The digital nomad trend of Gen Z

A laptop with a stable internet connection and a quiet space – that's all you need to pursue the lifestyle of a "digital nomad." This trend is attracting the attention of millions of young people, especially Generation Z – those who crave freedom, flexibility in their work, and a desire to balance work with exploring life.

Work from anywhere, live the life you want.

One early morning on the summit of Lao Than mountain ( Lao Cai province), as the gentle sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, a group of young people sat together enjoying hot coffee. Amidst this peaceful setting, the sight of a few people intently working on their laptops made everything even more interesting.

Nguyen Hoai An, 23 years old, from Ward 8, Ca Mau City, is one of those young people. “I bring my laptop with me on every trip, both for work and to enjoy new experiences,” Hoai An shared. For An, this work style is not just a trend, but also a way for her to pursue freedom. “I’m currently in Lao Cai, but I just finished a project for a client in Australia. As long as I have internet access, I can work from anywhere,” An said with a smile.

In recent years, major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi have become ideal destinations for the "digital nomad" community thanks to their good technological infrastructure and reasonable cost of living. However, in smaller provinces and cities, this lifestyle is still relatively new.

Previously, An didn't think she could work without an office. The Covid-19 pandemic completely changed her perspective on work. “When everything went online, I realized I wasn't geographically limited anymore,” she says. Currently, An has built relationships with many international clients through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Sometimes she works from home, other times in Da Lat, Hoi An, and now on a mountaintop. With proper preparation, An can balance work and her passion for travel.

An isn't the only one; the nomadic lifestyle is attracting many other young people. Ho Be Linh, a freelance media worker from Can Tho, is a prime example. "Being a freelancer gives me creative freedom. Instead of being confined to an office, I work anywhere, from a cafe by the Hau River to a homestay in Ca Mau," Linh shared.

Linh believes that travel is not only for relaxation but also a great source of inspiration for her work. “Every trip helps me recharge and broaden my perspective. A good article or a unique communication idea often comes from the experiences I gather during my travels.”

Similarly, Mr. Tran The Tran (Ward 9, Ca Mau City), a full-time freelancer specializing in finance, is also a testament to the shift in work mindset. “I chose to be a freelancer because I want freedom. Some days I work from home, other days I pack my bags and go to Da Lat for a few months to work and enjoy the fresh air,” Mr. Tran shared.

Technological advancements have created a solid foundation for the "digital nomad" trend. High-speed internet, widespread coverage from cities to remote areas in Vietnam, and increasingly affordable work equipment are key factors enabling young people to have more freedom in their work. This way of working helps young people maintain flexibility and avoid dependence on complex tools.

Generation Z, with their fresh mindset, is increasingly moving away from the traditional concept of "settling down and establishing a career." Instead, they seek balance, experiences, and a life not limited by geography. The "digital nomad" lifestyle is not just a trend but also reflects a shift in the work mindset of modern youth. Supported by technology and a spirit of freedom and exploration, they are redefining how to balance career and life, embarking on a journey of working while fully pursuing their passions.

From cafes to homestays in the highlands, young freelancers are transforming any space into a "flexible office."

Barriers and challenges

Mr. Tran admitted: “The digital nomadic lifestyle isn't always easy. Professional workspaces are almost non-existent here. Coworking spaces, where you can work, meet, and connect with like-minded people, are only common in major cities. If you want to work in a comfortable place, you have to arrange everything yourself, from choosing a cafe with good Wi-Fi to explaining to your family that you're actually working, not just out having fun all day as they think.”

In addition, a flexible work style also requires a high level of discipline. “You have to manage your time, set specific goals, and know how to balance work and rest. Not everyone can adapt to this, especially when there’s no one supervising,” Mr. Tran added.

Nowadays, with more co-working spaces or online skills training programs, more young people will undoubtedly be more willing to try their hand at it. The digital nomad lifestyle opens doors to personal freedom, enabling local youth to connect with the world. With the support of technology and a spirit of innovation, young people are proving that the dream of flexible working is entirely achievable, even if you start from outside major economic centers.

Who knows, one day, these trips might not only be opportunities to explore nature but also spaces for young people from all over to work together, share, and spread this inspiring lifestyle.

Viet My

Source: https://baocamau.vn/xu-huong-du-muc-so-cua-gen-z-a38942.html