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Digital nomad: definition and way of life
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What does it mean to be a digital nomad?
Independent workers benefit from the freedom to set up their office anywhere in the world. A "digital nomad" is defined as a person who can work from anywhere thanks to the Internet.
While some "remote workers" operate throughout France, others do not hesitate to travel around the world. The goal? Discovering other cultures, constant tourism, and an immersive lifestyle.
Do you want to become a digital nomad, work from abroad, and take advantage of your youth to explore the entire world? At Weepo, our umbrella company, which cares about the interests of its consultants, ensures you receive tailored support. Learn about this growing societal phenomenon through our guide!
Digital nomad, digital nomadism: what is it?
Workers who adopt a nomadic lifestyle are advocates of "digital nomadism." To perform their profession, these digital nomads only need an Internet connection and a laptop. This privilege allows them to work remotely autonomously while also seeking new experiences to improve their quality of life.
Digital nomadism and telecommuting: what are the differences?
Telecommuting allows French and foreign employees to work outside of offices as part of their employment contract.
Digital nomadism, on the other hand, resembles a lifestyle that grants freelancers greater freedom. It allows them to work and travel simultaneously. Can you become a digital nomad without giving up the security of a permanent contract? It is possible thanks to wage portage with your trusted partner like Weepo.
A booming lifestyle
A recent survey by Pumble estimates the number of digital nomads to be 40 million by 2024. This relatively recent trend has seen a meteoric rise since the Covid pandemic.
What is the origin of this lifestyle? Timothy Ferriss and his theory of "The 4-Hour Workweek." The goal of this American entrepreneur and author in 2007 was simple: to avoid waiting until the age of 70 to enjoy life.
The context of the health crisis has facilitated the emergence of new forms of work, such as Flex Office with fully remote teams.
Nomadism has thus expanded to other web professions before becoming a true lifestyle.
| Education Level | Relationship | Employment Type | Workplace | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School | Higher Education | Bachelor's | Master's | PhD | In a relationship | Single | Full-time | Freelance | Part-time | Home office | Coworking space | Café | Office |
| 10% | 90% | 54% | 34% | 3% | 33% | 67% | 39% | 18% | 2% | 59% | 15% | 8% | 7% |
Profile of the Digital Nomad
Digital nomads come from different backgrounds with unique careers. Therefore, there is no typical profile. However, the vast majority of studies on the subject describe digital nomadism enthusiasts as young and dynamic individuals.
Digital nomads generally have a strong attraction to new technologies. This lifestyle attracts independent workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. An increasing number of employees from companies capable of working remotely are interested in opting for wage portage jobs compatible with nomadism.
The sectors that are most common include:
Art and creative professions;
Web writing and communication;
Information technology (web development, coding…);
Digital marketing;
Management;
Consulting;
Education.
Nomads can spend long days in the same place, in coworking spaces equipped with the necessary computer equipment. Despite their globe-trotting nature, they seek places that match their lifestyle. Therefore, priority is given to comfortable spaces that can offer as flexible a functioning as possible.
| Average time spent in a city | Average time spent in a country | Popular jobs among men | Preferred jobs by women | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 7 days | Between 7 and 30 days | Between 30 and 90 days | More than 90 days | Between 7 and 30 days | Between 30 and 90 days | More than 90 days | Software Development | Web Development | Digital Marketing | Creative | Education | Digital Marketing | Creative | UI/UX Design | Blogger | |
| 46% | 33% | 14% | 6% | 59% | 28% | 14% | 35% | 28% | 15% | 13% | 6% | 16% | 15% | 8% | 8% |
Wage portage: an effective solution for remote work?
If you are passionate about IT, there is a good chance that you are looking for a rewarding professional adventure in the IT sector. Wage portage allows you to realize your professional reorientation under the best conditions.
Many advantages for a digital nomad
To become a digital nomad in the IT field, you should minimize the administrative steps related to your activity. The umbrella company takes care of contracts, invoices, and other formalities required for your assignments.
You benefit from the advantages of an employee even when settling at the other end of the world. Enjoy a payslip in wage portage issued every month. The wage ported employee also enjoys complete social protection: retirement, social security, unemployment benefits...
The trap of a nomadic life lies in the isolation it can cause. With wage portage, you benefit from a strong professional network of IT consultants to grow peacefully and gain experience.
The contribution of an umbrella company for digital nomads
At Weepo, we are by your side at every key stage of your professional transition. Our team facilitates:
Finding assignments in wage portage;
Managing clients and the new activity;
Administrative formalities.
This way, you can prepare your digital nomad life more serenely. The uniqueness of our offer? A possibility offered to all independent consultants based abroad to work with French companies.
We leverage our network to allow you to explore new sectors of activity. Our teams also help you diversify your professional experiences to better guide your career.
Why work professionally from abroad?
Community Manager, web developer, graphic designer, web writer... The independent worker who embraces digital nomadism benefits from a pleasant living environment to practice their profession. The appeal of a country where the cost of living is lower also justifies the choice of this lifestyle.
Among the reasons that drive freelancers to nomadism, we also highlight the possibility of following your spouse who is an expatriate employee abroad. The digital nomad can more easily adapt their professional life to their private life.
To aspire to this life, the only requirements are a quality computer and a good wifi connection. Most places around the globe thus allow you to bring this project to life.
| Becoming a digital nomad | |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Limitations |
|
|
How to become a digital nomad?
The first step is to create your online activity. For example, you can open a dropshipping e-commerce store, create an online course, or become a blogger.
Digital nomads are also interested in social media (YouTube influencer, TikTok, Instagram...). Do you have experience in web development? Work on an application to monetize it. Are you a photographer? Sell your works on online image banks.
The next step is to become a freelancer. Officially launch your online activity. You can also adopt the status of an employee working remotely. Initiate the process with your superiors: ask to continue your functions remotely for a month. If refused, do not hesitate to start your own business on the side.
We recommend working with an umbrella company to start on solid foundations. Jobs related to multimedia, IT, and the web offer better compatibility with the life of a digital nomad.
What are our tips for becoming a digital nomad?
Some independent workers plan their move once abroad. The ideal is to anticipate all practical aspects of your move, regardless of its duration. Budget, accommodation, time zone, and working hours are key parameters for successfully executing your project. Here are some tips to better envision your project:
The budget to enjoy your geographical freedom
The nomadic lifestyle is characterized by its fragile financial balance. The digital nomad generally works independently. To address potential funding issues, establish a projected budget.
Before each trip, research the cost of living at your destination. Be sure to consider:
Accommodation costs;
The price of travel insurance;
The cost of food and hygiene.
We advise you to set aside a margin to deal with unforeseen events. Establish the budget several months in advance and ensure you have sufficient savings to cover potential expenses.
Once your activity takes off, pay yourself a fixed salary and save a portion of your income to cover any eventualities. Using an international umbrella company like Weepo helps address this aspect.
The question of accommodation
To work from abroad under the best conditions, every freelancer must ensure a minimum level of comfort. Choose your destination carefully. Coliving, with its concept halfway between coworking space and shared housing, suits the demands of digital nomadism well.
With this accommodation solution, you benefit from a complex of private, equipped, and furnished apartments. You also enjoy affordable rent and high-speed internet connection.
Digital nomadism and work planning
The independent worker must adopt a productive work rhythm and anticipate the uncertainties of their travels. Time zone differences also impact their time management and organization. They can disrupt their work rhythm, interactions with clients or partners in other time zones, and complicate the planning of their days.
The risks? Succumbing to the atmosphere of new places and having a hard time concentrating on your tasks. You may also develop an excess enthusiasm for your project and never manage to disconnect from work. These various situations highlight the importance of managing your time in wage portage or in total independence.
Our advice: set yourself working hours to establish a healthy work routine. This way, you will maintain a regular work rhythm and remain productive without forgetting to take breaks and keep a balance between your private and professional life.
Where to go as a Digital Nomad?
Ready to try the experience of digital nomadism? According to updated data from Nomad List, the best destinations to adopt this lifestyle are:
Bangkok (Thailand);
Da Nang (Vietnam);
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia);
Cape Town (South Africa);
Buenos Aires (Argentina).
In Europe, inexpensive destinations like Barcelona (Spain), Berlin (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), and Lisbon (Portugal) attract digital nomads. Cities like Sofia (Bulgaria) and Prague (Czech Republic) are very popular.
For the French, these places present no administrative constraints. You do not need to apply for a visa to go there, as they are part of the European Union.
Sources of statistics: https://pumble.com/learn/digital-nomad-visa/statistics/ https://fr.statista.com/themes/11286/les-digital-nomads/
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