IT’S TIME TO QUIT YOUR 9-5 JOB AND TRY OUT THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFESTYLE
Are you tired of your mundane, everyday routine? Are you feeling stifled and suffocated by your job? If so, it might be time to consider the digital nomad lifestyle.
What Is a Digital Nomad?
Digital Nomad (noun): a person who earns a living working online in various locations of their choosing (rather than a fixed business location).
Being a digital nomad gives you freedom and flexibility to be wherever your heart desires (as long as there is good WiFi!).
Remote work and working from home have become increasingly popular due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of us found that working from home suited us well and we can’t imagine commuting and going back to the workplace every day.
Working and having the freedom to travel at the same time is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Not everyone can afford this lifestyle, and many people have jobs requiring them to remain in one place.
I have lots of friends who are perfectly happy staying in one place, buying a house, working a 9–5 job and taking their 4-week holiday a year. They have stability, financial security and enough money to spend on lovely holidays each year.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide if the digital nomad lifestyle is right for you. But if you’re curious about what it’s like, be sure to check out my article on How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2023 and work remotely from anywhere in the world.
Let’s consider the digital nomad lifestyle and see if it’s right for you:
Why You Should Become a Digital Nomad
Quitting your job to travel the world might sound like a dream come true, but what happens when the money runs out?
Becoming a digital nomad is a much more sensible option. You can still travel and see all the places you’ve always wanted to see, but you’ll also have something to show for it on your CV. You’ll be able to say that you worked remotely from anywhere in the world.
What’s more, you’ll be able to set your own hours (depending on your job) and work from wherever you choose to live. You might think that this lifestyle is only for people who are young and single, but that’s not true at all. You can be any age and have any type of family life, as long as your employer is okay with you living wherever you choose to live.
Is The Digital Nomad Lifestyle Right For You? 7 Reasons Why You Should Try It
The digital nomad lifestyle is one that offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Whether you want to work from the beach, the mountains, or the bustling city centre, the choice is yours!
Freedom, Flexibility, Travel
1. You Can Travel!!!
The freedom to go anywhere you please is incredible! Be it Europe, Asia, or South America, you decide! Travelling broadens your perspectives and makes you a more open-minded and well-rounded person. If you want to make travelling a full-time lifestyle, you should definitely become a digital nomad.
2. Explore New Places
When you settle down in your first digital nomad destination, you get to explore the area to your heart’s content. Staying in places for longer stints of time allows you to immerse yourself in your new surroundings and learn more about the culture, cuisine and people. I recommend taking any free walking tours that might be available in your new location, as well as paid tours to places that interest you.
Viator offers great deals for tours, along with Airbnb who offer experiences with locals.
3. Meet New People
As a digital nomad, it’s easy to move to a new place and get stuck in your bubble. Be sure to join digital nomad or ex-pat groups in your area as a way to meet new people. My favourite apps to use to meet new people abroad are Buddyng, Couchsurfing and Facebook Groups. You’ll make new friends from all walks of life, all ages and professions too! Some will be day-trip friends, work-from-a-cafe friends or night-out friends and some might even be lifelong friends!
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to people!
4. Personal Development and Growth
Moving to a different country and starting your digital nomad journey is a big step, and there are many factors to consider when making your decision to embark on this new life. Wherever you are you will be the same person inside if you don’t challenge yourself to grow and develop in different areas. Travelling in itself will help you to do this, but I encourage you to search for new experiences and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
5. Learn about different countries, cultures, foods and people
There is so much to learn when you travel and spend longer in different countries. Being a digital nomad and spending longer in each place allows you to get to know a country properly and talk to local people and find out what their experiences are. Trying different foods is one of my favourite activities to do as a digital nomad, there are so many dishes out there that you’ve never even heard of. Take the time to learn about the history, culture and traditions of your new destination, by doing this you will gain a better understanding of the place and the local people who live there.
6. Face Challenges
Whether it’s organising your travel plans, overcoming issues like delays and missed flights, or getting used to your new work schedule, there will definitely be challenges during your digital nomad journey that you need to face. By overcoming these challenges, you will be better equipped to deal with them in the future and become a more resilient person and seasoned traveller.
7. Find a Work-Life Balance
If you are lucky enough to have a job that allows you to work remotely from different locations, finding a good work-life balance is the key to enjoying your digital nomad lifestyle. Be sure to block off time to relax, explore and immerse yourself in your new destination.
How to Become a Digital Nomad
Making the decision to become a digital nomad is a big one, but it’s definitely not impossible. In fact, there are plenty of ways to make it happen! All you need is a bit of creativity and ambition.
First of all, you’ll need to make sure your skills are up-to-date and relevant. This could mean taking online courses, working on your portfolio, or simply brushing up on your skills. You’ll also need something to show for it on your CV.
It’s also important to be realistic about the transition. It’s not going to be easy giving up the security of a steady paycheck and the comforts of home, but with a bit of patience and adjustment, you’ll get there. Just remember that this is a lifestyle choice, not a vacation. You’ll still need to work hard and be productive, even if you’re doing it from the beach!
One of the best things about the digital nomad lifestyle is that there are no set rules. If you want to take a month-long break to travel, go for it! Or if you’d rather stick to a more traditional work schedule, that’s totally up to you. The key is to find what works best for you and your lifestyle.
Check out my blog on How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2023 for more information.
Tips for Working Remotely From Anywhere in the World
Another great thing about being a digital nomad is that there are lots of resources available to help you out. For example, Tiani Travels has a wealth of information on everything from finding the best places to work, to scoring cheap flights and accommodation. So if you’re curious about giving it a go, be sure to check us out!
FAQs About the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
So you’re thinking about giving the digital nomad lifestyle a go? Here are some of the most common questions I hear from people considering this type of travel.
Q: Can I make a sufficient income as a digital nomad?
A: Absolutely! In fact, many digital nomads make their entire income from online work. However, it is important to note that this isn’t always guaranteed, and you may have to adjust your rates or lifestyle depending on your location and the type of work you do.
Q: Will I be lonely while living this lifestyle?
A: It’s definitely possible to feel lonely while travelling solo, especially if you’re not used to being on your own all the time. However, there are plenty of ways to combat loneliness, including meeting like-minded people through online communities or travel Meetups.
Q: Do I need to adjust my mindset to “living, not vacationing?”
A: Yes, absolutely! When you’re living the digital nomad lifestyle, it’s important to remember that this is your life, not a vacation. This means making the most of every opportunity and seeing each destination as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Q. Is the digital nomad lifestyle worth the hype?
A: It definitely is! When I am working in a different country I’m living a ‘normal’ life, creating a daily routine by going to the gym, eating well, working and studying. But I’m doing all of this in a new place, where I have the opportunity to explore and enjoy a new destination in my free time. I can also manage my finances better by living in places with a lower cost of living than I’m used to.
Q: Can you save money as a digital nomad?
A: Of course! But this all depends on you, what your income is and how you choose to spend your money. Personally, I live on a budget to make sure that I can save, travel and enjoy the experiences that I want to do most!
Conclusion
You’re stuck in a job you hate and you can’t see a way out. You’ve been thinking about becoming a digital nomad for a while now, but you’re not sure where to start.
I get it. Quitting your job and becoming a digital nomad is a big decision, but it’s one that can change your life for the better. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – I’m here to help.
So what are you waiting for? Quit your job and become a digital nomad today!
If you have any questions or comments about becoming a digital nomad, please contact me via email tianitravels@gmail.com or social media.