Let’s face it, the digital nomad lifestyle is pretty darn appealing. Who wouldn’t want to travel the world, work remotely, and live out of a backpack (or a luxury villa, depending on your budget)? It’s the ultimate dream for anyone who’s ever been stuck in a dead-end job or a soul-sucking 9-to-5 grind.
On the plus side, being a digital nomad allows you to travel the world and see places you might never have had the chance to visit otherwise. It can also give you the freedom to set your own schedule and work on your own terms. Plus, you get to be your own boss and potentially earn more money as a freelancer.
However, there are also some downsides to consider. For one, you’ll need to have a stable internet connection and a reliable laptop to work from, which isn’t always a given in certain parts of the world. You’ll also need to be disciplined and able to motivate yourself to work without the structure of an office setting. And let’s not forget about the fact that you’ll be away from your family and friends for long periods of time.
So, before you pack your bags and book your one-way ticket to Bali, it’s important to consider if the digital nomad lifestyle is really right for you. Here are a few pros and cons to help you weigh your options:
Digital nomad lifestyle pros:
- You get to travel the world and see all sorts of amazing places (as long as you can afford it).
- You can work from anywhere with a stable internet connection (except for those pesky internet cafes with dial-up speeds).
- You have the freedom to create your own schedule and work on your own terms (as long as you can meet your deadlines and keep your clients happy).
- There are more and more digital nomad platforms and websites supporting the digital nomad lifestyle (you just need to find one that fits your personality).
- It’s a great learning experience: To quote Mark Twain: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
- Work to live” rather than “live to work”: Living the digital nomad lifestyle means you will still have deadlines, and bills still need to be paid (taxes too….), but deciding on your schedule and location of your work will make you feel like you have more power over how that happens.
Digital nomad lifestyle cons:
- You have to deal with the stress of finding and paying for accommodation in different countries (goodbye, rent stability).
- You have to deal with language barriers and cultural differences (hello, awkward misunderstandings).
- You have to deal with the loneliness of being away from family and friends (farewell, stable & safe relationships).
- Reliable internet is not a given (please research before deciding on a destination)
Maintaining work/life balance can be a pro and a con, depending on how you organize your work. The digital nomad lifestyle can be perfect to give you the freedom you crave – or be a hamster wheel because you’re always “on”, responding to clients on your phone. Since you’re not getting a stable income, you might be afraid to say no. If you manage to implement a routine where you’re regularly off and truly enjoying yourself, that’s great. If you are insecure financially and a perfectionist you will just be adding more stress by experiencing this in a country you don’t know.
So is the digital nomad lifestyle right for you? That’s a question only you can answer. But if you do decide to take the plunge, Wedo can help you navigate the often-confusing world of freelancing as a digital nomad. With features like automated invoicing, contracts, and payments, you can focus on what you do best: working and exploring the world. Plus, with Wedo’s community of other freelancers and businesses, you won’t have to feel completely alone in your travels.
So go ahead and chase your dreams, nomad warriors. Just be sure to do your research and plan ahead before you take the leap.”
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