In just a few days I’ll be delivering a few presentations on the concept of being a digital nomad. I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous about a topic. I think it is largely because the idea of being a digital nomad is so broad and almost defies definition to so many. But over the next month I hope to bring about some of the finer points of this type of lifestyle and what it takes to start, maintain, and succeed at.
When I think back to my first experience traveling alone or from a backpack I smile from ear-to-ear. Travel as a 25-year old was so much simpler. I was armed with a 3,870 cubic inch internal frame backpack and I was set to explore 50 states in 50 weeks. I was part of a mission team so I wasn’t exactly alone but much of what I did was singular in nature and certainly a new adventure. Even as a missionary I had primarily pleasure on my mind. After all, I was exploring the open road of the US. In my backpack was a few changes of clothes, a basic point-and-click camera, my Bible, a journal, a few pens, and my 13″ MacBook. When I wanted to eat, I ate. When I wanted to explore, I explored. When I was tired, I slept. When I wanted to lay back and prop up my feet, I did so. I more or less did things as I wanted to or as I felt led to and was limited only by my savings account.
Things have changed though. In the 14 years since I have been married, started a family, discovered the tiny house community, held jobs, etc. 17 months ago though I hit the road as a digital nomad working in a location-independent role. My job is 100% Internet-reliant. In days gone by I hardly had anything online other than an email account and a MySpace account that I rarely used. But now I do everything in business and pleasure online. In fact, as I write this I am sitting at a small booth outside the shower and laundry room facilities at a Pilot Travel Center in central Kansas. So before when the Internet was down I would just go explore the area I was in or pick up a book to read a few pages, etc. My life now though is all too familiar with poor connections, over-used cellular data packages, and random hours at greasy fast food chains just off the Interstate. The web has become my lifeblood and without it I put myself, my family, and my job at risk. Imagine a grown man staring at a spinning wheel of death waiting for a WordPress page to load and then giving an audible expression of agreement when it does. Yeah. It’s not pretty sometimes!
So why even mess with it? I’ll explore that. Trust me. It is a big component in being a digital nomad and deserving of its own post almost. In the meantime though it is important to preface all digital nomad discussion with the challenge it presents. The balance of work and play can sometimes be mind-numbing on the road. In a couple of situations I have been sitting at a campground picnic table watching my wife and daughter swimming and having a good time or getting up early to beat the breakfast crowd at Chick-fil-A and get a table for the next few hours. It’s not for the weak at heart. It requires steely determination and sometimes more concentration than you would typically display in a corporate office. If I ditch work hours to explore I get behind on work and ultimately pay a penance. But if I work all the time and ignore my surroundings I end up feeling like I have escaped nothing and am just living my once “normal” life but on the road from a much smaller suitcase.
That and more is what I hope to bring to the Tiny House Jamboree in just a few days. I hope to debunk the myth of the working gypsy and show how being a digital nomad means you are location-independent and have the option of relocating – whether you do or not! I also hope to shed light on some Apps, software, tools, that I use regularly and that help me in my endeavors. But I ask you. What do you want to know about being a digital nomad? What perplexes you about being location-independent yet still able to pursue career goals?
I ‘work from home’, which means I often take my work to a local coffee shop to get away from the distractions of house work or the dog. I have gotten used to the potential public distractions in a place of business, but the one thing that has been eating at me lately is the expense. I try to keep food and drink to a minimum, but many times I feel obligated to purchase more to ‘pay my way’. The last thing I want to do is create ill will with the businesses I frequent because they think I’m squatting. How do you handle this? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Hey there Brian. I get what you are saying. I truly do. I handled the situation a couple of ways. First off, I built a small (8-foot by 8-foot) “tiny office” and made that my home office. I really enjoy it. It isn’t much but it fits my needs. I have high speed WiFi, I am still at home, and it isn’t fancy so I don’t mind leaving it…ever. When I need to get out though I do a balancing act between the public library and a couple of cafes. I try to find a seat in an unpopulated area that is not a great view or a cool place to sit. When I buy whatever I feel is appropriate (never over about $4/day though) I tell the barista or counter person that I am going to work over at “that” table for a bit and I then ask if that is okay with them. I have yet to hear a no. I have sometimes even said, “if I get in your way just give me the boot. Sometimes I can get lost in my work.” I really appreciate your concern Brian and I think patrons like you are appreciated all the way around. Don’t feel obligated to spend tons of money though. At the same time, try not to make their business your office space. Find that balance.
I want to know how you find and connect with PAYING opportunities to live the digital-nomad life.
Thanks!
It’s coming on next week’s post. Don’t you worry Beth!
Cool! Looking forward to it.
Or…must one create one’s own from scratch?
Details…give us the juicy details. :^)
Nice Furniture!
Do you ever have the need to print for your job? As I grant writer in an office I got used to printing lengthy proposals on an industrial machine. When I work remotely, I don’t have that luxury. Trying to decide if I should purchase a small printer or print from libraries, etc.
I think that would be determined by your office (assuming you work for a company). Would they reimburse you for prints and binding? If so, I would upload to an office supply house or a small print shop, place the order, and then pick up using the method of payment approved by your company. A small printer would more than likely destroy you in ink costs.
I work part-time and my job is totally done over the Internet. I have been seriously considering living in an RV so I can spend more time with friends and family in different parts of the country. But my job is medical transcription and so I need a quiet space where I can hear the doctor’s dictation and also maintain the confidentiality required when working in medical records. I also need a fast, reliable internet connection. So I would love to hear any ideas or suggestions you have that could make that possible.
Please take a look at past Tiny House Blog articles (including a video or two) that talk about those very topics (especially Internet connection). You may also want to check out Technomadia online. They are the authority on RV life and Internet. It is by far the most difficult part of a digital nomad life. It will require some investment (cellular data plans, etc). As for a quiet place. That is determinate on you, methinks. Some people can work through Armageddon while others need absolute stillness. You would have to create that space for yourself. I am afraid I can’t help there. Your idea sounds wonderful though. I say go for it!