What It’s Like to Be a Digital Nomad as a Salesforce Admin

As technology gets better and we’re all more connected, the usual idea of a workplace is changing fast. The old rule of being in an office from 9 to 5 is disappearing. Now, we have digital nomads – people who work from anywhere, like coffee shops, shared workspaces, or even beautiful places around the globe. This way of working gives a lot of freedom and lets people travel or live in different places without having to stay in one spot.

By leveraging technology to perform their jobs from virtually anywhere on the planet, digital nomads are challenging the conventional definitions of workspaces and work hours, proving that efficiency isn’t confined within the four walls of an office.

Types of Digital Nomadism

This way of life isn’t just about being able to work from anywhere; it’s about merging your professional responsibilities with your personal life.

Location-Based Nomadism With a Home Base

This refers to individuals who maintain a home base in a specific location but frequently travel and work remotely. They may spend extended periods in different places but have a primary residence. 

Continuous Travelers With No Fixed Base

These digital nomads have no permanent home base and continuously travel from one location to another. 

Asynchronous Remote Workers 

Some digital nomads work asynchronously, meaning they have minimal client meetings and can work from any time zone. They enjoy the flexibility of remote work and may travel extensively while maintaining their workload.

Seasonal Nomads 

Seasonal digital nomads divide their time between different locations throughout the year. This lifestyle allows individuals to experience different environments and cultures while maintaining a semi-permanent base in each location.

Perpetual Nomads

These digital nomads choose not to have a permanent residency anywhere and live a perpetual nomadic lifestyle. They may travel continuously, living out of backpacks or exploring various accommodation options.

Challenges of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

The concept of being a digital nomad has gained significant traction in recent years, with more people embracing the idea of working remotely while traveling the world. While this lifestyle offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility, and adventure, it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations.

Logistical Hurdles 

Digital nomads must navigate a maze of logistical challenges, from ensuring they possess a valid passport to understanding the entry and exit requirements of different countries. Travel advisories become essential companions for ensuring safety while securing accommodations with reliable internet access can be a daunting task. Furthermore, managing personal belongings and mail while traversing the globe presents its own set of challenges, requiring careful planning and organization.

Employment and Employer Acceptance

In today’s job market, flexibility and remote work are becoming increasingly popular benefits for employees. However, not all employers are quick to jump on board. For those working in the Salesforce ecosystem, whether you’re a Salesforce Admin, Salesforce Developer, Salesforce Consultant, or another role, it can be a challenge to convince employers to embrace a remote work environment or negotiate flexible work policies.

The question is, would a potential employer be willing to hire someone who prioritizes a nomadic lifestyle over a traditional office setting? While it may seem like a complicated situation, Salesforce professionals should advocate for their desired work environment and communicate the benefits that come with it. After all, a happy and fulfilled employee is sure to excel in their work, regardless of their location.

Pro Tip: Start by requesting remote work for a month-long holiday. Prove to your boss you can succeed during shorter stints to gain their trust for longer trips.

Servicing Clients Across Borders

While technology has bridged geographical divides, cultural differences, and bureaucratic processes can still pose challenges. Preferences for clients from certain regions or countries may stem from familiarity with business practices and stability, highlighting the complexities of servicing clients across borders.

Loneliness

One of the most common issues faced by digital nomads is loneliness. Traveling from place to place can make it difficult to establish meaningful connections and build a sense of community. Additionally, navigating different time zones and cultural norms can pose logistical challenges, especially when it comes to scheduling meetings and collaborating with colleagues.

Balancing Work and Life as a Digital Nomad

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging for digital nomads. The lines between work and leisure can easily blur when your office is where you happen to be. Digital nomads need to set boundaries and establish routines that allow them to prioritize both their professional responsibilities and their personal well-being.

In addition to establishing boundaries, building a strong support network of fellow nomads and remote workers can provide much-needed companionship and advice. Embracing flexibility and adaptability is also key, as the ability to roll with the punches and adjust to new environments is essential for success on the road.

Say Goodbye to the 9-to-5

Ultimately, the nomadic work life offers enriching experiences, from diverse cultures to unique perspectives. Digital nomads immerse in local cuisines, languages, and customs, broadening horizons beyond traditional office jobs. It’s a life of excitement, freedom, and challenges, not for everyone but perfect for adventure seekers. Embracing remote work and travel, digital nomads craft fulfilling lifestyles on their terms.

Would you like to learn more about the digital nomad lifestyle? Check out our podcast episode with Senior Salesforce Architect, Alexander Lapa.

Read our full article here to learn the benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle.