The travel blogging community is obsessed with the term “digital nomad.” This article includes important tips on how to become a digital nomad, why being a digital nomad is great, a typical day in the life of a digital nomad, why everyone should quit their job to become a digital nomad, and more, appears on every travel blog.
Honestly, being a digital nomad is great. He and I have been doing digital nomads myself for almost a year. At the time, I didn’t think the word existed. I worked as a copywriter while traveling around Southeast Asia and it was a great way to make money while traveling.
It involved frustrations like not being able to find Wi-Fi and missing out on great experiences by burying your head in your laptop while your friends scuba dived or attended an all-night beach party. I often thought it would be better to work hard at home and relax and enjoy 100% while traveling.
I returned home, completed an important journalism qualification that taught me almost nothing, found a job, gained some life experience, and figured I would one day return to the digital nomad lifestyle.
When I quit my job to become a travel blogger, I had the option to become a digital nomad again. After leaving London, being based in the UK was not a priority for him as his attendance at networking events and face-to-face meetings decreased. I didn’t have to be based anywhere, so why didn’t I choose the digital nomad lifestyle?
That crossed my mind. In fact, it not only crossed my mind, but I thought about it for a long time. I lived in a travel blogger bubble, most of my friends were travel bloggers or worked in the travel industry, and everyone wanted to become a digital nomad.
But I chose to have a house, a car, a dog, a baby, and all the normal things that digital nomads say they don’t want because they get in the way of their travels.
But I have them and I love them.
Admittedly, I don’t have a big house or a flashy car. It’s because I’d rather save money for traveling. I also have wonderful in-laws who take care of my dog while I travel. My baby is still small enough to fly around the world on a plane without really understanding what’s going on.
I love the fact that I travel a lot for my blog. I love the excitement of planning my next trip and the feeling of anticipation as the date approaches. I like to pull my suitcase out from under my bed, carefully pack my clothes, and plan my itinerary while traveling.
And I love breaking away from my usual routine and doing something different and exploring new places every day.
And after a week or two, you just want a normal life at home. I want to work at a desk with a big screen, a comfortable chair, and all my gadgets around me.
I want to sleep in bed and wake up with my fiancé. I have a dog and love taking him for long walks. I like to cook dinner in the kitchen and have friends around whenever I want. I like having a local pub where all the staff know each other and know what I drink. I love that I can always stop by my parents’ house and meet friends for drinks after work. I also love having a gym membership!
When I travel, I often schedule a few extra days just for work at my destination. It may sound strange to work on holidays, but I love it. Working somewhere else, enjoying the sunshine, eating out for every meal, and being inspired by the world around me are the highlights of my job. But I don’t want to do it every day.
I also thought about becoming a digital nomad because I thought it would make my blog better. People would rather read about a young woman who travels around the world than about a young woman who goes on a bizarre holiday and lives a very normal life in Wales, right?
Actually, no, not always.
The main feedback I get from readers is that they like that they can relate to my travel schedule. I take a few big trips a year and fill in the rest with weekend trips and short trips. This is what most people do, and this is what most people want to read. I love reading about her 6 month jaunt to South America, but when will that realistically happen!?
So this post is for all of you who keep reading about digital nomads and think, “That sounds kinda cool, but am I weird for not wanting that for myself?” No, you’re not a weirdo. But if you are, then so am I!
I love having a job with flexible hours and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. However, I also love the job where I can buy a house and live a “normal life” whenever I feel like it.
If you’re interested in becoming a full-time blogger, you might be interested in the e-course I’m launching to take your blog to the next level and turn it into a full-time income. This course will start in May and you can join us on Facebook for regular updates.
read more:
life as a Digital Nomad: My Advice and Truth by As the Bird Flies
the Reality of Being a Digital Nomad by Twenty-Something Travels
living the Digital Nomad Lifestyle by Vicky Flip Flop Travels