You've seen it all on your social media feed: people working from the beach, at a roadside hut, or on a train to another city, every day a different adventure. Digital nomads are rewriting what the typical nine-to-five looks like, and more than ever, you're convinced that it's the right path for you, too. After all, if remote work has become so normalized, why not take advantage of it?
But the digital nomad lifestyle, glamorous as it may seem, might not be for everyone. If you're wondering whether you should book a flight out to Bali and work remotely from the wild, rugged landscape, read on—and we'll help break down if you're truly cut out for this type of freedom.
You're Spontaneous
How spontaneous are you? Are you the type who needs to have a clear, thought-out plan for everything you do, or are you more of a let's-see-what-happens kind of person? Unsurprisingly, you're probably better off taking on a digital nomad lifestyle if you're the latter.
But spontaneity can only take you so far. It might be easy (if you're financially prepared) to just book a flight, pack up your things, and fly to the other side of the world, but you still want to know how to deal with the logistics. Certain countries may have stricter visa policies; certain cities may be unsuitable for foreigners. Things may change on short notice. Being a digital nomad means you have to be prepared for anything and everything, because as much as things can go right, they can also sometimes go wrong.
You're Comfortable with Uncertainty
It's not only spontaneity that you'll need—you'll also have to be comfortable with uncertainty, too. Different time zones can shift deadlines and meetings; unstable connections can leave you feeling stranded and guilty. If you're okay with handling unpredictable situations, no matter what arises, then you might have the right mindset to be a digital nomad. If not, you may want to rethink your decision.
The unpredictable doesn't just happen to those who avoid planning, either. You might have a backup plan for your backup plan and still encounter problems along the way. This means that it's best if you know how to adapt on the fly, instead of panicking at the first sign of trouble.
You're Disciplined and Can Separate Work from Travel
Sure, the digital nomad lifestyle is highly flexible. That's why it's so coveted, after all. Instead of being stuck at an office all day, you get to set your own hours and explore a new city whenever you're off the clock.
But that's also why it can be difficult for some to draw a line between work and travel. Digital nomads need to know how to hold themselves accountable, which means not slacking off and sightseeing all hours of the day when they're supposed to be working. If you're someone who can work without external structure and a manager supervising your every move, then you might be cut out for the lifestyle. If you tend to lose focus without someone constantly reminding you to stay on track, having too much freedom may actually hurt you and your productivity.
At the end of the day, only you know yourself best. As long as you don't think of the digital nomad route as escaping responsibility, it might actually feel more motivating and fulfilling. You don't have to commit right away, either; you can test out whether it's the lifestyle for you by first working remotely from a different city that's still close to home. If you're truly spontaneous, you may quickly find that being on the move is just the adventure you've been looking for.
