How we live is changing, with many of us choosing to live outside the country of our birth. But are these people nomads or expats, and does it even matter?
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, global citizens were increasingly exploring different ways to live their lives.
The concept of being an expat is often associated with retiring overseas or relocating for a job. However, this notion has been challenged in recent years by the rise in people living a nomadic lifestyle. In addition, the pandemic further inspired many of us to reassess what we want from our lives. As such, the growing popularity of being a nomad is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
So, are you a nomad or an expat? What are the similarities and differences between them? And does it even matter?
The Oxford Dictionary defines an expat as “a person living in a country that is not their own.”
While an expat may enjoy the sense of travel they experience by moving overseas, they also may want to lay down roots and have a permanent place to call home.
It is most common for people to become expats due to employment or retirement. Some people become expats with an existing family. In contrast, others may emigrate because they have few ties at home and later meet their future spouse and start a family in their new location.
Many expats who move to a new location will consider it their permanent home even if they don't "settle down." Longer-term, it is common for expats to try and get permanent residency status and sometimes even citizenship after the requisite time has passed.
In contrast to expats, who are usually looking to put down roots, nomads move from place to place every few weeks or months. Due to the remote nature of work for many people today, the number of nomads – specifically digital nomads – is increasing quickly. Digital nomads can typically do 100% of their work remotely or online. They may still be employees of one company, for example, that allows full-time remote working. Alternatively, they could be freelancers who manage all their projects online, so it doesn't matter where they are.
Nomads also differ in how they organise their living arrangements.
In terms of where they work, digital nomads have the ultimate freedom to choose wherever they wish. Many will work in coffee shops, hotdesking facilities, or creative collaboration hubs. Others, who are more invested in the travel element of a nomadic lifestyle, may simply choose to work in their accommodation.
Yes!
Regarding how you feel personally about where you live, there might not be much difference between the two. After all, some people change jobs and regularly relocate to work in a different country. If you do this, you're technically an expat. Still, you might describe and see yourself as having a nomadic lifestyle.
However, knowing whether you’re a nomad or an expat is vital as it could influence:
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