avatarAlix A.

Summary

The author is planning to become a digital nomad in July 2020, driven by a desire for freedom and the pursuit of personal dreams over traditional work-life structures.

Abstract

The author, who has been freelancing for four years, has decided to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle in July 2020. This decision comes after a period of introspection and a significant life change—a breakup with a partner. The author realized that a secure, well-paying job was not fulfilling and went against their true nature, which craves freedom. Inspired by a bucket list that included traveling the world, the author feels that the end of the relationship removed a barrier to pursuing this dream. With plans to finish studies and a freelance job that allows for remote work, the author has booked initial flights and accommodations, aiming to spend about 45 days in each location to balance work and exploration. The author anticipates personal transformation and is excited to live out dreams rather than just dreaming of an ideal life.

Opinions

  • The author values personal freedom and the ability to live and work from anywhere in the world.
  • Traditional 9-to-7 office jobs are seen as restrictive and contrary to the author's aspirations.
  • The author believes that life should not be solely about work and that it's important to pursue one's dream life.
  • Writing a bucket list is considered a valuable exercise that can lead to significant life changes.
  • The author feels that personal relationships can sometimes be a barrier to pursuing one's dreams.
  • The decision to become a digital nomad is seen as a step towards self-knowledge and living authentically.
  • The author is optimistic about the upcoming journey and its potential to change their life for the better.

I’m Going to Be a Digital Nomad in July 2020

Here are the reasons for this exciting, life-changing, terrifying decision

Photo by Kekai AhSam on Unsplash

I think that’s what motivated me to become a freelancer four years ago. At this point, though, it was just underlying. I wasn’t aware of it yet.

I was in a serious relationship. I was beginning to build my life in Paris. And then, anyway, I had my studies to finish. But somewhere in my mind, under the radar, hid this dream. I wanted to be able to live anywhere in the world while working.

Life seemed to have other things in store for me. Especially last year. After several years of doing some freelance work for a company, I got offered a very well-paying and secure job. It involved working part-time from their office until July this year, that is to say, until my graduation, then joining the team full time.

After some thought, I accepted. The position was very interesting, the team very friendly. I had a perspective.

Then, I quit.

After a month and a half, I decided to stop.

The money and the security were not enough to keep me away from my true nature, which demanded nothing but freedom. I suddenly climbed several rungs up the ladder of self-knowledge. This experience showed me what I wanted and what I didn’t want. (Mostly what I didn’t want).

And what I didn’t want was working 9–7 every single day, from the very same place, with the very same people. I had the feeling that I was throwing away my true aspirations, my dreams, and above all, my life. It awakened many questions, which are still somehow here today. Why are we living just to work all the time? Why are we on Earth if it’s not to live our dream life? Why? Can someone please tell me why?

At this point, I was feeling lost. I was still doing some freelance writing for other clients while pursuing my studies. I spent hours and hours in introspection, looking deep down in myself to find the answer to these questions that were putting me in an emotionally draining state.

Until one day, December 7th, 2019. This part is going to sound stupid, but this is the very same day my partner and I broke up. We broke up softly, with all the gentleness and respect that we had — and still have — for each other. That night, I cried.

When I had dried my tears, an idea arose in my mind. A few days or weeks earlier, I had watched a life-changing video — that’s the case to say, given the way it indirectly turned my life around — about the importance of writing one’s bucket list. I won’t get into too many details as I already wrote an article about it that you can find here.

In my bucket list, I had written, among other things: traveling the world.

It was, however, a dream that I didn’t think could come true. It was something you catch yourself smiling when thinking about it, but which doesn’t seem to have a connection to reality. I had plans, I had connections with people, and I had a partner. I felt like I couldn’t just drop everything and leave.

But now, I didn’t have a partner anymore. In hindsight, it seems like that was what held me back because suddenly, this dream felt within reach.

Nothing was stopping me anymore, and I quickly formed a plan in my mind. I’ll be out of school this year. I have a freelance job, which pays enough to get me a living. I had no bounds anymore, except with my family, but I already live 800 kilometers away from them. Instantly, I made my mind up. In July, I will leave for six months before coming back only to spend the holidays with my loved ones. Then, I will set off again.

There’s not a day that goes by without me thinking about this project. Sometimes with apprehension. Often with excitement.

By now, I have booked my first flight, my first Airbnb, and my second Airbnb. I’ll soon book the second flight. I plan on staying around 45 days in each place, so I can split my time between working and exploring without feeling rushed.

I don’t know what will come out of this experience. The only two things I know for sure are that, first, I will come out changed. The second one is that I am no longer dreaming of my life. I’m on my way to living my dreams.

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Travel
Freelancing
Life
Digital Nomads
Self
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