Published : 2023-10-23
Is it possible to travel around the world while working to earn money? "Digital nomad" as an emerging profession and lifestyle is gaining popularity among Chinese young people.
Dake (大珂), a Chinses girl born in the post-1995 generation, is one of them. A few years ago, she quit her job and embarked on a global journey, covering 20 countries in four years.
Is the "digital nomad" as stylish as imagined? What challenges hide behind this seemingly free lifestyle?
Digital nomad: conquering the world with an internet wire
Unlike office workers, digital nomads travel the world while working remotely or freelancing. Some vividly describe that digital nomads conquer the world with an internet wire.
According to statistics, there were already about 35 million digital nomads globally in 2022; by 2035, this group will exceed 1 billion.
In Mainland China, the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated remote work, making many young people yearn for this free and flexible work mode even more.
Dake, a Chinses girl born in the post-1995 generation, was born and raised in Beijing.
After studying tourism management in college, she joined a travel agency as a travel planner. However, less than a year into the job, she felt that the job "didn't pay well and had limited development prospects."
With her passion for travel, Dake decided to "quit outright," travel for a few months, and then find a job.
"Since you're traveling, why not shoot some short videos along the way?" A friend's suggestion enlightened Dake, and in 2019, with short video platforms like TikTok booming, Dake decided to give it a try.
Travel and film: Starting from zero to become a KOL
Unfamiliar with equipment, unable to focus, not knowing camera movements, and clueless about editing and post-production, becoming a KOL was not easy for Dake. Luckily, her boyfriend was a photographer and became her instant teacher.
"I often observed his composition, colour tones, and how he adjusted the equipment. I started learning from these basic skills bit by bit. I also learned editing. Since my boyfriend often took photos of me, I would strike poses, and gradually, I could also create some good short videos by myself."
After practicing, Dake finally produced a satisfactory work and seized the opportunity to set up an account on TikTok "Dake's Quit Job Travels".
An accidental attempt became a lifelong career. Dake began traveling and filming, and over the past four years, she has visited more than 20 countries.
"I don't like travelling for just photos; I prefer to deeply experience everything local and capture my most genuine feelings, so the update speed of my videos is not very fast."
Dake meticulously crafts each video, significantly improving the quality. Some viewers comment that "both the camera movements and the music make you want to travel immediately."
Over the years, Dake's followers have exceeded 2 million, and advertising revenue has followed.
However, compared to the number of fans, what brings Dake more satisfaction are the interesting experiences during her travels. Everywhere she goes, she can feel the enthusiasm of the local people.
"The most impressive experience was in Iraq, where local residents invited us to their home. On the way, they suddenly changed the route, driving two hours to a huge dessert shop. The owner hosted us with food and drinks and showed us all his collections. We had a great conversation," Dake recalled.
Digital nomads need more self-discipline and self-awareness
So, does the life of a digital nomad equal ease and freedom? In fact, this lifestyle requires more self-discipline and a high level of self-awareness.
Dake once visited a youth hostel in Bali, Indonesia, where many digital nomads stayed. "At 11 p.m., everyone would go to bed on time, and then wake up at 5 or 6 a.m. to do yoga or run. It's a completely self-disciplined and proactive lifestyle."
Additionally, digital nomads have to deal with unstable income, and the boundaries between life and work can become blurred.
As Dake said, "Work and life have merged into one. Sometimes, when I see something beautiful, my first reaction is to capture it. Even if I don't want to, my body drives me to do so. This is another form of invisible constraint, also a kind of occupational habit."
Pursuing oneself and living in the moment are the initial goals of many digital nomads.
Dake has no clear plans for the future. "I am the kind of person who takes one step at a time as destiny pushes me forward. I like living in the present and have nothing to worry about for the future, just doing my current job well."
Read more : How a post-80s travel experiencer earns millions annually
