In the context of earning potential, what aspect frequently dictates long-term nomad happiness more than the raw gross pay figure?
The effective earning derived from high purchasing power achieved by living in a lower-cost hub.
The concept described as 'Original Insight 1: Purchasing Power' highlights that the real standard of living achieved by a digital nomad is often more critical than the nominal salary amount. For example, earning a mid-level European remote salary while residing in Southeast Asia allows the skill set to translate into significantly greater purchasing power. Even when factoring in travel expenses, this 'effective earning' provides a superior net benefit compared to earning a much higher gross salary in a prohibitively expensive city like San Francisco. This difference in what one's money can actually buy directly influences long-term satisfaction and sustainability.
