What NOBODY Told Me About Life as a Full-Time Digital Nomad
Sometimes looks can be deceiving. Behind the photos, videos, and happy moments that we capture and choose to share with the outside world, there is so much more to life as a full-time digital nomad.
Being a digital nomad is not usually something you fall into, but rather a conscious decision to live life on your terms, free to explore the world as you see fit, meet new people every day and have experiences that will likely change the course of your life forever. That being said, while there are so many pros to remote work, it is equally important to consider the cons before you set out on this adventure.
That is why I want to share the 7 Things Nobody Told Me About Life as a Full-Time Digital Nomad (but I wish they had):
There is no one way to live as a digital nomad
During the last couple of years, the digital nomad community has grown exponentially as more and more remote and freelance jobs have become available. During my travels, I have met dozens of fellow remote workers, each with a unique story and way of life. What I’ve learned is that there are no rules when it comes to this lifestyle, you are free to create the life you want with whoever you choose.
I have met solo travellers who freelance and pick up seasonal jobs in every country they visit. I’ve met couples with remote 9-5s who slow-travel with kids in tow. I’ve met graphic designers, bloggers, creatives, and so many more professionals in almost every field and each has their reasons for leaving home and living life on the road.
Some want to learn new languages, or for their children to grow up exposed to new people and cultures. Others want to work less while living more in countries where the cost of living is lower than back home. Others have always dreamed of travelling the world, but want to keep up with their career goals and have financial security.
Remote work is still work
Yes, remote work means flexibility and not being confined to the same mundane routine every day stuck in an office, but it is still work. Like with any job, there will be stressful days, days where you work more than you would like, and travel can add an extra layer of difficulty to your job.
Not only do you need to be responsible for your role in your job, but also make sure you have access to wifi and quiet working spaces. You’ll have to be extra careful when planning to make sure travel days don’t overlap with important meetings, that you understand time zones and time changes around the world, and that your accommodations are remote work friendly. If you choose to freelance, this type of work always has its advantages and disadvantages.
That being said, remote work is so worth it! You are free to choose where you create your office, and weekends and evenings will be so much cooler as you can spend that time exploring new places.
Travel planning is a full-time job of its own
If you’ve ever planned a vacation before, you know just how difficult it can be to organize the logistics of the whole trip. Now imagine doing that same process every week or every month. From flights, to accommodation, to local transportation, to where to eat - everything will be new and that means a whole lot of research and planning.
I definitely recommend travelling slower if you plan on working remotely. Moving to a new city every day or every few days is possible, but make sure you have lots of downtimes for rest and relaxation to avoid the infamous travel burnout.
Loneliness and making new friends in a new place
It’s safe to say that many travellers struggle or have struggled with loneliness while travelling. It is one of the drawbacks of working from anywhere. This can apply even if you aren't travelling solo. Sometimes you just miss the community, family, and friendships from home, which can be difficult to overcome.
Before anything else, remember that it is okay to feel lonely, uncomfortable, and lost sometimes. This is especially true at the beginning of a trip when you are just arriving and getting a feeling of your surroundings.
Embrace this time when you don’t have a million plans or people to hang out with and spend time with yourself! Go out to eat, explore, and do activities that you love. What you’ll find is that by doing things that you genuinely enjoy, naturally, the right people will start to end up in your life. Plus, there is nothing better than being on your own terms while travelling.
Check out this article if you are wondering how to make new friends while travelling!
Sometimes things won’t go as planned
Even if you spend countless hours on travel planning, searching for the perfect accommodation options, and ensuring that everything will work out seamlessly, things can still go wrong.
When you are travelling full-time, so much is out of your control. You might miss a flight or two. The dreamy Airbnb you booked might look nothing like its pictures. You might fight with your travel companion(s) because you are hungry, lost, or frustrated. The weather might ruin your weekend plans. You might eat something you thought would be delicious, but ends up sending you to the hospital.
One way to make sure you are always covered just in case something unexpected does happen during your travels is to have travel medical insurance. I have used SafetyWing’s Travel Medical Insurance for years and highly recommend it to all digital nomads. Unlike other travel medical insurance companies, SafetyWing was designed for and by digital nomads. You can purchase a policy even if your trip has already started, and pause and resume coverage whenever you want. SafetyWing provides coverage in 185 countries so you will be secure anywhere you go. I can’t imagine my life as a digital nomad without SafetyWing! Use this link to learn more and purchase a plan that works for you!
Oftentimes the biggest travel “fails” turn into the best stories and memories. Ultimately, your mindset will make a difference in how you feel about your experiences. Positive mind = positive life ♥.
Your quality of life and happiness will improve
One of the most important benefits of digital nomad life is just how much your quality of life will improve. Since starting travelling over 6 years ago I have felt so much more inspired, motivated, and enjoy not just the “insta-worthy” moments, but all the small experiences in between that make each day memorable.
If you are considering becoming a digital nomad I hope these tips help you feel more confident in your decision. Happy travels!