If you’re like me, you’ve dreamt of being a digital nomad for years. You picture yourself living in a cozy little apartment in Bali, working from your laptop while the waves crash against the shore. Sounds amazing, right? Well, many things perceptions could not be farther from the truth about living a nomadic life. In this article, I will pull back the curtains on the worst part of being a digital nomad.
What is a digital nomad?
Before we dive into the worst part about being a digital nomad, let’s break down what a digital nomad is. A digital nomad is someone who uses technology to make a living and has the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. Due to the ability to work remotely, digital nomads are often seen living in some of the most picturesque places on earth, such as Bali, Thailand, and Costa Rica.
Why become a digital nomad
Since we will pull back the curtain on the worst parts of being a digital nomad, I want to start by mentioning why people choose this lifestyle.
- Ability to travel
One of the most common reasons people become digital nomads is the ability to travel. And there are plenty of reasons to want to travel. For some, it’s a way to see the world and experience new cultures. For others, it’s a way to escape the monotony of day-to-day life.
- No need for traditional employment
Another reason people opt for the digital nomad lifestyle is because it frees them from traditional employment. This means no more working in an office from nine to five or being tied down to a specific location. If you want to work, you can do it from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. You often have no boss telling you what you can and can’t do, and you have the freedom to work on projects that you’re passionate about.
- Pursue the things you are passionate about
One of my favorite parts about living a nomadic lifestyle is the ability to pursue the things I am passionate about. When you’re not tied down to a traditional job, you have the freedom to focus on the things that matter to you. For instance, I love to go trail running in beautiful mountain ranges. The issue with this hobby is how long it takes! Sometimes I will be on a 10-hour trail run, which is impossible to do if I had a traditional job.
So those are some of the reasons people choose to become digital nomads. And while there are many amazing things about this lifestyle, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. In the next section, we will look at some of the worst parts of being a digital nomad.
Worst part of being a digital nomad
Being a digital nomad sounds like everyone’s dream. You get to work from anywhere in the world, travel to beautiful places, and have the freedom to pursue your passions. So, what’s the catch? The truth is that there are some not-so-glamorous aspects of being a digital nomad that people don’t often discuss. In this section, we are going to reveal some of the worst parts of being a digital nomad.
1. You spend more time working than exploring
The number one goal for digital nomads should be how to earn passive income to enjoy their day-to-day life. Anyone with an online business or job knows how quickly the work can pile up. And if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself working more hours than you’d like and not having time to enjoy your new surroundings.
My advice: This is the number one thing that Kevin and I focus on, and that is why we love artificial intelligence so much. If you are having difficulty automating processes, using AI software can help you 10X your work speed to enjoy your life more.
Our favorite trick for earning more money while working less is to use AI writing tools. AI writing can pay you hundreds of dollars per hour as a freelance writer, and all you need is a laptop and an internet connection.
To learn more about using AI software to automate your work, check out this article: How Digital Nomads are Using AI to Live Their Dream Lives.
2. You’re always moving
One of the worst parts about being a digital nomad is constantly moving. This can be tough if you have a place you call home and frequently leave your friends and family behind to explore new places. It’s not uncommon for digital nomads to feel homesick and even a little lost sometimes.
My advice: Something I recommend to anyone who wants to be a digital nomad is to spend more than a month in each location you decide to work from. Staying for an extended period will allow you to get to know a place and its people. This will help alleviate the feeling of always being on the move and make it feel more like home.
3. It can be lonely
Another downside to being a digital nomad is that it can be quite lonely. When you’re constantly on the move, it’s hard to make long-lasting friendships. And even if you make friends, chances are you’ll only see them for a short period before you’re off to your next destination.
My advice: When staying in a new country or city, try joining social clubs or groups that align with your interests. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and make friends that will last beyond your time in that particular place. Here are some terrific nomad platforms for meeting other remote workers:
Another great way to meet other nomads is to work from a co-working space. Co-working spaces are places where digital nomads and other remote workers go to work. They usually have a great community feel and offer a variety of events and activities that you can participate in.
4. You never really unpack
Another thing that can be tough about being a digital nomad is that you never really unpack. You’re constantly living out of a suitcase, and this can get pretty tiring after a while. It’s also not great for your belongings because they continually get jostled around and crammed into small spaces.
My advice: If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your belongings, simplify your life by traveling light. This doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all of your things, but try limiting yourself to only bringing the essentials. You’ll be surprised at how little you need when you’re on the road.
5. It can be expensive
One of the biggest complaints that digital nomads have is that their lifestyle can be quite expensive. When constantly globe-trotting, it’s easy to rack up a hefty bill. And if you’re working from cafes or co-working spaces, you’re also spending money on things like coffee and snacks.
My advice: If you want to save money as a digital nomad, there are a few things you can do. First, try to find places to work that offer free Wi-Fi and beverages. Second, see if you can get discounts or freebies by working from hotels, hostels, or Airbnb. And finally, try to cook your meals as much as possible instead of always eating out. If you are looking for a great way to get free accommodation while traveling, check out this article: The Best Way to Land Free Accommodation as a Nomad.
Understanding the worst part of being a digital nomad
While being a digital nomad is one of the best ways to live and work, it’s not without its challenges. If you cannot automate your workflow or have a demanding boss, that can be one of the most stressful parts of being a digital nomad. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can build a business and earn money remotely. If you are interested in finding the perfect remote working job, read this article: 114 Ways to Become a Fulltime Digital Nomad.
