From digital nomad to anywhere worker: do you have what it takes to become one?

With more remote work options available nowadays, some argued that the idea of digital nomad is dead, at least no longer relevant to the post-pandemic world. This article explains what digital nomadism is, how its essence of being locational independent has become more mainstream and what it takes to make it work.

The idea of digital nomadism

The embryonic form of digital nomad first emerged in 1983 when the world’s first portable computer, Compaq Portable, was launched. Upon its launch, the PC World magazine proudly featured a man working on the computer by a swimming pool. Technology has enabled us to work wherever we want, even when we are on holiday.

Figure 1Credit: PC World magazine 1983

Source: https://www.holloway.com/s/gn-digital-nomads-a-brief-history

Fundamentally, a digital nomad means someone relying on technology to work remotely. As our society evolves to encompass more ways of living and working, the definition of a digital nomad has gained more nuances and has differed itself from other forms of remote work. Today, the term digital nomad specifically refers to those rely on the internet to work while travelling on a minimalist lifestyle.

Nomads are not tied down to any places — living in temporary housing and working in cafes, libraries or co-working spaces. Nomads usually travel frequently. Those who don’t travel as frequently call themselves “slomads”. Nomads are generally wary of the consumerist lifestyle and try to stay away from it by limiting their material and immaterial (such as TV subscriptions) possessions but “slomads” take it even further by choosing more environmentally friendly means of travel or adopting a slow living lifestyle.

The rise of anywhere workers

The pandemic has normalised remote works. More and more people feel that becoming a digital nomad is not too distant a dream. In fact, some has even claimed that the idea of digital nomad has been usurped by the prevalence of “anywhere worker”. There is no more digital nomads when everyone is nomadic or capable of being one.

The pandemic has also made available more remote-learning options. Alongside with the up and rising homeschooling movements, nomads can now travel as a family and develop travel-based education programme for their children. So there is not just anywhere worker, but also anywhere learner, or anywhere human.

When compared with traditional digital nomads who are mostly freelancers, 61% of the anywhere workers work full-time and the majority (84%) believe their line of work supports their ability to travel. With more flexible work options, going on “workcation” to countries with lower cost of living has become a very sensible option.

Do you have what it takes to become location independent?

Notwithstanding the differences between digital nomads or anywhere workers, becoming location independent requires similar qualities.

1.      Self-Discipline

One of the biggest challenges to live and work anywhere is maintaining self-discipline and staying productive. You will need to be able to manage your time effectively and stay focused on your work despite all the distractions from your temporary housing and  informal work spaces. Like living in your home country, you would still need to get your laundry cleaned, pay your bills and buy groceries, while carving out time to travel and appreciate the community.

2.      Adaptability

You will need to be adaptable to new environments and feel easy with uncertainties. For example, you will be constantly looking for places to live in the next few months or weeks. Workwise, you will be constantly exploring new internet networks and be prepared to let a disrupted internet connection to ruin your client meetings.

3.      Financially prudent

It would be more challenging to become location independent if you are already struggling to put food on the table but you don’t need to be rich either. Being financially prudent means that you can plan in advance and put aside some money whenever you get paid. One will need a certain amount of savings to help you move from one place to another and pay deposits upfront.