How to Live as Digital Nomads – A Guide To Work and Travel

DREAMING OF A DIFFERENT LIFESTYLE

Are you dreaming about remote beaches and bustling cities, making each destination your temporary home? There’s a global tribe of digital nomads, people who use technology to earn a living and have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. If you crave a daily routine of adventure, this lifestyle is not just an option for young people without responsibilities and a carefree existence. Midlife could be a perfect time to explore exciting destinations, different cultures, and exotic cuisines while working. This is a guide to seamless work and travel when you’re dreaming of a nomadic lifestyle.

Inevitable changes

In recent years the rise of remote work and digital technology has allowed more people to be location-independent while still pursuing their careers. Everyone can make it happen, even if you reach midlife. The question is if you are willing to make changes to an already established life; meaning a stable and fulfilling career, financial stability, and an active social life.

By the time we decided to become digital nomads, most of the structure of our established family life had changed whether we wanted it to or not. No more taking the kids to school, packing lunches, breaking up fights in the backseat of the car or struggling to find a matching pair of soccer socks. Both our kids were leaving for college in Europe and the transition into a new reality was inevitable.

optional changes

A lot of people feel apprehensive or resistant to change especially when it disrupts our routines or comfort zones. We were no exception, but instead of resigning to the changes we were facing, we decided to turn uncertainty into an adventure. We initiated changes where we felt in control of the process. Even if this project was still uncertain in so many different ways, the decision to live a nomadic lifestyle made us feel empowered and optimistic.

Before embarking on a nomadic lifestyle there are lots of things to consider.

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY

Planning a vacation can be both difficult and time-consuming. You don’t want to spend a week in a lousy hotel where the “close to the ocean” description turned out to be a military harbor. Same thing when you live as a digital nomad, except you’ll have to live with the choices you make a little longer. Just like normal life, there are a ton of decisions to make about trivial everyday things, big life-changing things, and everything in between. So, before you start packing consider careful and thorough planning and make sure that you are willing to adapt to and embrace the uncertainties and challenges of life on the road.

SIMPLE living

Life doesn’t get easier when you travel but, in some ways, it’s a simpler life. You don’t have to worry about things like:

• Moving the lawn
• Fixing the kitchen cabinet door that’s been broken for months
• Cleaning up a garage full of toys no one plays with anymore
• Expensive golf clubs that were never used
• Boxes full of pictures you’ve been planning on putting in albums for years

Does any of this sound familiar? The list goes on and on.

Traveling often calls for a more minimalistic approach to belongings, meaning bringing less stuff. A more streamlined packing also means Iess clutter, in every sense of the word, physical and mental. However, you will most likely bring any emotional baggage you keep in your closets whether you want to or not. Maybe you think you left it behind in the darkness of the storage facility, but it will probably haunt you at some point or another forcing you to deal with it. Just so you know!

Ask important questions

Ask yourself a few essential questions before leaving life as you know it behind: What are you searching for in terms of living a life as a digital nomad? Flexibility and freedom? Personal development? Travel opportunities while earning a living? A better work-life balance? Carefully consider if you are running away from something rather than seeking new experiences and opportunities. Or maybe that thing you are searching for can be found right where you are.  

social life

Meeting new people while traveling might be high on your list. In our experience, this has been one of the most difficult things to do. It requires that you consciously put yourself out there, especially if you work from home. Constantly changing locations make all social interactions transient, and it’s harder to develop long-lasting friendships. However, in this day and age online platforms and communities can help bridge the gap and maintain connections with family, friends, and colleagues regardless of the geographical distance.

The lack of a close community in daily life can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation from time to time. There is something to be said about solitude, though. Solitude provides an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth among other things. Of course, it’s important to note that balance is key, and too much solitude might lead to feeling depressed.

A nomadic lifestyle with your partner means spending more time with your partner. Period. If this sounds like your worst nightmare, maybe consider making different changes in your life than venturing on a long road trip. However, as digital nomads, there will be fewer distractions of everyday life. This can enhance communication and intimacy in your relationship, and provide a deeper connection between you and your spouse.

“lower income living”

Living as a digital nomad doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to change your career goals or have a lower income, but it might feel like you have a “lower income living”. By “lower income living”, I mean living in a two-bedroom apartment instead of a 3000 sq feet house; sleeping in a hard, uncomfortable bed instead of a new elevation bed; cooking with cheaper kitchen supplies and appliances instead of a chef’s kitchen. Another list that goes on and on. No matter how hard you try to fit all your clothes, shoes, and other personal belongings in the car there will never be enough room. No matter how much money you are willing to spend on an Airbnb, it will never feel the same as the comfort of your own home. 

is it worth it?

“Yeah, it’s not really worth it”, you might think at this point, “A risk of losing everything we have”. For us, it has definitely been “worth it”, and I never felt like losing anything or jeopardizing our financial stability. Even though we don’t see family and friends as often as before, I feel like our connections have only grown stronger. More than anything we experienced a growth in wealth. Maybe not exactly measured in financial terms but experimental, spiritual, physical, and intellectual wealth, which all contribute to a fulfilling life and our overall well-being. 

If you think it could be “worth it” keep reading to help navigate the journey with insights for a successful transition

Read more about what to consider when you want to live as digital nomads

How to Navigate the “Bigger Things” as Digital Nomads

How to Navigate the “Smaller Things” as Digital Nomads

In this Harvard Business Review, you can find more information on “How to Become a Digital Nomad” by Rowena Hennigan.