From your seat in an office cubicle stuck under eye-straining fluorescent lights, the idea of travelling the world as you work couldn’t be more attractive. The nomadic lifestyle certainly has its perks. You can clock in from a beach in Bali or a café on the streets of Paris, fitting in sightseeing between meetings and emails.
Before you book your flights for a far-off destination, you need to know some of the realities of living your life as a nomad. Planning ahead can help you enjoy all that nomadic work can offer, with few of the downsides.
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Things Can Go Wrong
The idyllic mountainside through your window may be the stuff of dreams, but reality can knock at any moment, delivering an unexpected expense.
- The computer you need to work remotely may display the blue screen of death.
- You may need to suddenly move out of your current rental after you discover a bug infestation.
- You can even hurt yourself making the most of your surroundings, while hiking and skiing the slopes.
Experienced nomads know the importance of having a well-stocked emergency fund before they jet-set. If you’re new to this remote gig, you may overlook this account and have to rely on online loans to cover unexpected and urgent expenses.
Online loans offer a convenient solution to being unprepared for the unexpected. You can try to apply from your home, wherever home is for you today, using a phone or PC. If approved, you’ll get funds deposited directly into your account so that you can handle your emergency. Best of all, your repayment is broken up over multiple months, so you never have to pay back your loan in one lump sum.
You’re on Your Own
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s hard to conceptualize how isolating nomadic work can be until you’re halfway across the world from everyone you know. Missing your support network during the tough times can be especially challenging. It can be lonely, even at the best of times, as you won’t have loved ones to travel with at first.
Staying socially connected with folks back home can keep homesickness at bay. Make sure you invest in quality equipment and a generous Internet and phone package to keep in touch.
You should also work hard to make local connections with fellow nomads and citizens of your new home. Join clubs and meetups to find like-minded people in the area who are willing to explore the area with you. Co-working and co-living spaces are also another great way nomads can meet others.
The Cost of Living Can Be High
As a digital nomad, you can work anywhere you get a signal. But don’t throw a dart at the map just yet. Each location promises a unique experience, environment, and cost. The cost of living can vary drastically from one country to another. You need to compare these costs against your paycheck and remember to account for currency exchanges when doing these calculations.
While you might want to experience New York City or Singapore, these cities topped the list of the most expensive places in the world. According to the Thrillist, you may significantly cut your costs by considering these less popular options:
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- The Canary Islands, Spain
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Bali, Indonesia
Nomadic work can be an amazing opportunity to see the world without quitting your job. Being prepared for the unique challenges of remote work can help you make the most of this opportunity.
