A Digital Nomad's Guide to Sydney, Australia -

The digital nomad movement is gaining traction across the globe. Its members are people determined to make the most of the luxury of mobility and the opportunities that modern technology blesses us with. Thus, they are able to take the work anywhere with them and give a whole new meaning to the work-life balance.

You could say that the nomad lifestyle presents a much-needed alternative to the tedious 9-5 ordeal and life spent in sterile cubicles. There are numerous options when it comes to choosing the city, and the booming metropolis of Sydney is certainly on the maps of many nomads. It is estimated that across Australia, more than 4 million nomads already wander around.

The new sun on the horizon

It is no secret that Sydney, the largest city in Australia, has a slew of activities to keep you busy. From the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House to the mesmerizing nature (the Blue Mountains) that surrounds the urban core, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Many come to adore the fact that despite being a bustling urban jungle, Sydney also maintains the laid back and beach vibe. The great weather conditions persist all year round and the quality of life is amazing, to say the least.

One can visit stunning museums (The Australian National Maritime Museum is my favorite) and historic sites such as the Rocks. The nightlife is alive and kicking as well as a multitude of daytime options in nice bars and cafés. The Bondi Beach is a world-class spot for soaking in the sun, hitting the waves, or sipping refreshing cocktails. You may also head to the Zoo and meet beloved kangaroos and koalas. That is all great, but, as a digital nomad you also want to do business, don’t you?

Work, work, work

Well, the good news is that countless nomads have visited Sydney before you and recognized it as a prime destination for both fun and work. It is a vibrant, stimulating environment, a fertile ground to sow the seeds of success. Considering it is one of the biggest business hubs in that part of the world, there is no shortage of gigs and career opportunities, especially in the sectors like digital and growth marketing. The startup scene is brimming with activity and attracting top talent across the world.

What is more, finding a great coworking space in Sydney is a breeze. These hubs are sprouting everywhere and pose perfect sports to meet new people, network with fellow entrepreneurs, snatch freelance jobs, and get the work done. Working from a hotel lobby or café sometimes does the trick, but the shared spaces are equipped with resources and specially designed to encourage collaboration and spur outbursts of creative energy. The internet speed is solid, although not that impressive, at 35 Mbps.

The cost of dreams

It must be said that not everything in the garden is rosy. One of the major obstacles comes in the form of high costs of living. Sydney is expensive and there is no going around that fact. Know that monthly costs go around $2,900, while monthly coworking membership costs $500 on average. This is not to say it is impossible to save money, merely that with an average digital job you could struggle to sustain your lifestyle.

Of course, it all depends on your income and whether you can pitch your ideas to local and international investors and raise some funds. A prosperous entrepreneurial stage gives you many opportunities to even out the costs of living. Still, it is a good idea to prepare for the potential bumps in the road and cast a safety net. Make sure to plan ahead of time and see if you are satisfied with living on a limited budget. Do your homework and come up with a game plan.

Finally, I would advise you to choose your accommodation carefully. There are many owners who are used to renting their apartments to foreigners for shorter periods of time. Browse online platforms such as Homekoala and Airbnb or seek advice on digital nomad forums and communities. All the knowledge you need is at your fingertips and the resources are at your disposal. So, cover all the bases, make it happen, and fulfill your dreams in the land down under.

The ball is in your court

The days of traditional 9-5 lifestyle could be numbered. After all, you have the power to shape where and how you will spend your days and do business with no strings attached. You should feel free to tweak your work environment in the way that suits you and gets you motivated.

And if you can afford an Aussie adventure, Sydney is a real no-brainer. There is a constant emergence of hotspots and locations that foster a favorable climate for nomads to thrive. This is a chance to be your own boss and reap the opulent benefits from the freedom lifestyle at its finest.

—

David Webb is a Sydney-based business consultant and online marketing analyst. With six years of experience and a degree in online business strategies, he is driven to help people to better understand this new digital age. In his free time, David enjoys writing, travelling and an occasional night out with his friends.