A new label for digital nomads is emerging as travelpreneurs, entrepreneurs who can work from anywhere. I recently discovered that many digital nomads are really remote workers who can work from anywhere for a month or two during the year. Then, they go home the rest of the year instead of another location. You see, a true digital nomad no longer has a home but travels from place to place.
When it comes to labels, I was recently told that I am not a digital nomad, I am a slomad. And here, I thought I was just me.
It’s funny how we need to label everything and how it often creates more division. Like recently, I was part of a discussion on how digital nomads are ruining life for the locals by squeezing out the housing market. But whether I am in Europe. Latin America or the US, the story is the same. Sometimes the blame falls on nomads and sometimes on airbnb. But the theme is the same and the opportunity to create whole systems instead is very similar.
But in our current model, it is easier to divide and point figures, which just makes our divides greater. There is always someone to blame. What is truly needed is dialogue, critical thinking and opportunity creators to create whole systems. Imagine we get to the root cause of the divides and focused on the opportunities and what we can create. It’s always a choice of where we invest our energy and whether we become aware that there is always a path to creation. And an understanding of how interconnected we are also helps.
Getting back to travelpreneurs; said to adapt quickly to situations. This skill comes from learning to navigate new environments. It may seem surprising, but having limits can spark more and better ideas. For those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, travel is a way to gain skills and a comfort with the unknown.
Back when the term “digital nomad” was still fresh, it meant living for travel and new experiences. We made compromises to sustain this lifestyle. Wearing the same outfit for days or taking calls from noisy places were acceptable trade-offs. Sticking to a traditional 9-to-5 job didn’t fit this vision.
For digital nomads who find networking challenging, the push to interact comes naturally in this lifestyle. The community is welcoming, making it easy to connect with others. Even simple questions like “Is this your first time here?” sparks a conversation. And choosing co-living, you bump into people in the shared kitchen, the co-workimg space and even the rooftop in some places.
Constraints also foster creativity. Adjusting to new places, learning about the culture and people often boosts our mind and heart with confidence. Travel teaches us a lot about ourselves as we trek into the unknown.
Those who crave new experiences and cultures may find ourselves becoming travelpreneurs. Despite the belief, founders seek to minimize risk, not chase it. Southeast Asia, for example, is a popular choice for its cost-effectiveness, extending the runway for new businesses.
Travelpreneurs know when to move on. While it’s cheaper to live in certain countries, running a business there can present challenges like healthcare, housing and bureaucracy. Resourcefulness becomes key in these situations as making healthy choices becomes a priority.
The skills gained when you don’t have a fixed home or address are invaluable. They contribute to your adaptability and make you less attached to how things are supposed to be. You learn through effort and situations to excel in adaptability, respect cultures, and practice open communication across cultural lines, essential traits for any business and human.