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Top 7 Challenges of Being a Digital Nomad
There's a lot that happens in the nebulous land of "in theory." Things should go smoothly in theory. In theory, I'm really going to love this. It's a great idea... in theory.
In Lifestyle
There’s a lot that happens in the nebulous land of “in theory.”
Things should go smoothly in theory. In theory, I’m really going to love this. It’s a great idea… in theory.
But there’s no guarantee with “in theory” and it represents speculation, uncertainty, and a whole lotta “we’ll see.”
Digital Nomading = Amazing!
So, in theory, I was supposed to love digital nomading. In theory, I was craving adventure, new cultures, foods, and flavors. It was the best master plan ever for my husband and me to do the digital nomad thing post wedding… in theory.
Now, I still do love the aforementioned qualities of travel, but it just turns out that I enjoy them in a different way. It turns out that I don’t like bouncing around from place to place – unpacking, repacking, schlepping – and that the feeling of perpetual homelessness is just not my bag. And furthermore what’s been the most unsettling for me has been the lack of clarity about where we will end up settling, as it remains a big overwhelming question mark.
All this has caused profound confusion and a feeling of disappointment in myself – because it feels flighty and inconsistent to not love what I thought I would. Plus, all my life I’ve… adventured. It’s what I do. I undertake difficult, often near impossible projects, I move to far away places, and I’ve always hungered for all that is foreign and exotic. And now… all of a sudden I’m overcome with “nesting urges”?
Whuuut?!
Clarity From Confusion
Fortunately, however, this confusion has in fact clarified a few things for me; namely that I’m a homebody, that I love having a cozy organized home, and that I may be getting more maternal and domestic-leaning. I want my own tea shelf, and carefully chosen bowls… a nook for pleasure reading, and a hot, powerful shower. I want to welcome friends over for cookies that I’ve baked in my oven, and feel a sense of belonging… Maybe this sounds odd coming from me – heck, it would’ve to me this side of four months ago – but this is what feels right right now.
Will I love nesting and nurturing in our future hypothetical home? Well… that remains a big “in theory.” But I’m starting to think that this process of confusion is just what happens when you change. Your old self, and certainly your ego, starts to ring the alarm… “Who are you?! This isn’t who you were!” And as you emerge from your chrysalis, sometimes you have to say, “Shut up, ego. We’re going with the heart on this one.”
And that feels good.
The Challenges of Being a Digital Nomad
Today was a much more personal post, and so I’d love to hear from you. Does this resonate with you? What are your thoughts on longterm travel versus homesteadin’?
Wishing you cozy nooks,
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Interesting! Hadn’t gotten a chance to talk to you yet so this is very informative! Best to you for the future plans. Good you’re trying out things and finding out things! All senses receiving and evaluating! Living life fully and healthily! ❤️
Hi Liz! Thanks so much for this kind comment! Yes. Lots of evaluating and striving to live life to the fullest and authentically. Thanks for your love and support! ❤️
I too struggle with those same conflicting forces! I love being in new places but also love to be home surrounded by my familiar beloved things and of course with my kitty (who is not such a fan of travel). A few years ago (pre-kitty), I spent a month digital nomading in Budapest and that was a cool experience, but by the end of that month I was really glad to get back to my real home.
Hi Elisabeth! Thanks so much for this — glad to know that I’m not alone. It’s the yin-yang thing, I think. Having the lovely and cozy home haven, whilst being able to adventure. That’s great that you had that period in Budapest. Maybe it’s one of those things you have to *do*… and then you know whether the shoe first or not! ❤️
This totally resonates with me! Thank you so much for sharing this personal side to your lovely story. Sensing change within ourselves is terrifying, because it can be so much easier to just stay as we are, or make the choices we think we *should* make. Whether someone is a “nester” and all of a sudden craves nomadic adventure, or another is a perpetual adventurer and craves a cozy reading nook and tea shelf, we are never “wrong” for altering our desires. I have also come to realize that staying in one place for a bit does not take away any sense of adventure. I have no doubt you can create adventure in many forms. And if you nest for a bit, and then desire find a digital nomadic existence once again, you will know the power of listening to your own needs and move forward however you wish. As always, your thoughts, experiences, and recommendations are a treat to view and read, and I am excited to see where your next adventure takes you and your love!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and encouraging comment. It’s so kind of you to take the time to say all these lovely things… it truly warms my hear to feel “unjudged” with this challenging albeit revelatory moment of my life. And you’re right — adventure comes in many forms, doesn’t it? Sharing my story (and hearing comments like this,) helps ME to not judge myself… which is so so important. Sending you lots of love, Amanda. Happiest holidays to you!