Coliving attracts a wide variety of people, but there’s one group for whom this type of accommodation is perfectly suited: digital nomads. What defines a digital nomad, what are his or her particular needs, and how does coliving meet them?
What is a digital nomad?
When we think of a digital nomad, we imagine a rather young man or woman with a dream job that’s not too demanding, working from their computer in front of a swimming pool or an azure sea. While there may be some truth in this cliché, the reality is much simpler.
A digital nomad can be defined as a person who uses new technologies (their computer, social networks, internet…) to work. They don’t have to work in one particular place, they can work anywhere. That’s the nomadic aspect.
There are several types of people who fit this profile:
- Freelancers, auto-entrepreneurs, self-employed people in professions such as graphic designers, copywriters, authors, IT specialists, artists, consultants, analysts…
- Teleworking employees. This way of working developed particularly during the covid crisis and the confinements.
They work in a profession that allows them to travel and live wherever they want, alone or with their family. Today, there are over 5 million digital nomads worldwide, and their numbers are constantly growing.
The needs of the digital nomad
The most important thing for him is to have a good Internet connection. He needs to be sure that he’ll always have access to the Internet, 24 hours a day, at a sufficient speed.
Contrary to popular belief, digital nomads often work long hours, and may even sleep very little on assignments. They therefore need a pleasant, reassuring environment in which to recharge their batteries quickly, and a workspace that’s always open.
Even if they are in contact with other people for their work, digital nomads often lead solitary lives. They need to socialize and see other people. Real people, without the intermediary of a screen.
The digital nomad can stay in one place for several years, or move every 3 months. They’re mobile, so they need to find flexible structures that don’t require them to commit to a minimum amount of time. They also need to find an owner who understands their way of working and trusts them, without having to show an employment contract and pay slips.
Coliving meets many of these needs
- Coliving residences offer all-inclusive packages. Not only do you not have to worry about opening an account or paying a subscription, but the technologies chosen are often optimal for the Internet.
- There is often a coworking space and areas dedicated to group living. Everyone can work at their own pace and don’t have to adapt their lifestyle to the others.
- Many testimonials show that coliving residents are like a second family, ready to support each other in times of trouble, but also ready to share joyful moments of conviviality. Sharing a kitchen, a living room or a garden creates strong, lasting bonds.
- Coliving residences are often much more flexible than traditional rentals in terms of lease duration and termination conditions. They are also more likely to trust a self-employed person who can show that he or she has a regular income sufficient to cover the rent.
Coliving residences offer digital nomads a warm, practical environment with all the advantages of family life, but none of the disadvantages. That’s why they’re so popular!