A Day in the Life of a Digital Nomad
Over the last couple of years, the pandemic and the need to pivot around how we get work done globally has given rise to a new digital nomad lifestyle. Thanks to technology, digital nomads travel the globe unfettered and can work from anywhere, enjoying a work life rich in freedom, and free of structure. When asked, they report greater productivity, more free time, and greater job satisfaction. Nomadism redefines work-life balance by removing its literal and geographical boundaries.
The morning routine
Digital nomad life is unique to the individual and their location. But no matter how varied the lifestyle and profession, they do have some specific things in common. Without an office to commute to, digital nomads are free to start work when they like and where they like. Many choose to get up early and take advantage of their time zone’s peak productivity hours, while others prefer starting later in order to spend more time with friends or family at night. The truth is that there’s no right or wrong way—just make sure you’re working on something that matters, or that you find fulfilling. A recent study by The Workforce Institute found that productivity peaks between 8:00 am and noon for most people, which means if you want to get your best work done first thing in the morning, setting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier can lead to more productive days overall. Some research even suggests waking up before 6:00 am could be one of those secrets behind highly successful people.
The evening routine
With flexible work hours, the afternoon can be used for exploring, adventure and the life part of the work-life balance. Many focus on taking advantage of the opportunity by carving out a few hours every day to take in the surroundings. The daily routine is not so much about getting things done as it is about being present and making time for activities that enrich your life.
The evening hours can then be used to finish up anything remaining of your day's work, or for taking in the local nightlife. Because digital nomadism fosters flexibility, nomads can switch between work and play at any time and without regard to place. In fact, many nomads will fit in some travel every week and often have their next adventure already lined up.
Nomad Life Hacks
Connectivity
Get an international cell phone plan: If your nomad work requires connectivity, you’ll need a reliable way to be reached. Spotty wifi can make you seem unreliable, so best to have backup options.
Premium VPN only, thanks. A secure virtual private network is a great way to connect from a variety of locations without losing sleep over the security of every wifi connection you use.
Caffeine
Up your travel coffee game. Say no to instant coffee sludge on-the-go, and yes to a travel coffee grinder and a hand-held coffee press. Either or both can easily be stowed in your carry-on and can help keep you caffeinated for the work part of your day.
Memories
Invest in a sick new camera. No, not your iPhone.
Admin
Health Insurance. You just never know.
Simplify your worldly life: the devil’s in the details, so stay on top of tax residency laws, or when travel visas expire, by streamlining it all with Chrono - an app that simply and automatically captures where, when, and how long you have been in a certain place. You can set goals for tax residency (to help you achieve or avoid), but also input your visa duration so you can take it all off your mind, and spend more time being present and enjoying wherever you are.
