The nomadic lifestyle attracts many with its romance and the idea of »working from anywhere», but in practice it can be a challenge that is not for everyone. Running a business on the road requires not only discipline, but also willpower to cope with the physical and emotional difficulties associated with constant travel. It is important to understand that digital nomadism is not the only way to live happily. It is possible to enjoy life while staying in one place and finding joy in stability. Traveling and working from different parts of the world can bring joy, but it is worth remembering that stability can also be a source of happiness and satisfaction. In this post, we will share our observations about the downside of the nomadic lifestyle.
Don't Believe the Illusions: The Truth About Digital Nomads
Have you seen those Instagram photos of nomads «working» on the beach with a cocktail in hand? It’s all staged. Real nomads don’t work like that. Seriously, the bright sun on the beach is uncomfortable to stare at a screen for long, not to mention the fact that your laptop will overheat very quickly. And then there are the screaming seagulls)). Real success is relaxing on the beach without a laptop.
Today, nomadism is trending, especially after COVID-19, when office life has changed. But let’s not forget that we are still at the stage where this lifestyle is just starting to become the norm. Many do not understand what it really means to work on the go.
Unfortunately, naivety can turn into problems. Marketers are ready to make money on our dreams of a better life. The Internet is full of videos, blogs and posts about how to become a digital nomad and work remotely, but be careful — not everything you see is true.
Don’t let the sweet talk of «infogypsies» mislead you. Remember that behind the pictures of the «perfect» life there may be real difficulties and problems that not everyone can cope with. Many are not capable of strict self-discipline, without which a nomad is doomed to failure.
Do you dream of a nomadic lifestyle, thinking that it is endless travel and easy work? Successful nomads know that it is not. Don’t buy into the images that social media broadcasts. Don’t pursue nomadism for the sake of fashion or hype.
Digital Nomad? Drink responsibly.
Filipp- CEO DNC
Difficulty with work-life balance
Balancing work and play on the go is incredibly difficult. Many nomads are constantly on the move and still manage to work, but most of them admit that being productive while traveling is a challenge.
Imagine: you just got off a 12-hour flight, you need to find a taxi, check into a hotel, and then work. It’s better to take the time to rest, explore a new city, and recuperate to avoid jet lag.
However, missing a few work days can negatively affect your business or work. This is especially true for freelancers and sole proprietors, for whom every working day is worth its weight in gold. Clients and colleagues can understand your difficulties only up to a certain point, because time zone shifts and Wi-Fi problems are not always an excuse.
Nomadic Lifestyle: Loneliness and Fleeting Relationships
Traveling the world can feel like a dream: new places, new experiences, new people. However, this life also has its dark sides, especially when it comes to loneliness. Even if you travel with a partner, constant changes of location can destroy the feeling of stability and belonging.
Most people crave roots, familiar surroundings, community. We value not just online dating, but real, deep connections with people we can hug and feel close to. Mental health depends a lot on having a strong social network — real friends with whom we can share joys and difficulties. The nomadic life can sometimes feel empty precisely because of the lack of this stability and closeness with others.
Tax Issues for Digital Nomads
Traveling the world without paying taxes may seem like an attractive idea to many. However, it is not the best way to do business, and ignoring taxes is asking for big trouble. The days of hiding money in bank accounts are long gone, and today, nomads can face real challenges.
Finding a tax expert who understands the unique needs of digital nomads is not easy. In today’s world, where you may have 10 credit cards, multiple PayPal accounts, a card for money transfers, multiple sources of income and addresses, understanding taxes is a real challenge. What country are you officially a resident of? Where should you pay taxes? How do you account for income earned in another country if it has a double taxation agreement with your home country? Have you heard of the “Tax House” in Spain, where you get a certificate of tax residency from another country? All of these questions can be a source of stress and anxiety.
The real cost of thinking about and solving these questions can be significant. At some point, it may seem easier to just earn less so as not to think about taxes. But this is not the solution. It is important to find the right answers to all these questions in order to conduct your business transparently and legally. There are completely legal ways to optimize and reduce taxes, which we discuss with club members.
Health Problems Among Digital Nomads
When you are sick, the charm of the nomadic life is lost. At such moments, you especially begin to miss your homeland, doctors who are easy to talk to, and the support of family and friends. This becomes critical, especially as you age. Interestingly, most nomads are over 30, although the media often shows a younger audience.
When I am sick, it is important for me to eliminate distractions and focus on the present moment, which allows me to be more aware and present in my life, almost meditating on what is happening around me.
Some beginning freelancers try to relieve stress after a day of work with a bottle of wine. However, this can become a trap that gradually reduces their energy potential if it happens on a regular basis. What starts as a way to relax can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity the next day, preventing you from achieving long-term goals. It is important to find healthier ways to manage stress and restore energy in order to maintain high efficiency at work. Therefore, thoughtful nomads try to settle closer to nature, where they can recharge their batteries.
Be a nomad sometimes
Living a nomadic lifestyle from time to time has its benefits. Find a place to call home, even if it’s temporary. This is your home base where you can return after your travels. If you’re aiming to be a nomad without a permanent home for tax reasons, it may not be possible and the consequences of not paying your taxes may catch up with you. Travel to places that interest you, but don’t try to do everything at once. Constant travel is exhausting and affects your business and relationships.
Take a break from traveling every now and then to focus on growing your business. For these tasks, it’s better to stay in one place where you can concentrate. For example, travel to countries where conditions for remote work are not ideal is best planned when you have the opportunity to put your work responsibilities aside for a while. This way, you can immerse yourself in the culture and get the most out of your travels by eliminating distractions. Use your freedom to visit places that really interest you, but do it wisely.
If after reading this you still have the desire to suffer from nomadism, then welcome to the Digital Nomad Club!