Digital nomads in conversation : Reddit-based analysis and the future of nomadic versus migrant career journeys

Zikic, Jelena (author), Župič, Ivan (author), Černe, Matej (author)

We examine digital nomadism through the lens of the Intelligent Careers framework and compare this emerging career form with more traditional migrant careers. We show how digital nomads navigate their career paths by leveraging online platforms for casual storytelling and knowledge sharing. Our analysis uses probabilistic topic modeling to analyze 66,601 Reddit posts from the DigitalNomad subreddit to uncover insights into digital nomads’ career management strategies. We categorize discussions under the three competencies of the Intelligent Careers framework: knowing-why (motivations and aspirations), knowing-how (skills and adaptability), and knowing-whom (networks and social capital). Most of the conversations concerned practical aspects of nomadic life (knowing-how), differentiating their narrative from the more permanent and often structural hurdles that migrants typically face. Discussions on the knowing-why on the other hand highlight the integration of work and leisure as a significant motivator, while at the same time debating the loss of “home.” The knowing-whom conversations reveal digital nomads’ reliance on online and offline networks for support and work opportunities, showcasing the role of digital platforms in fostering community and collaboration among nomads and revealing strategies for maintaining personal relationships and friendships across boundaries. Digital nomads in some ways resemble migrant actors (e.g., through cost-benefit calculations), but are also significantly different because of temporary nature of their movement and completely portable work lives. We contribute to the broader discourse on contemporary careers and the future of work in the digital era, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, network building, and aligning personal values with career aspirations.

• Language: English
• Keywords: telework, digitalization, career, digital nomadism, intelligent careers framework, career management, Reddit conversations, topic modeling, future of work
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: EF - School of Economics and Business
• Publication status: In print
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-176882
• UDC: 658.3
• ISSN on article: 0197-9183
• DOI: 10.1177/01979183241306343
• COBISS.SI-ID: 221932803
• Publication date in RUL: 12.12.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: International migration review
• Shortened title: Int. migr. rev.
• Publisher: Sage
• ISSN: 0197-9183
• COBISS.SI-ID: 25660672

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: delo na daljavo, digitalizacija, kariera, delo