Today, I split my time between Amsterdam and Rome, and I travel a lot for work. Some weeks I’m in three countries. Other times, the airport café feels more familiar than my own desk. But I wouldn’t call myself a full-time nomad; I’ve simply built a life that stretches across borders. And I know I’m not the only one.
A growing, global shift
In 2024, an estimated 40 million digital nomads are spread across the globe, and the community is more diverse than ever—spanning different ages, genders, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds. Whether building businesses, managing teams, or navigating time zones, they’re rejecting the idea that life and work must be confined to one place.
Digital nomadism isn’t just about escaping the 9-5 or working from different countries. At its core, it’s about rejecting limitations.
Not a trend, but a different way of seeing life
Because it isn’t just a work trend, it’s a different way of looking at life. It’s about freedom, yes—but also about curiosity. About challenging default assumptions and asking: Is there another way?
Living this lifestyle doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. I’m often in a new city for just a few days, which makes it hard to find a rhythm. That’s why I plan obsessively—sometimes down to the minute—as it helps me to navigate and adjust quickly.
But it’s worth it. The constant movement gives me clarity and inspires me. It sharpens my thinking, energises me, and has given me perspectives I wouldn’t have gained sitting still.
We’re not guessing; we asked nearly 5,000 people
At bunq, we recently surveyed nearly 5,000 digital nomads across Europe to understand the real costs and rewards of this lifestyle. The results confirmed what I’ve felt for years: 21% said it had a positive impact on their careers and 24% reported feeling more financially secure thanks to the flexibility it gives them. But it goes beyond career and finances: 36% said it improved their mental health and 19% shared that it helped them build stronger international relationships.
This way of living isn’t about escaping work; it’s about finding a balance that actually works. Is it all about working from a beach? For some, maybe. But for most of us, it’s something else. It’s about creating a life that allows flexibility and freedom, and where work fits into your personal goals.
We’ve been conditioned to define ourselves by job titles, countries, and timelines. But the most meaningful moments happen when we step outside those lines.
This mindset shapes how we work at bunq
At bunq, this mindset is at the core of how we operate. Our team is international, with many colleagues who have lived abroad or travel frequently. This diversity brings fresh perspectives and a natural drive to challenge the status quo.
When people experience life differently, they approach problems differently—and that leads to better, more creative solutions. We can’t solve today’s challenges with yesterday’s thinking. We need people who have seen things from all angles—whether that’s from the other side of the world or from a completely different perspective.
It’s not about where you work—it’s about how you live
For me, the future of work isn’t about picking between office life or remote work. It’s about rejecting outdated ways of thinking and creating space for something new. Whether it’s how we work or how we live, it’s all part of moving forward—and that’s the real shift I’m here for.
Bianca Zwart is Chief Strategy Officer at bunq.
