Digital Nomad Event Attracts Nearly 1,000 Attendees

Welcome back to Nomad Cloud. Today find out which gathering of nomads has grown to epic proportions. Explore some tough subjects around mental health. And finally, we unveil a new stunning location to live and work remotely.

• A Digital Nomad Event Attracts Nearly 1,000 Attendees

• Americans Want Flexible Work (or do they?)

• Digital Nomadism Taking A Physical Toll?

• New Podcast Get Real

• Mexico’s Problems With Nomads

• New Workation in stunning Switzerland

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Bulgaria Hosts Largest-Ever Digital Nomad Event with 700+ Attendees from 40+ Countries

Bulgaria's Bansko Nomad Fest 2023 hosted its largest-ever digital nomad event, attracting over 700 attendees from more than 40 countries. The event took place in the town of Bansko, known for its scenic location in the Pirin mountains. The United States, Germany, and Bulgaria were the most represented countries at the festival. Since its inception in 2016, Bansko has become a popular digital nomad hub, thanks to the efforts of Matthias Zeitler, originally from Germany, who has spearheaded a bustling community and coworking space. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Bansko Nomad Fest has grown each year since its inception in 2020. The event featured knowledge-sharing sessions, networking opportunities, and immersive experiences showcasing the region's cuisine and outdoor adventures. Attendees enjoyed activities like hiking, biking, and rafting, as well as cultural experiences and evening parties. The festival also included a startup pitching session and supported local charities. Participants included remote workers, freelancers, startup founders, and various types of coaches.

Our Take

Bankso might as well be called the spiritual hub for nomadic families due to a strong community of digital nomad families that have been living there over the last few years. Spurred on by the Bansko Nomad Fest and the work of outspoken proponent of the lifestyle, Andreas Wil Gerdes, we’re not surprised the numbers at these events are starting to go up! From our knowledge it’s the largest of it’s kind even compared to big remote work events like Running Remote.

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Americans Embrace Flexible Work as a Permanent Shift, According to McKinsey Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way Americans view work, according to a survey by McKinsey. The study found that 58% of respondents had the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, and 35% had the option to work remotely five days a week. This shift towards flexible work extends across different job types and regions. When given the opportunity, 87% of respondents embraced flexible work, regardless of demographics or occupation. However, there are disparities in access, with men and younger workers having more opportunities. Industries like technology have embraced flexible work arrangements, while job seekers highly value flexibility when searching for new opportunities. Challenges associated with flexible work were also identified, including mental health issues for younger workers and physical health or hostile work environments for those with children. This shift has implications for commercial real estate and urban centers, and employers must adapt to support a blended work environment.

Our Take

Americans got a taste of what it’s like to work from home so there’s no going back now. We believe long term people will transition to working MORE from home and this “hybrid” talk is just desperate attempts of employers to keep people in the office as long as they can. What do you think?

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Physical Toll of Remote Work: Sedentary Lifestyle and Screen Time Concerns

The shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has had its downsides, as reported by CNN. While surveys show that Americans love working from home, the sedentary nature of remote work has been linked to poorer sleep, mental health concerns, and physical health risks. With approximately 22 million Americans still working fully remotely, health experts are concerned about the lack of movement and physical activity among teleworkers. Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of blood clots, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle contributes to long-term health issues like weight gain, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Excessive screen time, common among remote workers, can lead to eyestrain, worsened eyesight, migraines, and other uncomfortable side effects. Furthermore, remote work can make it easier for some individuals to develop unhealthy habits such as continuous snacking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use.

Our Take
Well how ironic is this? I think this is not a digital nomad phenomenon it’s an “American” phenonmenon. If you happen to be American, even if you’re a nomad, you’re not a stranger to these behaviors and pattern that plague a very large group of patriots. What we will say is digital nomads tend to be healthier in general (hello Bali beach bod) and this is likely a generalization of remote workers who are not so remote and are still part of the American machine that is corporate business.

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New Episode of Nomad Cloud Out Now!

Michelle Coulson is helping people from all walks of life find the remote job of their dreams and to design the lifestyle they have always wanted deep down inside.

On this interview it was clear to me that Michelle is already changing lives by helping dozens of people get their dream remote jobs but it's her vulnerability and authenticity that really struck me.

We talk everything from work-life balance to what it means to live a life of purpose, we went DEEP!

Find your favorite corner at home, slip on your headphones, and enjoy this one.

Mexico Experiences Surge in Digital Nomads, Highlighting Shifting Work-Life Balance

Mexico has witnessed a significant increase in its digital nomad population, tripling in numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis by tech firm Restart. This growth positions Mexico as the leading Latin American country and the second on the continent in terms of digital nomad population. These remote workers, often unregistered with the Treasury, enter Mexico as tourists and conduct their work while enjoying the local surroundings, with popular cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. This trend reflects a notable shift in the work-life balance, as individuals seek a lifestyle that combines work and travel. While digital nomads have the potential to contribute to the local economy, their lack of registration poses a challenge for tax revenue. The rise of digital nomads in Mexico highlights the global trend toward remote work and calls for businesses and governments to adapt to this transient workforce by developing inclusive frameworks that benefit both workers and host countries.

Our Take

Ah Mexico, next to Bali one of the biggest offenders when it comes to over-tourism. As we’ve spoken about in the past, this issue is not due to digital nomads per se, it’s due to the overall migration of people in high-income countries to low-income countries for vacation, aka tourists. But this does not mean the tens of thousands of us who spend longer than a weekend bender shouldn’t be conscious and take responsibility that our presence ALSO drives up the prices for locals. Let’s not be naive and let’s take responsibility. As for the solution, well we’re working on it. We will announce some exciting opportunities and partnerships soon that combat these issues we see way too often.

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Swiss Village is hoping to attract digital nomads with mountain views and community

In the tranquil village of Lenk, Switzerland, digital nomads are discovering an appealing escape from the bustle of city life, thanks to its majestic mountain vistas and outdoor recreational opportunities. After a decade of traveling the world as a digital nomad, Andy Stofferis has settled in Lenk, finding the serene environment and absence of crowds to be conducive to productivity. Inspired by his experience, Stofferis is establishing a digital nomad hub in Lenk, offering private apartments and a co-working space to accommodate remote workers seeking a peaceful and scenic work environment. The village's proximity to Bern and major airports, as well as its relative affordability, make it an attractive option for nomads. Stofferis aims to foster a sense of community between the digital nomads and the locals, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences. While Lenk sees high tourist traffic during the winter and summer seasons, the establishment of a digital nomad hub could attract visitors during the off-peak periods. Despite the absence of a digital nomad visa in Switzerland, Stofferis suggests that non-EU citizens can consider a Type C Schengen visa, provided they meet certain requirements.

Our Take

Andy is a friend and long-term respected digital nomad. We’re excited to share the opportunity to join his upcoming program. Supporting community members is one of our main values here so we’re proud of you taking this HUGE step Andy! If you’d like to join the program, you can find out more here.

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