Digital nomadism has become the ideal position for today’s workforce. While traveling to remote beaches, staying in hostels and exploring new cultures may seem glamorous, many remote workers make mistakes that can hinder their experience.
According to James Abbott, founder of Thailand-based coworking space KoHub, one of the biggest mistakes he sees workers making is not getting a job that can be done remotely beforehand.
Additionally, Abbott said that digital nomads need to find a community in coworking spaces or even online groups to avoid feeling isolated.
“Most backpackers don’t last more than a year or a year and a half because of the very same reason,” said Abbott. “Even though they’re going to hostels every day and they’re meeting like-minded people every day, you don’t get deeper relationships because it’s — who am I going to go out and get drunk with tonight?”
Treating the trip like a vacation can also detract from the ability to actually provide your best work. KoHub works to give visitors the chance to balance work life and socialization.
On the other hand, some digital nomads may work too hard. It is important to find a balance between being productive, but also enjoying the fact that you are a brand new place.