7 Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad to Know Before Traveling

Are you an independent worker looking for more flexibility? Then consider turning to a digital nomad lifestyle, which is about working remotely in different locations. That being said, there’s something to consider – the pros and cons of working remotely.

This article takes an in-depth look at remote work pros and cons, exploring positive aspects such as personal growth, professional opportunities, and more.

I’ll provide valuable insight into the successes, challenges, and opportunity costs associated with going down this path.

As a digital nomad myself for a number of years, I know exactly what it’s like to work remotely – the good, the bad, and the ugly. So let me go through everything you need to know.

What is a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is someone who can work remotely, from different locations around the world.

Digital nomads are typically driven by a desire to work on their own terms and to experience new cultures and lifestyles. They often have their own online business, or they may work online as a freelancer or as a remote employee.

Of course, most digital nomads will seek out locations with a good internet connection, a low cost of living, and a vibrant culture.

The digital nomad lifestyle offers many advantages, such as the ability to work and live anywhere, the flexibility of working hours, and the potential for a good living.

However, there are some drawbacks to the digital nomad community consider, such as an unsteady paycheck, a struggle to maintain a work-life balance, and the lack of local support and community.

Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad

The digital nomad lifestyle has opened up a world of opportunities for those who are willing to take the leap. Digital nomadism allows those who choose it to have a job that gives them the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.

Despite the drawbacks, such as unstable income, logistical issues, and a potential lack of comfort, it is a lifestyle that is becoming increasingly popular as more people realize the potential benefits.

The digital nomad benefits can be divided into three categories: the ability to work from anywhere, flexibility in working hours, and good pay.

You Can Work From Anywhere

One of the main benefits of being a digital nomad is the ability to work from anywhere. With the right equipment, a good internet connection, and the right attitude, you can work from coffee shops, coworking spaces, or even their Airbnb.

In addition to the freedom of movement, you can also connect with other like-minded people online and pursue things they enjoy or are curious about, such as learning a new language, developing a new skill, or starting an online business.

The ability to work remotely opens up the possibility of traveling without interruption, as many remote jobs are not tied to a specific time frame or schedule, allowing digital nomads to work from anywhere in the world.

Working from anywhere is a great benefit for digital nomads, allowing them to maximize their productivity and enjoy a better work-life balance.

Flexibility in Working Hours

Flexible working hours are one of the major benefits of being a digital nomad. Digital nomads, especially freelancers, have the freedom to work when they want and take breaks when they need them.

This means that you can take advantage of the different time zones and make sure that they get enough rest while still getting their work done.

Another benefit to consider in having flexible working hours is that you can enjoy a healthier work-life balance. By creating your own schedule, you can ensure that you have enough time to relax.

Good Pay

One of the major benefits of being a digital nomad is the potential for good pay. Many digital nomads are able to make a good living from their online businesses, and the financial freedom that comes with it can be very appealing.

And when that’s not the case, you may just move to a cheaper country like Thailand or Vietnam and live a much better life than you would back home.

Of course, this is a relative point, but as a freelancer on Upwork, I’m able to make an extra $20k working on side projects, and this funds my travel, which allows me to save a lot more.

Cons of Being a Digital Nomad

The potential for good pay is one of the major benefits of being a digital nomad. However, you should consider both the freelancing advantages and disadvantages.

For starters, you may suffer from an unsteady paycheck due to the nature of freelancing. As a digital nomad, one may have to take on many jobs in order to make ends meet, and this can result in unpredictable finances.

Additionally, digital nomads often end up spending all their money on travel, leaving little room to save. This can lead to financial insecurity and stress.

Let me elaborate further on the pros and cons of being a digital nomad.

Unsteady Paycheck

One of the cons of working remotely is an unsteady paycheck. Most digital nomads are freelancers, so their income can vary monthly.

Adjusting to a new lifestyle can be worrying, as it isn’t easy to adapt quickly. Furthermore, even though digital nomads may get paid more than they would in a traditional job, the lack of benefits such as health insurance can be a major disadvantage.

In addition, many freelancers are focused on making money and this can lead to an excessive focus on money, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health (which also happens to be my case).

You see, eventually, the pressure to take on as much work as possible due to unreliable income can be damaging.

At the end of the day, as a freelance digital nomad, you will always want to take on projects instead of refusing clients.

Your Employer Often Doesn’t Provide Health Insurance

Being a digital nomad freelancer certainly has its perks, but one potential downside is the lack of employer-provided health insurance. However, this doesn’t mean your health and well-being have to take a hit.

Thanks to options like SafetyWing, you can get coverage for a variety of situations for just $45 a month. This means that you can work and travel with peace of mind, knowing that you have access to medical care and other benefits.

Being a digital nomad freelancer might not be perfect for everyone, but with tools like SafetyWing at your disposal, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the lifestyle while still taking care of yourself.

I’ve personally used SafetyWing for over a year and I couldn’t be happier with their service. Their customer service is great, I get refunded for my hospital appointments, and they helped me a lot when I was diagnosed with my condition.

Check them out here below!

Work-Life Balance Struggle

Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be a major struggle, especially when you travel often. You might think, “that’s what a digital nomad lifestyle is all about, right?”.

Well, staying a place for a month is much more convenient in that sense than traveling every 3 days or so.

Plus, working online often involves spending long hours in front of a computer, which can lead to increased stress, burnout, and decreased physical.

Additionally, working remotely can reduce casual interaction with coworkers, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can lead to frustration, burnout, and lowered efficiency.

In order to maintain a healthy work-life balance, you must think about these challenges and plan definitive time off and put your laptop away in order to stay productive.

Last but not least, don’t fall for FOMO, which can lead to burnout if you’re trying to be everywhere at once!

Lack of Community & Local Support

Despite being able to make friends on the road or join meetups on NomadList, the lack of community and local support is a thing, and the examples I’ve just given are nowhere near having proper colleagues in an office to have a chat with.

This can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and poor mental health.

Needless to say, you may often miss out on family events and occasions such as anniversaries, holidays, parties, and weddings. I’ve been away from my family for 4 years before visiting after the pandemic!

This, in turn, can lead to feelings of guilt and regret, which can be difficult to cope with (tell me about it).

So, Is Becoming a Digital Nomad Worth It?

All in all, being a freelance digital nomad offers many advantages, from the freedom to travel and work anywhere in the world to increased flexibility in working hours, and it’s definitely worth it.

That being said, it also depends on the individual, as you might eventually miss friends and family, or simply miss being home.

Those who value location freedom, flexibility, and unpredictability may find digital nomadism to be an attractive lifestyle.

However, those who prioritize stability and community may be better off traveling from time to time only as the work from anywhere drawbacks may be too much to bear.

It is important to weigh the various pros and cons of being a digital nomad very carefully before making a decision.

Summary

Becoming a digital nomad is often seen as the ultimate lifestyle for many. For those with the financial backing and the drive to succeed, it offers a level of freedom and flexibility that is unparalleled by traditional working opportunities.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider such as financial insecurity and difficulty in finding a healthy work-life balance. In order to make the decision of whether or not becoming a digital nomad life is right for you, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Ultimately, the answer will come down to how much freedom, flexibility, and financial security you are willing to sacrifice for the potential rewards of being a digital nomad. The most important thing should be to always remember to enjoy the journey, regardless of what path you choose.