Why Audiobooks Are Great for Digital Nomads (With 4 Must-Listen Recommendations)
One of the joys of working as a digital nomad is working anywhere in the world without being restricted to the confines of an office cubicle and general workplace etiquette. As such, digital nomads are free to indulge in their hobbies and interests while still being productive — albeit remote — members of the workplace. In recent years, one such hobby or interest has been listening to audiobooks.
According to findings from Polaris Market Research, the global audiobook market was valued at $6.48 billion in 2023. Market researchers expect to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 26.3% between 2023 and 2032.
While libraries and bookstores are still the main sources of reading material for consumers, many have turned to audiobooks as a convenient way to get through their reading lists while doing other activities, like remote work. Researchers attribute the rise of audiobook consumption to their convenience, accessibility, diverse content, and improvements in production quality.
This post will delve deeper into these factors and how they can benefit digital nomads worldwide. If you’ve decided these are reasons enough to get into audiobook consumption, we’ll also be sharing four must-listen recommendations perfect for digital nomads.
Diversity and versatility
Nowadays, finding audiobooks across various topics, lengths, and genres has become easier. While the usual narrated versions of your favorite fiction reads are a great stepping stone into the world of audiobooks, audiobooks are also a great way to explore new genres you typically won’t find interesting due to their new format.
If you’re not sure where to start, audiobook subscription service Everand‘s collection ranges from New York Times Bestsellers to platform exclusives from non-fiction icons like Keith Boykin’s memoir on personal freedom, “Quitting.” There is also a foreign language section if you want to brush up on new or local languages while working in remote places.
Audiobooks are also great, thanks to their versatility. You can listen on the go from your smartphone or stay plugged into a laptop or computer no matter where you are.
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Multitasking opportunities
Another benefit of consuming audiobooks as digital nomads is the ability to multitask. While reading books the conventional way is certainly entertaining, it often requires focus due to the visual nature of reading.
On the other hand, listening to audiobooks frees up your hands and attention span for other activities, whether play, chores, or work.
One popular multitasking activity that audiobook lovers have enjoyed lately is walking. Insights from Emily Rhodes, founder of The Walking Book Club, say that participants enjoy listening to audiobooks while out on walks. At the same time, other physical activities are also welcome, whether walking, running, cycling, or even doing mundane chores.
Reduced screen time
Finally, another prime advantage of audiobook listening is that you don’t have to add more screen time beyond work and other digital device uses. According to a 2022 survey from All About Vision, remote workers spend two more hours of screen time than their on-site colleagues. Unfortunately, more than two-thirds reported that the increase in viewing time led to new vision issues, while 28% said they felt they were unable to take sufficient breaks. Instead, listening to audiobooks allows digital nomads to take a break from their screens. Above, we mentioned walking as a great, low-impact physical activity to accompany audiobook listening sessions.
Now that we've covered some of the benefits of listening to audiobooks as digital nomads, below are some must-listen recommendations if you're looking to grow your audiobook collection:
From productivity and time-management coach Brian Tracy, Eat That Frog! is all about the importance of work-life balance and getting your most important work tasks done. In Brian Tracy’s own words, the toughest work task for the day is like the “live frog” you should eat. Eating that frog means tackling your most challenging task, and Tracy details 21 principles and techniques for organizing your day to zero in on the critical tasks and getting them done efficiently and effectively.
Most importantly, Eat That Frog! promotes the importance of decision, discipline, and determination, which are all crucial practices digital nomads can benefit from. Aside from focusing on discipline and organization, Eat That Frog! also Focuses on key techniques like constantly upgrading your key skills and personal growth issues like identifying your key constraints, all of which will help unlock your productivity as a digital nomad.
If you’re wondering what global espionage has to do with growing a business, then Mike Baker’s Company Rules is a must-listen. In the book, Baker details nine make-or-break tactics mastered during his time with the Central Intelligence Agency and how they can be applied to the private sector. At first glance, these rules cover basic business advice many may be familiar with, from knowing your risk appetite to defining your mission. However, Baker lays these rules out while blending them with accounts of his CIA adventures, making the book an exciting listen for digital nomads on the go.
In a previous post sharing “9 Tips To Become A Professional Traveler”, we highlighted how you can travel full-time and earn a living, whether pursuing photography endeavors for Shutterstock, teaching online, or self-publishing on Amazon. Regardless of your skill set and preferred side gigs, Mike Baker’s Company Rules can be an entertaining and insightful listen that will help you set a structured foundation for success.
3. Quitting: Why I Left My Job to Live a Life of Freedom
In our introduction, we mentioned Keith Boykin’s Quitting, a candid memoir and original work in partnership with Everand. While listening to an audiobook about quitting while out doing digital nomad work can seem counterintuitive, Boykin’s Quitting is a reminder that quitting “is for anyone”, whether it’s your job, your city, a relationship, or anything else that doesn’t serve you.
Narrated by Boykin himself, Quitting is a nod and celebration of the Great Resignation — a new wave of “quitters” who left their mundane jobs in search for more valuable and insightful ways of life. For digital nomads, Quitting is an insight into the successes and failures involved in leading a meaningful existence beyond conventional employment.
Finally, this one’s more of a no-brainer, but it’s especially useful for those still early in their digital nomad journey. This straightforward For Dummies listen is sure to answer any questions you may have about living and working away from home with answers based on the experience of digital nomad Kristin Wilson. For the uninitiated, the audiobook is a great instructional listen for embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and building a career while still enjoying the world around you.
Last words
More importantly, even if you aren’t interested in pursuing a career as a digital nomad, it’s a great read on the phenomenon changing the lives of millions of people around the world today. There are also crucial tips for handling matters like healthcare and insurance, including insights on international healthcare plans in case of emergencies.
Ultimately, the audiobooks you should listen to on your digital nomad journey should be materials you enjoy and prefer. Still, our recommendations above can be a great addition to your audiobook collection and get you on your way to a successful, meaningful digital nomad life.
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