Why I Wish I Became A Digital Nomad Sooner
In a world where the traditional nine-to-five grind is being redefined, the digital nomad lifestyle has emerged as a beacon of freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. The ability to work remotely while traversing the globe has become increasingly accessible, exciting individuals, like myself, to break free from the confines of office walls and embrace a life of adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the myriad benefits of being a digital nomad, delving into personal experiences, practical tips, and insightful perspectives.
The Freedom in Locations
The digital nomad lifestyle is synonymous with location independence, liberating us from the shackles of having to be in a fixed geographical location. This is the container in which being a digital nomad is expressed. The idea that you can roam at will, explore new cultures, and savor diverse cuisines encapsulates the essence of this lifestyle. By leveraging the power of technology and working remotely, digital nomads can seamlessly blend work and travel, creating a harmonious balance between professional obligations and personal adventures.
There is no limit to where you go either, depending on the type of passport you hold. Of course, this comes with a lot of privilege. I’ve been grateful to have both a Canadian and Trinidad and Tobago passport, which opens up many more doors as to where I can travel and stay for certain lengths of time.
When choosing a country to visit, I would recommend countries with flexible digital nomad visas if you are staying for a longer length of time and places where the weather is to your liking and cheap. The American dream is dead. No longer do you have to hustle and grind to make a living in a fast-moving first-world country when there are so many other countries that have a well-rounded way of living life and make it much more affordable to have the basics.
Last year I visited over 5+ countries, with already over 20+ countries under my belt. Some countries like Mexico, were super cheap. So this girl still has lots more to explore!
Flexibility in Work and Lifestyle
One of the defining features of being a digital nomad is the unparalleled flexibility it offers. Unlike traditional employment models that dictate rigid schedules and office cubicles, digital nomads have the autonomy to craft their own work routines and environments. As highlighted in the transcript, whether working for oneself or for a remote-friendly employer, the ability to choose when, where, and how to work empowers individuals to design lifestyles tailored to their preferences and aspirations.
The majority of last year consisted of me traveling outside of my home country, and the reason why I was able to do this, was that I mainly worked for myself as a freelance marketer and also as an online coach. These two self-employed professions allowed me to work on my owns schedule but also have the flexibility to travel during my time off to many destinations, others not open to me if I had a 9-5 in-office job.
Who wants to wait for only 3 weeks out of the year to travel? I love traveling much more than waiting on someone else’s time, hence why embodying a digital nomad way of life suits me better.
Financial Freedom and Savings
Contrary to popular belief, the digital nomad lifestyle can be not only liberating but also financially advantageous. By embracing nomadic living, individuals can mitigate the high costs associated with living in urban centers while maximizing savings and disposable income. As exemplified in the transcript, opting for cheaper destinations, sharing accommodations, and capitalizing on favorable exchange rates enable digital nomads to stretch their budgets further, affording them the opportunity to invest in experiences rather than material possessions.
I remember last year in Mexico City, I was doing some grocery shopping at a nearby market close to my Airbnb, and what would’ve easily cost me over $100 CAD in Canada, only cost about $20 CAD there. These are the savings I’m talking about. Not to mention my cousin who lived in Puerto Vallarta for some time, was paying only $200 a month CAD for her rent. Talk about savings! Think about how much more you could save, invest, and build wealth with such a huge decrease in your everyday spending, while still making a strong income and contributing to their local economy.
It might be worth researching cheaper countries to visit, so your money can stretch and be more worthwhile for your increasing travels.
Broadened Perspectives and Cultural Immersion
Traveling is not merely about sightseeing; it is about immersing oneself in different cultures, broadening perspectives, and fostering personal growth. Digital nomads have the privilege of experiencing firsthand the richness and diversity of the world, transcending borders and bridging cultural divides. As articulated in my youtube video, each new destination presents an opportunity for learning, self-discovery, and forging meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
I would’ve never learned how to surf (Australia) or tried eating insects (Mexico) if I never left the confines of my home. Experiences like walking to campus and seeing kangaroos, really make you appreciate the diversity of both human and animal life, and just how much different the world operates outside of what you’re used to. Sometimes these differences are bad, but the ones I’m talking about are good. The kind of experiences that make you want to become a better person. More empathetic of the world and why certain people live the way they do.
Since I’ve been traveling for so long, it’s also really opened up my eyes to what a lie we’ve been fed about the way to live. I feel like outside of the Western world, although many people don’t have as much resources or money - they are much happier. I see more community and interconnectedness that the Western world is losing very fast. People seem less stressed, and much more calm going about their everyday lives.
For example, in the Caribbean, there’s this joke that if you go to the bank to speak with someone it’ll take all day. The process in Caribbean countries for getting things down is sloooow. But, I understand why. They don’t apply as much pressure on their employees to get things done, the way that the Western world does. It’s not as much about productivity as it is about balancing their mental health and well-being. it’s only because of capitalism that we feel like we are always running out of time, towards building arbitrary goals that only matter because we were told by society it matters.
When you travel, you’ll start to realize that the quality of life they told you you were supposed to want, is no longer attainable but somehow the rest of the developing world is getting by fine. I wouldn’t have understood this, if not for my ability to travel and see how different people live their lives and the pace in which they do, which differs from mine.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
While the digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, it is not without its challenges. From navigating visa regulations to grappling with occasional bouts of loneliness, digital nomads must learn to adapt to the inherent uncertainties of life on the road. However, these challenges serve as opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery, ultimately enriching the nomadic journey and fostering a sense of inner strength.
Since I’m now in a long-distance relationship, it’s forced me to slow down a bit and start to reenvision what my life may look like in the near future. If having a family is involved, it would require me to shift towards a more traditional and settled way of living, that’s not about me uprooting myself every couple of months to a new destination. So there’s that to think about, and the fact that dating while constantly traveling gets hard. You have to be prepared to be single for bouts of time unless you find a partner who is able to travel with you or wait for you to get back on your many excursions.
Also, if you’re someone who already has a family or is rooted somewhere due to work or other personal life factors - becoming a digital nomad might not be the best option for you. This is why I highly recommend younger people take the opportunity to travel and see as much of the world when they are younger and most likely single.
The digital nomad lifestyle represents a paradigm shift in how we conceptualize work, travel, and personal fulfillment. By embracing location independence, flexibility, and cultural immersion, digital nomads embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and boundless possibilities. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the allure of the digital nomad lifestyle continues to captivate individuals seeking liberation, adventure, and a deeper connection to the world around them. Whether you're a seasoned nomad or contemplating taking the leap, may this guide inspire you to embark on your own transformative journey toward a life of freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.
Don’t forget to watch the video version of this blog post HERE, and comment and share below if you enjoyed :)
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