Why and How to Build a Business Case to Become a Digital Nomad

Have you ever dreamed of working from an exotic location in another country? Perhaps a sunny beach in Bali, the colorful streets of Portugal, or the skyscraping city of Dubai. For many, this dream is a reality. From 2019 to 2024, the American workforce saw a major increase in digital nomad growth, according to MBO’s report on digital nomads and their experiences.

Being a digital nomad (or virtual nomad) offers numerous benefits for different people. Let’s explore why the digital nomad life might be right for you.

Definition of a Digital Nomad

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while traveling, embracing a digital nomad lifestyle that offers location independence. Today, 18.1 million American workers consider themselves digital nomads, according to MBO’s report. The rise of remote work, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, has played a significant role in this trend, allowing more workers to work as nomads or enjoy a digital nomad life while exploring new places.

Though workers like freelancers and independent contractors are often associated with digital nomadism, two-thirds of digital nomads actually hold traditional jobs. Many are younger, with 38% of them being Millennials, and they come from various fields such as IT, finance, education, and marketing.

Technology is key to this lifestyle, as digital nomads use digital tools to stay competitive. For instance, 86% of digital nomads say that technology helps them in their work, compared to just 47% of non-digital nomads.

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Why Should You Become a Digital Nomad?

The appeal of the digital nomad lifestyle goes beyond just traveling. Many digital nomads report being satisfied with their work and life balance, with nearly 80% in our report saying they are satisfied with their earnings. The freedom to live in countries with a lower cost of living while earning a higher income is a major benefit. Most digital nomads enjoy meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and continuing their work remotely from anywhere in the world.

The lifestyle is growing in popularity, with 72 million Americans planning to become digital nomads in the next 2-3 years. Many of these nomads expect to become a digital nomad permanently, while others are just getting started with the idea of becoming digital nomads.

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How to Start Your Career As a Digital Nomad

If you’re considering the switch to a digital nomad lifestyle, start by discussing it with your company. More businesses are adopting remote work policies, making it easier for independent contractors to work as digital nomads. With remote work technologies growing rapidly, many companies are now comfortable with independent contractors working from anywhere.

Many countries are also embracing the digital nomad trend, with over 45 nations offering digital nomad visa programs. These programs allow you to live and work in different countries while contributing to the local economy. As the remote nomads community grows, so does the support available, from cross-border health insurance to online platforms that help find temporary housing and digital nomad groups.

Technology makes this transition even smoother. With the rise of remote nomads and nomad remote work, companies are embracing digital tools that allow for seamless collaboration across the globe. Tools like remote collaboration software help create an environment where companies and digital nomads can thrive together.

The Next Step in Your Journey As a Remote Nomad

If you’re interested in becoming a digital nomad, start by checking out resources such as any digital nomad website or look for digital nomad groups where you can learn more and connect with like-minded individuals.

Want to take the next step to becoming a digital nomad? Download our Digital Nomad Sponsorship Template to start your digital nomad journey.