If you’re reading this, you’ve already decided you have the ability to live from anywhere (aka location independent, aka remote worker, etc.) and I’ll assume you have the ability to work from anywhere. If not, you’ll be best off by researching steps to become a digital nomad and if you’re not already working from your laptop, or check out how to transition to remote work or find a remote opportunity.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get into it. These are my top three questions I wish I would have asked myself before living this nomad lifestyle. I didn’t address these things and it’s resulted in some struggle, but coming out on the other side, I want to share them with you & save you the struggle.
1) What’s your “Why?”
I’ve met location independent people who are living nomadically just to run from something or searching for something outside of themselves. Trying to “find themselves” through traveling or living abroad. I can guarantee you this doesn’t work, at least not long term. Take time to ask yourself why you want to travel full time or live nomadically. The answer might be as simple as, “well why not?”. I know for me it was that simple. But if it’s actually much more, you’ll have to do some self-inquiry to save yourself a lot of pain since going nomadic is not going to solve any problems for you.
Once you realize that everything you need or are seeking is already within you and/or any perceived “problems” or drama is just going to follow you where ever in the world you live – then you’re ready to move on. Sorry if I’m the one to break it to you, but Bali isn’t going to cure your problems. If you haven’t come to terms with this yet, suggest doing some mindset and awareness work first. Starting with any of Michael Singer’s work is a great start.
2) Have you actually visited or lived outside of your home country?
My nomadic journey started off with small, calculated bets. First I spent a summer in a different state, then the next summer in a different country and checked out different parts of the world in between, weeks at a time. I always hear people talking about moving to Asia or Mexico and I ask them if they’ve been there before or visited and when they answer no, I realize they’re either just dreaming and will never move or they’re out of touch and likely going to be disappointed when they do make the move. Like anything else, the grass isn’t greener. Location independence can also mean living where you are (but having the freedom to leave at any time).
3) What’s your income situation?
Yes, most of the world is much more affordable to live than western countries (US, UK, Australia, etc.), but you still need to have stable income, flexibility to work in different timezones, or ability to manage yourself if you’re choosing the entrepreneurship route. It’s so nuts to me when I hear people (usually 20 year old young men) who just grab their backpack and travel to another country with very little money and no plan. Like WTF!? I guess I’m just too much of a responsible person to do something like that. I don’t know if I’m prude or what, but it’s best to have a plan and savings. If you really want to pick up and go, I would plan on having a income/job plan outside of freelancing gigs here/there and have at least 6 months of savings. Some nomads live in dirty hostels, hitch hike or ride on chicken buses. I’m not that type of nomad, I like nice things and all the comforts that I enjoy. I’m not going to sacrifice this for just winging it. To each their own.
4) Are you ready to live with just the contents of your backpack?
It’s one thing if you already don’t have anything. Maybe you’re a recent college grad or just turned 18 and ready to move out of your parent’s house and you literally only have a backpack. But what if you already have stuff? I did. I had an apartment full of stuff, a car, and rental property. If you have years of accumulated stuff, it will be quite the transition to only having your backpack. At least for me, it was.
I had no idea how much stuff I had. Moreover, I didn’t realize the attachments I had to this stuff. It has been a huge challenge for me, as silly as it sounds, to let go of things. From feeling like I need a bunch of clothes at all times or having the most troubling time parting ways with a 10-step skincare routine, it’s been work.
5) Are you comfortable with uncertainty?
You’ll be going to new places and no matter how many travel blogs you read, you still won’t know the language for one or experience the culture, until you go there yourself.
Don’t read too many travel blogs – all experiences are different, you’ll just get all these ideas and expectations in your head and will essentially ruin your actual experience when you arrive at the new destination.
6) Can you live an undistracted life?
When we live where we grew up, or around friends and family. Life comes pretty easy, we enjoy the special time with our loved ones whether it be birthdays or going out for dinner
Also, you have the luxuries of all your known entertainment go to ‘ your favorite TV shows, comedy clubs, bars, etc.
When you have a nomadic lifestyle, this is all turned upside down. If you’re a TV watcher for example, you will likely stay places without a TV at all, or a TV with only local channels, etc.
You’ll need to start eliminating distractions now, before being a digital nomad. This will reduce any shock but also empower a more fruitful less restricted experience where ever you may travel to.
The most beautiful thing about being a digital nomad is all the space. I feel like I’ve given myself the space in my mind, my heart and in my life overall. A life without distractions becomes a life so sweet that every little experience becomes a treat.