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Welcome back to Nomad Cloud. Boy have we got some stories for you this week! We don’t hear a lot about nomads from China do we? Well, today we’ll explore a story of how young Chinese are moving out of cities to enjoy a more balanced life. In an environment that values hustle, sometimes backbreaking work, they are facing a lot of backlash! We also explore the American phenomenon of hustle culture in one story that is far too relatable. The nomad kidnapped by the cartel is on the podcast so take a listen if you can handle it! I promise this edition will get you motivated! P.S. One more thing 👀. We’re back in action with a massive online event, eKairos Forum 2023, right on the eve of 2024. The biggest names will be in the room so you won’t want to miss it. It’s ☁️ time.

Upcoming

• 5 Travel Startup Ideas To Consider (for our nomad entrepreneurs) 🎒

• Chinese nomads are on the rise 📈

• Americans only think about hard work, what else? 🧠

• Nomad kidnapped by cartel 🔫

📈 Trending News

• 20 Best US Cities for Digital Nomads 🌆

• She got divorced and traveled the world but regrets it 💔

• 5 Innovative Startup Ideas In Travel

Meet Our Community Partner: Global Rescue

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What does it cost to join Global Rescue? Just the price of membership, which starts as low as $139. Global Rescue memberships provide peace of mind with travel services designed for unexpected medical and security emergencies, whether you’re a digital nomad, expat, or family.

If you don’t have a plan in case of an emergency get Global Rescue

Chinese Nomads Are Fleeing Big Cities To Work Remote In The Mountains 🗻 

In Dali, a mountain town in southwest China, a diverse mix of individuals, including former city residents, tech entrepreneurs, and artists, is forming a unique community. They are drawn to this area for its open atmosphere, which is becoming increasingly rare in China, where open discussions and the exchange of ideas are often restricted under authoritarian rule.

The town has become a refuge for those seeking escape from the pressures of urban life and the tightening grip of President Xi Jinping's government. Dali's attractiveness is enhanced by its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and a history of relative tolerance. The influx of people to Dali is also influenced by the normalization of remote work and the town's less restrictive policies during China's zero-COVID crackdown.

However, this haven is not without its challenges. The local authorities have increased scrutiny of activities in Dali, with instances of police raids and the cancellation of large-scale events. The town's population includes young tech talent and digital nomads, who often find themselves under the watchful eye of the government, especially those involved in emerging technologies like blockchain. This has led to a more cautious approach by local co-working spaces in promoting their services to digital nomads.

The Rundown

• Diverse Community: Dali has become a haven for people seeking open discussion and idea exchange, attracting a mix of former city-dwellers, artists, and tech entrepreneurs.

• Escape from Pressure: The town offers an escape from the tightening control of the Chinese government and economic pressures, with its history of tolerance and attractive living conditions.

• Government Scrutiny: Despite its appeal, Dali faces challenges with increased police oversight, particularly affecting events and activities related to emerging technologies and digital nomadism.

Read the full article here

Kidnapped by Mexican Cartel (Full Story on this weeks podcast!)

Matt Young was in a life and death situation on his way to a workation in Mexico. He somehow found his neck in the grip of a very dangerous man. You’ll have to listen to the full podcast to find out exactly how he ended up in this situation. If you don’t know Matt, he is the founder of Realply, an AI startup that helps you establish authority with copywriting, and CEO of Matt Young Media, a media company helping real estate professionals get amazing ROI. His journey from early struggles, including a period of homelessness, to becoming a Forbes-highlighted business leader is inspiring. You need to hear this week’s episode because his story is a testament to the resilience and potential for anyone to turn their visionary ideas into reality.

Why Americans LOVE Work So Much? 🤔

The United States, unique in its national mythology, places a high premium on hard work as a path to success and a measure of moral worth. This belief is so entrenched that it overrides other traditional values, as indicated by a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll showing a high regard for hard work among Americans. However, there's a growing realization, particularly in rural areas, that hard work does not always guarantee success, challenging the American Dream narrative.

There also exists a lot hypocrisy in the political realm, where hard work is often demanded from the poor but overlooked among the wealthy. This disparity underpins policies that favor the economic overclass, maintaining low taxes for the wealthy and minimal worker protections. The contrast with European countries is stark, where work-life balance is emphasized through policies like mandated paid vacations, reflecting a different ideology about work.

But Why?

• Cultural Emphasis on Hard Work: Hard work is deeply valued in American culture, seen as a path to success and a moral imperative, despite growing evidence that it doesn't always lead to success.

• Political and Economic Disparities: The American narrative around hard work masks a disparity where the poor are expected to work hard, but the wealthy are exempt, influencing policies that favor the rich.

• Contrast with European Work-Life Balance: Compared to the U.S., European countries place more emphasis on work-life balance, highlighting a different ideological approach to the role of work in life.

  Read full story.

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You’re Invited To The Biggest Digital Nomad Event of 2023

If you envision yourself as a future leader in Future of Work and Living, the eKairos Forum 2023 is an essential event for you to attend. Scheduled for December 28th, 2023, from 8am to 4pm EST, the forum offers a unique opportunity to hear from this generation's thought leaders and practitioners across industries that are poised to significantly influence humanity over the next century.

Our forum employs an innovative format where each speaker is allotted just 8 minutes to present their most critical issues and topics, along with proposed solutions, that they believe we face in this era.

This approach ensures a raw and unfiltered account from each individual, fostering a diverse array of valuable and actionable insights. This exclusive event requires registration and is limited to 888 virtual seats, ensuring an intimate and impactful experience.

We are excited to announce our Title Sponsor is.. Global Rescue who have supported our newsletter since the early days. One more exciting news regarding our event! One lucky attendee will win a 6-night luxury getaway in the Maldives! Stay tuned for more details on this amazing opportunity.

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