Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad – The Honest Version 2024

I often get asked what it’s like being a Digital Nomad. And I always answer the same: It’s ammmmazing! No, I’m not exaggerating, for me it really is the best kind of a lifestyle out there.

But at the same time I agree with all of those people who tell me that they probably couldn’t live the way I do. This is a very weird lifestyle at the best of days, and as amazing as I find it, I do also have bad days.

Like with any lifestyle, there are clear pros and cons about nomading around. It does take a certain kind of a personality to live like this, but at the same time it’s not as outlandish as many think.

Before we dive into (my personal view of) the pros and cons of this lifestyle, let’s recap what Digital Nomads actually are:

Digital Nomading exploded into existence properly in 2019! The ‘title’ refers to a person who earns a living working online in various locations of their choosing. Here are some basic statistics on this newfound lifestyle:

• in 2022 there were 35 million digital nomads around the world
• the majority of digital nomads make between $50 000 to $250 000 per year
• 66% of Digital Nomads have their own business, whereas 34% are gig workers or freelancers
• the majority (44%) of Digital Nomads are Millennials, Gen X makes 23%, Gen Z 21% and Boomers 12%
• 27% of all Digital Nomads come from Europe
• 51% of Digital Nomads prefer to live in hotels, whereas only 36% choose AirBnBs.

So, now that we are clear on the terminology, let’s see what I find great about this lifestyle and what is not so great.

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad – The Honest Version 2024

What comes to mind first when you hear the words ‘Digital Nomad’? Maybe a paradise island somewhere far away where an attractive, young person is working away on their laptop in a bikini. This is certainly the image that a lot of Digital Nomads have been portraying to the world for years.

But since this is my blog, and I promised an honest look into this lifestyle, I’d say the previous description applies to just 1% of Digi Nomads. In actuality, most of us prefer convenience. And city life is usually what is required for maximum convenience.

At the end of the day, being a Digital Nomad isn’t all fun and games; we still have all the basic needs to fulfil one way or another.

So, while Digital Nomading shouldn’t be a lifestyle choice to be embarked on lightly, there are definite pros to it. Let’s start with them, and afterwards delve into the cons as well.

Listen to my Podcast HERE

Pros of being a Digital Nomad

I have to start this by noting that I tend to look at life a little bit differently than most. So, if other Digital Nomads read this, you might not agree with all of these. But for me, these are the main benefits for being a Digital Nomad.

Having full control over my own life

As you will see when you proceed on this list,traveling is something I live for. And while working a basic office job, your choices in terms of traveling are very limited.

While remote work is becoming more and more mainstream, you’re still required to show up at the office every now and then. And the mutafukken ‘working hours’! What a waste of time, resources and human capacity!

I’ve always been an efficient worker, so the working hours never applied to me. But I still had to sit at the office till 5pm. NOT ANYMORE! Being a Digital Nomad, I set the rules. If I feel like working 4 hours today and 7 hours tomorrow, then that’s what I do.

And for the rest of the day I do what I do best: live my best life! BecauseI don’t live to work, I work to live. 

Full-time traveling

So, this pro point is a good indication of why Digital Nomading is not for everyone: most of you probably want a stable home. This lifestyle is anything but stable, but that’s one of the reasons I love it so much. I was never one for a stable life.

I was only 10 years old when I decided I wanted to move to London to work. Since that day everything I did was a step towards reaching that dream:

1. I took all English classes available at school
2. I started working (Summer jobs) when I was 15 to save money for the ‘big move’
3. I went to study at an international University
4. I applied to an exchange program in the UK at the first opportunity.

So, it’s evident that I was never planning to stay in Finland, and now 14 years later this has not changed. I truly do live to travel. But of course that means that I am able to adapt to completely new environments and places very quickly. This is a capability that not that many people possess.

Some studies suggest that even for those who are able to easily adapt to a new city, it takes them approximately 3 months to do so. For me, this takes just 24 hours. But that’s probably because I have lived in 4 different countries and traveled literally my entire adult life.

Working from wherever you want

A natural continuation to the previous point on being a Digital Nomad, is the fact that my working environments change. Again, this probably sounds like a flipping nightmare to many. But I am the anomaly.

Not minding the fact that my working quarters change constantly is partly to blame on the fact that I work in the creative field. I’m a Copywriter and I also love photography, so to stay static is a nightmare for me. Also, I honestly can’t think of anything LESS inspiring than any office environment.

As much as I’ve loved my colleagues in all the jobs I’ve had, they’re not a reason enough for me to do a job I don’t like in an environment that I despise.

Now I can work from a hotel lounge with views over the city, my AirBnB‘s living room or a café downtown. Or that beach that is often associated with Digital Nomading. But let’s be honest here, working on a laptop in full sunshine is not convenient.

Experiencing new cultures

While traveling has become more and more attainable for more people, mass tourism has quickly become a big problem. Places like Venice are honestly NOT enjoyable when you’re squeezed between strangers most of the time. And the massive crowds also do a lot of damage to the cities, sites and environment.

Read also: The Countries That DON’T Want You to Visit

This is why I’ve always avoided tourist destinations, and instead prefer unknown diamonds like Slovenia. I’m also a big fan of slow travel, because running around like a headless chicken without being able to take any of it in isn’t me at all. Thus, being a Digital Nomad is a natural lifestyle choice for me.

When you have time to explore and can move around in peace, you can properly immerse yourself in the local culture and style of living. Learning about different cultures has only positive sides to it. Literally, cultural intelligence can only benefit you. Here are couple reasons why:

• Learning about different viewpoints and ways of doing things gives you perspective
• Perspective opens up doors to self-development on so many levels
• Understanding that people are different but also exactly the same makes communication easier
• You become aware of your own biases and lack of understanding, which should lead to better self-awareness

All of the above contributes to your personal growth. And as we know, people who are racists, homophobes or in any way discriminating in their nature, are usually people who live in a bubble, not self-aware at all, and most often not intelligent at all. Which type would you rather be?

Personal growth

So, that leads us nicely to that exact pro about being a Digital Nomad: you can’t help but evolve as a human being! Traveling (especially long term) always comes with challenges. And especially if you’re a solo traveler like me, you have to overcome all of those challenges on your own.

This automatically builds one’s character without any effort. But it also means that Digital Nomading is not a lifestyle choice for those who don’t do well under pressure or hate change.

Living abroad is one of the most effective ways to constantly practise personal growth. From learning how to get around in a new city to where in the corner store you can find everything you need to dealing with disappointments, you learn, evolve and grow as a person.

And I can personally divulge that when you’ve faced as big challenges and as massive disappointments abroad as I have, you truly learn to appreciate the little things in life. And THAT is wherehappiness comes from!

Meeting new and interesting people

Okay all my introverts out there, I hear ya! This, again, probably sounds like a nightmare. But to be honest, being a Digital Nomad doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to meet new people.

For the past week I’ve been sitting in my AirBnB apartment and only seen other human beings on my afternoon walks. Social situations are the easiest to ignore when traveling solo!

But despite my Finnishness (needing my own space every now and then), I’m an extremely social being! I need human interaction, communication and social stimulation. And that’s why I do actively put myself out there: I work in cafés, spend a Friday night in a pub or a wine bar, take myself out to dinner.

And quite often, especially on Friday evenings in a pub or a wine bar, you do strike up a conversation with the fellow drinkers. Oh my goodness, the stories I’ve heard along the way! Human beings truly are the most intriguing creatures, and every single one of us has a story to tell.

Of course the most important connections I’ve made along the way are the friends I’ve made. And there’s plenty of them! Some of them were my colleagues while working abroad and we’re still in contact. Some I met in a hotel bar, on a guided tour or via some social media group or app for expats.

Lower cost of living

This may come as a surprise to many. Especially those who follow me on Instagram! They see the way I live: if not in a very nice hotel, then in a very nice AirBnB apartment at the heart of a big European city.

In general we could say that being a Digital Nomad is mostly about finding a cheap country to work in. This is what most Nomads do, and without mortgages and other loans to pay, their living costs are then much lower.

I’ve chosen to stay in hotels mostly, and the monthly cost for a hotel room greatly exceeds any mortgage payments. But on the other hand, what I get with that money greatly exceeds what you get with your mortgage payments.

Here’s a list of basic things that I don’t put any money on while living the Digital Nomad life:

• car
• public transport (no commuting for me!)
• gym
• electricity, gas, water
• cleaner (yeah, I don’t clean, so…)
• loans, debts
• furniture, etc.

Living in a Hotel 2024 – Money-Myths Debunked

Cons of being a Digital Nomad

Yes, there are the obvious candidates for this! But since I promised to be honest with my list of Pros & Cons of being a Digital Nomad, there are many basic things that don’t apply to me at all.

Perhaps it’s the little Finn in me, but while most find Digital Nomading hard for these basic reasons, I do not. These are the most commonly listed cons by Digital Nomads globally:

1. Stress – Especially as a self-employed Nomad you are solely responsible for your income. On top of that you need to figure out new surroundings, places and ways of doing things constantly. And in case you also have time zone issues to add to the mix, Digital Nomading can be very stressful.
2. Lack of stability – I specifically repel stability, but most people prefer it. You know, that specific house to live in, your precious bed and sheets, familiar grocery store and having family and friends close by. Being a Digital Nomad means you don’t have any of these things.
3. Loneliness –Ah, this is a biggie. Every Digital Nomad will warn you of the fact that you will be lonely. Personally, I’ve never had that issue, but then again, I am from Finland. We do love our own space and peace. Something to remember though: being alone and being lonely are two very different things. As a nomad, you need to put yourself out there to make connections, which can be hard for some.
4. Lack of work/life balance – This is something I do recognize. Try working in Rome when all you want to do is go exploring the incredible city! If one struggles to set clear boundaries for themselves in terms of ensuring work/life balance, Digital Nomading can be a nightmare.

But that’s just it: if you don’t have the personality for being a Digital Nomad, then you shouldn’t be one. I do promote that everyone willing to have a go should try it! But knowing yourself, whether you can do the work first and then go out there and enjoy yourself or not, is what can make or break you.

So, since I’m not phased by any of the above, what are the actual cons for me? Here are some:

You’re misunderstood & underestimated CONSTANTLY

Now, this mainly applies to women specifically, but even men probably get questioned on why on Earth they would choose to live like this. And it’s okay, for most people instability like this is the most direct road to insanity. This also often comes down to how people determine ‘success’.

According to society we are successful in life when we have a house, car, kids, and a well-paying job. People like me, who don’t see much value in any of these things, are seen as weirdos still in the 21st century.

This can be a big deterrent against being a Digital Nomad for some people. For me it doesn’t matter much, I was always the weirdo and totally fine with it. But the side of living such an outlandish lifestyle, that does get to me, is being underestimated and discriminated constantly!

I know exactly where it all comes from: I’m a beautiful, blond woman who clearly has plenty of money. This is seen as weird because women who look like me and come from the background that I do, don’t generally live a life like this.

The discrimination and underestimating can manifest in a multitude of ways:

• not being respected or taken seriously as an entrepreneur
• being asked if it’s my family’s, husband’s or sugardaddy’s money that I’m living on
• treated disrespectfully by a hotel staff because they assume the above
• being harassed because I look like someone who wouldn’t do anything about it, etc.

The last one is an actual incident that happened, and that didn’t end well for the person doing the harassing.

So, please understand that the biggest mistake you can make in life ever is to generalise other people and assume you know what they’re like. I’m a living example of someone who is the complete opposite of what their appearance and general conduct would suggest.

Read also: Solo Traveling as a Single Woman 

You need Wi-Fi

I come from a country where good quality Internet has been a basic human right since the 90’s. And even though most countries have by now caught up with all of that, they are still lacking in this regard in many places.

In Italy, for example, most buildings are old stone buildings with very thick walls. The Internet signal can’t often penetrate these thick stone walls. This means, I have to position myself by a window so that my pocket WiFi can find a signal.

Most places have their own WiFis though, and at least in Europe they are (in my experience) mostly very good quality and fast. But overall, the dependency on good Internet connection is something that people working a “normal” job don’t need to worry about. It has been very inconvenient for me sometimes.

You don’t have an address

I mean, obviously this isn’t a big issue for me. The main problem with this is that I can’t order anything online. I’ve got no delivery address. Also, since we all have to have some address for tax reasons etc., I do have an address on paper. But somebody else lives there now, I don’t know who.

It’s weird, but that’s the system we live in: it hasn’t caught up with the possibility of being a Digital Nomad.

The other issue with not having an address is that I can’t have pets. I’ve always wanted a dog and while it would be possible in theory to have one while Digital Nomading, it’s actually not possible in practice. Try manoeuvring a dog on top of a huge suitcase, cabin bag and a laptop bag.

Conclusion

To be honest, I haven’t had a stable home now for over a year, and for a while it did sort of bother me. The notion of having to have a home is so ingrained into our DNA that I spent months thinking where I would move to if I did get an apartment.

I still haven’t decided, but I don’t need to move anywhere right now. I’m happy with my life, I’m literally living the good life.

So, now that you have an overview of the pros and cons of being a Digital Nomad, what do you think? Would this be a lifestyle you’d be willing to test out, even if for just a short time? Or has this inspired you to go for it big time? Let’s chat! ♥

FAQ

Q: How to become a Digital Nomad?

A: All you need to live the Digital Nomad life is work that you can do fully remotely. And of course stable Internet connection. Even though many think that Digital Nomading reguires a lot of money, this is not true; there are plenty of Digital Nomads who live on a tight budget.

Q: Where do Digital Nomads live?

A: Digital Nomads stay in one city or country usually for some months, maybe even couple years. The longer they stay in one location, the more likely it is that they have an apartment. The most common Digital Nomad accommodation options are AirBnB, hotels, pet-sits and short-term rental apartments.

Q: What the pros of being a Digital Nomad?

A: The pros depend largely on one’s personality and life values. For me the biggest pros are freedom, flexibility and getting to know new places and people. For some traveling alone is a burden, but I actually enjoy it very much.

Q: What are the cons of being a Digital Nomad?

A: The most common cons for Digital Nomads are loneliness, lack of work-life balance and stress. Lack of proper Internet access can also make life very difficult, and not having an actual address brings its own challenges. Digital Nomading often requires confidence and great self-management skills.