July 1, 2019 – As the number of digital nomads rises globally, some are choosing to spend some of their time in Croatia. A new TCN series meeting international digital nomads calling Croatia their temporary home. Meet Kenneth Huynh from Philadelphia.
As recently featured on TCN, the world is projected to have a billion digital nomads by 2035, people from all over the world doing all manner of jobs and business with one thing in common – a flexible, mobile workplace connected to the Internet. If even a fracture of that number becomes a reality, the economic opportunity for countries which can attract these wealth-generating individuals has the potential to dwarf Croatia’s current tourism revenues. And there are few countries better placed than Croatia to take advantage. Safe, beautiful, great gourmet scene, top tourist destination, English widely spoken, well connected to other destinations, and a superb lifestyle.
In order to look at the issue in more detail, we have decided to look at some of the digital nomads who have Croatia in their lifestyle plan, and to find out why Croatia, what Croatia offers, and what are the things that countries should be looking out for to take advantage of this economic opportunity. I am very grateful to Tanja Polegubic from Split’s waterfront co-working space, Saltwater in Split (see location below) for her help in connecting me to various digital nomads using her space.
Our next digital nomad in Croatia is Kenneth Huynh, who enjoyed Dalmatian sunshine after arriving from Philadelphia.
You are one of a growing number of digital nomads. Tell us briefly who you are and what you do.
My name’s Ken, I’m 38 and I currently work in Strategy and Product Management for a fintech innovation agency based in San Francisco as well as New York City called Kunai ( www.kun.ai). Our customers are large international financial institutions, payment networks, regional banks, credit unions, and hedge funds. Essentially we help big companies innovate their services and modernize their digital experiences.
Working from your laptop rather than in an office seems like the dream lifestyle. What are the main pros and cons?
Well, I actually haven’t worked in a proper office in almost 10 years! So right now I’d say it’d be tough to ever go back to a daily office experience again:)
What I love about work from the laptop is the freedom to be productive in places and spaces that inspire and energize. Spaces aren’t just about light, location, or free coffee. It’s also about kinetically connecting with the people around you and being inspired by their passion. Depending on where you are in your career or energy cycle, you either need to be surrounded by passion or by calm. That’s the beauty of being a “laptop professional”.
In terms of the cons, it’s very easy to go with your more passive inclinations. If you’re not a morning person, unless you have meetings you might feel inclined to sleep in. Or if you’re naturally someone who works at a moderate pace, it’s possible to not accelerate your progress. It really requires you to be self-motivated, driven and know yourself. It’s not for everyone at certain stages of their career!
Laptop living gives you the freedom to travel and choose your place to live. Where are the global hot spots currently for digital nomads?
International tech hubs are emerging all over the world. I hear Berlin and Paris have built up some excellent pools of energized people and talent. Startups are popping up all over the place there. Eastern Europe is also emerging, specifically Poland, Ukraine, and increasingly parts of the Balkans like Slovenia and Croatia. Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires are places where great South American talent is emerging. In Asia, Hong Kong and Singapore are places where internationally oriented talent is percolating.
You chose Croatia and specifically Split – why?
My ex-girlfriend had Croatian heritage so I had a strong desire to see and experience the beauty, food and culture of the amazing region as well as coast. I’m also kind of a Roman history buff, so I had to see Diocletian’s palace. Lastly, I’ve heard about a growing tech scene in Croatia and Split sounded like a solid starting point:)
What are the most important things a destination should offer to be most compatible for the digital nomad lifestyle, apart from that all-important good WiFi?
Great food, friendly people, excellent peaceful accommodations, great coffee shops, and other likeminded people. I found all that during my experience at Saltwater Split. Also, somewhat selfishly, I’d also add a decent amount of English speakers:)
What are the competitive advantages that Croatia has to attract more digital nomads?
I think Croatia benefits a great deal from its gorgeous surroundings, close to so many naturally beautiful places. If you’re a sea lover or wine lover, it’s a paradise. Croatia’s proximity to continental Europe’s centers or commerce and culture are also a huge asset. Terrific cuisine is a huge plus. I also found my experience with local culture appealing too, I think there’s something to be said for just good people. Lastly, a growing scene of technologists and thinkers is a gigantic asset. I hope it continues to grow even more!
To learn more about Croatia for the digital nomad, check out the Total Croatia Digital Nomad guide.
Are you a digital nomad in Croatia who would like to be featured in this series? Please contact us on [email protected]
