Just like that, the world went remote.
People who had been going to the office for years, sent home to work. The dream of so many became mandatory almost overnight – and, fittingly, it came about during a nightmare named COVID-19.
Before COVID – or BC, as some people have begun referring to life before the pandemic – growing numbers of people were wanting to break free from the shackles of the office.
To be free.
To work where they wanted, as long as they could logistically swing it.
Then everybody got sent home. With one major caveat: the world was shut down, so the desirable part – traveling while working – would have to wait.
But all those who jumped in to remote working and embraced being a part of the global digital nomad network before the borders were shut were on to something big. There is nothing quite like a digital nomad community. It’s more than just a remote job.
Here’s why.
Diversity is strength
While the digital nomad community is still largely American, there has been a growing increase in diversity over the past few years.
If you go into any cafe in hotspots such as Bali, Medellin, Chiang Mai, Mexico City, or Cape Town, you will find nationalities from all over the world, which wasn’t the case 5 years earlier.
Along with the increasing racial diversity, there are people of different faiths, genders, and ages that This is because one of the core values of many digital nomad communities (especially WiFi Tribe) is inclusion. The desire to be with like-minded people and develop close relationships helps bring nomads together and often creates strong, authentic bonds.
Of course, as with any large group, there will always be some people that don’t uphold this core value. But the ability to come together and support one another is one of the best parts about being in a community like this. It really helps everyone feel like they can be themself – and those that do not uphold the communal values are the only ones who are not welcome.
The digital nomad lifestyle should be open to all that value inclusion and respect for others. Everyone – and especially female digital nomads and POC digital nomads – should feel safe in this community.
Accountability is everything (and everywhere)
When it comes to staying fit, eating right, and generally staying on track while working and traveling, a solid digital nomad community is as good as it gets.
Coliving helps in so many ways, from having ready-made gym or yoga buddies to adventure partners to explore the city and surrounding areas with.
Additionally, coworking spaces – which is an inherent feature of coliving with dope remote work professionals – inspire you to put the work in while somehow making it fun (drinking wine while working usually helps).
Throw in the skillshares, masterminds, Facebook group meetups, meetup.com meetups, Slack groups, family-style dinners, and all the unique perspectives that all the members provide, and you’re a part of something that is as enjoyable as it is enriching. I’ve learned more and grown more as a professional during the past year of living and traveling (on and off) with this community than I had in the past decade.
Finding meaning and fulfilment
Everybody looks for meaning and fulfilment in different ways – but being a part of a community full of tight-knit, empathetic, diversely intelligent human beings is as good a place as any to look. On a personal level and a professional level, you can share experiences and grow. You can take life-changing weekend trips with fellow members and experience genuine human connection.
Being a part of a community like this is about having real experiences, with meaningful travel and cultural immersion.
It’s finding your tribe and being with them while you grow as a person and a professional.
I get goosebumps just thinking about some of the amazing times I’ve had with such incredible people in the digital nomad community.
Maintaining an online community
This isn’t (necessarily) about COVID, though it has definitely been applicable.
Before a global pandemic shut down travel, digital nomads around the world maintained connections online. Members are always moving in and out of locations, sometimes with fellow members and sometimes not.
People who have developed real connections with fellow members understand that it’s important to stay in touch and meet up down the line – keeping up that connection online is the best – and really the only – way to stay connected.
When COVID came, it disrupted in-person meetups, but the online community has, whether surprisingly or expectedly, allowed people to stay connected – and even helped create new relationships that have the opportunity to blossom further down the line.
Things to remember
It’s important to note that there are many ways to find your community, whether it’s nomading, slow travel, or picking a stationary expat spot and making connections with the nomads that pass through. No matter how you do it, just make sure you surround yourself with the people you want to be around. You don’t need to find who you think you’re looking for to find your tribe – the people could be way different than you thought.
If you’re open to it, being around people with different jobs may help you professionally; with different backgrounds may help you personally; and exploring with a community may change your life for the better.
