According to statistics released in December by nomadlist, a website for digital nomads, there are 35 million digital nomads around the world, and one-third come from the United States. The most popular cities for the group are Lisbon in Portugal, Bali in Indonesia, Bankok and Chiang Mai in Thailand and Buenos Aires in Argentina. Nearly half the nomads are in their 30s.

There is also a growing community of digital nomads in China, who are escaping the "inner circle" of big cities, traveling to embrace freedom, or exploring a new way of life after losing their jobs or becoming financially independent. They usually gather at scenic destinations such as Dali in Yunnan province, Xiamen, Fujian province, and Hainan province, working on laptops and wireless networks in bookstores, cafes and libraries. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more companies have become willing to accept remote work applications to save expenses: some countries have even introduced digital nomad signaturesto embrace the potential economic benefits of this growing group.

When you enter your 30s, you can see where you're going if you keep going. Looking at our leaders, their life status is not what I want for my future. So, if you need to try something new, start early.

I think most people who choose this lifestyle don't have that constant drive for income. Maybe getting to a point where you feel relevant and satisfied is enough. Then, the next step is not to move up in terms of income, but to move up in terms of overall life-work balance, to pursue a better life status.

"For some reason, the people I've met since I quit have been nice. Every time I write an article, a lot of people click likes for it and say in the comments section 'You did a great job'， 'I feel understood', etc. I get positive feedback, and that makes me feel that what I am doing is meaningful."

As a "new middle-aged man" in his 30s, Pan, like many of his peers, has mortgage stress, the experience of breaking up with his girlfriend after they planned to marry and bought a house, and his own anxiety and restlessness. "But the lifestyle (living in an RV) makes me feel that life is under control. There are always changes going on, but at least my basic lifestyle is under control. That gives me a sense of security."