Location Independence, Financial Freedom: How Young Canadians are Embracing the Digital Nomad Life
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, more young Canadians are exploring the possibility of living as digital nomads.
This lifestyle offers the appealing combination of a lower cost of living and the opportunity to travel the world while maintaining a stable income through remote work.
Sitting in a bright, plant-filled coffee shop in Písac, Peru, with natural light filtering through a skylight above, Grayson Allen shares his journey of working abroad.
The 30-year-old content creator from Vancouver identifies as a digital nomad, a term that describes people who work remotely from any location globally.
The Appeal of Digital Nomadism
For the last two and a half years, Allen has been working remotely while traveling through various countries, including the U.K., Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and his current location, Peru.
Inicially working for a Canadian company, he now operates as a freelancer.
His decision to embrace digital nomadism was largely influenced by the high cost of living in Canada.
By living and working in countries with a lower cost of living, Allen has managed to repay most of the student loans he accrued while earning a master’s degree in the U.K.
Remarkably, at one point, he was able to save two-thirds of his income.
Countries around the world, from Portugal to Japan to Barbados, have recognized the growing trend of digital nomadism and have introduced special visas to attract remote workers.
Canada has also announced its digital nomad strategy, making it easier for citizens to live and work abroad.
These visas allow individuals to legally reside in a foreign country while working for employers or clients in their home country.
The Rise of Digital Nomadism During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted the popularity of digital nomadism.
With many companies shifting to remote work, the feasibility of working from anywhere became a reality for millions.
A study revealed that 40 million people worldwide identify as digital nomads, with a significant portion coming from the United States.
The report found that 17.3 percent of American workers consider themselves digital nomads.
Long before the pandemic made remote work common, the cost of living was a significant factor for those choosing the digital nomad lifestyle.
The combination of lower living expenses and the ability to travel has made this lifestyle increasingly attractive.
However, the influx of digital nomads in popular destinations has raised concerns about rising housing costs and the displacement of local residents.
Popular Destinations for Canadian Digital Nomads
Researcher Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, who commissioned a report from the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, notes that Canadian digital nomads are more likely to reside in the U.S. or Mexico rather than in Southeast Asian or East Asian countries.
The similar time zones in North America facilitate seamless remote work.
While the exact number of Canadians living as digital nomads remains unclear, it is estimated that more than 11 percent of the Canadian population currently resides abroad.
The federal government does not directly track Canadians who leave the country to live as digital nomads.
Most available data comes from indirect sources. The increasing cost of living in Canada is a significant factor driving this trend.
For instance, Azra Kassam, a 34-year-old digital content manager, has been utilizing a digital nomad visa in Croatia.
Originally from Kenya, Kassam moved to Calgary as a child and spent most of her adult life in Toronto.
She first used the digital nomad visa last year and plans to return to Croatia in September.
Financial Benefits of Digital Nomadism
Kassam highlights the financial benefits of living as a digital nomad. She estimates that by working remotely in Croatia for her Toronto-based company, she saves approximately $1,000 per month.
The lower cost of living in Croatia has allowed her to enjoy a higher quality of life while maintaining her income.
Kassam has also created a WhatsApp community for digital nomads and expats in Croatia, which now boasts 500 members, including several Canadians.
While the federal government does not currently track the number of Canadians using digital nomad visas, it is evident that the lifestyle is gaining popularity.
Many young Canadians are drawn to the idea of achieving financial freedom and location independence.
The ability to live in a more affordable country while earning a stable income is a powerful motivator.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the advantages, the digital nomad lifestyle is not without its challenges.
Digital nomads must navigate issues such as time zone differences, visa regulations, and the need for reliable internet access.
The opportunity to experience new cultures, build a global network, and save money is too appealing to pass up.
Conclusion
The digital nomad lifestyle represents a significant shift in how young Canadians approach work and travel.
As more countries introduce digital nomad visas and remote work becomes increasingly accepted, it is likely that the number of digital nomads will continue to grow.
For those seeking greater flexibility, financial independence, and the chance to explore the world, digital nomadism offers an exciting and viable option.
By embracing this lifestyle, young Canadians are redefining what it means to work and live in the 21st century.
