We imagine that classic scene: working with a laptop on the beach, a dream! But many haven't been able to sustain this lifestyle. After all, is it easy or difficult to be a digital nomad?
The pandemic has undoubtedly exponentially benefited the nomadic lifestyle: the normalization of remote work, Airbnbs with fast internet, the emergence of new coworking spaces, more affordable airfare, and more. After traveling to 15 countries in four years, I'm discussing some of the biggest challenges of being a digital nomad.
Specific skills
Traveling and working at the same time requires (quite a few) skills:
- Planning and organization;
- A lot of discipline to balance work, leisure and budget;
- Ability to adapt to environments that are not always ideal for living and working;
- Open mind to new routines, cultures, people, foods, etc.;
- Knowing how to deal with unpredictability and physical separation from family and friends.
These are just the basics. If any of these items are missing, you're likely to experience difficulties.
Being a nomad sucks a lot of energy
Even staying in some cities for more than a month, every move represents a bombardment of information: what items are missing from the apartment? Where is the supermarket? Do I need to weigh the fruit? How do I operate the washing machine? How does public transportation work? What words are essential in the local language? And so on. Each new place brings a huge overload of discoveries. Considering that it's rare for anyone to stay in a country for more than three months because of a visa, this cycle begins again with each move.
I've noticed that some digital nomads I follow, after about 3-4 years of nonstop traveling, have given up on the nomadic lifestyle. Fatigue begins to overcome the excitement of experiencing something new. The sparkle in their eyes fades. Having a home base becomes essential again.
The balance
Ever since I was little, I've always been passionate about travel. But in recent years, I've discovered that I also enjoy stopping every now and then and returning to my home in São Paulo, with a monotonous yet comfortable routine: walking the dogs, having my things just the way I like them without having to fit everything into a carry-on and a backpack, keeping up with my exercise routine... During my travels, my health suffered a lot. I've concluded that being a "semi-nomad" (traveling three to six months a year) is the best of all worlds: it allows me to explore new places while alternating with seclusion in the warmth of my home.
Is it still worth being a digital nomad?
Without a doubt! Everyone already knows the good part: it's a unique experience to experience different cultures. But it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can start in "homeopathic doses": a little in each city, back and forth, gradually increasing the distance and length of stay, until you discover the best way to live for you. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to try it!