Our relationship with work and society has been shifting for generations. Since the industrial revolution, continual reform has enabled us to foster more positive relationships with our work and lifestyle. But a massive upheaval has been taking root in recent years, which questions our standard way of life in a significant way. Who are the ‘new nomads’?
Nomads Past
Nomadic communities are somewhat stitched into the fabric of the human race, with the term describing a great number of early civilisations and communities at the outset of the human race as we know it. Indeed, the Palaeolithic Age is typified by the nomadic settlements of early man, using coves and caves as temporary residences as they hunted and gathered their way across wild landscapes the world over.
The nomadic lifestyle endured, even as agriculture took root and more permanent societies began to form. There are many notable entrants in the history books with regard to nomadic living, from the advanced cavalry of the Scythian empire to the Bedouin of North Africa.
Today, there are many nomadic communities that remain a constant presence, outside the contemporary norms of permanent infrastructure – including the Bedouin, who continue to thrive. But public attitudes to traditional nomads are mixed, as evidenced by the treatment of Romani travelling communities across Europe.
A New Generation of Nomads
However, theses attitudes are under constant interrogation, culturally speaking – with contemporary western culture birthing an entirely new form of nomadism itself. This new nomadism has been made possible by the pace of technological innovation, but also popularised by the increasingly difficult economic times in which younger generations find themselves.
This new generation is formed of a few distinct groups, which share in their reliance on contemporary technology to forge a new nomadic path in a society that would otherwise penalise it. A catch-all term for many of these new nomads is ‘digital nomad’, referring to the remote or online nature of their work – and their ability to unmoor themselves from traditional societal expectations as a result.
Digital nomads can essentially work wherever they please, as long as they have an internet connection. This enables them to travel far and wide, taking in new locales while continuing to earn a living wage. Many have coupled this capability with literal nomadism, eschewing hotels and short-term lets for life out of a motorhome or van conversion.
Becoming a Digital Nomad
There are many routes to becoming a digital nomad. Many begin their journey with remote working positions at a company of their choice, but many more choose to work for themselves in order to have greater freedom over their schedule.
For the budding digital nomad, a good start is to consider monetising a hobby or skill. If you enjoy reading the stock markets, but don’t have the means to invest in volumes of stock, spread betting can give you the opportunity to earn from market movements on a margin basis. If you are a talented musician, selling your services as a digital session musician or online tutor can also work wonders.
The fact of the matter is that there are seldom few careers that cannot be forged online anymore. By weaponising your skills and interests, you can find a solid income online and ultimately free yourself from your roots.
