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Digital Nomads: In Search of Meaningful Work in the New Economy
A small but growing group of today's knowledge workers actively seek a lifestyle of freedom, using technology to perform their jobs, traveling far and wide, and moving as often as they like. These digital nomads have left their local coffee shops behind and now proudly post their "office of the day" photos from exotic locales, but what do their lives really look like?
In Digital Nomads, Rachael Woldoff and Robert Litchfield take readers into an expatriate digital nomad community in Bali, Indonesia to better understand this growing demographic of typically Millennial workers. Through dozens of interviews and several stints living in a digital nomad hub, Woldoff and Litchfield present new answers to classic questions about community, creativity, and work. They further show why digital nomads leave their conventional lives behind, arguing that creative class and Millennial workers, though successful, often feel that their "world class cities" and desirable jobs are anything but paradise. They first follow their transitions into freelancing, entrepreneurship, and remote work, then explain how digital nomads create a fluid but intimate community abroad in the company of like-minded others. Ultimately, Woldoff and Litchfield provide insight into digital nomads' efforts to live and work in ways that balance freedom, community, and creative fulfillment in the digital age.
A sympathetic yet critical take on this emerging group of workers, Digital Nomads provides a revealing take on the changing nature of work and the problems of the new economy.
In Digital Nomads, Rachael Woldoff and Robert Litchfield take readers into an expatriate digital nomad community in Bali, Indonesia to better understand this growing demographic of typically Millennial workers. Through dozens of interviews and several stints living in a digital nomad hub, Woldoff and Litchfield present new answers to classic questions about community, creativity, and work. They further show why digital nomads leave their conventional lives behind, arguing that creative class and Millennial workers, though successful, often feel that their "world class cities" and desirable jobs are anything but paradise. They first follow their transitions into freelancing, entrepreneurship, and remote work, then explain how digital nomads create a fluid but intimate community abroad in the company of like-minded others. Ultimately, Woldoff and Litchfield provide insight into digital nomads' efforts to live and work in ways that balance freedom, community, and creative fulfillment in the digital age.
A sympathetic yet critical take on this emerging group of workers, Digital Nomads provides a revealing take on the changing nature of work and the problems of the new economy.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
304 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 2, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up
Digital Nomads is an ethnography of an expat community of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other distance workers living in Bali. It's an interesting book that offers an in depth look at the sorts of people living in the community, why they choose to live and work there, as well as the emergent ethics and cultural practices of the community.
The authors seem to be interested in what this community can tell us about the state of creative work environments in big cities, the disparity between wages and cost of living in these cities, and the missteps of big corporations. Many of these so-called digital nomads have fled grinding, long work weeks, being constantly on-call, living away from nature, lacking close community, and being denied creative freedom or autonomy due to micro-managing bosses. They seek meaningful work, intimate supportive community, connection with nature, and freedom without constant stress about cost of living. One takeaway is that the corporate world globally (the community includes nomads from cities all around the world) is failing to provide those things.
However, the authors also (correctly) recognize that 1- members of the community typically have some level of privilege, coming from middle to upper class families and networks they could rely on at home in an emergency and 2- in many ways this practice constitutes a form of neocolonialism as expats thrive due to depressed economic conditions in Bali, sometimes at the expense of locals, and are contributing to a sort of bastardized cultural appropriation in some of their practices. While they do recognize these things, I'm not sure the authors adequately grapple with them. Instead they end with a bigger focus on why corporations should take note of this trend and seek to make meaningful changes rather than simply putting a ping pong table in the hallway.
It's particularly interesting reading this now in the wake of COVID, and indeed the introduction recognizes how this global pandemic has changed things. I'm interested to see what if any lasting changes it makes to corporate culture globally. I listened to this via audio and it was reasonably well done. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Digital Nomads is an ethnography of an expat community of freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other distance workers living in Bali. It's an interesting book that offers an in depth look at the sorts of people living in the community, why they choose to live and work there, as well as the emergent ethics and cultural practices of the community.
The authors seem to be interested in what this community can tell us about the state of creative work environments in big cities, the disparity between wages and cost of living in these cities, and the missteps of big corporations. Many of these so-called digital nomads have fled grinding, long work weeks, being constantly on-call, living away from nature, lacking close community, and being denied creative freedom or autonomy due to micro-managing bosses. They seek meaningful work, intimate supportive community, connection with nature, and freedom without constant stress about cost of living. One takeaway is that the corporate world globally (the community includes nomads from cities all around the world) is failing to provide those things.
However, the authors also (correctly) recognize that 1- members of the community typically have some level of privilege, coming from middle to upper class families and networks they could rely on at home in an emergency and 2- in many ways this practice constitutes a form of neocolonialism as expats thrive due to depressed economic conditions in Bali, sometimes at the expense of locals, and are contributing to a sort of bastardized cultural appropriation in some of their practices. While they do recognize these things, I'm not sure the authors adequately grapple with them. Instead they end with a bigger focus on why corporations should take note of this trend and seek to make meaningful changes rather than simply putting a ping pong table in the hallway.
It's particularly interesting reading this now in the wake of COVID, and indeed the introduction recognizes how this global pandemic has changed things. I'm interested to see what if any lasting changes it makes to corporate culture globally. I listened to this via audio and it was reasonably well done. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 15, 2021
An interesting study of Digital Nomads and nomad life. Sometimes it comes across as unbearably smug but it's still worth reading. Trust millennials to make something complicated out of basic stuff that people have been doing quietly for years. They form a clique, give each other silly names, and expect a participation trophy for every little thing because adulting is hard. People used to bum their way around the world with very little money. They were called Hobos not Nomads. People used to work in different countries because they could make more money abroad and then use it to support their families back home. They called it Immigration not Geo-arbitrage. Just because you have a laptop and an Instagram account it doesn't make you special. Most of the writing by and about Digital Nomads is lifestyle porn intended to be read by sad sacks still stuck in their cubicles. This book at least attempts to look more objectively at what the lives of a selection of Digital Nomads is actually like.
June 30, 2021
I read this with a friend who is doing research on the location independent lifestyle for a future book. The book is written by two academics, but is not so dry that you won't read on as they outline their research for you.
Major shortcomings of the book:
An exclusive focus on Bali - the authors are based in Europe and could have just as easily conducted some field research at digital nomad hubs in Europe in between their two extended visits to Bali. That would have made the research less narrow and more useful.
Almost no discussion of romantic and family relationships, which is a major discussion point among digital nomads.
A release right as lockdown was happening, which makes some of the writing susceptible to instant obsolescence, as basic premises of the digital nomad lifestyle are still, as of June 2021, suspended.
Important points considered by the authors:
The general failure of "creative class" cities in truly satisfying what the creative class is looking for.
The nightmarish work conditions that lead so many to seek a radical alternative to the corporate 9-5.
The reality that however much the "digital nomad" community might be lampooned or teased, genuine and fulfilling work is its major driver, and that's something that most "stable" non-nomads dream of.
One of my favorite quotes of the book:
“We would point out that individuals who stage pictures of themselves meditating and then post them on social media with captions like ‘in the moment’ are arguably not ‘in the moment.’”
As well as:
“Like most digital nomads, Lucy greatly objects to her friends’ negative thinking, complaining, lack of agency, and their seeming unwillingness to confront their own paralysis about their problems. Digital nomads often want to evangelize and empower others to live in a way that will make them happier.”
Finally:
“Overall, nomads at all stages of the lifestyle are thoughtful, reflecting on their lives and finding personal meaning in their own efforts to cultivate a life outside of the constraints imposed on them back home.”
Major shortcomings of the book:
An exclusive focus on Bali - the authors are based in Europe and could have just as easily conducted some field research at digital nomad hubs in Europe in between their two extended visits to Bali. That would have made the research less narrow and more useful.
Almost no discussion of romantic and family relationships, which is a major discussion point among digital nomads.
A release right as lockdown was happening, which makes some of the writing susceptible to instant obsolescence, as basic premises of the digital nomad lifestyle are still, as of June 2021, suspended.
Important points considered by the authors:
The general failure of "creative class" cities in truly satisfying what the creative class is looking for.
The nightmarish work conditions that lead so many to seek a radical alternative to the corporate 9-5.
The reality that however much the "digital nomad" community might be lampooned or teased, genuine and fulfilling work is its major driver, and that's something that most "stable" non-nomads dream of.
One of my favorite quotes of the book:
“We would point out that individuals who stage pictures of themselves meditating and then post them on social media with captions like ‘in the moment’ are arguably not ‘in the moment.’”
As well as:
“Like most digital nomads, Lucy greatly objects to her friends’ negative thinking, complaining, lack of agency, and their seeming unwillingness to confront their own paralysis about their problems. Digital nomads often want to evangelize and empower others to live in a way that will make them happier.”
Finally:
“Overall, nomads at all stages of the lifestyle are thoughtful, reflecting on their lives and finding personal meaning in their own efforts to cultivate a life outside of the constraints imposed on them back home.”
March 17, 2021
As a remote worker for nearly a decade, I was interested in this book to learn more about actually being location independent. I've often dreamed of pulling up stakes and working from anywhere and I have done the RV thing for a period of time though I've not seriously considered going overseas. It was interesting learning about the ins and outs of working overseas and navigating foreign laws regarding visas and such. In the past year, so many more jobs have transitioned to remote positions to accommodate social distancing. It will be interesting to see how many of those revert to standard office jobs when the pandemic subsides. It does take a certain personality to be able to successfully work on their own and not everyone is suited to it.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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November 8, 2025i liked reading!!!!! erg interessant
March 5, 2021
Fascinating ethnography of digital nomads—mostly millennial Americans, Australians, Brits, and Canadians (temporarily) living and working in Bali.
Their dissatisfaction with knowledge work and creative class cities is understandable; but it feels like they missed an opportunity to articulate their dissatisfaction and organize for change in their communities and home countries.
I identify with their rejection of busy work, materialism, and workaholism. I also strongly identify with their values as described in the book: freedom, personal development, sharing, positivity, and minimalism. I just question some of their choices.
I worry about the impact of their digital nomad lifestyle on Southeast Asian communities. Also how is an “office of the day” Instagram post of the beach, pool, or rice field all that different from the shiny new car in the driveway back home? Sure, they’re consuming experiences not things; but it’s still conspicuous consumption.
I also have a hard time reconciling their stated anti-consumerism and a longing for “meaningful work” with the pursuit of Amazon selling and dropshipping as a lifestyle business.
It also feels like they’re often trying to replicate Western luxury on the cheap.
I realize the authors were able to research their subjects deeply by focusing on one locale (Bali, Indonesia); but It just made me curious about other digital nomad hubs (Tallinn, Estonia, Medellin, Colombia).
Their dissatisfaction with knowledge work and creative class cities is understandable; but it feels like they missed an opportunity to articulate their dissatisfaction and organize for change in their communities and home countries.
I identify with their rejection of busy work, materialism, and workaholism. I also strongly identify with their values as described in the book: freedom, personal development, sharing, positivity, and minimalism. I just question some of their choices.
I worry about the impact of their digital nomad lifestyle on Southeast Asian communities. Also how is an “office of the day” Instagram post of the beach, pool, or rice field all that different from the shiny new car in the driveway back home? Sure, they’re consuming experiences not things; but it’s still conspicuous consumption.
I also have a hard time reconciling their stated anti-consumerism and a longing for “meaningful work” with the pursuit of Amazon selling and dropshipping as a lifestyle business.
It also feels like they’re often trying to replicate Western luxury on the cheap.
I realize the authors were able to research their subjects deeply by focusing on one locale (Bali, Indonesia); but It just made me curious about other digital nomad hubs (Tallinn, Estonia, Medellin, Colombia).
April 3, 2021
This was the first time I was introduced to the term Digital Nomads, and though I was familiar with the work-from-home scenario, I never knew much about remote workers and this book gave a detailed description of what digital nomads are and how they go about doing what they do. Especially since the pandemic, the number of digital nomads seems to have grown. And Bali seems to be the destination hub for digital nomads, owing to the tropical climate and low cost of living.
Though remote work has never appealed to me, this book gives an idea on how to go about in becoming a digital nomad, how they start out, what are their options and how to sustain it. And Bali seems to be the most preferred location for digital nomads worldwide.
I really enjoyed the book. It was a refreshing read to know more about an upcoming way of working while leading a more fulfilling lifestyle. This is a must read for those wanting to leave corporate jobs and start remote working.
Thank you #NetGalley and RB media for providing me an advanced audio copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Though remote work has never appealed to me, this book gives an idea on how to go about in becoming a digital nomad, how they start out, what are their options and how to sustain it. And Bali seems to be the most preferred location for digital nomads worldwide.
I really enjoyed the book. It was a refreshing read to know more about an upcoming way of working while leading a more fulfilling lifestyle. This is a must read for those wanting to leave corporate jobs and start remote working.
Thank you #NetGalley and RB media for providing me an advanced audio copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
April 13, 2021
This is a quite a detailed ethnography of "Digital Nomads" who are typically millennial knowledge workers who choose to live as expats in exotic locations. For this book, the authors chose to focus on the expats in Bali. Ever since I started reading this book, I've heard the term "Digital Nomads" in contexts unrelated to this book, so I guess it's a catchy trend to look out for.
That said, the book went in great depth into the subject matter, sometimes blurring the line between serious study and subtle mockery of its own subjects. It's definitely an interesting read.
The narrator of the audiobook is quite brilliant, using varying intonations, etc, to bring together a narrative which has multiple POVs. It could have been a dull read, but the narrator keeps it alive.
That said, the book went in great depth into the subject matter, sometimes blurring the line between serious study and subtle mockery of its own subjects. It's definitely an interesting read.
The narrator of the audiobook is quite brilliant, using varying intonations, etc, to bring together a narrative which has multiple POVs. It could have been a dull read, but the narrator keeps it alive.
December 2, 2020
The wonders of an Academic Leech's life: making trips, spending time on social media, things for which some are called slackers, in this case is science. What does it make it science? Well, the taxpayer is the generous patron, so it must be science. And it doesn't matter if you get evicted from your home or you have lost your job and don't have enough for next month's food, you have to pay your taxes so these people would make meaningful "research" to "enrich" "us all".
October 11, 2021
I enjoyed this, of course, I have this weird fascination with people living the Nomad lifestyle. It was heavily focused on Bali which is okay. I really enjoyed my time in Bali and look forward to going back one day. With the wealth of information that was presented, it was a little short on things like digital Nomads who have families. Even though the information presented wasn't catered to me I got a lot out of this.
August 2, 2022
This felt like reading an undergraduate thesis. Not much was done to adapt the style for publishing. Despite the dry, academic tone of the writing, the research seemed limited in scope and ad hoc. I was hoping for more general guidelines for thriving as a digital nomad. This seems mostly descriptive of a subset of the community that is not overly relevant to me. Of course, for anyone working or considering working in Bali or a similar location.
April 28, 2021
It is quite ironic that in a time of refugee crisis, so-called "digital nomadism" is increasingly consolidated. It is simply disappointing that the authors offer no reflection on neoliberal globalization, and how the lifestyles of these "creative class" people who are frustrated by their class aspirations (in "class cities" that offer "class amenities") merely reproduce capitalist inequalities.
October 22, 2024
This book was very informative - about the stress and disillusion of living in an urban environment, and the sociological phenomenon of those ex-corporate clones who go off to live in Bali. It discusses the good and the bad about the growing community there and raises some issues about meaningful work and what it means to the new economy of Millennials. 10/10
March 15, 2021
I enjoyed learning more about this lifestyle. It was all new to me, even as a millennial. Even though this was written before the COVD-19 pandemic, the authors note how the pandemic will likely only elevate a digital nomad lifestyle moving forward since employers have seen the success of remote work.
Thanks for NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks for NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2021
I had no idea what Digital Nomads meant until I came across this book. The book was interesting and insightful. It explained everything regarding Digital Nomads. I liked it. I would recommend it to non fiction lovers
April 30, 2023
A deep dive into the digital nomad phenomenon, this book has many insights into work and community -- regardless of a reader's plans to head to Bali or another destination. As someone who seeks meaningful work yet more time for life's other pursuits, I highly recommend it.
March 22, 2021
Very interesting
full review to follow soon
full review to follow soon
August 27, 2022
Useful definitions and analysis of underlying values behind digital nomadism
August 7, 2025
interesting topic but a slow read
August 3, 2021
A thought provoking analysis of digital nomads lifestyle primarily focused on Bali. If you are thinking of this lifestyle this is an excellent read. It honestly treats pros and cons.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews