Is It Worth Becoming A Digital Nomad? Benefits And Harsh Realities
My childhood friend is leaving today, after staying with me for a month. She had to come nearby for work, so she decided to stay there.
Well, let me tell you why I started thai with her. She is what we call a digital nomad. Not a hippie, mind you.
So my friend, a digital nomad, works remotely while traveling. So, she is leveraging technology to maintain a location-independent lifestyle.
For decades, having a “real job” meant commuting to a physical office every day.
Also, it included working with co-workers and following strict schedules. This is not the case anymore (phew!)
Remote work opportunities allow people to work from anywhere in the world.
This has given rise to the digital nomad lifestyle. Now you might be wondering, what are the pros and cons of being a digital nomad?
Does it actually feel like you’re on vacation 24/7? Or, are there any drawbacks people aren’t discussing?
Let’s break it down.
The Pros And Cons Of Being A Digital Nomad: Listing The Pros
A digital nomad is someone who travels the world full-time and works remotely — it’s that simple.
Here are some benefits of adopting this modern, standout lifestyle:
1. Freedom, Freedom, And Freedom
As a digital nomad, you have more freedom than you can imagine. You have the freedom to create a life you want anywhere in the world. Many digital nomads move from one country to another every couple of months. They live in short-term rentals or hostels.
2. Improved Quality Of Life
High cost of living, overcrowding, noise pollution — your dislike for urban life is totally understandable.
As a digital nomad, you can step away from this hub of overstimulation and work from peaceful places.
We’re talking islands, beaches, and small, tranquil towns. For instance, Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, has an established community of digital nomads.
You can find numerous coliving Hiriketiya places with numerous amenities, such as:
- Workspace 24/7
- Desks in rooms
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Weekly cleaning
- Community events
Replace Subways with scooter rides, and your quality of life will improve.
3. Meet People From All Over The World
Well, you don’t have to worry about booking a hotel on a remote island and working 12 hours a day.
But it is an opportunity to build a global network of friends and acquaintances.
Sometimes, you will chat with a complete stranger over coffee.
But, other times, you will find someone who shares your super niche interest in turtles.
Also, you will meet incredible people from all walks of life.
As a digital nomad, you will experience the world from a different perspective.
With each country, region, town, or island, you will learn new cultural aspects. So, this will diversify your mindset.
4. Opportunities Stay At Your Doorstep
Living this lifestyle opens up new opportunities that you may not have encountered before.
You can meet new people, find job options, and enjoy different life experiences.
Since you aren’t tied to one location, you can take advantage of these opportunities whenever they arise.
While your chances may differ from others, diving into this lifestyle means you are free from location and time constraints, allowing you to seize opportunities without limits.
5. Time And Money Go Hand In Hand
Working for a remote company has many advantages. These companies often care more about what you achieve than when or where you work.
Instead of exchanging a set number of hours for a fixed salary, they focus on your results.
If you can complete a task that usually takes three hours in just one hour, that’s great!
You gain an extra two hours in your day to do something else. While not all remote companies function this way, most emphasize the goals you reach and the tasks you finish rather than how much time you spend working each day.
The Pros And Cons Of Being A Digital Nomad: Listing The Cons
Now that you know the perks of living as a digital nomad, let’s look at the other side of the picture.
What are some struggles digital nomads face, and how can you overcome them?
1. No Sense Of ‘Home’
First off, you won’t have a permanent address. No more Amazon packages arriving at your doorstep.
That said, you can look into virtual mailboxes to get important documents electronically delivered.
Next, there is the stress of constantly adapting to a new culture and location.
You’ll need to learn customs and practices to fully adapt. Set your expectations accordingly and give yourself at least two to three weeks to get to know a new place.
2. Trouble Forming Human Connections
Living a nomadic life comes with a big challenge: forming relationships. It can be tough because people are always coming and going.
You might have been okay with this before, thinking you would see them soon. This is not goodbye.
But now, it feels hard. You dislike leaving people and saying goodbye, and you even dislike traveling.
Sitting on a plane for 30 hours is not fun for anyone. Over time, here’s how you can build a community while on the road.
3. The Burnout Is Real
Lastly, there is burnout. Traveling all the time while trying to earn a steady income can be exhausting.
Digital nomads can work from anywhere in the world, but not every place is good for working. Problems like
- Unreliable internet
- Lack of privacy
- Noise can hurt productivity
This can lead to last-minute searches for a workspace or working odd hours due to time zone differences.
Without a stable work environment, some may struggle to create a routine, which can cause burnout and stress.
Moreover, you need to pack and book accommodation numerous times a year. Plan and connect with other nomads to seek advice.
The Pros And Cons Of Being A Digital Nomad Explained
When deciding to become a digital nomad, it depends on your lifestyle and goals.
So, this lifestyle is a great choice for you, if you want to:
- Enjoy true freedom
- Meet new people
- Explore the world
The disadvantages mentioned in this post are not meant to scare anyone away from being a digital nomad or to portray the lifestyle negatively.
It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what to expect and to create a plan to handle any challenges you might face.
Also, you must know the potential drawbacks of the digital nomad lifestyle. So, you will be better prepared for your journey.
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