Are you feeling that you're trapped among the walls of the office? Then, let's introduce you to digital nomads... Maybe their lives will inspire you.
Ever since I first found myself at the heart of my business life, I kept wondering if there was a working life behind the office walls where I had to stare all day. In my dreams, there have always been changing nature landscapes on the screen of my computer, experiences and new stories that I got from people from different backgrounds.
Over the years, as the internet industry has developed, I have learned that we can put our laptop computers -which we sometimes misuse- in a bag and turn any part of the world into office within just minutes. Let’s remember Yılmaz Erdoğan’s famous movie Vizontele. In the movie, the character Emin says that “I had thought about this idea before”. Then, I decided to explore the concept of "digital nomadism", which is old in my dreams but new in our working life.
What is this Digital Nomadism?
The history of the concept of "digital nomad" in English is basically as old as the internet. The name given to a community that can conduct its business online at any point in the world, using digital islands, via internet, mobile devices, and cloud-based technologies. Digital nomads who prefer to work in shared open offices, often called "co-working spaces," are also working full-time at cafes that has high speed internet, in libraries and even in forests and beaches where they can easily access to mobile internet!
Digital migrants, mostly including software developers, graphic designers, editors, cartoonists and digital marketing experts, prefer to stay longer in countries where exchange advantage is an important aspect. For example, Thailand, Singapore, India and even Turkey are among ideal routes for digital nomads.
Is Another Working Model Really Possible?
Is the lifestyle of the digital nomads we fed up with seeing on the social media, or even thinking that they are always on holiday, really sustainable?
So, to experience the applicability of this model, I went to Thailand at the end of last year and traveled all over Thailand, where I know every inch of the country. There, I did not postpone or suspend any of my works and keep working at any place suitable for me. Sometimes, in a coffee shop or in a hotel lobby; sometimes, on a quiet beach or on a quiet river side. It was really exciting to see that it was purely and simply about our inner motivation -nothing else- to be able to keep working.
As to the pluses, the feeling of working freely with your flip flops on your feet and without interfering with any office rules is truly wonderful. If you are doing a business that is based on humans and their stories like advertising, marketing or design, do not worry, it is exactly for you! Of course, as in every job and business, digital nomadism has some difficulties, too. If you have preferred to work in such least developed countries (LPDs) as Southeast Asia and Latin America, you should be prepared for psychological and motivational breakdowns and unplanned power cuts. Also, some problems you may encounter because of your total unfamiliarity to the culture can bring you to the verge of a nervous breakdown.
She Knows Asia Like the Back of her Hand: Zeynep Gabrali
Now, I would like to talk about a brave woman who prefers to apply all the experiences mentioned above to her life instead of living "demo" like me: Zeynep Gabrali.
Zeynep, whom I met on the Instagram on these days I nearly become an obsessed with digital nomadism, was living and working in Thailand's Krabi district. Zeynep’s posts reflects the most unfiltered and unmasked state of digital nomads. As a Turk, Zeynep, who lives in many different regions of Asia, explains the starting point of her journey as follows:
"I obviously do not travel with a sponsor or a saving. I am not on a holiday, either. I wish I could travel like a tourist. When I set off journey, I had very little money and spent it on the cost of moving in the first few months. The only difference from a standard office person is that I do work independently from the location. So, if I do not work for a month, I must stop travelling. I usually stay for almost 3-4 months in a country. I have a low-budget life with local people in local places. I cook myself, I go out on local markets, I do the laundry. "
Zeynep, who is very happy with her almost one-year digital nomad adventure, she tells us she misses Turkey, its people and Turkish cuisine. Also, she has some communication problems because of the time zone between these countries and Turkey. And, she tells the worst thing she's ever had through her adventure:
"My worst adventure was the attack on me from the locals after a motorcycle accident I had in Bali. After the accident, they tried to hit me though I had injuries. My purse and phone were stolen. It was a little traumatic for me. It took a long time for my injuries to heal, had some scars on my legs and arms. I named this incident “Bali Kiss”. This will be an unforgettable memory of the journey throughout my life. "
What Are the Best Locations for Digital Nomadism?
Southeast Asia is of course the ideal region for Turkish citizens intending to continue as digital nomads in their business life. The temperate climate, the Turkish lira's currency value and the flexibility of the visa requirements of the countries are certainly some great advantages of the region. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia that are 3-4 hours ahead of Turkey in local time, also create a highly advantageous environment for digital nomads who remotely work with Turkey.
Another region that digital nomads are so into as Southeast Asia in recent years is the Balkan states located just next to Turkey. Especially Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina are among the favorable countries that you can live for three or four months due to their cultural affinity and the economic conditions. Apart from the Balkan states, Costa Rica the lush country of Central America and Dubai that is 3-hour flight distance from Turkey are among the most preferred places for digital nomads.
Finally, for digital nomads-to-be who long for making money by traveling in their dreams, let me leave these encouraging words of Zeynep:
"I have always been in the pursuit of my dreams. I turned a deaf ear to all the criticisms, comments, and I'm still doing so. I think you can have the true happiness when you simplify your life. When you decide to take this risk giving up your own standards, you hold on to the life more. Do not be afraid of taking risks and new things in your life, because;life always gives you a hand. "
