In the 21st century the style trends of the fashion industry dominate the world more than they ever did, and control not only the way people dress but also trends in home ware design, makeup fashion and people’s overall attitudes. In the 60s flower power did not only mean flares and tunics, it summed up the whole attitude of a generation, and this is even more prominent today.
Nowadays, fashion is bold and daring, and this reflects a noughties generation that is not afraid to say what they think, or wear what they want. Fashion is not just a means of clothing your body, it is the essence of your personality and beliefs, and designers are well aware of the power they hold. Designers’ predictions and designs for the coming season are more hotly anticipated than any other revelation in the world.
Trends in fashion unify women and men around the world, yet they still allow people the ability to portray their own individual style at the same time. A period of time portrayed in a picture can be identified immediately just by the style of clothes the people are wearing, and this sums up just how powerful and all-encompassing fashion is. Fashion can change from one second to the next, but what never changes is the hold it has over society, and the role it plays in the modern world. Fashion is so important that whole magazines are dedicated to it, TV programs dedicate hours of transmission time to the subject, and people discus it between their friends continually.
To keep up with the latest fashions, people subscribe to fashion magazines, keep a keen eye on what has appeared in shops and what has been there for a long time, and go to fashion shows to see what the designers are putting on the catwalk this season, and therefore what will make it in to the shops. For the extremely wealthy, they might have their own personal relationship with a designer who will keep them well ahead of the current trends, therefore, many people wanting to know what the new fashion lines are going to be will watch what celebrities are wearing. Being ahead of fashion is for many, the ultimate achievement, although being too ahead of the fashion is just as bad as being behind it! If you are too far ahead people will think what you are wearing is not in fashion, because it isn’t, yet.
Designers continue to market the importance they know people put on fashion, and people continue to hang on to designers’ every move in the fashion world, therefore as long as this carries on fashion will continue to maintain its dominant position in society for a very long time to come. It influences not only what we wear, but everything we do, say, and even think. This is why fashion does indeed rule the world.
The Realities and Expectations of Being a Digital Nomad
Influencers on social media make the digital nomad lifestyle seem idyllic – but what’s it really like to combine work and travel? Freelance journalist Lola shares the pros and cons, and how to find your work/life balance.
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With remote work rising in popularity due to the global pandemic, there’s been an exodus of people leaving their desks behind in favor of making the world their office. Professional digital nomads can be found in all corners of the globe doing their jobs from paradise – or, at least, where there’s a strong WiFi connection. However, working while traveling isn’t as glamorous as social-media influencers would like you to believe.
I’ve been on the road while working as an independent journalist for more than six years. When I started, I had never heard the term digital nomad and had no idea what to expect. I made many mistakes along the way. Here are the true realities of being a digital nomad, to best prepare you for your venture into remote work.
If you’re motivated to become a digital nomad after seeing photos of people sipping cocktails as they work on their laptops on the beach, you’re in for a reality check. First off, sand and laptops don’t mix. No one works from the beach – they work from a cafe by the beach.
Being a digital nomad is the greatest career decision I’ve ever made. I love having the freedom to choose my hours, the projects I accept, and where in the world I want to be living. As a freelance journalist, I don’t have to adhere to a strict schedule and can work when I want as long as I meet my deadlines. On the other hand, it’s up to me to create a work/life balance and structure my days well so I can achieve my personal and professional goals for the week.
But being a digital nomad isn’t for everyone. Transitioning from a traditional office job that is structured to being your own boss is a process – you have to learn how to manage your time and your workload. Fortunately, your nomadic colleagues will be there to support you and share insight from their journeys into location-independent work.
What I find the most challenging is setting boundaries with my clients and adhering to them. When you live in a vacation destination it can be difficult to take a day off and put up an out-of-office alert as you may have convinced yourself that since you live in the destination, you can enjoy it at any time. Freelancers also need days off, whether it be a mental health reset or time off for a day trip.
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Once you receive the approval to go remote with your employer, or have launched your own remote business, you’ll want to create a schedule that works well for your productivity and lifestyle. Personally, I can’t force creative writing to come. I have to wait until inspiration strikes and I have the energy to put digital pen-to-paper. Because of this, my schedule is dependent on both my mood and my deadlines – every week is different. I’m not a creature of habit, so I thrive on freelance work that varies from one assignment to the next.
If you can set your own hours, work according to your energy levels. If you’re a morning person, work on the more challenging aspects of your job when you're feeling fresh and leave tedious housekeeping tasks to the afternoon when you may have less focus. If you’re not a morning person, sleep in and schedule meetings for the afternoon. In my first few years as a nomad, I only worked at night so that I could spend days enjoying my destination.
Proper equipment for digital nomads
If you’re planning to be someone who doesn’t work from a home base, be prepared to lug along your laptop during your workday to cafes or coworking spaces. Don’t skimp on buying a sturdy backpack that supports both the laptop and your body. If you’re working in a tropical destination, get an anti-humidity laptop case and a laptop stand with a fan to keep your computer cool.
Dispersing your income channels
I’ve met digital nomads from all sorts of industries, from therapists to graphic designers. Many people can do their jobs from anywhere as long as they have their laptops. If you’re not in a full-time, salaried contract role and don’t have a non-compete contract, you may be able to diversify your funds by taking on gigs in multiple fields. Many journalists also take on work writing content for websites or marketing materials for companies. And digital nomads in all types of fields can earn passive money through affiliate marketing by recommending products and services they’ve used and love (including World Nomads travel insurance).
Finding your community
Being nomadic can be lonely and making friends is crucial to your success as a digital nomad. I’ve found the most efficient way for me to be nomadic is to stay in one destination for as long as my visa allows (usually one to six months). Other nomads move frequently and only spend a week or so in a destination. This can make it challenging to form or become part of a community if you’re based in a destination where people tend to pass through quickly. If fleeting friendships exhaust you, hone in on cultivating relationships with locals and long-term expats.
Being nomadic in the COVID-19 era
If you’re considering leaving your home country during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic the most responsible thing you can do is wait until you’re fully vaccinated to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Wherever you are going, educate yourself about the local COVID-19 regulations and rules. Mask up and wash your hands frequently, even if it isn’t required. As digital nomads, we’re guests and must be respectful and keep local people safe and healthy.
I love this article!! I didn't even know what a digital nomad or a blog was until about a year ago, & now I AM a digital nomad with a blog! The learning curve is constantly high, b/c social media & platforms are ALways changing. It's challenging, exciting, & great for people who love change. Thanks for this well-written article & for bringing clarity to an often misunderstood niche!
Stephanie Jane Capper said
As a journalist with permanently itchy feet, I've wanted to become a digital nomad for years now. I always felt like I didn't really know where to start, but this blog post has been really helpful. Sharing with us the link to that website that lists freelance gigs was incredibly helpful. I'm about to take off for 6 months to Central America, and these tips will come in handy! Thank you!
hrishi said
This article is so detailed and tells the truth and hence very useful. I have been traveling for some time now and am looking forward to becoming a digital nomad too. So far, all my travels have come at the expense of my savings; But I recently came across this concept called work for accommodation on a website named Hippohelp. It did sound really interesting to me. Do you have any idea about it?
Ryan Biddulph said
I dig it Goats ;) Honest, genuine and resonant with me on my journey. Fun times we have circling the globe if you put in the work and act generously.
Ryan
James said
"Was a decent enough article, until the end when the ridiculous vaccine stuff was spouted...."
Geez. Even World Nomads can't escape the anti-vaxxers. Sad sad sad. I hope you're from Austria.
5 Comments
I love this article!! I didn't even know what a digital nomad or a blog was until about a year ago, & now I AM a digital nomad with a blog! The learning curve is constantly high, b/c social media & platforms are ALways changing. It's challenging, exciting, & great for people who love change. Thanks for this well-written article & for bringing clarity to an often misunderstood niche!
As a journalist with permanently itchy feet, I've wanted to become a digital nomad for years now. I always felt like I didn't really know where to start, but this blog post has been really helpful. Sharing with us the link to that website that lists freelance gigs was incredibly helpful. I'm about to take off for 6 months to Central America, and these tips will come in handy! Thank you!
This article is so detailed and tells the truth and hence very useful. I have been traveling for some time now and am looking forward to becoming a digital nomad too. So far, all my travels have come at the expense of my savings; But I recently came across this concept called work for accommodation on a website named Hippohelp. It did sound really interesting to me. Do you have any idea about it?
I dig it Goats ;) Honest, genuine and resonant with me on my journey. Fun times we have circling the globe if you put in the work and act generously.
Ryan
"Was a decent enough article, until the end when the ridiculous vaccine stuff was spouted...."
Geez. Even World Nomads can't escape the anti-vaxxers. Sad sad sad. I hope you're from Austria.