Life as a Digital Nomad

Since working remotely has taken off, let’s talk about what life as a digital nomad is like while traveling. It’s not just working outside of the office – it’s working from anywhere you are and not just from home.

As a reminder, not every company is okay with this. Depending on your job, they may request that you only work from your house and this is important to know before deciding to hit the road.

However, if you have the ability to work from anywhere, you can become a digital nomad – like me! I started on this career path in 2020 and have now slow traveled through nine different states. Now I know you might be thinking, “just nine?!” But it’s because my husband and I enjoy getting to know the area and the people for a few months rather than just passing through. We’ve spent as little as two months in one state and a year in another. So it really varies based on what we like and where we want to go next.

So here is what life as a digital nomad is like.

Travel! A whole lot

This is a huge one for me and for many other digital nomads. I went this route because I wanted to be able to work from anywhere and I knew that it would constantly be changing.

I made sure to find jobs that were flexible and project-focused, rather than jobs that cared more about when I clocked in and out.

I have now seen many national parks, witnessed spectacular sunrises, and met the most amazing people. All things I never would have gotten to do if I was working in one place 40 hours each week.

Do what you love first - and then your job second

Because I don’t have specific times that I have to work, I get to schedule travel and exploration first and then work around that schedule.

I think people have a tendency to put their job above all else and that can lead to being discontent in life. Your job should be how you make money to support doing what you love in your personal life but it shouldn’t be all-consuming and push your passions to the side.

Your schedule (or lack of one) is up to you!

This was very difficult for me at first. I have always been someone who appreciated doing the same things everyday. So being able to make my own schedule now can sometimes be a little overwhelming.

However, if you are thinking of becoming a digital nomad and need a schedule, you can absolutely create a routine that works for you. Maybe you explore from sunrise until 10:00am and then you work until 7:00pm? Maybe you work in the morning and travel to your next destination afterwards? It’s completely up to you – which is fun but also a little scary.

Travel with your work equipment

I am not the type to live out of a suitcase in the first place so I pack pretty heavy. I have also been a digital nomad for over two years now without going home which means I have all of my belongings with me all the time.

Right now, I travel with the following work items:

A laptop
A second screen
A mouse
A screen raiser
A separate keyboard
Chargers for all of the above
Walking treadmill – and yes, I travel with this

If I am going on a week-long trip to explore the area around my current place, I will only take my laptop and charger. So if you are planning on traveling much more frequently than me, there are definitely ways to do that by cutting down what you bring.