PrideNomad 118: The Worst Part of Being a Digital Nomad?

And What to Do About it...

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Today’s PrideNomad™ Quiz:

Which European capital, famed for its medieval architecture and cutting-edge fashion scene, hosts the annual Pride Parade along the historic Royal Route, making it a trendy destination for LGBTQ+ digital nomads?

Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.

In today’s email:

Up Front: An Alternative to Your Boring Job?

Consider This: The Worst Part of Being a PrideNomad?

Subscriber Adventures: Lights Fantastik!

We love Mercury. It’s totally free banking!

UP FRONT:

A Global Opportunity for Global Talent. Is this your ticket to location freedom?

There’s a new trend that can be your ticket out of boredom and give you your first taste of an international lifestyle.

Turns out that for many Americans (and others), it’s getting trickier to snag a remote gig locally.

BUT…if you expand your horizons, you might have better luck with a company based abroad.

According to the State of Global Hiring Report from Deel, an HR platform specializing in global hiring, the number of workers hired by international companies shot up 62% last year.

We’re talking about 300,000 contracts, with 85% being remote roles.

Why stay home when you can work from Croatia? Or _____ (Insert dream location here)

So, where are these international job offers coming from? Think U.K., Canada, France, Singapore, and Australia.

Deel’s CEO, Alex Bouaziz, links it to the reduction of remote roles in home countries. He notes that people are ditching office-bound jobs to stay remote. “A couple of our competitors did that, and we hired their best people,” he says, “So I welcome them to keep doing it.“

Why Global Companies Want Diverse Talent

Global employers are eager to tap into talent pools in countries like the U.S., Australia, and beyond because these regions are home to some of the world’s most influential companies.

Bouaziz says these international bosses want to “bring some of that local magic to their home turf.” If you’ve got unique, in-demand skills in product, growth, or sales, you’re in hot demand (and if you think you don’t, consider how you might reposition yourself—remember, it’s all in the packaging!).

Cities producing the most remote workers for international companies include San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Austin, Miami, Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, and London.

These places are packed with top-tier talent. Common remote jobs include research, sales, software engineering, content, and product development.

The Age Breakdown

As an example of the possibilities for you, half of the workers hired through Deel are between 25 and 34 years old. Another 18% are in the 35 to 44 range, and 25% are 45 or older. So, no matter your age, there’s a spot for you in the global remote workforce.

The Pros and Cons

Remember, working remotely for an international company isn’t like going on holiday. It’s STILL work, and it’s STILL a JOB.

You still have to juggle taxes, HR compliance, and those pesky time zones. For example, if you’re in Sydney or Melbourne working for a European or North America-based company, get ready for some early mornings or late nights (and that’s NOT pretty!!).

Viva la Difference!

Cultural differences can be a big deal. From holiday schedules to communication norms, you’ve got to be flexible.

For example, Australia celebrated the King’s birthday this past Monday with a national holiday—even though his real birthday is in November, yet in Britain, they don’t take it as a national holiday.

If you’re American, the 4th of July is just another day in the calendar in other parts of the world. And, check this out…if you’re a big fan of Christmas, it’s just another work day in Thailand, where the national religion is Buddhist (yet all the malls and many buildings are decked-out with Christmas decorations—go figure!).

Christmas time in Bangkok. Never miss the opportunity to celebrate SOMETHING!

But here’s the silver lining—embracing a new work culture can be a game-changer. You might find you love a different style of communication or a fresh take on work-life balance. Plus, working with a diverse team can give you a whole new perspective on the world.

Bouaziz mentions that bringing a local vibe to a foreign company can be an exciting challenge. You get to be a trailblazer, helping to bridge cultures and maybe even shaping the company’s approach to your home market.

How to Get Started

If you’re keen to land a remote job with an international company, start by hitting up job boards like LinkedIn and filtering for remote positions worldwide. Check out Otta, which lists jobs at international startups and trending companies with remote flexibility.

In the end, Bouaziz keeps it simple: “Don’t overthink it. You’ll find that people, wherever you go, tend to be nice.”

[Editor’s Note: we agree—if you have that attitude, you’re more likely to create that experience for yourself, in business or social situations].

So, there you have it. The global remote work scene is booming, and talent from all over the world is in high demand. This might be your easiest transition into the PrideNomad experience!

Share your nomadic adventures with us! PrideNomad™ is all about building a community of like-minded digital nomads who want to experience the world together. Your wisdom and experience is what makes this relevant for everyone. So don’t be shy. Reply to this email and share your story!

CONSIDER THIS:

The Worst Part of Being a Pride Nomad?

If you’re a shopper, being a digital nomad can be one of the most frustrating lifestyles.

Why?

Answer this question—Where are you going to put all that stuff?

Years ago, I was in the beginning of my digital nomad experience. It was a glorious Sunday night in Chiang Mai. I was casually exploring the incredible night market when I discovered a vendor with an exquisitely carved wooden elephant head.

It was breathtaking.

I wanted it (I still want it!).

But…here’s that question…Where the heck are you going to put that heavy piece of wood? It would take up about half of your suitcase, and do you really want to lug it around with you for the next (insert time period here, Mr. Collector)?.

Sure, it’s frustrating.

So what’s the solution?

Maintain a Home Base.

I know what you may be thinking – isn’t the whole point of being a digital nomad to roam free, explore endlessly, and never settle down? That’s the dreamy Instagram version that sounds sexy.

But here’s the reality: perpetual travel, while thrilling, comes with its own set of challenges. Constantly moving can be exhausting. Between visas, packing, unpacking, and adjusting to new places, it can all start to wear you down.

Having a home base is like having a pit stop in a race. It’s where you recharge, regroup, and reconnect.

It’s a place where you can unpack your bags and settle into a routine, even if just for a little while. It means being back in YOUR kitchen, and having YOUR stuff all around you again (and it also is a place where you can exchange all the clothing you’ve grown tired of for some of your other gear).

Just like the old American TV Show, Cheers, home base can be the place where everyone knows your name.

There can be a feeling of safety and security when everybody knows your name…

Other Considerations.

You might also want to consider the nitty-gritty stuff like legal and tax issues. Many countries have residency requirements, and being a “perpetual tourist” can get complicated. We’re developing a guide on this if you need more details, but let’s keep it light for now.

How to Choose Your Perfect Sanctuary

So, how do you pick the ideal home base?

It can be your true home—ie your starting point, where perhaps you have family.

Or not…

Here are some key things to consider:

Cost of Living: This is huge. Look for a place that offers good value – affordable but with a decent quality of life (Thailand is a great choice for this).

Lifestyle Preferences: What kind of environment makes you happy? Beaches or bustling cities? Vibrant cultures or peaceful retreats? Think about where you’d love to spend a few months a year. Do you want a place all to yourself, or do you want a roommate to cover part of the costs?

Tax Considerations: Some countries offer favorable tax conditions for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. Why not choose a place that helps you save money while living your best life?

Community: Find a place with an established digital nomad (and LGBTQ+) community. Being around like-minded people can make a big difference, especially in a non-traditional lifestyle. Look for business-friendly environments and remote work hubs.

Your home base should be a place that supports your work, fuels your soul, and fits seamlessly into your nomadic lifestyle.

Here’s the collaborative part—Please respond back to this email and tell us:

What’s your experience with finding a home base…your sanctuary? What are or were your top considerations? Share your stories by replying to this email!

Remember, living your best life isn’t just about the journey; it’s about having a place to pause, reflect, and plan your next adventure.

It’s also the place where you can hoard all those “must buys”, like my elephant head (and yes, nearly everyone ships these days!).

We’d welcome YOUR contribution to the PrideNomad Letter! Just reply to the newsletter with your content idea and you could score your own PrideNomad Contributor T-Shirt!

SPONSORED MESSAGE

What’s the best way to pay for your PrideNomad adventures?

Become an investor and create a steady stream of cashflow to support your lifestyle. Join PrideNomad’s Publisher and CFO (Chief Fun Officer) Ken Krell along with Jason Palliser as they reveal:

Do you have a travel story or helpful hint to share? Reply to this email and share (and if we publish it, you’ll score a sexy PrideNomad T-Shirt!).

SUBSCRIBER ADVENTURES:

The Lights Fantastik. Vivid’s Back!

It’s probably no secret that PrideNomad has a love affair with Sydney. It’s got the most amazing Mardi Gras, a thriving arts community (with incredible theatre), some breathtaking natural beauty, from the famous harbour to the Blue Mountains and more.

And then there’s the opera house, one of the 8 wonders of the world (the new wonders). It’s also a city that’s delightfully inclusive, with Pride flags flying above the streets during Mardi Gras, and right now, during Pride Month, it’s Vivid Time!

Sydney’s Vivid Festival isn’t just another event—it’s an unforgettable experience that we consider a must-see.

It takes 11 months to create this…

It all began in 2009.

One of the original creators of the event, Anthony Bastic, was inspired to light up the Sydney Opera House after seeing illuminated buildings in London in 2007.

It’s grown to now over 3.48 million attendees last year, a 30% increase over the previous year. Yes, it’s a big deal!

That’s got to be gratifying for the artists. For instance, it takes 11 months to plan and create the artwork projected onto the Sydney Opera House sails, so it’s got to feel good to know their work is appreciated.

Every night the average daily attendance is over 151,000 (definitely avoid weekends and go out exploring on a weeknight!).

Why Vivid is Perfect for Digital Nomads

Networking and Inspiration

As a PrideNomad, you’re always looking for inspiration and new connections. Vivid offers 38 Vivid Ideas events across 149 sessions with 218 speakers. From creative workshops to insightful talks, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to network with like-minded individuals and industry leaders. Imagine discussing your next big idea with fellow innovators against the backdrop of Sydney’s breathtaking light installations.

Cultural Immersion

Vivid isn’t just about lights—it’s a cultural immersion. The festival features more than 100 artists from 14 countries and 57 installations.

The signature experience is the Sydney Opera House Lighting of the Sails, showcasing the work of esteemed Australian artist John Olsen AO OBE.

If you’re into music, last year, there were 67 different Vivid Music events across 121 sessions at 14 venues, ensuring a musical genre for every taste.

Last night was one of our favorite nights—if you’re into piano bars, you’d fall in love with Club Broadway, the new Aussie & New Zealand “musical-theatre nightclub”, where our favorite showtunes are curated on a pumping club system, along with live performances every 15 minutes. It was 3 hours of just super duper fun with about 1,000 people that became instant friends.

Now THAT is how you pose!

Green lights helped us Defy Gravity ;)

Explore and Unwind

This year, Sydney boasts the longest-ever free Vivid Light Walk, stretching 8.5 kilometers from Circular Quay to Central Station. You’ll probably want to do it over a few nights, especially if you’ll be doing some of the ticketed events such as the magical night at the Botanical Garden (if you’re a romantic, you’ll swoon over it!).

Video? You Want Video??

We planned to release a short video for you of some of the highlights, but it’s not ready yet. We’ll also be posting our complete video of the famous drone show (the largest in the southern hemisphere), so look for an email in the next couple of days with your special link to our new YouTube channel.

When a building is your palette…

The Museum of Contemporary Art Becomes It’s Own Canvas

Sydney Customs House…Wait for the video :)

Editor’s Note: It’s this level of enthusiasm that we hope that you’ll enjoy in YOUR nomadic adventures. We want to share it with the rest of our community…so don’t be shy! Tell us what you’re up to and share photos and even short experiences—don’t worry about perfection. We’ll make you look great!

What experiences can YOU share with us? If we publish yours, you’ll score your very own PrideNomad Contributor T-Shirt!

Quiz Answer:

Copenhagen.

Copenhagen, Denmark, is renowned for its beautiful medieval architecture and vibrant fashion scene. The annual Pride Parade travels along the historic Royal Route, celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity and rights. The city’s blend of history, style, and inclusivity attracts many LGBTQ+ digital nomads.

That’s it for today. Watch your email for a link to the full video of the Vivid drone show and more. Here’s a taste 👇

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