What I’ve Learned as a Digital Nomad Working in Logistics
Being a digital nomad in logistics is a balancing act between wanderlust and work-life realities. While Instagram might showcase cappuccinos and croissants and working at the beach, the real story involves time zone issues, unusual routines, and staying connected to an industry that never sleeps. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
Time Zones: A Blessing and a Curse
Working 5–6 hours ahead of North America has its perks and challenges.
The Perks: Mornings are quiet, giving me uninterrupted time for emails, planning, or simply enjoying coffee. Some days I even have time for an excursion or exploring the city I am in at the time.
The Challenges: Evenings become work-heavy, especially when catering to West Coast clients. Late nights can be draining, especially if, like me, you’re tend to be an early bird.
Routine Exists—It’s Just Different
Forget the traditional 9-to-5. As a digital nomad, my days are a mix of work, typical life and exploration:
Mornings are usually relaxed with coffee, yoga, and the occasional city tour.
Work starts around 11 a.m. or noon and runs until 8 or 9 p.m.
Despite appearances, it’s not all cafes and sightseeing. Logistics demands availability, no matter the time zone.
Self-Discipline Is Key
Temptation is everywhere when you’re surrounded by new people and exciting locales. To stay productive:
Stick to a work schedule.
Build a circle of other expats or nomads working in similar time zones—this camaraderie helps maintain focus.
Politely decline mid-day outings and save social activities for mornings or late evenings (dinner is usually quite late, like 9pm, in places we frequent).
Stay Connected Through Community
The logistics world doesn’t pause, so staying informed and connected is crucial:
Online Communities: My online logistics network keeps me updated on North American trends and news, providing a nuanced perspective I wouldn’t get from headlines alone.
Conferences: Being a digital nomad offers access to both North American and international events. This year, I’m exploring logistics conferences in the US, Canada as well as Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK to bring fresh insights to my community.
The Importance of Laptop-Friendly Cafes
Good coffee, background buzz, and reliable Wi-Fi are my productivity trifecta. Bonus points if the café has Nutella croissants and fun staff!
Coliving Spaces: The Ideal Work-Life Setup
While I mix it up with Airbnbs and guesthouses, coliving spaces are my favourite:
Private suites with shared coworking and entertainment areas foster networking and community.
They provide the balance of solitude and connection I need to thrive.
Master the Points Game
Strategic use of credit card points has been a game-changer for travel. A couple of good rewards cards go a long way in making digital nomad life sustainable and comfortable (I live for a lie-flat Trans-Atlantic seat).
A Fresh Perspective on North American Logistics Culture
The grind-hard, work-long-hours mindset of North America stands in stark contrast to other regions:
In Europe specifically, there’s more emphasis on balance, collaboration, and quality of life.
These contrasting values have made me question how the North American logistics industry might evolve—or resist change.
Closing Thoughts
Living and working as a digital nomad in logistics has taught me that flexibility, discipline, and connection are key. The lifestyle isn’t always glamorous, but it offers incredible opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Whether I’m at a conference in Germany or sipping cappuccinos at a local café, one thing’s for sure—logistics never sleeps, and neither does my passion for this industry.
