Travel for most of us is only really possible on special occasions. We mark holidays or time away from work by seeing new places and experiencing new things, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Possibilities for remote work now allow many to travel the world as a part of everyday life. It’s called being a digital nomad, and an estimated 35 million people have already adopted this unconventional employment approach.
If you work remotely now or have the opportunity to in the future, this could open up a new way to live that you might never have considered. Before assessing the move or jumping right in, however, you need to consider the challenges ahead.
What About Your Stuff?
A big problem faced by many new digital nomads is what to do with all their belongings. If you’re fresh out of high school or are otherwise quite young, you might be able to leave your things with your family. Older digital nomads (and there are many of all ages) will instead have to consider the cost of storage, renting through Airbnb or something more permanent, or selling their existing property.
While storage and renting out a house is fairly simple to set up in the short term, selling in today’s market can be more complicated. If you’ve tried selling and have had a house chain fallen through before, you’ve experienced this first-hand. Chain breaks occur in around 25-30% of UK home sales, and the result can leave you stuck, frustrated, and stressed. Online options can help with guaranteed sales and free cash offers within minutes, so you don’t feel like you’re without choices.
Digital Nomad Practice
The digital nomad lifestyle can be a perfect fit for many, but it’s also not unusual to see people romanticising the idea before they experience it. Being a digital nomad means travelling, seeing new things, and eating great food, but there’s a downside here too. You won’t be able to put down roots, it can be difficult to maintain relationships, and you might struggle to work efficiently.
Since there’s no perfect way to predict how you’ll feel months or years into this lifestyle, start by testing the waters with a practice run. Try working remotely while traveling for a month or two. Notice how you handle booking new rooms, moving your belongings, and managing your budget. If you can manage these challenges, you’ll feel more confident committing fully.
Moreover, one major hurdle is consistently finding accommodation that fits your needs and budget, especially when moving frequently. Fortunately, online resources make this easier by letting you search, compare, and book options that suit your preferences. For example, if you’re planning to stay in Milan, platforms like HousingAnywhere Milan offer flexible and convenient accommodation designed for people on the move. Using these tools can save you time and reduce stress, allowing you to focus more on your work and experiences.
Life has no one right path, and the perfect situation for one person might constitute a waking nightmare for another. Some people might hate the idea of being a digital nomad, but for others, it can be a real way to connect with your soul. It’s not just a pipe dream with the technology of today, so if you need a change or want to try something new, consider what digital nomad life could do for you.
