The Freedom Paradox: Meanings and Configurations of Digital Nomadic Work

Abstract

The digitalization of professions and the new modes of (remote) work have resulted in an increase in work-related lifestyle mobilities such as digital nomadism. This paper deals with the meanings and configurations of digital nomadic work as recounted by digital nomads themselves. What meanings do digital nomads attach to digital nomadic work? What spatial or other configurations does digital nomadic work entail? What does the examination of meanings attached to digital nomadic work and its configurations tell us more broadly about the rising phenomenon of work on the move? The study data come from qualitative interviews with twenty digital nomads in Mallorca, Spain (2021–2022) and from observation in co-working and co-living spaces, networking meetings, and informal get-togethers. Although the nomads often described digital nomadic work as the opposite to traditional and classical nine-to-five office work, I argue that it should not be approached as such. The study findings show that despite expressing a strong anti-office sentiment and describing digital nomadic work as a way to escape “traditional office work,” digital nomads paradoxically end up “mimicking” and replicating the organizational aspects of office-based work. A closer examination of digital nomadic work's spatial configurations further shows that it has distinct temporal, material and performative dimensions, which is why it deserves analysis in its own right. More research is needed on the paradoxical aspects of digital nomadic work for us to understand whether digital nomadism, as a precursor to work-related mobilities, speaks of broader trends in mobile, digitalized work.