What comes to mind when you hear the term Location Independent Professional?
What about the term Nomad, and it’s various derivatives, such as Tech-nomad, Digital-nomad, Nu-nomad or Present Day Nomad?
I don’t know about you, but in my mind there is a distinct difference between the two Lifestyle choices, though some may not see it the same way. Let me explain.
Location Independence, as I understand it, refers to ones ability to work from wherever they choose to work from. In other words, they don’t have to live in a particular locale, or report to a particular place in order to work.
Someone working from home or their neighborhood Starbucks for their local company can be considered just as Location Independent as someone working from home in Denver for a company in Hong Kong, or from a Cyber Cafe in New Delhi for a company in Houston. The focus seems to be on work and one’s ability to exercise some freedom while engaged in that work. As such it is a lifestyle choice, and it is centered around work.
Currently, my work allows me to be Location Independent. I am a Balloon Artist, who twists long skinny balloons into various shapes for people’s entertainment.
I work from various locations, and I can choose those locations more or less at will. I can also go to practically anywhere in the USA, and possibly anywhere in the world, and make a living at it, as I am in Houston, TX.
Nomadic Lifestyle, on the other hand, is all about travelling. Being on the move, seeing place, meeting people, doing things. In the past, the nomads were, generally speaking, mostly traders and entertainers. Now, witht the advent of tele-communications and the Internet, more ways are available to the Present Day Nomad to sustain a life style while being constantly on the move.
In addition, since a nomad’s life is not work-centered, a nomad can find work wherever (s)he happens to be. Richard Bach was a barn hopping nomad before he became famous as a writer nomad. Harry Chapin and Jim Croce were singer / songwriter nomads before they became famous. Then Harry became touring nomad and Jim died too soon. Both Harry and Jim died while travelling. Nomads till the end.
A nomad can be a writer, a techno geek, a photographer, an adventurer, or someone who has simply negotiated a Location Independent arrangement with their employer.
While I am currently Location Independent, I am not yet in a position to enjoy a nomadic life full time.
What do you think? Do you agree, disagree, or have a totally different perspective on the issue. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
I think you’ve got it spot on…as I see it, being location independent means you have the ultimate choice as to where you live & work – whether that be the coffee shop down the road, your home, or halfway round the world; it’s not just about the travel (although that’s the type of nomadic location independent life we have chosen to lead).
Nomadism is definitely about perpetual movement/a travelling lifestyle – which may or may not include work.
Great observation
HI Lea,
Thank you for your comments and supporting the arguments. It is certainly an honor coming from you.
This is such a great topic, and one we often ponder as well
There are so many terms that are being used in the blogosphere and on twitter to talk about these overlapping choices.
We did a post a while back exploring all of the different terms we’ve seen:
http://www.technomadia.com/2009/05/digital-location-independent-lifestyle-designing-nunomads/
Maybe that will help folks with some thoughts on the differences?
– Cherie / http://www.technomadia.com
Hi Cherie,
I am so glad you pointed that out. I fully intended to include a link to that post of yours, but I guess I’m gonna have to chalk it up as a rookie mistake.
Thanks for the participation and adding to the discussion.