Remember when "working remotely" meant sneaking your laptop to the couch while your boss thought you were at your desk?

Those days are ancient history.

Today, over 40 million people worldwide have ditched the cubicle life entirely. They're earning money from Bali beaches, Lisbon cafés, and Mexican rooftops—while their former colleagues are still stuck in traffic.

After two decades of living this lifestyle myself, I can tell you: digital nomadism has become an established part of the working mainstream and is here to stay.

Here's what you need to know about this borderless revolution—and how to join it.

In 2024, over 18 million American citizens considered themselves Digital Nomads—up 147% since 2019. That's roughly 12% of the U.S. workforce working from wherever they want.

But here's what surprised me most: the typical Digital Nomad demographic is getting older and includes entire families with kids. We're not talking about 25-year-olds backpacking through hostels anymore.

The modern digital nomad profile:

This isn't a "dropout" lifestyle. It's a strategic career move for serious professionals.

Here's the plot twist: organizations hiring digital nomads have discovered that this is a win-win proposition. They can attract and retain top talent who are motivated by this way of life.

At least 41 countries now offer digital nomad visas—from Portugal to Brazil to Croatia. Governments are literally competing for your tax dollars.

Top destinations digital nomads love in 2025:

The secret weapon of successful location-independent professionals? AI tools that let you punch above your weight. Here are free or low-cost options you can start using today:

For Communication:

For Productivity:

For Meetings:

95% of digital nomads say they will either definitely (60%) or maybe (35%) continue to be nomads. That satisfaction rate is almost unheard of.

Meanwhile, only 28% of remote-capable traditional employees have the option to work fully remotely as return-to-office mandates tighten.

The window of opportunity is now. Companies are still hiring remote workers. Countries are still offering visas. The infrastructure has never been better.

Making this transition requires more than inspiration—it requires strategy. Tax implications, visa options, income streams, family considerations... there's a lot to navigate.

That's exactly why I offer personalized coaching for professionals ready to leap.

Ready to design your borderless life?

Click the coaching call image below to schedule your Digital Nomad Strategy Session 👇

The Digital Nomad was created for you. Each week, I publish reports designed to serve as a micro-course on how to take your life international. The Digital Nomad is what I wish I had access to 30 years ago.

The lessons that I learned over the years were without a coach or direction. I learned a hard lesson as I went. The cost to my bank account is 6-figures. The lessons learn, priceless.

There’s a big world out there, and amazing moments to experience. The New Year is quickly approaching. Please, don’t let another year pass without you living what most people dream of, the International Lifestyle of freedom, happiness, and minimal stress.

Wheels up,

Hugh Lee Johnson, publisher of The Digital Nomad - The Pursuit of International Life, Love, and Money-making!

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