Place iteration and integration: How digital nomads navigate the mobile worker paradox

To access the benefits of mobility, digital nomads regularly disconnect from their physical locations, which should prevent them from forming a sense of place. Yet they need this sense of place to work effectively and thus continue their mobility. We study this mobile worker paradox through qualitative analysis of 73 interviews with 67 digital nomads, advancing a theoretical model with two paths by which digital nomads navigate this paradox. The model begins as digital nomads initially move to a new location, experiencing placelessness—enjoying freedom and being burdened by the lack of structure. Digital nomads use their freedom for nonwork adventuring and address burdens via work placemaking, resulting in a deep connection to their physical location—placefulness. Interpretations of placefulness differ by degree of wanderlust. High wanderlust individuals interpret placefulness negatively, uprooting to experience placelessness again in a cycle we term place iteration. Those with moderate wanderlust interpret placefulness positively and negatively, uprooting in search of balance. As they move, they combine desirable elements of placelessness and placefulness—mobile placemaking—allowing them to balance the benefits of both. This study enhances our understanding of digital nomads and mobile workers broadly, and contributes to literatures on place, paradox, and flexible work.