COVID-19 felt like a fever dream. The silver lining is that it popularized telework. I changed jobs and never looked back. However, unlike others, I don’t just work from home — I travel the world with my trusty laptop. If I know one thing for sure, I’ll never return to an office.
Why I Will Never Return to an Office
As a digital nomad, I travel while working remotely. With my laptop and internet, I can connect to my colleagues on the other side of the world. It doesn’t matter whether I’m eating gyoza in Japan or floating down a natural lazy river in the Midwest.
Like most people, I didn’t realize remote work was an option until COVID-19 hit. There was a phenomenal rise in telecommuting in 2019 across every major industry. Even though I’m a digital native, I’ve worked my fair share of customer service and desk jobs. I’ve dealt with 30-minute rush-hour commutes and too-cold office air conditioners.
For some, returning to the same building and seeing the same people every day is great. They enjoy the stability it offers. I couldn’t help feeling out of place in that environment. Now, I’ve experienced the freedom of traveling during the workweek with nothing more than my suitcase and laptop bag. I could never willingly go back.
Plenty of people share this sentiment — including employers — because happy employees accomplish more. Even after accounting for prepandemic trends, remote workers are more efficient. Research shows 77% are more productive than their in-person counterparts. Whether I work a typical nine-to-five or log on as I please, I get more done.
What It Takes to Be a Digital Nomad
Of course, this life isn’t for everyone. It offers flexibility only if I’m self-directed and adaptable. I’ve had flights change at the last minute and Airbnb hosts cancel my booking the day of my trip. It takes resolve to pivot and remain professional in these situations.
Fostering My Independence
Self-motivation is key, especially when every bone in my body tells me to close my laptop and see the sights. It’s wonderful not having to pass every decision through a manager. However, that means I need to manage myself.
Managing my social battery is another skill I’ve had to foster. Sometimes, I go weeks without emailing anyone and it can feel isolating. Other times, I’m messaging someone for hours. My job doesn’t exist in a vacuum. I must make time for collaboration.
Accepting Lost Opportunities
I’ve had to accept that some jobs might not work out. For instance, a position with a defense industrial base contractor would be lucrative. However, I’d have to follow the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. There are extra CMMC policies for remote workers, which may lower my chances of getting accepted.
Countless telecommuting opportunities exist, so I’ve never had to worry about finding work. However, I’ve had to accept that not all companies are willing to hire me. If they want me to visit headquarters once a month or log on at a specific time, I simply find something else.
The Practical Aspects of Remote Work
A lot goes into being a digital nomad. I have to be meticulous and plan ahead to ensure I have everything I need to enjoy my travels and tackle my workload without missing a beat. It’s tough, but incredibly rewarding.
Finding a Place for Work
I’ve found that a mobile office setup is a lifesaver. Bluetooth devices and portable chargers are handy since I don’t have to worry about finding outlets. In addition to my laptop, I need a foldable stand and headphones. I can use a tablet as a second monitor. A reliable internet connection is a must. When I travel internationally, I use a virtual private network.
Balancing Work and Travel
I’m trying to have it all, so I must prioritize a work-life balance. Sometimes, finding time to squeeze in work is tough. Other times, I open my laptop at odd hours and stay online longer than I should. It’s easy for the line to blur when my office travels with me. I must draw a line in the sand to avoid burnout and ensure my lifestyle stays enjoyable.
What Being a Digital Nomad Taught Me
As a digital nomad, I have ultimate freedom — I’m not bound by business hours. People like me are more satisfied with their work than others. In one study, 79% were highly satisfied and just 4% were dissatisfied. Even then, that doesn’t necessarily mean they hate their lifestyle. They may just be looking for a job change.
I have had tremendous personal and professional growth while exploring the cultural enrichment that only comes from immersing myself in different environments. This experience has taught me to be more flexible, not to sweat the small stuff, and never to take opportunities for granted.
Return-to-Office Mandates
Companies have been sending return-to-office notices lately. If I ever get one, I’ll find other work. Like I said before, I’ll never go back. I prioritize my independence and I love the variety my current lifestyle provides. Instead of spending money on commuting and a business casual wardrobe, I’m exploring the world. Besides, there will always be a place for telework.
My Post-Pandemic Job Journey
My post-pandemic professional journey has had its ups and downs. Sometimes I get to take video calls from a tropical beach. Other times, I’m stuck in an airport without a charger in sight. If this lifestyle has taught me anything, it’s that there is beauty in variety. I wouldn’t trade this freedom for the world.
