Becoming a Digital Nomad: 12 Pros & Cons to Know
Of course, the work and travel lifestyle sounds all rainbows and butterflies and becoming a digital nomad is the lifelong dream of many travellers. However, that’s not always the case. Sure, the nomad life has a lot of perks, but it also has some downsides – nothing’s 100% perfect. That’s why it’s crucial to know the pros and cons of this lifestyle before becoming a digital nomad to make sure you can commit to it.
6 Advantages of Becoming a Digital Nomad
Working from anywhere
The biggest perk becoming a digital nomad would offer you is being location-independent. Not being stuck in a desk job and having the flexibility to work from anywhere allows you to live your dream life and to travel more. Working from the beach in Tulum, or a vegan café in Bali, definitely sound like the dream.
Experiencing more and spending less
Since the digital nomad life allows you to work from anywhere in the world, you could relocate somewhere cheaper! In fact, most popular digital nomad destinations offer a reasonable standard of living, lots of activities and things to see, for quite a budget-friendly price.
Being your own boss (most times)
Bloggers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs; basically anyone who isn’t working a full-time remote job, can enjoy the flexibility that comes with becoming a digital nomad. Being your own boss means you get to choose your own working hours, your own holidays, your office of the day – you name it. No more boring routine!
It’s better for your mental health
Being able to travel more and working in a refreshing environment can definitely have a positive impact on one’s mental health. To some of us, the routine may be dreadful and the never-ending 9-5 cycle is definitely not for everyone. So, if you’re one of those people who constantly need a change of scenery and some action in their lives, then the digital nomad life was made for you!
The networking
Being constantly on the go means you get to make friends all over the world and learn more about different cultures, which is quite eye-opening, and in most cases, life-changing. The cultural exchange allows us to break stereotypes and teaches us different perspectives. Not to mention that being part of a digital nomads or travellers community gives us a sense of belonging and opens the door for more opportunities and collaborations.
Personal growth
The exposure to different cultures; the challenges and responsibilities that come with living abroad; and being able to pursue a happier, healthier life are all factors that lead to personal growth. Travel brings out the best in us and allows us to become better versions of ourselves.
6 Disadvantages of Becoming a Digital Nomad
Too much screen time
As much as the “digital” in “digital nomad” solves a lot of problems and comes with many benefits, as much as it can be mentally exhausting. Being connected all the time, especially if your work involves spending so much time on social media, can be mentally and physically draining. That’s why it’s very important to take breaks from time to time and to try and stay connected to the real world.
Missing out on some milestones
Being away from home means you’ll probably miss out on some important events and milestones. Be it weddings, graduations, or newborns, it’s definitely hard but you’ll have to learn how to accept it and live with it.
Not being able to make plans
When you’re a digital nomad, you never really know what’s next or what’s life carrying for you. Yes, you can make travel plans for the whole year, but you can’t really tell if they’re happening for sure. And the biggest proof is the pandemic! So, it’s really important to learn how to be flexible and able to cope and respond to any life changes.
Financial insecurity
Full-time jobs, unfortunately, promise financial security that the digital nomad life doesn’t always offer. Unless you’ve reached a point where you have a 6-figure+ online business, then there will always be a financial risk. Especially if you’re a freelancer or just starting out. That’s why we advise you to start first with a side hustle and quit when you start generating a steady income.
You may end up working more (sometimes)
If you decide to become an online entrepreneur and start your own business, then most probably, you’ll be working more. But it’s okay because it takes a lot of sleepless nights to build an empire – that’s just the price you have to pay. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case.
Freelancers, for instance, can sometimes make more from fewer clients than they made in their old 9-5 jobs. And if you’re a blogger, content creator, or even an online entrepreneur, if you play your cards right, you could generate passive income and work less.
Having to say goodbye
One of the toughest things about being a digital nomad is having to say goodbye every single time you start a new adventure. You see, to embark on a new journey, you have to end the one before it, and in every place you live, you make friends that become family. It’s hard enough to say goodbye to your original home, friends, and family, let alone having to repeat this over and over again.
Now that you have a better idea of the nomad lifestyle and how it really is, are you still planning on becoming a digital nomad, or have you realised it’s too much compromise? Let us know in the comments if this was eye-opening.
