If you’ve been hearing the words “remote worker” and “digital nomad” a lot lately and are curious to know what they mean, I’ve got you covered.
To put it simply, remote workers and digital nomads are people or employees who work outside the traditional office setting. They are not bound to the same desk eight hours a day, five days a week. Most often, their positions allow flexibility in work schedules and location. Though they are similar in those aspects there are still significant differences between the two.
So, in this article, we’ll explore the differences between remote workers and digital nomads, including their unique characteristics, lifestyles, and the opportunities they could provide to modern workers. Now, let’s start by defining remote workers.
Definition of a “Remote Worker”
So, who qualifies as a remote worker? Well, a remote worker is an individual who performs work outside the traditional office setting. Most commonly, they work from their homes or “WFH,” with some preferring to work from a nearby co-working space and others in other remote locations with internet access, like cafes.
It’s actually estimated that by 2025, around 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely. This makes up roughly 22% of the workforce. This is a jump from last year’s 12.7%, which signifies the rapid change in people’s work preferences – the younger generation more likely to look for remote jobs than on-site positions.
One characteristic remote workers are known for is their reliance on technology to be able to accomplish their daily tasks. They use different platforms to communicate with their colleagues and access work documents and tools. This is why they often opt to work from a single location with a reliable internet connection rather than constantly moving from one place to another. Remote work arrangements may be full-time or part-time, and remote workers often have flexible schedules and work hours.
Now, let’s get to know our digital nomads.
Definition of a “Digital Nomad”
So, who qualifies as a digital nomad? A digital nomad is an individual who embraces a lifestyle of working while traveling. From the word “nomad,” meaning “someone who doesn’t have a fixed residence,” digital nomads live a nomadic lifestyle.
What separates digital nomads from remote workers is their ability to travel extensively, from one city or country to another. They may choose to reside in one place for an extended period of time before packing their bags and leaving for the next one on their list.
Digital nomads also rely on technology to be able to do their work while on the go, similar to remote workers. Thanks to today’s technology, they are able to maintain their productivity and focus regardless of the setting.
Remote Workers & Digital Nomads: Similarities & Differences
The first similarity between remote workers and digital nomads is they both rely on technology to be able to do their work. Regardless if they’re doing it from one location or while on the go. Because of today’s technology, they are able to maintain their productivity and focus regardless of the setting.
The second similarity is flexibility – in location and in time. Both can enjoy the freedom of creating their ideal work environment and keep their motivation and productivity levels high. Though as mentioned earlier, digital nomads frequently move from one location to another while working, while remote workers usually opt to stay in one location. But despite the constant traveling, they are still able to stay connected and productive because of the digital tools they’re using.
But when it comes to flexibility in work schedules, remote workers often follow a more structured schedule. At the same time, digital nomads typically enjoy a more lenient work schedule, sometimes even having the freedom to choose their preferred work hours.
That being said, the most prominent difference between the two is the nomadic lifestyle embraced by digital nomads, characterized by their frequent travels and exploration. In contrast, remote workers typically maintain a more stationary work environment.
Taking everything into account, we can say that all digital nomads are remote workers, but not all remote workers are digital nomads. There is a line that divides the two, and all it takes is an adventurous spirit and a thirst for exploration, and you could redefine everything about the way you work and the way you live.
