Understanding the Anywhere Worker: A New Era of Remote Work
The transition to remote work during the pandemic removed geographical barriers and provided greater flexibility in job locations, ushering in a new type of digital nomad: the anywhere worker.
This lifestyle allows a broader spectrum of conventional workers—not just freelancers—to work from anywhere, provided they have a laptop and a reliable WiFi connection. Interestingly, older workers and families have also seized the opportunity to travel and work during the pandemic, shifting the narrative from carefree young adults to a more diverse group of remote employees. Moreover, many countries are now offering long-term visas and digital nomad schemes tailored for those who can work while traveling.
According to a recent survey conducted by Fiverr involving over 1,400 respondents from 67 different nationalities across six countries (including the US, Mexico, Portugal, Indonesia, and Spain), more than half (54%) now identify as anywhere workers. This marks a significant shift in the workforce—a generation that has emerged since the pandemic, freelancers, and remote employees alike traveling and working without being bound to a specific location.
Who is the Anywhere Worker?
The anywhere worker is, essentially, a post-pandemic digital nomad. A majority of these workers are found in industries primarily focused on digital services, such as IT, engineering, consulting, business intelligence, architecture, and digital marketing. Notably, while digital nomads have often been associated with freelance work, over half (61%) of anywhere workers hold full-time positions. Furthermore, an overwhelming 84% believe that their professional roles support their ability to travel. Typically, these individuals earn a comfortable salary, with more than 50% of US respondents making over $2,000 a month.
Around 70% of those who view themselves as anywhere workers fall between the ages of 24 and 44 years old, while 35% are aged 45 to 54. The gender distribution shows 56% male and 44% female. Interestingly, almost half (45%) are married, and in contrast to the traditional solo digital nomad, 70% travel with their families.
While digital nomads have faced criticism for their carbon footprint and engagement with local communities, the anywhere worker seems to be shifting this trend. Many opt to stay longer in new destinations, aiming to immerse themselves in local culture. In fact, a third of respondents prefer to move every month or three months, while 55%—the ‘slomads’—prefer a singular location and travel intermittently.
Challenges Faced by Anywhere Workers
However, the lifestyle of an anywhere worker is not without challenges. One primary concern is loneliness, as frequent travel makes it challenging to form lasting social connections. Almost 90% of respondents reported feelings of loneliness during their travels.
Additionally, despite 90% indicating stable or increased earnings since adopting the anywhere worker lifestyle, financial hurdles remain. Expenses related to flights, taxes, and visa costs can accumulate quickly. In the US, about 28% of those surveyed reported monthly travel-related expenses of between $500 and $1,000.
Other less favorable aspects include adapting to local cultures, isolation from friends and family, and the inconvenience of living out of a suitcase.
Destinations Popular Among Anywhere Workers
While the concept of remote work allows for worldwide exploration, findings indicate that anywhere workers often prefer destinations closer to home. Many chose this lifestyle for greater autonomy and flexibility. Moreover, they seek locations that offer better opportunities for families and education, with a third citing cost of living as their primary relocation factor.
Among the favored destinations for anywhere workers surveyed are countries like Thailand, the US, Spain, Japan, and Portugal—countries known for their welcoming digital nomad cultures. Many respondents from the US noted that popular domestic locations, such as Texas, California, and Florida, are ideal for working remotely.
Despite the challenges and the gradual return to in-office work structures in many organizations, the trend of anywhere workers is projected to continue. An impressive 98% of respondents expressed a desire to maintain their remote work and travel lifestyle. An increasing number of programs are being developed, particularly within the US, to assist these workers with housing, co-working spaces, and networking opportunities.
Moreover, various countries are rolling out long-term visas to attract global remote workers. Recent additions include Barbados, Aruba, Estonia, Norway, and Croatia, which have implemented similar schemes. Notably, Italy has suggested that it may soon introduce a visa program for non-EU citizens, including American and British digital nomads, which would ease immigration and tax barriers for those wanting to live and work in Italy.
