Today, I split my time between Amsterdam and Rome, and I travel a lot for work. Some weeks Iâm in three countries. Other times, the airport cafĂ© feels more familiar than my own desk. But I wouldnât call myself a full-time nomad; Iâve simply built a life that stretches across borders. And I know Iâm 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 everâspanning different ages, genders, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds. Whether building businesses, managing teams, or navigating time zones, theyâre rejecting the idea that life and work must be confined to one place.
Digital nomadism isnât just about escaping the 9-5 or working from different countries. At its core, itâs about rejecting limitations.
Not a trend, but a different way of seeing life
Because it isnât just a work trend, itâs a different way of looking at life. Itâs about freedom, yesâbut also about curiosity. About challenging default assumptions and asking: Is there another way?
Living this lifestyle doesnât mean itâs all smooth sailing. Iâm often in a new city for just a few days, which makes it hard to find a rhythm. Thatâs why I plan obsessivelyâsometimes down to the minuteâas it helps me to navigate and adjust quickly.
But itâs worth it. The constant movement gives me clarity and inspires me. It sharpens my thinking, energises me, and has given me perspectives I wouldnât have gained sitting still.
Weâre 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 Iâve 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 isnât about escaping work; itâs about finding a balance that actually works. Is it all about working from a beach? For some, maybe. But for most of us, itâs something else. Itâs about creating a life that allows flexibility and freedom, and where work fits into your personal goals.
Weâve 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 differentlyâand that leads to better, more creative solutions. We canât solve todayâs challenges with yesterdayâs thinking. We need people who have seen things from all anglesâwhether thatâs from the other side of the world or from a completely different perspective.
Itâs not about where you workâitâs about how you live
For me, the future of work isnât about picking between office life or remote work. Itâs about rejecting outdated ways of thinking and creating space for something new. Whether itâs how we work or how we live, itâs all part of moving forwardâand thatâs the real shift Iâm here for.
Bianca Zwart is Chief Strategy Officer at bunq.
