In recent years, digital nomads and remote workers have been on the rise. This is because of the flexibility that they offer to their clients. They can work from anywhere in the world as long as there’s an internet connection.
However, this doesn’t mean that all remote workers are digital nomads. There are some who don’t even own a laptop or smartphone. Instead, they use tablets and smartphones for everything. And in this blog, we will be comparing these two types of remote workers so you can find out which one suits your needs best.
What Is A Digital Nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while traveling around the globe. The term was coined by Tim Ferriss, author of “4-Hour Workweek”. He used it to describe people like him who travel frequently but still manage to earn a living.
While working remotely may seem easy, it requires a lot of planning and preparation. You need to make sure that you have enough money to sustain yourself during your travels. Also, you need to ensure that you have access to reliable internet connections wherever you go.
You also need to consider how much time you want to spend at home each day. If you plan to stay in hotels most of the time, then you might not be able to save any money. However, if you prefer to live in hostels or Airbnb rentals, then you can save quite a bit of money.
What Is A Remote Worker?
A remote worker is someone who works from home without having to commute to an office every day. While many remote workers do travel, they usually choose to work from home instead of staying in hotels.
Remote workers often get paid more than those who work in offices. This is because they don’t have to pay for commuting costs. Also, they don’t need to worry about getting fired since they aren’t tied down to a specific location.
But there are downsides too. For example, remote workers often struggle with isolation. It’s hard to meet new people when you only see them online. Plus, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of being part of a team.
The Difference Between Digital Nomad And Remote Workers?
Now that you know what a digital nomad and a remote worker are, let’s take a look at the differences between the two. Also, we’ll also check out how both of them may differ from a regular employee working in an office.
1) Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of being a digital nomad is that you can work whenever you want. You can start working right after breakfast and end before dinner. Or you can work until midnight and sleep till noon.
This means that you can set your own schedule. You can decide whether you want to work full time or just a few hours per week. You can even work from different locations throughout the year.
On the other hand, not all remote workers don’t have this kind of freedom. They must follow strict schedules. So they either have to wake up early or work late.
2) Traveling
Another big advantage of being a digital nomadic freelancer is that you can travel anywhere in the world. You can visit places that you would never normally see.
However, not all remote workers can afford to travel as much as digital nomads. Some of them have to settle for visiting their favorite destinations once in a while.
3) Money
Both digital nomads and remote workers can earn a good amount of money. But some of them make more than others.
Digital nomads tend to earn more than regular remote workers. This is mainly due to the fact that they don’t incur any expenses related to commuting.
Also, they can work from anywhere in the world. This means that they can charge higher rates for their services.
On the other side, remote workers usually earn less than digital nomads. This is because they have to pay for accommodation and food. But, on the bright side, they can earn more than what do regular employees.
4) Work Environment
While both digital nomads and remote employees can work from anywhere, they still need to find a place where they feel comfortable.
For example, digital nomads will probably prefer to work from cafes or coffee shops. Meanwhile, remote workers will probably opt for coworking spaces.
5) Social Life
Being a digital nomad, in most cases, doesn’t mean that you have to give up your social life. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
You can easily stay connected with friends and family through video calls. You can also go out for drinks or grab lunch together.
On the other hand, remote workers may have trouble meeting new people. Since they spend most working, following working hours (but may differ also) assigned by his/her client or company.
6) Health
As mentioned earlier, one of the main reasons why digital nomads choose to live this lifestyle is so that they can save money.
But, if you’re looking for health benefits, then you should consider becoming a remote worker instead. They are also like a regular office that works in the office. The only difference is, that many remote workers are in coworking spaces.
7) Flexibility
One of the best things about being a digital nomad or remote worker is that you can be flexible.
If you want to change something, you can always do it. For example, you can move to another city or country. Or you can take a break from your current job and try something else.
But for clarification, although a remote worker follows working hours, his or her schedule may still be flexible as long as he or she completed the required hours per shift.
8) Freedom
Finally, one of the greatest advantages of being a digital nomad is that you get to enjoy freedom.
This is because you can decide when to wake up, when to sleep and how to spend your time.
The Bottom Line
In reality, a digital nomad and a remote worker don’t have much of a difference. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages. If you love traveling and working in different environments every now and then, then maybe you should think about becoming a digital nomad.
However, if you’re someone who enjoys stability and wants to stick to a routine, then you might want to become a remote worker. Thus, being a remote worker can also do things that a digital nomad does such as traveling.
But regardless of whichever path, one person takes whether as a digital nomad or a remote worker, the key to being productive at work is to manage time effectively.