Working from any location at any time of the day is a fun and enjoyable way of life. However, being a “digital nomad” has its downsides. One can never have an office in a building with a door or a desk, let alone the limited access to amenities, such as restrooms. An office in a building provides a work environment with an array of amenities, including phone lines, lockers, and internet connection. However, this is not the case for a digital nomad, primarily depending on coffee shops, the home, parks, and hotel rooms as their workspace.

A typical day for a digital nomad involves visiting a coffee shop, plugging in his laptop, iPad, and iPhone while sipping tea or taking a snack. After working for a few hours, he takes a break and scans the room, taking in the sights and sounds of the coffee shop. He observes the people coming and going, the business meetings, the teenagers making out, and people reading magazines. All these are refreshing images that help him unwind momentarily.

However, these images do not last long. As a digital nomad, one is still a human being with basic human needs. The need to visit the bathroom after consuming fluids for a few hours is a perfect example of a common human need that a digital nomad must face. Going to the restroom while using his laptop or iPad is not an option since it may lead to his absence for a long time and loss of his preferred spot in the coffee shop.

The solution to this issue is to find someone trustworthy to take care of his belongings when he leaves. However, it is not an easy task since establishing a relationship with someone new is a daunting task. As a result, one must be careful in the people he approaches since not everyone may be interested or willing to help.

However, creating a solution involves finding someone reliable to take care of one’s belongings, even in their absence. Finding a solution requires looking at people from a different angle, beyond the surface level. It’s not just about finding nice people but identifying someone willing to help keep an eye on one’s property for a few minutes. The initial conversations may be awkward, but they eventually lead to a trust building experience.

In practice, it means standing up, identifying someone trustworthy, and asking politely if they could watch over one’s belongings for five minutes. Depending on the person’s response, such conversations can proceed smoothly, leading to establishing healthy relationships. One should be straightforward and get to the point, asking the other person to watch over the belongings for a few minutes. The goal is to build rapport with the other person subtly, primarily through the act of trust-building.

The initial stages of developing a bond may seem like a small concept; however, they are the building blocks for meaningful and unexpected relationships. As people continue to help, they become curious about one another, leading to more conversations and sharing of information. These connections are valuable and may lead to long-lasting friendships, business partnerships, or simple acts of kindness.

In essence, building trust begins with being vulnerable and asking for help. Being a digital nomad might seem like a glamorous life, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes it can be a lonely and challenging experience. To overcome some of these challenges, one must be open-minded and willing to sacrifice their precious workspace for a few minutes to use the restroom. This simple act of vulnerability can lead to new friendships, collaborations, and partnerships, contributing to a fulfilling and productive work-life balance.

In conclusion, working as a digital nomad is not an easy task, especially when one has a limited access workspace. However, building trust with the people in the same working environment can lead to unexpected connections, making the lifestyle manageable and fulfilling. Trust-building evolves from being vulnerable and asking for help, leading to the creation of meaningful and long-lasting relationships.