Going Places
Work, Travel, Live
This post is dedicated to all of those who dream to travel the world and build a successful career whilst doing so. This is my take on why the two can and should actually empower each other.
As an expat my whole life, travelling has been a part of me since I can remember. Every four years I had the pleasure of calling a different part of the world my home. From the morning bomb sirens in Israel to the evening Mosque prayers in Egypt, I came to embrace every place I stayed.
Each new place brings a burst of fresh energy and perspective. Being in new places allows you to meet new people, create meaningful connections and turn lived experiences into fresh inspiration. In exploring the unfamiliar, we are more sensitive to our surroundings, and urged to snap out of the autopilot mindset that is so easy to sink into when we are following a routine-based lifestyle
Routine can be draining. Getting caught in a cycle of repetitive motions day in and day out brings the danger of numbing us to the simple beauties of being alive. By getting comfortable in a place it becomes easy to close up and get “stuck” in our ways.
In being a recent graduate from University, I am still in the explorative stages of my life. I am curious and crave adventure, growth and connection, but working is a large part of my happiness too.
I like where I’m at. As a Community Management Intern at a small digital marketing agency, I have the ability to wear a number of different hats and continuously work on new projects that are always changing, evolving and many times challenging. The opportunity has urged me to abandon routine while still keeping good practices. In going to different events, meeting clients, attending meetings, and brainstorming new marketing approaches I have been introduced to a whole new world outside of my comfort zone.
Work is part of my happiness. Traveling however is right there in the mix. Not necessarily the kind of travelling where I go off the beaten path and find a “deeper meaning to life” but the kind of travelling that stimulates my creativity and allows me to think in different ways and approach projects with a fresh perspective. As so many stories have shown time and time again, travelling leads to personal growth. Why not expand that to your company or the work that you do?
In constantly meeting new people and telling them about the work you do, you are automatically growing your network and your company’s reach. New business opportunities could be right around the corner in a remote coffee shop you never knew existed.
Being a digital nomad does not imply that I must be online at all times to be working. Many of my creative endeavours will actually take place offline as I am outside, experiencing life, networking and engaging with real people in the real world.
Having said all that, it wouldn’t be fair to praise the life of a digital nomad without talking about some of the setbacks. In all honesty though I could only think of one; missing out on company culture. Company culture is important and in some cases it can even make or break a business. If you’re in a different country, after work beers just isn’t an option.
The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that this is something I want to do. By hitting the road with the purpose of not only seeing the world but growing my professional career, being a digital nomad might be the perfect solution. Like most big decisions in life, I feel I will never be entirely prepared for this adventure, however I am positive I would regret it if I didn’t give it a try.