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My point that I'm having a hard time expressing is that these dropshippers do not seem to be "enjoying this new freedom" in the way you imply. As in, they aren'

My point that I'm having a hard time expressing is that these dropshippers do not seem to be "enjoying this new freedom" in the way you imply. As in, they aren't people who wished to travel, were previously unable to do so because of work commitments, and now are able to enjoy travel because of extra work freedoms. The majority of "nomads" I've encountered seem like they are mostly uninterested in travel, but they do it anyway because that's "what you're supposed to do" if you're a nomad. This leads to a bizarre culture where talking about the places they've been becomes more of a "digital nomad resume" than it does a recounting of enjoyable travel experiences. Instead of "I went to the Batu Caves and it was gorgeous, they have such interesting architecture there!", it becomes "yea I've been to the Batu Caves, there's a really nice cafe with good wifi just outside that I used to work from". Have you ever had a conversation with a professional consultant and they have this weird habit of bragging about waking up at 4am to catch flights to NYC, and the only thing they ever tell you about NYC is how nice the Midtown Marriott's beds are? It's kind of like that.

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bigtones 6y ago
"Have you ever had a conversation with a professional consultant and they have this weird habit of bragging about waking up at 4am to catch flights to NYC, and the only thing they ever tell you about NYC is how nice the Midtown Marriott's beds are? It's kind of like that." - you managed to very eloquently get your point across in the end. Totally got the great professional consultant analogy.
- rootsudo 6y ago
  Agreed, great analogy. That's one reason I avoid Indonesia. Everyone there is just toxic in terms of tourists. Japan and Philippines are much more rewarding and much less "digital nomads." It used to be fun, but if you're part of any of the online groups on facebook it's a toxic sub culture.
  - bambataa 6y ago
    In what way is it toxic? Just out of interest. Personally I found the Ubud-style “wellness” tourist to be the worst.
  - tim333 6y ago
    I actually quite liked Canggu and that scene. Each to their own I guess.
rewgs 6y ago
Totally. I see it as just an extension of the 80's Yuppie. Instead of Patrick Bateman's friends bragging about the restaurants they go to (without even really caring about the food), their stereo equipment (while having absolutely zero taste or authentic interest in music), whatever, now it's bragging about where they travelled to and whatnot. It's inane peacocking. Virtue signaling without any virtue. Etc. Yuppies never die.
- Roritharr 6y ago
  Someone should turn that into a new book/movie. This persona needs it.
  - spats1990 6y ago
    I have a short story about a guy like this. In the story, he's an independently wealthy Instagram rooftopper type. He gives the impression that he lives off money from streetwear/etc comp deals, but actually makes hardly anything from that, and he has been kicked out of Hong Kong for climbing on buildings. I should dig it out and finish it properly.
- closeparen 6y ago
  Nothing about this is particular to digital nomads. It's the whole "eew conspicuous consumption is so tacky, experiences over things" movement. Today's Rolex is a gap year.
LouisSayers 6y ago
I don’t think ppl are traveling as digital nomads because “that’s what you’re supposed to do”. You’re missing the point of what they’re doing. Digital Nomads are in those places because it affords them a great lifestyle at minimal cost. Perhaps you’re also confusing travel with sight seeing. For me personally I love to travel but have little care for temples, churches, most waterfalls (unless it’s something truly spectacular) and other architectures which there are millions of around the world, or honestly are just a bit underwhelming. For me, travel is about being in amongst different cultures and experiencing what it’s like to live in a different place, and having unique experiences that you don’t get elsewhere. Yes, maybe some people are only taking advantage of the lifestyle and have little care for their environment, but like any group of people there’s a spectrum.
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bigtones 6y ago

"Have you ever had a conversation with a professional consultant and they have this weird habit of bragging about waking up at 4am to catch flights to NYC, and the only thing they ever tell you about NYC is how nice the Midtown Marriott's beds are? It's kind of like that." - you managed to very eloquently get your point across in the end. Totally got the great professional consultant analogy.

rootsudo 6y ago
Agreed, great analogy. That's one reason I avoid Indonesia. Everyone there is just toxic in terms of tourists. Japan and Philippines are much more rewarding and much less "digital nomads." It used to be fun, but if you're part of any of the online groups on facebook it's a toxic sub culture.
- bambataa 6y ago
  In what way is it toxic? Just out of interest. Personally I found the Ubud-style “wellness” tourist to be the worst.
- tim333 6y ago
  I actually quite liked Canggu and that scene. Each to their own I guess.

rewgs 6y ago

Totally. I see it as just an extension of the 80's Yuppie. Instead of Patrick Bateman's friends bragging about the restaurants they go to (without even really caring about the food), their stereo equipment (while having absolutely zero taste or authentic interest in music), whatever, now it's bragging about where they travelled to and whatnot. It's inane peacocking. Virtue signaling without any virtue. Etc. Yuppies never die.

Roritharr 6y ago
Someone should turn that into a new book/movie. This persona needs it.
- spats1990 6y ago
  I have a short story about a guy like this. In the story, he's an independently wealthy Instagram rooftopper type. He gives the impression that he lives off money from streetwear/etc comp deals, but actually makes hardly anything from that, and he has been kicked out of Hong Kong for climbing on buildings. I should dig it out and finish it properly.
closeparen 6y ago
Nothing about this is particular to digital nomads. It's the whole "eew conspicuous consumption is so tacky, experiences over things" movement. Today's Rolex is a gap year.

LouisSayers 6y ago

I don’t think ppl are traveling as digital nomads because “that’s what you’re supposed to do”. You’re missing the point of what they’re doing. Digital Nomads are in those places because it affords them a great lifestyle at minimal cost. Perhaps you’re also confusing travel with sight seeing. For me personally I love to travel but have little care for temples, churches, most waterfalls (unless it’s something truly spectacular) and other architectures which there are millions of around the world, or honestly are just a bit underwhelming. For me, travel is about being in amongst different cultures and experiencing what it’s like to live in a different place, and having unique experiences that you don’t get elsewhere. Yes, maybe some people are only taking advantage of the lifestyle and have little care for their environment, but like any group of people there’s a spectrum.

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