How Millennials are Traveling the World Before Retirement
For many people, traveling the world is a luxury reserved for the retirement years. Yet for Millennials and Gen Z in particular, traversing the globe while building a successful career can go hand in hand quite nicely.
Millennials typically value ‘experiences’ over ‘material possessions’, and as it’s becoming harder for younger people to invest in assets, it’s easier to see why so many are attracted to the nomadic life.
Experience is the new social currency, and as such many are choosing to ditch the 9 to 5 office slog in favour of remote working and freelance work.
Brands and businesses are also taking note, with many offering flexible hours, sabbaticals or hiring freelancers that communicate over email or Skype. Also, as the gig economy grows, it’s getting easier for Millennials to access this coveted lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that are enabling Millennials to travel the world before retirement.
An increase in remote work opportunities
Millennials, in other words people born between 1981 and 1996, make up the majority of today’s workforce. As such, they are the driving force behind the way in which the world of work is changing.
Companies are re-wiring their operational models to accommodate this group’s need for flexibility, work life balance and freedom by offering more opportunities to work remotely.
This shift can also be attributed to advances in technology — widespread WiFi and cloud-based technology mean working in one office just isn’t necessary anymore. Some employers are even offering unlimited vacation days!
The option to work remotely is now a condition for many Millennial job hunters. Solopreneurs, freelancers and those looking for work for a single organization are all feeling the pull. No commute, no workplace stress and the option to travel are all factors that make remote working so desirable.
The remote working trend works in business’ favor too — increased productivity leads to better ROI and the freelance model enables companies to avoid hiring full-time people in-house.
This ‘pay for the services you need’ model saves companies money and allows them to invest in other parts of the business.
Remote work job boards
If you were wondering how Millennials go about finding remote work, the answer can be found in remote work job boards. Some cover a range of sectors and others are more industry-specific.
Some are free to use, some charge a sign up fee and some take a cut of any earnings you make. So, if you’re considering using a job board to find remote work, be sure to do your research first and always read the T&Cs.
There are hundreds if not thousands of remote work job boards out there, but the following are among the most popular:
The Muse – Lists jobs at large companies like Airbnb and has a separate remote work section.
Fiverr – Freelancers offer their services on this site; gigs range from creative projects to IT services.
Idealist – Advertises jobs in a number of fields including health, youth, and legal assistance.
Remote.co – Includes job openings at big brands and general advice on working remotely.
Upwork – This is one of the largest platforms out there and lists jobs in almost every field.
Digital nomad lifestyle
A remote worker (otherwise known as a telecommuter) isn’t the same as a digital nomad – in fact there is one huge difference. A remote worker simply means someone who works remotely for a company, i.e. out of the office, at home, in a coffee shop or from another location.
Digital nomads are telecommuters who travel and work in different locations either nationally or internationally. They use digital devices like laptops and tablets to connect to WiFi and can work from almost anywhere. You’ll find them in hotels, libraries, cafes and coworking spaces.
Coworking’s flexibility makes it a popular option with digital nomads. Some spaces allow you to rent a desk for a few days or even a few hours, and you only pay for the services you use. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people.
After all, life on the road can, at times, be a lonely one.
Tools for remote workers
There are many tools on the market today specifically designed to enable remote workers to thrive. Coworking spaces and remote jobs boards are a couple, but one of the most valuable is virtual receptionist services. A Virtual or Live Receptionist is a receptionist that, like a remote worker, operates remotely.
They handle inquiries and answer the phone on behalf of the businesses and solopreneurs they work for in a professional and ‘on brand’ way. The number of hours of support you get really depends on the plan you choose. The great thing is you can take on or drop hours as you go.
Live Receptionists are an incredibly useful resource for remote workers who might not have the time to deal with every call or query that comes their way.
Investing in one can also mean the difference between a lost lead and a done deal — especially when you consider that the quicker you respond to an initial inquiry, the better the chance of conversion.
Now you’ve got a better understanding of why and how Millennials are traveling the world before retirement, do think it could be the lifestyle for you? It’s certainly tempting for many, but is definitely more suited to some people more than others.