The 5 Downsides of Being a Digital Nomad No One Tells You About

Summary

The article discusses the often unspoken challenges of being a digital nomad, including the persistence of personal issues, difficulties in living in the present, the effort of building routines and communities, the emergence of existential questions, and the hardships of falling ill abroad.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses gratitude for the nomadic lifestyle but also sheds light on its less glamorous aspects. Despite the freedom and adventure associated with being a digital nomad, the author points out that personal problems remain unresolved with changes in location. The constant need to plan for the next destination can detract from enjoying the current experience. Establishing a routine and community with each move is time-consuming and can be exhausting. The article also touches on the existential questions that arise from long-term travel and the emotional toll of being sick in a foreign country. The author emphasizes that while social media often portrays a romanticized version of the nomadic life, the reality includes a mix of both rewarding and challenging experiences.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the privilege of being able to travel and see the world but also emphasizes that a change in scenery does not equate to escaping personal issues.
There is a struggle between planning for future destinations and living in the moment, which can lead to a feeling of being in limbo.
Building a routine and community with each move is recognized as a tiring process that requires significant effort.
Long-term travel can trigger existential thoughts, prompting questions about the purpose and meaning of constant movement and life choices.
Falling ill in a foreign country is described as an especially difficult experience, compounded by feelings of homesickness and isolation.
Despite the challenges, the author remains appreciative of the nomadic lifestyle and does not wish to trade it for a more conventional life.

The 5 Downsides of Being a Digital Nomad No One Tells You About

Fumbling with my keys one night only to discover that I could’ve been stung by not one, but two scorpions (Mazunte, Mexico)

I’m incredibly grateful for my nomadic lifestyle and recognize the immense privilege I have to be able to travel and see the world. However, that being said, I also want to acknowledge that it’s not all sunshine and roses. Being a digital nomad comes with its own set of challenges, things that you don’t see on Instagram. Here are a few:

1) Just because we go somewhere new doesn’t mean that our problems go away

Sure, we may be surrounded by beaches and palm trees and yes, we may be able to get some distance and take a step back from our problems; however, at the end of the day, we can’t run from ourselves (and our minds) no matter how beautiful a place is.

2) It can be challenging to live in the present when we’re trying to figure out where we’ll be next

I’ve experienced moments where I’ve fretted over where I’m going to be the following month and have mulled over the following questions: Where will I go? What are the COVID restrictions — can I enter the country? What are my housing options?

It takes more mental and emotional energy than I probably give myself credit for to plan all the logistics and sometimes when I become too focused on the logistics of where I’m going next, I’ve been pulled away from the present moment and find it hard to enjoy where I’m currently at. Additionally, there’s always this tension between wanting to settle down to get to know a place vs. seeking a new place to experience something new. It can feel like being stuck in limbo.

3) It takes time and effort to build a routine and community each time we move

I’m all for novel experiences; however, each time I go somewhere new, it takes time to get my bearings — to know where I’m going to do very ordinary things like shop for groceries, do my laundry, befriend people and build community. It can be tiring to uproot myself and repeat this every few weeks.

Discovering for the first time that the front passenger seat of a shared colectivo (taxi) is meant to hold two people to maximize revenue (Oaxaca, Mexico)

4) Long-term travel can lead to existential thoughts

A big reason why I’ve chosen the nomadic lifestyle is because I believe that there is so much to see and experience in the world and I don’t buy into the standard conventions (having a 9–5 desk job, getting married, buying property, etc.) There have been moments where I’ve traveled for an extensive period of time, the novelty has worn off and everything starts to look and feel the same. I’ll have moments where I’ll ask myself, “What is the purpose of all this traveling? What am I doing with my life?”

5) Being sick in a foreign country is one of the worst feelings ever

I’m a fairly healthy individual and aside from a sore throat once or twice a year, I don’t get sick back at home. In Mexico, I’ve had recurring rounds of the stomach bug that have left me dehydrated, exhausted and a shell of my normal, active self. Not only is it challenging to be sick when it’s something I’m not accustomed to, but it’s doubly worse when I’m going through it alone, in a foreign country. It has led to feelings of homesickness and a desire to call it quits.

As with anything in life, being a digital nomad comes with its own set of ups and downs and what you see on social media represents a sliver of reality. That being said, at this point in my life, I wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for another and am grateful for the opportunity to see and experience the world.