July 7, 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 Gillian Miller from Montana.
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 Gillian Miller, who enjoyed Dalmatian sunshine after arriving from Montana.
You are one of a growing number of digital nomads. Tell us briefly who you are and what you do.
My name’s Gillian, I’m 26, originally from Montana, USA and I’ve been living and working remotely for a year and a half now in 11 different countries.
I work as a Research Associate for Remix Marketing Inc. where I conduct event and competitor research for our clients (Adobe, Facebook, and Aduro to name a few). I help them find the right speaking events to promote their thought leadership and put them ahead of the competition.
Working from your laptop rather than in an office seems like the dream lifestyle. What are the main pros and cons?
Cons: I have to be self-motivated and good at time management because I create my own schedule. Which is amazing but can be a struggle.
I never feel settled, I’m always planning the next part of my journey. (I mitigate this by staying in one place for longer, 1- 3 months.)
I’m reliant on WiFi. I have to choose my location, accommodation, travel route, etc. based on whether or not I can access reliable WiFi, which limits travel options.
Dating is difficult/near impossible. When I move every few months it’s hard to have any lasting romantic relationships. This is less important for me at the moment, but still a con and something I’ve heard from lots of single nomads.
I’m essentially homeless. I have no “home base” which is a strange and difficult, yet freeing feeling.
It’s hard to maintain a routine, and let’s be real, humans need routine.
Pros:
Freedom! I choose where I want to go, when I work, how much I work, when I take a day off, etc. It’s as great as it sounds.
I meet so many amazing people and cultivate deep, meaningful relationships with them. I’m so thankful for the beautiful friends I’ve made of all ages, from many countries and different backgrounds. I know I’ve changed for the better because of you all. (Special shoutout to my Split family!)
I have to live minimally (i.e. I only bring a carry-on sized backpack with me. Yes, really). I know that most people would see this as a con, but hear me out! I only have the items I need with me, and I rarely buy new things. It’s a very affordable, sustainable way of living. Plus I can avoid the headache of lost baggage and extra fees.
I get to experience and learn about so many different foods, cultures, histories, etc. My life is far from mundane.
My self-confidence has grown immensely. If you need a boost, I highly recommend traveling solo (especially as a woman). It’s the most empowering thing I’ve done.
My worldview is constantly challenged, and I’m a better, more open, understanding person because of it.
Laptop living gives you the freedom to travel and choose your place to live. Where are the global hot spots currently for digital nomads?
SE Asia (especially Thailand) and Columbia are the major hotspots for nomads. SE Europe is becoming more of one as coworking spaces pop up and people realize how many amenities are available to nomads at such an affordable cost here.
You chose Croatia and specifically Split – why?
I lived in Split for two years while I was working with the Ecumenical Women’s Initiative in Omiš, where I assisted them in regional funding initiatives for women working in the areas of peace, women’s human rights, and interreligious dialogue.
Now, Split’s the closest thing I have to a “home.” I visit other places but Split always pulls me back. I have so many friends in the region, and it’s hard not to love the pace and quality of life, the fresh food, or the proximity to the mountains and sea that Split offers. There are also some really great coworking spaces including Saltwater, Amosfera, and WIP to work out of!
Plus, on my days off I can go rock climbing, sailing, snorkeling, hiking, exploring an island, or simply enjoy a glass of wine and some pršut from one of the many fabulous restaurants in Split. What’s not to love??
What are the competitive advantages that Croatia has to attract more digital nomads?
Where do I start? Reliable, fast internet, already established coworking spaces, affordable living, the nature, the sea, hiking, rock climbing, windsurfing and other outdoor activities, culture, history, outstanding food and wine, a growing, innovative tech community, easy access to other places in the region (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, etc.), I could go on and on.
I tell all of my nomad friends to check out Croatia (specifically Split) as a destination!
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]
