We live in a world that’s constantly going through rapid change in all areas including work. The cravings for freedom and independence have had a great impact on people’s career choices. With the endless number of possibilities that the Internet has offered us, it’s no surprise more and more people decide to flee the stressful whirlwind of mortgages, car payments, and strict office policies. They’re brave enough to ditch 9-5 jobs and pursue their passions. Let us introduce you to a lifestyle of digital nomads, people who have decided to forge their online career while travelling the world.
It’s not a vacation
Getting up in the morning on some remote beach, with nothing but the sun and the sound of birds singing in the background is a dream office for most people. However, as lovely as that sounds, the lifestyle of digital nomads isn’t only about visiting places and sipping cocktails on rooftops. It’s hard work. They’re dedicating hours and hours of the day (and sometimes night) to building their online careers. As the popularity of this kind of lifestyle is constantly on the rise, the competition has become really intense. So if being a digital nomad is your dream job, be prepared to put in a serious amount of time and effort into making it a sustainable reality.
Getting the right travel health insurance
Exploring the world as a digital nomad is exciting, but getting the right medical treatment can sometimes be quite challenging. There are two types of insurance – travel insurance and health insurance. Digital nomads need something in between. It’s essential to be covered for emergencies when abroad. Just think what would happen if you found yourself in Australia and needed an urgent visit to the dentist? In case that happens, look for a good dental practices in the area and check their terms and conditions. Having full coverage of medical expenses, including routine check-ups is simply a must for everyone who decides to pursue a career as a digital nomad.
Pros and Cons of being a digital nomad
Like everything else, being a digital nomad has its advantages and disadvantages. You should study them all carefully before you decide to pursue this lifestyle. This will help you see things as they really are and not as your Instagram feed suggests.
- Excitement. If you can’t imagine yourself doing the same thing over and over, day after day, then the lifestyle of a digital nomad is perfect for you. Frequently changing locations means that you’ll be encountering new people and situations every day, making sure every day is unique and exciting.
- It is cheap. Or at least cheaper than where you’re currently based. When you’re on the go, you don’t have to worry about rent and utilities. With the expansion of b&b-s all around the world, it’s easy to find a cheap place to stay anywhere you like.
- Personal growth. Maybe the biggest reward this kind of lifestyle has to offer is life lessons. Meeting new people and their cultures will broaden your horizons more than any office job ever would.
- Lack of security. Like any other job, this one too comes with some possible risks. Struggling to find clients, problems with a computer, and financial issues are just some of them. For this reason, it’s important that you save some money before hitting the road in case you need to cover some unforeseen expenses.
- Providing your own benefits may be a deal breaker for some people. There’s nobody else to take care of your retirement plan or health insurance. You have to do it on your own.
- Productivity drop. Not having fixed working hours is surely fantastic. However, this lifestyle requires a great deal of self-discipline. You’ll have to resist the temptations like going out with your friends in order to finish that new project. Given the looming deadlines, you’ll have to learn to say ‘no’ more often than you think.
There you go. Hopefully, these useful tips will help you decide whether or not this lifestyle is for you. Think carefully about what attracts you the most but account for the downsides of the job as well. Getting clued up about both the advantages and disadvantages of being a digital nomad will ensure you see the big picture. Remember, life is not Instagram. It’s so much more than that.
