Perhaps you’ve always been curious about traveling the world, but you’ve wound up working in the same office day in and day out. This happens to many of us. Before we know it, we’re older than we ever imagined we’d be, and we’re living the same 24 hour day over and over again.
While this scenario sounds dull, it’s perfectly satisfying for most people. But not everyone. You’ll know if you’re one of the exceptions, you’ll have a deep feeling that’s telling you to get up and go. Modern life may not feel fulfilling for you, even if you follow the typical path that’s meant to provide satisfaction.
If you’re tempted to travel the world, there might be a solution for you. Here’s how to know if you should become a digital nomad.
What Is A Digital Nomad?
Before we jump into seeing if you’re suited to this exciting life, we’ll quickly define what being a digital nomad is actually all about.
The term Digital Nomad refers to workers who can work from anywhere in the world. They often work digitally via laptops and follow a nomadic living style. Whether they stay in a country for a few months or a few weeks, they plan to live and work simultaneously.
Some of the most common jobs for digital nomads are freelance opportunities. From writers and bloggers to graphic designers and marketers, if you’ve got a laptop and Wi-Fi connection, you’re good to go. While some job markets are quite over-saturated, it’s relatively easy to use specific job search sites to find freelance work. This allows you to work on the go, rather than being chained to an office from 9 – 5.
Other popular careers that lend themselves to this fluid lifestyle include project management, editing, IT, customer service, sales, recruiting, quality analysts, accounting, teaching, and more.
Are You Ready To Be A Nomad?
The digital nomad lifestyle sounds appealing to many of us, but not everyone is cut out to deal with the reality of travel life. If you want to embrace this lifestyle, you need excellent time management skills, motivation to work alone, and the confidence to venture into the world alone.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here are some additional signs to look for.
You Yearn For More
This sign isn’t something you can measure on paper, and it’s more of a gut feeling. If you’ve constantly known that you want to explore the world or daily life doesn’t feel enough for you, this could point you towards a digital nomad lifestyle.
Everyone is different, so it makes sense that we’re not all suited to a typical workday. For some, working in various locations boosts creativity, improves productivity, and reduces stress for some.
Ideal For Social Butterflies
If you know you’re a social person, you could be a good fit for the digital nomad lifestyle. It’s common for nomads to stay in hostels when traveling, leading them to meet new people every day.
Nomads also often work in coffee shops and co-working spaces, leading them to meet like-minded people. Many of the friendships nomads make on the road become relationships for life. However, if you’re an introvert that likes to work alone, this might not be ideal for you.
The Idea Of Waking Up In A New City Excites You
Another good sign is if the idea of traveling excites you. For some, going from place to place sounds stressful and chaotic. However, for nomads, this is the perfect setup. One day you’ll be working in a chilled-out beach bar, and the next, you’ll be in a hustling and bustling city working from an authentic coffee shop.
Nomads often structure their freelance work days around the activities they love, and this contrasts with the typical routine of living to work. Once your daily work is complete, you’re free to explore your new surroundings and do activities you’re passionate about.
You Can Handle The Pressure Of Being Self Sufficient
This is one of the most essential points, but it’s a reality all nomads must face. While the lifestyle seems glamorous and unique, you need to show up for yourself every day and put the work in. Potential nomads need to note that the lifestyle may include more traveling than usual, but you still need to work too.
One issue some nomads face is time management and self-motivation. Without being strict with yourself, it’s easy to get carried away partying with locals and other nomads. Always remember that you need to get some work done to experience the perks of the lifestyle too! It’s also advised that nomads have a safety net income and travel insurance to keep them protected in unwanted scenarios.
The Ultimate Freedom
The digital nomad lifestyle is one of the most appealing ways to live. With a new city every week and the chance to meet interesting people, there’s no wonder this style of living has become more popular than ever. Just make sure you’re ready to face the reality of this life before you hop on the first plan out of town!
