Who is a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads use various remote communication platforms and mobile video calling apps such as the Zoom app. Here you can read more about how to use Zoom as a marketing tool. All an employee needs to move their office to the environment that suits them best is a mobile device, laptop, charger, mobile communication apps, and wireless Internet. 

Croatia and digital nomads

Last November, the Aliens Act was passed, regulating visas for digital nomads. Also, the Croatian Parliament abolished annual quotas for the employment of foreigners. The Aliens Act provides for Article 43, which defines the official definition of a digital nomad as "a third-country national who is employed or performs tasks through communication technology for a company or his own company that is not registrated in the Republic of Croatia, and does not perform work or provide services to employers in the territory of the Republic of Croatia."

The Association of Digital Nomads Croatia was established to support those who want to move their office to Croatia. The Association cited general information about life and work in Croatia, providing education, connecting with service providers, and presenting their problems to the authorities. 

Below we bring you a list of pros and cons of digital nomadism. 

Pros of digital nomadism 

#1 You can do your job when and where you want

By choosing a nomadic lifestyle, you have the opportunity to work wherever and whenever you want. If you're tired of sitting indoors for a long time, you can go out into the countryside or sit on the beach and do daily tasks there. It no longer matters if someone is a "morning type of person" or a "night owl" because you do the job when it suits you best. Of course, compliance with deadlines and video calls should be considered, primarily if you work with clients in a marketing agency. 

#2 Freedom

In addition to having a flexible workplace and time, digital nomads have the freedom to create a day of their choice. During working hours, they train, swim in the sea, drink coffee in the meadow or sit in a bookstore, after which they keep on working. 

#3 Improving the quality of life 

Digital nomads often choose exotic destinations for their workplace where they enjoy the beauty of nature. Spending time in nature brings warmth, vitamin D, active life, feeling connected with nature, new acquaintances, etc. They use different mobile apps to communicate with others. 

#4 The rules from the office do not apply 

Digital nomads do not come to work in the office, and thereby avoid all the "charms" of the office. They cannot be late for an appointment or a meeting because their means of transport have been delayed or canceled. They don't have to listen to a colleague who complains about their problems every day in the office because the same people do not surround them. Also, they do not have to think about who will feed their pet because they will not be separated throughout the day.

#5 Increased inspiration and creativity

Travels are excellent sources of inspiration that make individuals feel more motivated to do their job. Factors like changing environments, new people, different climates, and eating habits could influence better efficiency. 

Cons of digital nomadism 

#1 Complications around an undefined residential address

One of the drawbacks of digital nomadism is the challenge of keeping housing records. For example, paying state income tax when generating income in several countries requires much more detailed record keeping. Also, health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance are usually related to the individual's residence. 

#2 It's hard to make a budget 

Although a digital nomad doesn't have to pay rent every month, travel takes other costs to cover. Some of them are fuel costs and generally transportation costs that vary from country to country and depend on the country's currency where the individual is located. 

#3 Bad Internet

Even in 2021, there are places where the Internet is not available. In addition, people with flexible workplaces must count on the fact that in nature, there is no public wi-fi to connect to, but they are dependent on wireless Internet. 

#4 Simple distraction

Focusing on work can be challenging when we are in a new environment and new experiences. Digital nomad needs to find a rhythm with which he can complete the job without excess distraction. 

#5 Loneliness 

Although surrounded by new people, those who have replaced the office with some unfamiliar, exotic environment are often nostalgic for families and home. Also, some find it harder to find local people who are ready for new friendships. Mobile apps like Zoom or WhatsApp help maintain communication. 

Digital nomadism is not for everyone because of the challenges a person needs to think about when deciding on such a lifestyle. Depending on personal preferences and life values, everyone should assess whether such a way of life suits them. 

References: 

https://www.theremotenomad.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-being-a-digital-nomad

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/digital-nomad.asp

https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2020_12_133_2520.html