Digital nomads have been a fascination for a while, and at one point, it seemed like many devs wanted to join their ranks. Forced by the pandemic, many companies shifted to remote work resulting in the global community of digital nomads seeing a remarkable surge in numbers.
Since then, the term has gone mainstream, and many have a different definition of it. To keep things simple, we'll adopt the widely accepted definition proposed by Annika Müller in her research:
“The term “digital nomad” describes people who no longer rely on work in a conventional office; instead, they can decide freely when and where to work. They can essentially work anywhere, as long as they have their laptop with them and access to a good internet connection.”
The initial hype surrounding the digital nomad lifestyle seems to have quieted down. It's not a lifestyle suited for everyone, and the reality is that blending travel and work presents its unique set of challenges. Additionally, many companies have reverted to in-office work or adopted a hybrid model, limiting the flexibility typically associated with the digital nomad lifestyle.
Despite that, according to the Digital Nomads 2023 report, the number of people choosing this lifestyle continues to grow. There may come a time in your life when working from your usual location is not an option. Numerous reasons could lead to this, making it crucial to be well-prepared without compromising your professionalism.
Maintaining professionalism while embracing the nomadic developer lifestyle is not an easy task. In this article, we'll explore common pitfalls associated with the nomadic lifestyle and provide insights into managing the challenges of work while away from your typical daily routines.
Advantages
There are numerous advantages that nomadic developers often consider when choosing this lifestyle. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Flexibility
Not being tied down to a single location is one of the most convincing benefits. The rising cost of living also contributes to people opting to work from more affordable areas.
- Exposure to diverse cultures and experiences
The highlight of this lifestyle is the ability to experience different locations and countries without having to wait for vacation time.
- Enhanced work-life balance
According to the report, 80% of digital nomads are satisfied with their work-life balance, compared to 59% of in-office professionals.
Disadvantages
While the idea of the nomadic lifestyle may seem thrilling, it's essential to consider the challenges it presents. Keep these factors in mind when deciding to embrace the digital nomad trend. Here are some of the most common disadvantages:
- Isolation and loneliness
Oftentimes, you'll find yourself far away from your friends and family. Moreover, many find it difficult to integrate into the new culture and meet friends.
- Time zone differences
Depending on your chosen location, differences in time zones can be drastic. Although many companies are flexible, the majority require you to be accessible and responsive during their work hours. It is important to keep this in mind when choosing your remote location.
- Security and reliability concerns
Issues such as unprofessional workspaces, unreliable internet, noisy environments, and security concerns can significantly impact your work, potentially jeopardizing your professionalism.
Your work environment
The significance of your work environment in maintaining professionalism
Your work environment significantly influences your productivity and the quality of work you produce. Some individuals embrace the digital nomad trend with the misconception that they can work from a hotel lobby or even a beach bar, which couldn't be further from the truth.
While the nomadic lifestyle is often depicted with a cocktail in hand and a sun chair, we strongly advise against approaching it in such a manner. Instead, exercise the same caution in choosing your dedicated workspace as you would at home.
Setting up a dedicated workspace in your chosen location
Setting up a dedicated workspace in your chosen location is crucial. Ensure you have a designated, separate space that is professional and conducive to work. When selecting a location, plan in advance and make certain you have all the necessary tools, from hardware to software, as well as a suitable background.
Creating a professional atmosphere within your workspace
Creating a professional atmosphere within your workspace is crucial. Locate a quiet and isolated area where you can work without interruption. Ensure the internet connection is fast and consistent. Pay attention to your background, ensuring it appears professional and appropriate, especially during client meetings.
Prepare all the necessary hardware: screens, a mouse, a keyboard, and a professional headset are all must-haves. Make sure to purchase or bring these essentials with you.
Choosing the right location
- Factors to consider when selecting your travel destination
Before deciding on your work location, make a list of your priorities and factors that affect your work. While this list might differ for each person, there are a few common considerations. One of the most crucial is the time zone. Ensure you select a location with a similar time zone to your employer's or one where you can work during their work hours.
Other factors that will impact your experience include budget, internet connection, language, safety, housing, and community. Feel free to create your own list and assign different priorities to those factors.
- Safety and infrastructure considerations
Once you have aligned with your priorities, it's time to do your research. Luckily, nowadays, there are plenty of resources and information available to make your choice easier.
Nomadlist is a great source, scoring different locations based on the votes of other remote workers. Make sure to study closely all the information you’ll find there, especially regarding the safety and infrastructure of the place. The site also provides information on internet connection, budget requirements, and other important factors.
- Balancing work requirements with personal preferences
Now to the fun part. Once you've made sure that the location is a good fit and has all the necessary requirements for your professional life, you need to evaluate if it's a good fit for your personality.
Does it have a great expat community so you can easily meet friends? Or maybe you want to immerse yourself in the local culture - do you speak the local language, and would you be able to learn the basics fast enough? Are you looking for big city life, or do you prefer being in one with nature? Once you answer these questions, you’ll be closer to choosing your next remote work location.
Where to Work From
Begin by exploring your options for remote work locations. Once you’ve decided on your next destination, research what’s available in the location of your choice. Here are some of the most common options:
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Co-living spaces for digital nomads: This is a smart solution, especially if you work and travel alone. The growing trend of the nomadic lifestyle has created a demand for a new type of accommodation. Therefore, many popular remote working locations offer this smart solution that combines housing and co-working spaces for remote professionals.
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Co-working spaces: If you prefer to separate work and leisure, most locations offer dedicated co-working spaces. These spaces are equipped with everything you might need for a productive day, including meeting rooms and soundproof booths for when you need to take a call.
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Renting an apartment or house: If you decide to work from your accommodations, ensure it has a fast internet connection and a dedicated working space before signing the lease. Airbnb even has a feature to search for apartments specifically fitted for remote work.
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Home swaps: a new way of working remotely that is gaining popularity. Essentially, you swap your place with someone else, allowing you to travel and stay in their accommodation. One of the benefits is that these apartments are often equipped with everything you need for work, saving you money in the process.
Places to avoid for remote work
No matter how tempting, certain environments are not conducive to professionalism and should be avoided at any cost.
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Noisy cafes: While working from a cafe may sound cozy, it lacks the professional environment needed for focused work. The loud noise, distractions, and questionable internet connection can hinder productivity.
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Beaches or similar distracting locations: The romanticized image of digital nomads working on sunchairs may be appealing, but in reality, it's almost impossible to get any work done in such distracting settings. It's also considered unprofessional.
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Any unprofessional or unsafe surroundings: The rule of thumb is to stick to professionally looking home-office environments with minimal backgrounds, a great internet connection, and well-functioning hardware. Anything else is better saved for off-work hours.
Hardware for nomadic developers
Any developer knows that a good work setup can either make or break the flow of productivity. Even the most talented coders can be hindered by inadequate hardware. Let's delve into the essential hardware you should consider to code effectively, no matter where you are.
Screen
A tiny laptop screen is a no-go for professional developers as it will slow you down and hinder your coding speed. Make sure that you have an extra screen at your chosen place of work. You could either bring a portable screen, which can be very convenient or alternatively, buy a screen at the location that you can later resell to other nomads when you leave.
Mouse
A good mouse is essential, and as an experienced dev, you are already carrying it with you no matter where you go. Don’t try to save space in your carry-on by leaving your mouse at home. Wireless mice are convenient for nomadic developers, providing freedom of movement without cable clutter.
Keyboard
A comfortable and responsive keyboard is non-negotiable for a nomadic developer. Mechanical keyboards are popular among developers for their tactile feedback and durability. However, they can be heavier, so if you prioritize portability, consider slim and lightweight options. Ensure your keyboard is compatible with various devices, ensuring flexibility in your nomadic work setup.
Headset
Noise-canceling headphones are essential for blocking out distractions in various work environments, particularly useful for maintaining focus. Make sure to choose ones with a noise-canceling microphone positioned close to your mouth to ensure clear and crisp sound during virtual meetings. Maintaining high-quality communication in virtual meetings is crucial, and a noise-canceling microphone contributes significantly to achieving this standard.
Webcam
Let's be honest; your built-in laptop camera doesn't have what it takes to ensure crisp video quality during your virtual syncs with the team. A proper external webcam won't take up much space in your luggage but is necessary for virtual meetings and collaboration, ensuring you stay connected with your team.
Backup external drive
Save and protect your work by regularly backing up your code and important files. An even better option is using encryption for security, which ensures the safety of your data when employing an encrypted external hard drive for backups.
Charging devices
Power bank will keep your devices charged, especially when working from locations without easily accessible power outlets. Additionally, have a variety of adapters and dongles to connect your devices to different ports commonly found in workspaces.
Software tips for nomadic developers
Use VPNs to secure your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Using a public network is a significant risk, even in familiar environments. However, it becomes especially crucial when working from a new location. As many developers handle sensitive information and databases, adhering to your employer’s internet hygiene protocol is essential.
Ensure a secure internet connection wherever you are, steering clear of public Wi-Fi at all costs. Research the best VPN for your situation and install it on your device beforehand.
Keep your software and antivirus programs up to date.
Many developers use specific software and editors that might not be universally accessible. Before relocating, research whether your software license is valid in your chosen country and find alternatives for worst-case scenarios.
Protect your code's integrity from malware and viruses by paying extra attention to your antivirus software. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that may be exploited. Developers depend on stable systems for coding and testing, and updating software ensures a smooth and secure development environment.
Set your operating system and development tools to receive automatic updates to stay protected against the latest security threats.
Conclusion
The nomadic developer lifestyle has become so popular lately has seen hype and challenges. While the term 'digital nomad' has gone mainstream, offering the freedom to work from anywhere, the lifestyle's initial hype has settled. It's clear that it's not for everyone and has its challenges, from isolation to time zone differences.
Maintaining professionalism in this lifestyle should be your number one priority. It requires a strategic approach. Don't buy into the notion of this lifestyle being something it's not. In navigating the nomadic developer landscape, finding balance is key.
Acknowledging the advantages and disadvantages, understanding the significance of your work environment, and making informed choices about where to work contribute to a successful fusion of remote work and travel.