本研究針對數位游牧民及其生活方式進行探索和質性研究。數位游牧民係指透過電信科技平台謀生，並居無定所的數位時代網民。本研究的目的是：1. 定義數位游牧者這一術語。 2. 探索數位游牧生活方式的益處及其生活方式所帶來的挑戰。 3. 創建數位游牧者工作及生活雙向體驗的綜合分析。筆者透過在線視頻通話完成了14次半結構式的訪談，在14名訪談參與者中，共9名男性，5名女性。年齡介於22至35歲之間，而平均年齡為28歲。訪談參與者來自5個國家，即美國，加拿大，英國，荷蘭和台灣；而訪談對象作為數位游牧民的時間從幾個月到幾年之間不等。訪談參與者所持有的工作內容包含電子商務，在線教學，在線金融分析師，在線翻譯，YouTuber影音部落客，及技術文案工作者。本研究旨在辨識當前數位游牧民族在此趨勢現像開端時的各項利益和挑戰，為未來的數位游牧生活方式創造一個研究起點。

This paper is an exploratory qualitative study of digital nomads and their lifestyles. Digital nomads are people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and conduct their life in a nomadic manner. The purpose of this research is to a) define the term digital nomad b) explore the benefits and challenges of a digital nomad lifestyle and c) create a comprehensive analysis of digital nomad experiences. 14 semi-structured interviews were completed via online video calls. Of 14 participants, 9 were male and 5 were female. Ages ranged from 22 to 35 with an average age of 28. Participants were from 5 countries: America, Canada, England, the Netherlands and Taiwan. Time spent as a digital nomad ranged from a few months to a few years. Jobs held by participants included e-commerce, online teaching, online financial analyst, online translation, YouTuber, and technical copywriter. This paper is intended to create a starting point for future research on the digital nomad lifestyle by identifying the current benefits and challenges for digital nomads during the inception of this phenomenon.

Table of Contents

Thesis Validation Letter....................................................................................................................i
Theis Authorization Letter...............................................................................................................ii
Chinese Abstract..............................................................................................................................1
English Abstract...............................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................3
List of Figures..................................................................................................................................4
List of Tables...................................................................................................................................4
Content.............................................................................................................................................5
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................5
1. Summary: Research Aims and Methods................................................................10
2. Thesis Structure...............................................................................................................10
3. Literature Review............................................................................................................11
1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................11
2. Content...................................................................................................................12
3. Summary................................................................................................................20
4. Methodology.....................................................................................................................21
1. Rationale for Methodology....................................................................................21
2. Ethics......................................................................................................................24
3. Reliability and Validity..........................................................................................25
5. Findings and Discussion..................................................................................................26
1. Demographics........................................................................................................26
2. Introduction............................................................................................................26
3. Defining “Digital Nomad” ....................................................................................28
4. Employment History..............................................................................................29
5. Origins of Digital Nomadism ................................................................................33
6. Benefits of Digital Nomadism...............................................................................37
7. Challenges of Digital Nomadism...........................................................................41
8. Interviews...............................................................................................................47
1. Matt, E-Commerce .................................................................................47
2. Daniel, Copywriting................................................................................48
3. George, Market Analysis........................................................................49
4. Cheryl, Online Teaching.........................................................................50
5. Sandy, Online Teaching..........................................................................51
6. Reuben, E-commerce..............................................................................51
7. Francis, Online Teaching........................................................................52
8. Mike, Match Betting...............................................................................53
9. Kat, Online Teaching..............................................................................54
10. Jess, YouTuber........................................................................................55
11. Sue, YouTuber........................................................................................58
12. Martijn, GIS Mapping.............................................................................59
13. Mark, Online Translation........................................................................61
9. Motivation.............................................................................................................62
10. Future Plans...........................................................................................................66
11. Losing Social Safety-Net Benefits.........................................................................71
12. Summary................................................................................................................75
6. Conclusion........................................................................................................................76
1. Limitations of this Research...................................................................................80
2. Practical Implications.............................................................................................80
3. Suggestions for Future Research............................................................................81
7. References.........................................................................................................................82
8. Appendices........................................................................................................................89
1. Transcribed Interviews.......................................................................................89
1. Matt, E-Commerce..................................................................................89
2. Daniel, Copywriting................................................................................92
3. George, Market Analysis........................................................................96
4. Cheryl, Online Teaching.........................................................................98
5. Sandy, Online Teaching........................................................................100
6. Reuben, E-commerce............................................................................102
7. Francis, Online Teaching......................................................................104
8. Mike, Match Betting.............................................................................106
9. Kat, Online Teaching............................................................................109
10. Jess, YouTuber......................................................................................110
11. Sue, YouTuber......................................................................................116
12. Amber, YouTuber.................................................................................118
13. Martijn, GIS Mapping...........................................................................119
14. Mark, Online Translation......................................................................122

Table of Figures
Maslow’s Hierachary of Needs…………………………………………………………………………………………………19
Maslow’s Hierachary of Needs Chart……………………………………………………………………………………….20

Table of Tables
Participant Demographics……………………………………………………………………………………………………....................…26

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