Travel is more often than not seen as a luxury. Something done by those who have both an abundance of time and money to spend as they see fit. As with most things in our digital culture, however, that paradigm is shifting. There is now space for those with the technological freedom of remote working and the drive to take full advantage of it to make the entire wifi-connected world their personal home-office.
Recently the Co-Founder and CEO of Moo.do, Jay Meistrich, explained how he worked 50 hours a week launching his start-up while traveling to 45 cities in 20 countries. Not only that but he actually saved money compared to what he would have spent living in San Francisco or New York.
This may not only sound counterintuitive to some but also difficult if not impossible. The savings alone makes what he accomplished worth taking a look at. It’s also worth exploring how to best use his model to free yourself from perceived tethers and explore the world in a productive manner. Jay found there were a few realities living as a “Digital Nomad” that were crucial along the way:
“Travel is not the same as vacation”
Understand you are working in another place. Not merely in another place and must schedule and act accordingly. As he said, ”I‘m traveling because it’s cheaper, more productive and inspiring than sitting in one place.”
“Traveling is cheaper than staying at home”
This one is a bit of a mind melter for those not currently living in the astronomical rents of SF and NYC but as Jay states, _“_My friends in San Francisco and Seattle often ask me: “How can you afford to travel so much?” I can’t afford not to travel. I’m bootstrapping a company and living in San Francisco was draining my savings.”
“Traveling makes me more productive”
He found, “…it makes sense. If I’m only in Rome for a week, why would I waste my time on Facebook? Being constantly surrounded by novelty reduces my boredom and increases my focus, and even makes me feel healthier and more creative.”
“Nine to five is not optimal”
Humans are not built for clocks, we are built for life. Jay noticed, “I wasted a lot of time when I worked in an office because of commuting and the massive distraction that is the Internet. Now I spread my work throughout the day and take big breaks for exploring.”
“Traveling expands my cultural bubble”
In my opinion this is the most valuable piece of the entire puzzle. _“_I now have friends all over the world whose life experiences are very different than mine. They bring fresh perspectives to my ideas. I’m learning about the real problems that affect the world on a global scale, which will make me into a better entrepreneur in the future.”
I imagine most “digital nomads” have experienced a few of the eureka moments that Jay did. There is a bustling creative production that comes from being surrounded by new energies on a regular basis. Being removed from a stagnant environment feeds a certain desire for growth and accomplishment.
While this lifestyle may not be the cup of tea for everyone, especially those who see extensive travel as a dream vacation, it does hold wonder in its structure for many others. The beauty of our growing digital landscape is the freedom it affords and the returning of man’s innate nature of wanderlust into a profitable reality.