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On nearly every article about digital nomads I see people hunched over working on a laptop sitting on a non-adjustable chair, or working on their laptop on the

On nearly every article about digital nomads I see people hunched over working on a laptop sitting on a non-adjustable chair, or working on their laptop on the couch. Natural light also seems to be lacking in the pictures from this article. I admire their lifestyle but having experience with RSI I will never work somewhere that doesn't have a height adjustable desk, ergonomic seat and at least a laptop stand to raise it to eye level. Preferably an external monitor. Assuming these people have an above average income for the region they are in, can't they afford to rent a co-op space somewhere that allows them to work in a healthy way with good posture?

vladvasiliu 3y ago
I think many people are used to poor working conditions and don't realize how bad it is. The company where I work has a token interest in ergonomics, so the desks are somewhat height adjustable (as in they're not strictly impossible to adjust, but it's not very practical – but since we don't do hot-desking it's fine enough). They provide office chairs which, while not great, offer the usual adjustments. If you have special needs, say you're too tall and the desk doesn't go high enough, they'll find ways to accommodate you. In my specific office ("IT"), we have somewhat better conditions, with displays that can actually be set at the correct level, etc. Still, many people will just spend their days hunched over their laptops ignoring the screen in front of them, sit in chairs set comically low or high, etc.
karaterobot 3y ago
A lot of digital nomads are in their 20s, which doesn't mean they shouldn't think about RSI, but that they are less likely to. Plenty of them are older than that, but even then, it's a group which self-selects for priorities other than ergonomics. At their future peril, I'm sure.
best_one_there 3y ago
It's just not a long term thing, for obvious reasons. People do it for a bit and then realise that the lifestyle is transient. So it doesn't go on long enough to cause serious problems. If you're still doing this at age 50 then you'll be a lonely old man.
Jcampuzano2 3y ago
I am a digital nomad for about half the year every year in various areas. Personally I usually do rent space or sign up for a coworking spot that has these amenities. Most don't have an adjustable desk, but many will have at least places to work while standing and decent chairs, which I appreciate. This is done primarily to always have a place that is apt for taking calls, focusing, and having stable wifi. I do work at cafes every once in a while, but I try to make sure I am still performing my job well so that people don't get skeptical of my lifestyle/location hurting my work.
analog31 3y ago
It looks like the ultimate open plan office environment. My guess is that those are the workers who don't need "flow" to do their jobs.
cultofmetatron 3y ago
I'm 38, around 31 I started developing chronic pain issues ad RSI. a friend suggested i take up lifting weights. I joined him and he taught me proper form and technique. between cutting out processed food and sugar, and lifting regularly, All the chronic pain has been gone for a few years and I'm more or less as pliable as when I was in my 20's.

vladvasiliu 3y ago

I think many people are used to poor working conditions and don't realize how bad it is. The company where I work has a token interest in ergonomics, so the desks are somewhat height adjustable (as in they're not strictly impossible to adjust, but it's not very practical – but since we don't do hot-desking it's fine enough). They provide office chairs which, while not great, offer the usual adjustments. If you have special needs, say you're too tall and the desk doesn't go high enough, they'll find ways to accommodate you. In my specific office ("IT"), we have somewhat better conditions, with displays that can actually be set at the correct level, etc. Still, many people will just spend their days hunched over their laptops ignoring the screen in front of them, sit in chairs set comically low or high, etc.

karaterobot 3y ago

A lot of digital nomads are in their 20s, which doesn't mean they shouldn't think about RSI, but that they are less likely to. Plenty of them are older than that, but even then, it's a group which self-selects for priorities other than ergonomics. At their future peril, I'm sure.

best_one_there 3y ago

It's just not a long term thing, for obvious reasons. People do it for a bit and then realise that the lifestyle is transient. So it doesn't go on long enough to cause serious problems. If you're still doing this at age 50 then you'll be a lonely old man.

Jcampuzano2 3y ago

I am a digital nomad for about half the year every year in various areas. Personally I usually do rent space or sign up for a coworking spot that has these amenities. Most don't have an adjustable desk, but many will have at least places to work while standing and decent chairs, which I appreciate. This is done primarily to always have a place that is apt for taking calls, focusing, and having stable wifi. I do work at cafes every once in a while, but I try to make sure I am still performing my job well so that people don't get skeptical of my lifestyle/location hurting my work.

analog31 3y ago

It looks like the ultimate open plan office environment. My guess is that those are the workers who don't need "flow" to do their jobs.

cultofmetatron 3y ago

I'm 38, around 31 I started developing chronic pain issues ad RSI. a friend suggested i take up lifting weights. I joined him and he taught me proper form and technique. between cutting out processed food and sugar, and lifting regularly, All the chronic pain has been gone for a few years and I'm more or less as pliable as when I was in my 20's.