Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad

Prior to making this change though, it’s essential you think about the pros and cons of this way of living, and if it is something that would make sense with you. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of its pros and cons.

What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely in different locations across the world. Being globally mobile is one of its primary benefits, giving people the chance to work for themselves and redefine what working life looks like.

Pros

Here are some of the main pros of being a digital nomad, and why many are attracted to this lifestyle.

Learning about different cultures

Working abroad is a great opportunity to learn about the world around you and immerse yourself in a new culture.

You will gain a greater understanding of local customs and traditions, and in some cases be able to learn a new language. This is a core benefit for people who love to travel, providing them with valuable life experiences.

Working in a different country will also allow you to appreciate a different pace of daily life, and how you can adapt to benefit the most from your travels.

Avoid commuting

One of the top advantages of working remotely is that you avoid long commutes to work. Many hours of the day can be taken up with travelling to and from your job, leaving you with little time at home.

You can wake up later and spend more time on your morning routine before beginning work. This sets you up for a productive day and leaves you feeling more refreshed. It’s also good for people who feel more comfortable in their own space or are more introverted.

Live independently

You can live independently as a digital nomad, choosing this way of life to be your own boss. This allows you to set your own working hours and workloads, and the freedom to enjoy the benefits of digital nomadism.

Managing your own time enables you to work on your personal growth as well, as it is up to you to make sure you meet deadlines have the income needed to support yourself.

More manageable expenses

Since you don’t have the costs of commuting, buying lunch out, or expenses on work clothes, you might find it easier to manage your budget. Travel prices can eat into your income when working in a physical office, which is something you don’t need to deal with when you work from home.

Cons

Although being a digital nomad boasts plenty of positives, it also has its downsides. Let’s explore the cons of living this way.

Distance from family and friends

Being away from loved ones is one of the more difficult aspects of being a digital nomad. Loneliness can begin to creep in, and you could be left feeling isolated from the world around you.

If you work for an employer, it is important to stay connected with your colleagues either on video chat or through virtual messaging applications, so you still feel personal connection. Keep in touch with those back home by arranging weekly calls to check in too; this can leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on new tasks.

Struggles with productivity

Another challenge of working in your own space is to remain productive. It is easy to be distracted by things around you, particularly if you are in an exciting destination with lots of entertainment on offer.

It can be difficult to meet deadlines and work productively when you’re in a holiday setting and are fighting the urge to relax. However, you should remind yourself that you need to work to support your lifestyle and enjoy the amenities around you.

Reliant on an internet connection

One disadvantage of working remotely is that you are reliant on a Wi-Fi connection, which won’t always be guaranteed if you’re in a rural setting. In addition, internet speeds can vary from country to country, which can sometimes make it difficult to work.

Before you embark on the journey of becoming a digital nomad, consider if you will be able to work effectively in your chosen location. If a stable internet connection is crucial for your role, then it would be wise to research locations with good roaming speeds.

Knowing when to relax

It can be hard to switch off when you live a digital nomad lifestyle, as you work remotely and to your own schedule. If you’re in a relaxing environment, it may also be hard to feel like you’re working, even if you are being productive.

Keep organised with your tasks and on track with your progress, and try not to be too hard on yourself. Ensure you put in the effort and get the work done to a high standard, then you can unwind in the pleasant surroundings.

Access to healthcare

Living in foreign country means you might not necessarily have access to healthcare, which is worrying if something were to go wrong.

To access healthcare, you could consider purchasing international health insurance before you go abroad. If you were to fall ill, this can help protect your medical needs and could cover you for things like maternity care, access to diagnostic tests, or attending a specialist consultation.

Read more about our international private medical insurance plans by clicking here.