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A Life Between Work and Travel: A Study on Turkish Digital Nomads

Author

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  • Merve Yosunkaya

    (İstanbul Üniversitesi)

  • Umut Omay

    (İstanbul Üniversitesi)

Abstract

As the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds are blurring, the effects of digital transformation have become evident in all aspects of our lives. This transformation drastically alters the standard ways of working and lifestyles and paves the way for the emergence of new concepts and phenomena. In this context, digital nomads have become increasingly prominent as people who work and travel simultaneously with the motto “earn while travelling”. The aim of this study is to examine the phenomenon of digital nomadism based on the example of Turkish Digital Nomads. By determining the lifestyles and working conditions of Turkish digital nomads, the changing expectations and emerging new dynamics in working life are discussed. For the study, a qualitative research method was used and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 digital nomads between July and September 2024. The data obtained from the interviews were analysed by descriptive analysis method using the qualitative data analysis software MAXQDA. According to the results obtained from the research, it was observed that digital nomadism was adopted as an important lifestyle among the participants in terms of both experiencing new cultures and redefining the work-life balance thanks to the freedom and flexibility it offers to individuals. As a result, standard forms of work are being questioned and issues such as work-life balance, job security and social rights need to be reconsidered.

Suggested Citation

  • Merve Yosunkaya & Umut Omay, 2024. "A Life Between Work and Travel: A Study on Turkish Digital Nomads," Journal of Social Policy Conferences, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, issue 87, pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ist:iujspc:y:2024:i:87:p:1-14
    DOI: 10.26650/jspc.2024.87.1577068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tiberius, Victor & Chen, Nicole & Bartels, Mirko & Oelsnitz, Dietrich von der, 2024. "Breaking out! A netnography study on motives of a digital nomad lifestyle," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
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