A stunning view of Dreamland Beach from above

✨ Prejudice Around Digital Nomadism in 2024

#DigitalNomad #RemoteWork #WorkFromAnywhere #NomadLife #Workation #FutureOfWork #LocationIndependence #FreelanceLife

πŸ’­ “Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.”

β€” Maya Angelou

🌍 The Reality of Digital Nomadism

As promised, I’m diving into digital nomadism and working from anywhere. I’ve met countless people working remotelyβ€”whether from home (WFH), from anywhere (WFA), or in a hybrid modeβ€”who face unwarranted prejudice and skepticism from others.

It’s time to debunk the myths and break the cycle of misinformation about remote work. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common misconceptions.

View from the Top
πŸš€ Myth #1: WFH Employees Work for 10 Minutes and Steal Money

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. In-office settings actually encourage inefficiency. After working five years in an office and twice as long remotely, I can confidently say productivity is much higher when distractions are removed.

At the office, β€œlooking busy” is more important than actual output. Meanwhile, when working remotely, even two focused hours can accomplish what takes a full week in an office.

🏒 Myth #2: WFH Employees Don’t Work, They Just Collect Salaries

This claim isn’t even worth debating. If someone believes this, let them spend two weeks in an office environment where they are forced to communicate with a colleague via Slack, even when sitting next to them. Envy is a powerful thing. πŸ˜‰

🀯 Myth #3: WFH Employees Complain Too Much and Want Extra Rights

In today’s world, rights are a personal choice. Just because some believe β€œwork must happen in an office” doesn’t make it true. I’ve personally encountered skeptics who refused to believe I even had an online job. My response? β€œOkay.”

WFH employees ask for more rights not out of entitlement, but because they recognize what’s possible. If others choose not to fight for theirs, that’s on them. Never let fear stop you from advocating for yourself.

The majestic view over Tegallalang rice fields
⏳ Myth #4: Asynchronous Work Isn’t Productive

In my previous job, we worked synchronously for 3.5 years, yet progress was slow. Now, in an asynchronous company, I’ve seen faster growth in four months than my old company experienced in years. It’s not about sync vs. asyncβ€”it’s about company culture and clarity of goals.

A beautiful Bali sunset, adorned with the Kecak Dance ceremony
πŸ” Myth #5: Online Companies and Remote Jobs Are Untrustworthy

I won’t lieβ€”this one has merit. Scams exist. But let’s be honestβ€”do you blindly trust any company just because you’ve seen its office building?

The key is due diligence. Research your employer, check their history, and ensure legitimacy. I had to sift through several scam companies before finding a real one. Be cautious, but don’t let fear stop you.

πŸ–οΈ Myth #6: Workations Are Just Vacations in Disguise

A workation is not a vacation where you pretend to work. If you’re contracted for 40 hours a week, you work those 40 hoursβ€”just from a different environment.

A breathtaking view of Batur Volcano at noon

Why shouldn’t you take your laptop to a beachside cafe or a mountaintop retreat? As long as you deliver results, location doesn’t matter. Work is about output, not where you sit.

Shanghai Tower
β˜• Myth #7: Digital Nomads Just Pretend to Work from Coffee Shops

Some people thrive in coffee shops. Othersβ€”like meβ€”find them distracting. Productivity is about personal preference. If a beach, a cafe, or a quiet apartment works for you, go for it! The key is knowing yourself and setting up an environment that supports your success.

Rooftop swim
πŸ‘• Myth #8: WFH Employees Work in Pajamas (And That’s a Problem?)

So what? Unless your job is a fashion contest, why should it matter? What’s more concerning is office culture forcing people to wear uncomfortable clothes just to sit in silence for eight hours.

Many people envy remote workers because they wish they had the same freedom. If wearing pajamas while being just as productive (if not more) bothers someone, that’s their problemβ€”not ours.

Pearl Tower
🎯 Final Thoughts

I hope this post reassures you that working remotely is valid, productive, and here to stay. In future posts, I’ll share tips on self-discipline, remote work success, and starting your own digital nomad journey.

Before that, I’m off to create some new adventures to share. Stay tuned! πŸš€


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