Pros & Cons of Being a Digital Nomad



on 9 October 2017
Increased productivity, lowered expenses, plus improved morale?YES, PLEASE! Welcome to the life of a digital nomad. Given the advancement of communication tools and technology, it’s only natural that most businesses have evolved to include location independent talent. Graphic from Native Script It's not just IT and media businesses, either. According to Forbes’ Top 100 Companies […]

Increased productivity, lowered expenses, plus improved morale?YES, PLEASE!

Welcome to the life of a digital nomad.

Given the advancement of communication tools and technology, it’s only natural that most businesses have evolved to include location independent talent.

Graphic from Native Script

It's not just IT and media businesses, either. According to Forbes’ Top 100 Companies For Remote Jobs list, telecommuting is big with everyone from health service providers to e-commerce retailers, while Flexjobs offers professional listings for jobs in 50 career categories.

We built the Ponderlust infrastructure based specifically around the digital nomadic lifestyle.

Why? It’s simple. For us, the benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks. We strive for a healthy work-life balance, so it makes sense to offer flexibility to our growing team.

Everyone at Ponderlust works remotely to some extent; whether it’s a couple days a week or permanently.

Intrigued? Here some things to consider if you’re curious about working or hiring remotely

Pros:

Greater Flexibility= Greater Productivity

Many people tend to work harder when they are evaluated on results and productivity versus number of hours spent in the office.

Increased Autonomy = Greater Fulfilment

Telecommuting negates the need for micromanagement, direct supervision and offers a less stringent working environment. For many people, this freedom and independence brings fulfilment and productivity.

Lowered Expenses & Environmental Impact

Wave goodbye to expensive office attire (pencil skirts be gone!). There are no commuting expenses or parking fees. Plus, telecommuting means a lower overall impact on the environment and increased available income for both the individual and employer. Win!

Larger Talent Pool

Casting your net geographically wider increases your chances of finding the talent you need. At Ponderlust, we have access to some incredible talent from around the world, all available at the click of a button. Are you a coding wiz from a different hemisphere? No problem! Let’s connect.

cons:

Sense Of Isolation:

For some, working remotely can be lonely and issues may develop associated with solitude.

Solution: change up your location and opt to co-work with others periodically.

There are some great co-working spaces in Perth.

Co-working Spaces Perth

You can check out Sync Labs in Leederville; pitching to tech, innovation, design by booking a free tour. The same goes for Spacecubed and Flux working out of St. Georges Terrace—positioned more towards contractors for big business.

In Fremantle, fSpace is going for collaboration as key to their message.

Plus, they have a great first month incentive @ $100 off the regular price.

Distractions:The home environment has plenty of distractions (housework, socializing, food!) and it’s definitely not for everyone.

Solution: Designate a work-only area, and be diligent about blocking out high productivity times in your calendar. Also, try not to just stand in the kitchen staring into the fridge.

Thoughts

Working from home may not be for everyone. But for Ponderlust, it's allowed us to access a larger talent pool and provide more freedom to our team. The days of cramping people’s work style is fast becoming the way of the past, and it’s changing the way we do business.

Brainstorm Reduction:

The traditional office environment offers brainstorming opportunities you'll miss out on when working alone—unless you're diligent.

Solution: schedule regular team brainstorming sessions via Zoom or phone.

Inhibits Connections:

You could feel detached from the company you work with/for when you don't get regular face-to-face time. This could negatively impact career growth and development.

Solution: schedule regular progress meetings via Skype, phone or in-person, if possible.

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