Digital nomadism is increasingly becoming popular these days. The increased popularity of nomadism can be attributed to people’s quest for adventures, love for travel, and want for flexibility, among others. As Jooble informs there is increased availability of online job opportunities, and there has never been a better time to work while on vacation.
Digital nomads can be found among people of different jobs, from executives to virtual assistants or freelancers. The lifestyle of digital nomads is pretty popular, and many people strive for it. However, there are many advantages and drawbacks you should consider before switching to such a lifestyle.
In this regard, we have collaborated with experts from job aggregator Jooble to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of working as a digital nomad.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad
Many people want to be digital nomads because of the many advantages related to lifestyle. However, not everyone has a full grasp of the benefits. Below are the detailed benefits of being a digital nomad.
Opportunity To Travel As Much As You Want
The first reason many people want to be digital nomads is that it allows them to travel as much as they want without restriction. This is because you can work anywhere, irrespective of your location. You can always do your job anywhere you want so far you have your working devices, electricity, and internet connection.
Complete Independence And Freedom
Another benefit of working as a digital nomad is the independence that comes with it. You do not have to be tied to any company as a worker. You can simply freelance for many companies. Even if you work full-time for one company, they do not take all your time, and you can easily use the remaining time to do other things you want.
Ability To Experience New Cultures
Traveling around means being in different places and experiencing different cultures. This includes tasting different meals and seeing various events across the globe.
Being Responsible For Only Yourself
Another advantage of being a digital nomad is that you do not have to be tied to or responsible for anyone. This helps you reduce the burden of catering to other people’s needs, allowing you to focus only on yours.
Lesser Risk Of Heartbreaks
Moving around makes it difficult to form many attachments or get deeply involved. This can help prevent the risk of heartbreak as you do not carry people in your heart. While prevention of heartbreak cannot seem much, research has shown that heartbreak can lead to cardiac issues.
You Can Earn On The Move
Nomadism, in general, does not cater to how you earn, but digital nomadism does. It means you can take your work anywhere and keep having credit alerts show up on your phone, even though you are not staying in one location for long.
Disadvantages Of Working as a Digital Nomad
As much as digital nomadism seems to have many advantages, it has its downsides too. In fact, the things that make it suitable can also be a double-edged sword, cutting you the other way.
Lack Of Stability
The foremost disadvantage of digital nomadism is the lack of stability that comes with it. You don’t stay in one place or with the same people for a long time. This can prevent you from having any semblance of permanence in your life.
Increased Risk Of Stress And Burnout
Having to move a lot can be stressful. It involves a lot of processes like planning, packing, moving, settling in, and then repeating the cycle in a short time. This can easily stress someone and lead to a mental breakdown and burnout. Also, not having people to depend on and confide in can increase the risk of stress, mental breakdown, and burnout.
Lack Of Attachment And Life Away From Loved Ones
Indeed, digital nomads can rarely be heartbroken. However, it also means that it is difficult for them to love in the first place. Moving around a lot means leaving people one love behind, as not everyone shares the enthusiasm to spend their lives traveling. This also means it can prevent one from forming permanent bonds. This can lead to loneliness.
Not Able To Take Responsibilities
While not having to take responsibility for other people can be an advantage for digital nomads, it also has a huge disadvantage. It makes it difficult for them to take responsibility, even when necessary. This, in turn, can lead them to live their lives recklessly.
Financial Instability
Expenses will most likely change many times for a digital nomad. This arises from being in many places in a short period, leading to the difference in costs. This can make it challenging to plan your finances, leading to financial instability and crises. Also, income can change for a remote worker, especially for a freelancer.
Lack Of Organization
Organizing your life can be daunting as a digital nomad. Not knowing where you will likely be in a few weeks or months can lead to the inability to predict your movement. This, in turn, can also lead to disorganization and destabilization. Even if you try to plan details like the next place you are moving to and what you will need, there are still challenges that can arise from the things you can neither predict nor plan for.
Conclusion
With a well-rounded understanding of life on the road and working as a digital nomad, you can evaluate your goals and determine if the lifestyle suits you. Although many people thrive and live fulfilling lives as digital nomads, knowing about the disadvantages can help you prepare ahead. So you’re not disappointed when things don’t work as planned.