Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a digital nomad? Insights on the Digital Nomad Lifestyle.
By Yoav Bulshtein, of Digital Nomadness
Hi there, I’m Yoav.
At the moment of writing these lines, I am 24 years old, a marketing geek, and a digital nomad.
I have been living the digital nomad lifestyle for 2 years now, and I have to say that it’s been a wild ride. From the moment I decided to buy the plane ticket and take the plunge, I knew this would be an adventure – and it has been.
In this blog post, I want to give you a glance into the digital nomad life through my story. I want to talk about the highs and lows and how to become a digital nomad yourself.
Let’s begin!
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The Beginning
After I finished my military service, I got a job in security. I had a lot of free time at work, so I used it to start my own business.
My business grew, and balancing my work and business became harder. So, I quit my job and focused on my business full-time.
I worked hard on my business for two years, and the hard work started to pay off. I gained many loyal clients and a steady income – My business was thriving.
The decision to become a digital nomad
But then, I started to feel restless. I wanted something new and challenging in my life.
One day, I listened to a podcast about a digital nomad. It got me thinking: “What if I could become a digital nomad and take my business with me around the world?”
I researched the digital nomad lifestyle for weeks. I read stories of people who had been successful with it, and I was inspired.
I knew that this was something I wanted to do. So, I took a leap of faith and bought a plane ticket.
My journey as a digital nomad began.
Challenges of a Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Before I talk about my amazing experiences, let me tell you about the hard parts of the journey.
Creating deep connections: As someone who values deep relationships, one of the biggest challenges I deal with is making deep connections with people in the places I visit. It’s hard to make close friends in a new place every few months.
This is why I recently chose to switch to a “Slowmad” mode and to allow me to create relationships in the places I visit.
Decision-making: As a business owner and digital nomad, I face a lot of decisions on where to go, what type of projects to work on, how to manage my time, etc…
It can be overwhelming at times, but I’ve learned to prioritize the most important decisions and delegate the rest.
Loneliness: I think this is one of the difficulties that many nomads experience. When you are away from home for too long, it can be hard to feel connected and supported.
I combat loneliness by staying in touch with my friends and family back home, staying in hostels with other digital nomads, and going to events where I can meet new people.
The Positive Side
On the other hand, there are some amazing rewards. Getting to travel and explore new places has been an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much about different cultures and ways of life and how to interact with people in other countries.
I also get to meet amazing people all over the world. I’ve made some incredible friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
What keeps me going is the sense of freedom and independence I feel every day. Knowing I can work on my own schedule in my own environment gives me immense satisfaction.
Some Lessons I Learned Along The Way
Embrace flexibility: Plans can change at a moment’s notice, whether it’s a sudden change in work projects or a new opportunity that arises. Being open to adjusting my schedule and adapting to different situations has been crucial in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Prioritize self-discipline: Without a fixed office or set working hours, it’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination or overworking. I quickly realized that establishing a routine and maintaining self-discipline is necessary for productivity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Build a reliable support network: While the digital nomad lifestyle offers incredible freedom, it can sometimes be isolating. Building a reliable support network of like-minded individuals through coworking spaces, online communities, or networking events has been essential for combating loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging. Having people to share experiences with, seek advice from, or have a coffee chat can significantly impact one’s overall well-being.
Embrace cultural immersion: Traveling to new destinations as a digital nomad provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in different cultures. Embracing local customs, traditions, and cuisines not only enriches the travel experience but also broadens one’s perspective. Engaging with the local community, learning the language basics, and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations have allowed me to appreciate the diversity of our world truly.
Find a healthy work-life balance: The temptation to work constantly while living a digital nomad lifestyle can be overwhelming. However, I learned that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term sustainability and overall happiness. Setting boundaries, scheduling downtime for relaxation and exploration, and making time for hobbies and self-care activities have helped me avoid burnout and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.
Embrace uncertainty and adaptability: Plans can change, unforeseen challenges can arise, and there will always be a level of uncertainty. Embracing this uncertainty and cultivating adaptability has been key to thriving in this lifestyle. Learning to go with the flow, finding solutions to unexpected problems, and staying positive in the face of challenges have been invaluable skills that have helped me navigate the nomadic journey.
Emphasize work-life integration: As a digital nomad, the line between work and personal life can blur. Instead of striving for a perfect balance, I have come to appreciate the concept of work-life integration. Integrating work and personal passions, aligning my work with my values, and finding joy and fulfillment in both professional and personal pursuits have allowed me to create a holistic and harmonious lifestyle.
Practice gratitude and mindfulness: Amidst the adventures and challenges, it’s important to cultivate gratitude and practice mindfulness. Taking the time to appreciate the freedom and opportunities that come with the digital nomad lifestyle, being present at the moment, and finding joy in the simple pleasures have helped me stay grounded and maintain a positive mindset throughout my journey.
If you want to dive deeper into the lessons I’ve learned along the way, I invite you to check out my post about 25 Lessons I Learned About Nomadic Life & Business to find out more.
My Advice: How to Become a Digital Nomad
If you’ve read this far, I’m guessing you’re interested in the nomadic lifestyle. So how do you get started?
My advice would be to start small and focus on the basics: figure out where you want to go, what kind of lifestyle you want to lead, and how much money is necessary for your budget.
Research different countries for visa requirements, legal issues, job opportunities, etc. Join online communities like Nomad Forum to meet other digital nomads and get advice from experienced nomads.
If you have questions or challenges or don’t know where to start, remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you, including Google, Facebook, and Reddit.
- Google: A simple search on Google can turn up a wealth of information about the nomadic lifestyle. Many articles, blog posts, and videos can help you learn more about the challenges and rewards of living a nomadic lifestyle.
- Nomadic communities on Facebook: There are many Facebook groups for digital nomads. These groups can be a great way to connect with other nomads, ask questions, and get advice.
- Reddit: There are also many subreddits for digital nomads. These subreddits can be a great place to find information, ask questions, and connect with other nomads.
Last Words
I know that the life of a digital nomad can seem glamorous. But it’s important to remember that it’s not always easy. There are challenges and hurdles that come with this lifestyle.
I hope this post has provided some insight into my journey as a digital nomad, and I wish you luck on yours!
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Author Bio: Yoav Bulshtein is a marketing professional and digital nomad from Israel.
He is the founder of Digital Nomadness, a blog dedicated to helping individuals embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and providing valuable tips for both aspiring and seasoned nomads.
Through his blog, Yoav shares his own experiences and expertise, empowering people to become digital nomads and offering practical advice to those already living this adventurous lifestyle.
Website: https://digital-nomadness.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoav-bulshtein
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoav842