Digital Nomads Living on the Margins: Remote-Working Laptop Entrepreneurs in the Gig Economy

This book explores the social implications of adopting the subcultural lifestyle known as 'Digital Nomadism,' which provides an individualistic fix for an otherwise downwardly-mobile millennial generation, but obscures their inabilities to afford a comfortable lifestyle in their home countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2021
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

In the ever-evolving landscape of the gig economy, driven by technological advancements, the ability to work remotely online has opened up a world of opportunities for Western millennials. Many have taken advantage of this flexibility by traveling the globe, combining work and play while earning a modest livelihood as digital platform workers. However, beneath the surface-level media coverage that often portrays these individuals lounging on tropical beaches, equipped with laptops, lies a deeper exploration of the social implications of embracing the subcultural lifestyle known as "Digital Nomadism."

This book delves into the inherent social challenges associated with this lifestyle. It examines how Digital Nomadism serves as a perceived solution for a generation of millennials who are struggling with downward mobility. Thompson highlights how this lifestyle leads many millennials to postpone traditional markers of adulthood, such as purchasing a home, getting married, or having children, due to financial insecurities. While being a Digital Nomad may offer a high quality of life, particularly when living on the picturesque beaches of Thailand, it inadvertently obscures their inability to afford a comfortable lifestyle in their home countries.

The book explores the complexities of this phenomenon, shedding light on the social dynamics and cultural nuances that shape the lives of Digital Nomads. It examines the impact of this lifestyle on personal relationships, community development, and the broader societal implications of a growing segment of the population who are choosing to live a nomadic existence. Through interviews with Digital Nomads, researchers, and experts in the field, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of this lifestyle, offering valuable insights into the future of work and the evolving nature of human mobility.

In conclusion, "Digital Nomadism" poses a fascinating and complex social phenomenon that challenges our traditional notions of work, mobility, and identity. This book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the future of work and the evolving nature of human society, offering a deeper understanding of the social implications of adopting this subcultural lifestyle. As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it will be important to consider the broader societal implications of this trend and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800715462