actually ended up meeting my boyfriend in a café in the Himalayas. I think it's easier to meet like-minded people and build deeper connections when you're doing something that you love.
Best part about being a digital nomad?
For me the best part is seeing the world on an open-ended ticket. It's a dream come true to be able to wake up in a different country whenever I want and to continually explore and experience so many cultures.
How do you stay motivated and focused when the lines between 'holiday' and 'work' are blurred?
At first I found it really difficult. It's much harder to work when the sun is shining and you don't have a boss. I find that having a routine and sticking to it really helps, so I try and get up early and get to a co-working space for breakfast. Then, once I'm surrounded by lots of other digital nomads working away on their laptops, it’s a lot easier for me to focus on work and put that hammock out of my mind.
How long do you plan on living this lifestyle? Do you foresee one day returning to the 9-5 routine?
I'd like to keep travelling for as long as it makes me happy, so I haven't put an end date on it. I love working for myself, setting my own rules and making my own money so it's unlikely I'd return to the 9-5; I think I'd struggle to fit back into the mould.
Any advice for anyone wanting to quit the 9-5 and become a digital nomad?
Do it! The digital nomad movement is rapidly growing and there are more and more online jobs and opportunities now than ever before. Like all good things, it takes hard work, bravery and determination to take the first step, but the freedom and possibilities it can open up make it more than worth it.
Julie, 27, is from Belgium and is a content producer and video editor currently living in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico. She has been working remotely for four years and freelancing for nine months, living in four countries.
What were you doing before you became a full-time DN?
My first contract straight out of university was as a communication officer for six months back home in Belgium. I really tried to stick to the traditional way of doing things but it just wasn’t for me. I took a month of Portuguese lessons, found a job in a production company in Brazil, packed my bags and left. I haven’t looked back since.
How did you become a full-time DN?
At first I looked for short-term contracts that would take me to countries I didn’t know. That’s how I lived in Brazil and France. I also managed to find a job in Switzerland that took me to three continents and nine countries. Taking this type of job meant that I had the security of a monthly income for the foreseeable future (around six months per contract) but I could also explore my new home and enjoy a digital nomad lifestyle. Nine months ago, when I felt totally comfortable with the lifestyle and had enough money aside, I took the jump and became a full-time freelancer.
Describe your typical working day.
I’m an early bird so I like getting the things that are important to me done first thing in the morning. When I lived close to the sea that meant going for an early session of surf or going for a swim. I typically have a nice long breakfast and then I get on with my work day. I have deadlines and things I need to get done but I can organise myself and my day the way I want. That often means I will work hard in the morning and rest in the afternoon or go for a coffee because I know I am useless from around 2 to 6pm and that’s okay. I try to listen to my body as much as possible. I am not selling my time anymore but a service. So my aim is to be as productive as possible, not work as much as possible.
What's your criteria for deciding where to move to, and how long on average do you stay in each place?
I am a slow traveller, I like staying in one place around six months and learning the language as well as exploring every part of the country. So far it has been really organic, I just took opportunities here and there. For example, I never thought about going to Mexico before I went to visit a friend there. Now I live here and I am loving every minute of it. That’s what I love about this lifestyle. The freedom to fall in love with a new place unexpectedly and to move if it wasn’t what I expected.
What is the biggest challenge about working remotely?
1) Time management. There are two traps: working too much, and getting nothing done. It can be frustrating being inside working when it’s so nice outside. And it’s a challenge not to get influenced by other (holiday) travellers to go out and do all the touristy activities. It’s a process to find your own pace and to get rid of old working habits.
2) Finding a client base. Getting established can be hard, especially when you are on the move constantly. I would say the best way to get around that is to give the client more than what they expect and have an online presence. The first clients are the hardest to get, then it’s all about word of mouth.
What have you had to sacrifice for this lifestyle?
I have never felt like I was sacrificing anything. A lot of digital nomads say they sacrifice security for freedom. I’m not sure that’s true. No job is totally secure anymore. No place is totally secure either. I feel like having more than one source of income and being able to move whenever I feel uncomfortable is way safer than a traditional life would be. The only thing that I felt I needed after 3-4 years on the road, always sharing my space with strangers, was my own apartment. So I got one for three months and moved in yesterday.
What effect has your nomadic lifestyle had on your relationships (romantic, family, friendship)?
Actually, I have never had any issues making friends on the road. I have travelled alone since I was 17 and my friends and family back home have always known me as a nomad. They all knew my life was going to be 'alternative' so they weren’t surprised when it became what it is now. I try to go back to Belgium 2-3 times a year for big events like weddings and the holidays. As to my love life, travelling is part of who I am and I can’t compromise when it comes to that. It has meant ending relationships. Finding someone with the same lifestyle is definitely a plus but not an obligation.
Best part about being a digital nomad?
I’m never bored.
How do you stay motivated and focused when the lines between 'holiday' and 'work' are blurred?
I keep myself surrounded with people who understand my way of life and practise self-discipline. That also means putting limits so that you don’t work too much. It’s all about balance.
How long do you plan on living this lifestyle? Is it sustainable in the long term or do you foresee one day returning to the 9-5 routine?
I don’t, I am not sure I could. It is sustainable if you do it for the right reasons and if it’s in accordance with who you are. Your life is yours. Make it yours no matter what that looks like.
Any advice for anyone wanting to quit the 9-5 and become a digital nomad?
I think the best advice is to not see digital nomadism as one thing, as it’s often showed in the media. All that being a digital nomad means is that you can work from anywhere as long as you have your laptop. You don’t necessarily need to have a blog or an Instagram following. I have met professional poker players, traders, music producers, bitcoin specialists… All kinds of people do it and they all do it differently.
Lianne, 31, is from Teeside, currently living in Taiwan and is the cofounder of ethical clothing company Enchanted Rebels. She has been working remotely for two years, living in three countries.
What were you doing before you became a full-time digital nomad?
Waiting tables in a burger restaurant and auditioning (unsuccessfully) for drama school in London.
How did you become a full-time digital nomad?
I went to live off-grid in Portugal for a few months in 2015. I realised how much time I had on my hands when I was away from London and how strangely productive I was when I was holed up in the wilderness with a laptop. I had always planned to have my own business and it just went from there really.
Describe your typical working day.
It’s really boring! Sometimes I work in a coffee shop or café, sometimes I work in my apartment, sometimes I work in bed. If it’s the weekend I’ll work over lunch in a restaurant with a glass of wine (rock 'n' roll).
What's your criteria for deciding where to move to and how long on average do you stay in each place?
I chose Taiwan because it’s hot and cheap and I thought it’d be cool to learn some Chinese. I chose to settle here because it was right in the heart of Asia and close to lots of countries in east Asia that I wanted to see.
What is the biggest challenge about working remotely?
Loneliness, every DN I speak to says that. I think as remote work increases in popularity there are things to combat this, like co-working spaces, digital nomad retreats, mastermind events, etc but on a day-to-day basis it’s really easy to get sucked into your laptop and not communicate with anyone.
What have you had to sacrifice for this lifestyle?
Financial stability. Seriously, if you don’t think a waitress is financially stable then try starting your own business. The last couple of years have been pretty brutal.
What effect has your nomadic lifestyle had on your relationships (romantic, family, friendship)?
One of the reasons I’ve decided to stay in Taiwan is because of the amazing group of friends I have here. The nomadic lifestyle makes it very difficult to forge meaningful relationships in person. I have an amazing support network online that I can turn to but it’s not the same. For keeping in touch with family and friends back home, video calling is an absolute lifesaver.
Best part about being a digital nomad?
The freedom. If I want to spontaneously do something and jiggle my diary so I do a 12-hour day the following day, I can. I only ever managed 18 months doing a 9-5 in the city and there is zero chance of me ever going back to that.
How do you stay motivated and focused when the lines between 'holiday' and 'work' are blurred?
This is a tough one because I do work all the time. The longest I’ve had away from my laptop in the last few years is three days; even then I’m working on my phone but it just doesn’t bother me. Partly because I love what I do but also partly because sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work. Tapping away on your laptop outside a café in the sunshine is just so different to sitting in an office.
How long do you plan on living this lifestyle? Is it sustainable in the long term or do you foresee one day returning to the 9-5 routine?
This is me forever. The 9-5 is on its way out. It’s estimated that half of the US population will be self-employed by 2030; I’m not sure how this statistic translates globally but it’s certainly the way the world is going.
Any advice for anyone wanting to quit the 9-5 and become a digital nomad?
Identify your skill set or something you’re interested in. Do some online courses, start a side hustle, save some cash and book a one-way ticket to a digital nomad hotspot where the Wi-Fi is always good and the cost of living is cheap.
Hayley, 34, is from South Africa and currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She is the founder and CEO of Hayley's Online Co-Working Space and Global Location-Independent Ladies Association. She has been freelancing remotely for two years, living in seven countries.
What were you doing before you became a full-time digital nomad?
After graduating from university, I decided to try to see as much of the world as possible before I turned 30. I wanted to live life to the fullest before “settling down” with a full-time career. So I did many travel jobs – I worked in the Amazon Rainforest as a naturalist guide in Ecuador and Peru, I worked in a potato factory in Scotland and I taught English at private academies in South Korea. Last year I achieved my dream of standing on all seven continents – that was a pretty fantastic feeling.
How did you become a full-time digital nomad?
After I turned 30, I tried to emigrate to Australia to live with my parents and sister, but it didn't end up working out. Some friends of mine that own a recruiting agency in England offered me a remote job as a recruiting manager, placing English teachers at schools around the world. That was my first taste of being a digital nomad and I was hooked! Unfortunately, I had to leave the company in November last year, but the thought of giving up the DN lifestyle was enough to kick me into action to learn how to run my own online business! I'm also extremely interested in cryptocurrencies, so I now fund my lifestyle with my income from that as well.
What's your criteria for deciding where to move to and how long on average do you stay in each place?
I look for community. Being around like-minded people for a couple of months at a time can be pretty incredible for personal development.
What is the biggest challenge about working remotely?
Of course being away from family when I’m travelling. It’s hard when you miss special days like birthdays. But that’s where this lifestyle shines actually. Now that I’m free to move around, I can schedule my trips so that I’m home as much as possible for special days of the year.
What have you had to sacrifice for this lifestyle?
I’ve had to give up the comforts of having my own home with my own things. But to be honest, it’s not a big deal for me at all. Home to me is not things, it’s people.
What effect has your nomadic lifestyle had on your relationships (romantic, family, friendship)?
Well, let’s just say that one thing I dislike A LOT is all the goodbyes. It’s really not easy. But then at the same time, I have a lot of hellos to look forward to, which creates a nice balance!
Best part about being a digital nomad?
I honestly just feel free and it is the best! Many of us aim for specific careers, thinking that they’re going to make us happy, and yes, while that may be true to a certain extent, often what’s really going to make us happy is time and location freedom. Once we have time and location freedom, then we can truly concentrate on our passions and create amazing things in this world.
How do you stay motivated and focused when the lines between 'holiday' and 'work' are blurred?
One thing that I’ve found that works really well is having a co-working community around me. It’s actually one of the reasons why I created my online co-working space for online entrepreneurs. We meet each day for a 90-minute power co-working session to get things done and we’re now meeting in person in Chiang Mai for weekly Ladies Coffee and Co-Working afternoons, which have been fun! When other people are working around us, it helps to give us that extra bit of motivation/accountability. I actually find that I’m more productive as a DN though – it’s amazing how much you can achieve when you’re not hating the fact that it’s Sunday night!
How long do you plan on living this lifestyle? Is it sustainable in the long term or do you foresee one day returning to the 9-5 routine?
I think I will always travel – just that as I get older, things will slow down a lot. To be honest, it’s really not about the travel, it’s about meaningful moments and experiences. Who knows, five years from now, I may be getting those meaningful experiences from living in one place – and I’m completely okay with that.
Any advice for anyone wanting to quit the 9-5 and become a digital nomad?
Ask yourself whose permission you might be waiting for before you take the leap. If you want something, you have to give yourself permission. Most of all, give yourself permission to fail.
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