Beyond Borders and Boundaries: Determinants of Job Satisfaction Among Digital Nomads in a Changing World

Abstract

The rapid increase of location-independent employment has resulted in the emergence of digital nomad as a growing segment of the global workforce that combine remote work with the travel. Despite the popularity of this lifestyle, limited research has examined the specific factors that influence their job satisfaction. This study investigates how personal, professional, and environmental variables such as autonomy, work-life balance, social connectedness, and destination characteristics affect job satisfaction among digital nomads. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates data from a global online survey of 377 participants and 15 in-depth interviews to provide both quantitative insights and rich qualitative viewpoints. The results reveal that work autonomy and work-life balance are the strongest indicators of job satisfaction, while challenges such as professional isolation and career uncertainty remain significant concerns. These findings suggest new insights into the evolving nature of work and well-being in an interconnected world, with implications for organizations, policymakers, and individuals seeking to support sustainable remote work lifestyles.