Digital Nomads vs. Remote Workers: The Real Major Difference

It’s time to set something straight. 

Digital nomads vs. remote workers – what’s the difference?

In the age of working from home or wherever you choose, there has been some confusion between digital nomads and remote workers. 

I’m here to go on record and tell you the one major difference – a very clear distinction – between these two 21st century lifestyles. 

Digital nomads are remote workers, but remote workers are not digital nomads. 

Read that again. Does it make sense? 

Let me explain. 

The clear difference between digital nomads and remote workers is that digital nomads travel as they work. They do not have a permanent residence. They are not tied down to one location. 

Remote workers have the luxury of working from anywhere, but either choose or are obligated to have a permanent residence. This could be due to the hours they have to work or they may have a family to take care of. 

It’s that simple! 

What is a Digital Nomad? 

The term “digital nomad” was coined in 1997 by Tsugio Makimoto and David Manners. By definition, a digital nomad is someone who works remotely and does not have a home base. 

They’re seen as tech-savvy, adventurous, and open-minded. They are constantly moving and traveling around the world, living out of a suitcase or backpack. 

There are many types of digital nomads, though! 

Some digital nomads are entrepreneurs with their own online businesses, others work freelance or as consultants, while others are actually employed by a company that allows them to work remotely. 

(See how there can be some confusion between digital nomads and remote workers?) 

They live a life of simplicity, traveling with just the essentials and the freedom to go wherever they please, whenever they please. 

What is a Remote Worker?

A remote worker is someone who has the freedom to work from anywhere they choose and is not required to go into an office every day but has a permanent residence.  

They can still work 9-5 jobs but have the flexibility to work from home. A remote worker can also be a consultant or freelancer. They can also be an entrepreneur with their own online business. 

If you can work from where you want, you’re considered a remote worker! 

In reality, “remote worker” is an umbrella term for many different types of people. (Remember digital nomads are remote workers!) 

So a remote worker can be working the same exact job as a digital nomad, but they choose to stay in one place. 

Can a Remote Worker Become a Digital Nomad?

Absolutely! 

Depending on the type of job, remote workers can most definitely become digital nomads. They just have to throw their belongings in a suitcase, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and hit the road. 

The only things that may stop remote workers from becoming digital nomads are their lack of desire to travel, being tied down to their home, or have some inflexibility with their remote job. 

Are You Thinking of Making a Lifestyle Change?

Now you know digital nomads vs. remote workers, do you want to change your lifestyle to be in a new country every couple of weeks while still earning an income? 

You don’t have to do it alone! 

Nomads Embassy is the very first official platform to help people become digital nomads with a step-by-step process, one-on-one personal assistance, and professional resources. You can become a digital nomad in just 3 months or less!

Wherever you are in the world, when you’re here, you’re home.