For the longest time, work was often thought of as a job that required physical presence. An office building was where you would typically be from 9 to 5, and then you were free to leave and spend your time as you pleased. There was little opportunity to go anywhere else since you were expected to return the next day by 9am.
However, the rise of the internet dramatically changed the concept of work, with the pandemic only accelerating this shift. Suddenly, you could work from anywhere as long as you had a computer and decent internet access. This change has led people to get creative with their work environments.
Such individuals are often called “digital nomads” — people who travel the world while working from their laptops. They constantly move to new destinations as long as they can perform their job online.
The life of a digital nomad is not for everyone, but if you’re intrigued by this lifestyle, here are a few signs it might be right for you:
1. Your Work All Happens Online
This is probably the most significant factor to consider if you’re thinking about becoming a digital nomad. If your work involves digital documents and spreadsheets, and all necessary communication can be conducted via chat or Zoom meetings, then you might have a job compatible with a digital nomad lifestyle.
If your current job isn’t suitable, you could look for one that accommodates this lifestyle. Not every job fits this model, but if the travel bug has bitten you, it might be worth considering a career shift.
2. You Are Smart With Your Finances
Traveling isn’t always cheap. However, it can be manageable if you budget and plan your money wisely. Constantly traveling to new destinations can be expensive, so ensure that your job provides sufficient income to sustain this lifestyle.
Additionally, digital nomads might consider getting a side hustle or taking on occasional odd jobs. Sometimes, a little extra cash while waiting for your paycheck can help keep your adventures going.
3. You’re Willing To Be Away From Home A Lot
Like, a lot. As in, ‘only able to see friends, family, and pets online’ a lot. One of the toughest aspects of traveling is the inability to see loved ones for extended periods, which can be quite a long time. However, you will have plenty of alone time, and if you need time to recharge your social battery, being on your own adventures might be beneficial.
Loneliness can be a bitter pill to swallow if you’re considering this lifestyle, but it makes sense that the price of exploring new places involves leaving behind the old and familiar. Sometimes, this trade-off is worth it.
4. You Are Highly Adaptable To New Situations
You will encounter many new situations with this lifestyle. Traveling to exciting new locations will present unique experiences with varying temperatures, customs, and costs. A digital nomad needs to adapt to these new experiences away from home.
Moreover, dealing with work-related matters on the go can be challenging. Paperwork can be cumbersome when you’re on a different continent, so it’s essential to find ways to handle these issues as they arise. It’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to see the world.
5. You Are A Traveler At Heart
Some people are simply not suited to staying in one place for extended periods, and that’s perfectly okay. Perhaps you’re in your early 20s, and the call of adventure is strong. Or maybe you’ve always had a passion for exploring and discovering new and exciting parts of the world. If your sense of wanderlust is particularly strong, you might just need to embrace it.
Being a digital nomad is an exciting yet demanding lifestyle, and it’s definitely not for everyone. However, if the reasons listed above align with your current lifestyle and interests, it might be time to take a leap of faith and explore this path for a change.
