The Digital Nomad Trend

Fancy developing your business while soaking up the sun on a white sandy beach? Make yourself comfortable and find out more about the concept of digital nomadism, a lifestyle that's becoming increasingly popular around the world.

What exactly is a digital nomad?

The idea of digital nomadism only really took off about fifteen years ago. The first person to come up with the idea of combining geographical freedom with work was Tim Ferriss in his book The 4-Hour Work Week. He wanted to avoid having to wait until he was 70 to enjoy life.

Since the turn of the century, there have been a number of changes in the way work is organised and structured. For example, we've seen the rise of remote working and the 'flex office' (premises where employees don't have their own office), which are already tending towards the idea of greater flexibility. With the rise of the internet, bloggers and content creators picked up the baton and started spreading the trend of mobile working, taking their communities with them as they worked and travelled. Nomadism quickly spread to other web-based professions before becoming a lifestyle in its own right.

Digital nomadism isn't a job, it's a way of life. In practical terms, a digital nomad is someone who uses new technologies (laptop, tablet, smartphone, internet connection) to work from anywhere in the world. They're not tied to one place, so they can move from city to city, or even country to country.

Who are these digital nomads?

The digital nomad trend is largely driven by the new generation of workers. They've grown up at the same time as computers and new technologies have developed, and they've always been immersed in the world of the web. This is the same generation that grew up with laptops in their hands and is now very much in favour of a better work-life balance.

They can travel alone or choose to live in shared spaces, such as the Hife co-living residences. Another thing about being a nomad is that you learn to live in a community in a whole new way (we go into more detail in our complete guide to living in a community).

Digital nomadism is mostly for people who have a digital job that they can do completely remotely and who are happy to live a nomadic lifestyle. To get started, digital nomads can choose between different statuses, depending on what they want to achieve and what they're looking for.

Freelancer

If you're looking to become a digital nomad, freelancing is probably the easiest and most common way to do it. The great thing about freelancing is that you can get into a new field very quickly without having to go through all the usual administrative processes.

Freelancers work independently, doing one-off jobs for clients they find directly or through their own network. They also make sure to post their CVs on online freelance platforms to expand their network. Prospecting is a big part of freelancing. It's how freelancers find and keep clients.

Freelancers are often paid directly by the client, either by the hour, day, week, number of sheets or project. This means that freelancers need to be able to find work on a regular basis to make ends meet. On the other hand, they have the freedom to choose their clients, projects and working hours.

Self-employed entrepreneurs

What if you became an entrepreneur and went into business for yourself? There are some great advantages to being your own boss if you want to live a nomadic lifestyle. You can set up your business online in just a few clicks, so you don't depend on anyone but yourself. Once again, it's a guarantee of freedom and flexibility in your work.

If you're a freelancer, you can start with beginner skills and build up your experience. But if you want to be an auto-entrepreneur, you need to have a good grasp of the basics because you need to make sure your business is financially viable. It might take a little more patience, but if you can do it, it's a great option.

Employees who work 100% or completely remotely

People who work from home full time or remotely all the time are becoming increasingly common. This option gives you financial stability and the freedom to work wherever you want. It gives you a degree of security and a more relaxed mindset, as nomadism is still an uncertain way of life. It can lead to periods of great success as well as times when it is more difficult to make a living.

Although this type of operation is becoming more common, it's still hard to find a company that uses 100% remote working, especially in France. It's more common abroad, especially in the United States.

5 job ideas for digital nomads

In recent years, technology has made digital jobs more popular. It may seem like there aren't many options, but there are actually more and more ways to become a digital nomad. I've put together a few examples of roles that lend themselves well to the digital nomad lifestyle.

Web copywriter

A job like web copywriting doesn't necessarily mean working seven hours a day in an office, which is why most web copywriters prefer to work freelance. This means they can achieve the same results with complete geographical freedom.

A web copywriter's job is to write content that's optimised for the web. They work for companies, associations or individuals, like professional bloggers. From blog posts to product sheets to editorial pages, web copywriters know their way around a wide range of topics. And there's no better way to get their creative juices flowing than with a breathtaking view of an idyllic beach or the exotic scent of a city on the other side of the world.

Community Manager

All you need to work as a Community Manager is an internet connection on your laptop and/or smartphone. They manage the social networks for the companies they work for. They know Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok like the back of their hand and work to develop communication strategies to attract potential new customers and raise the profile of brands and companies.

They're responsible for scheduling company posts on social media, responding to comments and questions from subscribers, and generally producing content.

Graphic Designer

The world is your oyster if you're a graphic designer, as it's perfect for someone who manages the entire visual identity of a company. A graphic designer is someone who knows all about graphics and visual communication. They create illustrations, designs, logos and flyers for a company and also work on websites to oversee the visual aspect.

You can work as a graphic designer for a company or as a freelancer. DTP (desktop publishing) tools have become much more widely available in recent years, so it's now possible to produce digital graphic content.

Web Developer

It's a great job for digital nomads because, apart from their laptop and an internet connection, web developers have no geographical constraints. They can work anywhere because they have all the tools they need on their computer. Coding websites, mobile apps, software and more. The great thing about these roles is that you can work from anywhere, whether it's New York or Tokyo.

Photographer

Do you have a keen eye, a creative mind and are you always on the lookout for the most extraordinary photo? Why not consider becoming a nomadic photographer? You could focus on travel or wildlife photography, constantly discovering new landscapes and subjects, each more incredible than the last.

It's also a great way to make a name for yourself. You can shoot in all sorts of places and share your work with an international audience. It's also a great reason to explore.

This is just a quick overview of jobs that are compatible with being a digital nomad. The important thing to remember is that this lifestyle is open to anyone with a laptop and a backpack who wants to see the world.

Essential equipment for digital nomads

To be successful in their nomadic adventures, digital nomads need to ensure that they are properly equipped, both to facilitate frequent travel and to produce quality work. So what's essential if you're a digital nomad?

Reliable internet access

The first key element for a digital nomad is access to a good internet connection. In fact, a digital nomad is nothing without a WiFi network, as they are essentially working online. Fortunately, access to free Wi-Fi in cities and accommodation (hotels, Airbnb, shared spaces) is becoming increasingly easy.

Powerful IT equipment

Digital nomads need computer equipment that suits their needs. The laptop is their main tool, so it's important to choose carefully: a lightweight computer that's easy to carry is ideal.

You should also choose your computer according to the power you need for your work. If you're a web editor or translator, for example, you won't need as powerful a computer as a content creator or graphic designer. The three most important criteria when choosing a laptop are

·       A powerful graphics card

·       A fast processor

·       Good battery life

It's also a good idea to get a mouse for added convenience and an external hard drive to back up a copy of your data.

The right luggage

For a nomadic lifestyle, you need to make sure you have luggage that can hold all your gear without weighing you down. A backpack is essential for carrying your computer, personal documents, water bottle and sunglasses, of course! It's best to invest in an ergonomic backpack that's designed to hold computer equipment and is modular, with several compartments to divide your belongings.

As a nomad, you're constantly packing, unpacking and repacking, so you might as well make the process quick and easy! To make the task easier, there are luggage organisers, storage boxes that can be placed inside your suitcase to save space and time. These organisers come in different sizes to suit your needs and allow you to separate T-shirts, trousers and underwear in no time at all.

A mobile kitchen set

To avoid wasting food and make it easy to transport, a kitchen kit can be very useful. You can use retractable, airtight dishes that don't take up much space in your luggage when folded, and add reusable cutlery. This is not only better for the environment, but also more economical as you can prepare your own food without having to eat out every meal.

A universal plug adapter

This is an essential accessory to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. If you're travelling to another continent, you'll need a plug adaptor as plugs are not the same as in France. We advise you to buy one before you leave, as it will be one less thing to worry about when you arrive. You can buy a universal adapter for around 15 euros in shopping centres, hypermarkets and electronics stores.

An external battery

For peace of mind, consider buying an external battery. It will give you extra convenience by allowing you to charge all your devices. It also gives you extra battery life when you don't have a power outlet nearby, which is often the case for digital nomads. With your external battery, you can relax in your hammock on the beach and work without worrying about running out of power.

And why not a loan for young professionals?

There's still plenty of equipment to complete your digital nomad kit, so it's up to you to decide what you need. Either way, you're now ready to start your nomadic lifestyle with the essentials!

Tips for organising your digital nomad life

You don't prepare for a digital nomad adventure like you would for a week's holiday. Plan your trip in advance and think about things like money, where you'll stay, and how you'll socialise. Here's some advice to help you enjoy your digital nomad adventure.

Think about your budget

The nomadic lifestyle is uncertain, especially financially. Most nomads are self-employed, so it can take time for your business to make money.

Make a budget in advance. This will depend on where you're going, how expensive it is and what standard of living you want. Think about the cost of accommodation, food, hygiene and insurance. Leave a margin for the unexpected.

If you can, save enough to cover your needs for several months before you leave. Make sure you have enough money to get by if things go wrong. It's safer to pay yourself a fixed salary and save at the start of your business.

Travel light

If you're going to be moving around a lot, don't load yourself up with bulky luggage. Think about what you need before you leave and pack only the essentials. Travelling light makes life easier and calmer.

The nomadic life is minimalist. Choose items carefully according to your destination. Don't take your entire wardrobe!

Work and leisure should be balanced

When you travel and work alone, your work and personal life become more intertwined. It can be difficult to find a balance between work and relaxation. You can get caught up in your project and never disconnect from work. Or you might lose focus on your tasks because you're enjoying the holiday atmosphere.

The best thing to do is set a schedule so you can establish a routine: that way you can keep a steady pace and stay productive, and you can take full advantage of the nomadic experience when you're resting or exploring. Coworking spaces are available in major cities.

Connect with other digital nomads

Being a nomad can be very lonely. To make connections and chat with people who share your lifestyle, don't hesitate to meet other digital nomads and talk about your new lifestyle or your latest discoveries of interesting podcasts.

Many nomads share their experiences online. There are also meetings and conferences around the world.

Experienced travellers can give you advice and help you progress. It's also a great way to network and find clients.

Think coliving

To meet new people, discover coliving, the concept of 100% nomadic living like Hife. This new way of living in community, sharing private and communal living and working spaces, is a flexible, practical and friendly way of accommodating nomadic travellers.

Coliving is a booming concept: a real economy has developed around this lifestyle, with many new structures opening every year. With Hife, you can discover coliving residences in Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, etc.

Although not exclusively aimed at nomadic travellers, coliving is a preferred option for those who experience nomadism. This type of accommodation allows for short, long or even recurrent stays in fully equipped facilities offering a wide range of services: sleeping, eating and drinking, working, sports and cultural activities.

Above all, coliving gives digital nomads the opportunity to share and exchange with people who share their lifestyle.

Embarking on the digital nomad adventure is the perfect opportunity to start a professional activity off the beaten track. Digital nomads are a growing, dynamic and creative community. It's a concept with needs that Hife meets with its living and working spaces open to all.

Visiting the capital? Make the most of it with an after-work party in Paris!