Life Of A Digital Nomad: Sounds Amazing, But Is It Right For You?
The very idea not having to go to the office every day is exciting for almost anyone. Also, you will often hear people explaining that work at home but not be such a great idea after all. But what about working remotely from anywhere? This type of work is being popular by the day and many psychologists believe that is actually quite beneficial since it lets you do your job from any part of the world. This digital nomad lifestyle sure sounds wonderful, and even perfect, but before you decide it?s the perfect way for you, make sure you?ve taken into consideration all that comes with it.
If you don?t take this manner of working seriously, your performance will suffer and you may lose the job altogether. That?s why you should have a look at these several factors important for any digital nomad and figure out if they?re right for you.
No close attachments
Being digital nomad doesn?t mean you have to travel all the time, but you won?t be spending a long time in one place either to build any close relationships. Sometimes you might feel lonely and you have to be prepared to feel alone too, but you?ll also meet a lot of new people and that experience can trump that. At least to some extent. However, there are many ways to stay in touch with your family and friends back home via Skype or any other apps and similar software.
After all, there is always a chance that you'll like someplace so much that you decide to stay there and grow roots. And nothing like that would be possible unless you take a leap of fate.
Be flexible
You can't be a digital nomad and hate surprises and unpredictability. If you decide to work on the road, you have to accept the fact that you can't control your environment 100%. Anything can happen to rattle your cage, from the Internet being bad or non-existent to your laptop being stolen. These are the worst case scenarios of course but are known to happen to digital nomads before. The best way to deal with these types of possibilities is to have a backup plan what to do if it ever comes to them.
It may not be what you want to hear, but the job is the most important element in those situations so securing that it?s not affected by this misfortune is your priority. So if you can accept that and not stress over the mere possibility of being exposed to these unnerving situations, you?re good to go.
No working hours
Working remotely is usually a freelancing job, although sometimes it may be the case of having the exact working hours even though you're in the different time zone. As a freelancer, you have to prepared to work even during the weekends, more than 8-hours a day and during times when everyone else is enjoying the sun on the gorgeous beach. This is something that won't happen all the time, but it can come to having to choose between fun and work. If you can't choose the job as your priority, then it?s better not to tempt yourself with exotic and inviting landscapes at all.
Or you can just make a compromise and choose a similarly nice spot which can be good for work and fun during the breaks.
Always on the road
Since you?ll be always travelling, you will have to be very efficient about what you take with you on the road. First and foremost, rent boxes for moving and relocation and pack all your valuable and important belongings. That way you can leave them in a safe place and not worry about them, or even think about carrying them with you. You?ll have to be ready to wash your clothes by hand or wear the same thing several times. When you?re a digital nomad, it?s all about the work and travelling, and little things like makeup and fancy clothes may have to go.
Of course, you can always buy some in the new place, or borrow something from a new friend. But being rid of material attachments is something you have to learn and live by while on the digital nomad lifestyle.
You already have a job
This one is really important and will determine if you can be a digital nomad or not. Before you start working and travelling, you already must have a client. Going on the road without an employer is not only foolish but can cause a lot of financial and existential trouble. One secure source of income is mandatory so you can pay for the adventure, and attaining more during the travelling is advisable. The whole point of digital nomad lifestyle is based on you working remotely for at least one client, and not having that will only be financially challenging and irresponsible.
Final thoughts
Being prepared is not something easily done when you're a digital nomad, but you can prevent some inconveniences from happening with avoiding small places since they tend to have a problem with the Internet connection and fewer visitors. Also, organize your daily tasks and fun time so you'll avoid procrastination ? the biggest enemy of all freelancers. If you're unsure of any aspects related to the digital nomad lifestyle, consider working from your home office or sticking to your regular desk job.
