What Digital Nomads will be like in 100 years- Jacob Laukaitis
Many years ago, few jobs could be done without physical presence. Many are used to the traditional “9–5” working schedule, whereby you work from a particular working space at a particular period in time of the day.
Then came the discovery of the internet, which changed the way most people work, and led to the advent of online businesses and so many other opportunities.
With the discovery of the internet, came the idea of virtual companies, where employees work remotely from locations without an office space. Forbes reports that, Virtual companies have grown drastically since 2014. From 26 companies in 2014, to about 125 in 2016.
Of course the Internet and Online businesses have revolutionized what a Job is all about.
Today, there are a lot of people out there who use the telecommunications technology to earn a living and more generally conduct their living in a nomadic manner.
Yes, they tend to travel while they continue to work with their clients’ or employers.
All they need is a good internet connection, and they can work from anywhere in the world.
In a bid to unravel this goldmine, I caught up with one of the established digital nomads. The 23 year old, Jacob Laukaitis, who has been to over 45 countries in the last three years, running an online business.
In this feature, Jacob bared his mind on how he began his journey as a digital nomad, what he does presently for a living, how he is able to manage the challenges facing digital nomads and he revealed what the future of digital nomads portends for the global economy.
What he does for a living
I’m a co-founder of a fast-growing online coupons company in the United States (Chameleonjohn.com) with employees from all over the world. We work with thousands of retailers to get the best promo codes and shopping deals for our customers. However, since all of my work is online, I can work from anywhere as long as I have my computer and a Wi-Fi connection. So I simply travel 10–11 months a year.
How it all began, and what he does presently
It all began 2.5 years ago where I and two other partners decided to create this company, because we felt as if there was a big opportunity to help people save money on their online purchases. We have employees from a few different countries around the world, but I personally am not based anywhere. I am currently on a 11–12 month-long all around Asia and I change my location every week or a few.
A typical day in the life of a digital nomad
There’s no routine, ever. If I’m in Asia, I’ll generally try to explore till late afternoon and then start working, because my colleagues in Europe will be coming to the office. However, sometimes I work in the morning, or sometimes late at night. If I’m in the USA, I’ll be working very early in the morning and explore in the afternoon. I try to have a good work-life balance wherever I am, but I always put my work tasks first (because that’s the reason I can travel indefinitely in the first place).
The step by step guide to becoming a digital nomad
- Finding a way to make money online. It can be web design, programming, logo design, translations, teaching languages, running an online business or many other things;
- Selling most of what you own and putting everything you need into a small travel back-pack;
- Going anywhere you wish, anytime you wish for as long as you wish. You can travel anywhere or you can settle down anywhere if you like that place. You’re free to choose wherever it is you want to spend your time.
The experience visiting more than 45 countries
To me it got really normal. Going on a trip or traveling is not really traveling. It’s just my daily life. If you get bored of one place, you buy a flight ticket and leave. If you want to go stay in some mountains for a while, you pack up and leave. The time of the day and the day of the week have lost meaning.
Challenges faced as a digital nomad
I haven’t faced many challenges, but a lot of people say they feel lonely at times. However I try to always push myself out of my comfort zone and make new friends on the go.
The future of digital nomads
I think there will be a lot more people living the digital nomad lifestyle (whether they call it this way or not). People who will quit the 9 to 5 and live anywhere while working online. I couldn’t imagine living any other way and a lot of other digital nomads feel the same way.
Parting Shot
I’d say the most important thing is to be able to focus on your work and not get distracted by all the interesting things happening around you. If you are able to do that, you’ll literally be able to travel indefinitely.
Conclusion:
Millennials will adopt to this business lifestyle because it gives them the freedom they desire, and an opportunity to explore different parts of the world. Though some analysts have projected that, there will be 1 billion digital nomads by 2035. Jacob opined that more people will adopt the lifestyle. Have digital nomads finally come to stay. Only time will tell!
