The nomadic lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Travelling and “working from anywhere” sounds appealing to many. But the truth is, managing a business on the road is a long-term path that few truly thrive on. It takes a certain kind of person to handle the physical and mental challenges that constant travel brings.
I’m not here to bash the nomadic lifestyle or tell you what to do. I’ve written about the joys and amazing experiences digital nomadism can offer. But I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t also say this: you don’t need to be constantly on the move to live a fulfilling life. There is another way.
You’ve seen those Instagram shots—nomad “influencers” lounging in hammocks, sipping Piña Coladas with a laptop perched nearby. It’s all staged. No one is working and enjoying the beach at the same time. The photos are for the ’gram. As James Schramko wisely said, “Success is being at the beach without the laptop.”
Some people fantasize about a life of endless travel, with a bit of social media work thrown in. But real digital nomads—successful ones—don’t live this dream-like existence. The influencers and Tai Lopez-types will make you think otherwise because it sells.
I could give you advice on becoming a digital nomad, but ask yourself: Is that really what you need? Don’t buy into a lifestyle just for the label.
Nomadism is trending. Office workers fantasize about escaping the cubicle. But while more people are gaining remote work flexibility (especially after Covid turned office life on its head), we’re still in a transition period. The lifestyle is not yet mainstream, and many don’t fully understand what it means to work and travel constantly.
That ignorance is where marketers swoop in. Whenever people glimpse a better life, someone tries to profit off their dreams. Countless YouTube videos, blogs (including mine), and Instagram posts show you how to be a digital nomad. There’s nothing wrong with that—until it mixes with insecurity and unrealistic expectations.
You see the glossy shots: beach parties, trains through the Andes, yoga at the Taj Mahal, elaborate breakfasts with Greek island views. The pitch? You only have to work one hour a day. Or better yet, buy someone’s course on “Facebook Ad Agencies” and never work again.
Balancing work and life while changing locations constantly is extremely difficult.
Sure, some people manage to work productively while bouncing from place to place. But most—if they’re honest—will admit that it’s incredibly challenging.
Imagine coming off a 12-hour flight, finding a taxi, checking into a hotel, and then trying to do deep work. I don’t even try anymore. Travel days are for rest or walking around to explore the city and shake off jet lag.
But missing a day or two of work can hurt. If you’re a freelancer or solopreneur (as most nomads are), clients and collaborators might tolerate your travel-related hiccups only so many times.
Here’s a first-world problem: you’re seeing the world, doing something new every week, while most people are stuck in routine. But something feels off.
It can be incredibly lonely. Even for couples.
Constant movement every few days or weeks goes against human instincts. We crave familiarity, security, and most importantly—community. Research shows that a strong social network is key to mental health. And no, an online social network doesn’t count.
Real friends—the kind you can talk to, hug, and laugh with—are more valuable than any flight ticket. Facebook groups and expat circles often descend into echo chambers or surface-level connections. True community is built, not browsed.
To some, digital nomads look like tax dodgers. Living abroad and avoiding taxes sounds tempting—but it’s not smart or sustainable.
Even if you want to do things properly, you’ll hit roadblocks. Finding a tax advisor who understands the term “location-independent” is hard enough. Explaining your situation—10 credit cards, 5 PayPal accounts, 7 income streams, multiple addresses—feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.
Where’s your tax home? Which country do you owe taxes to? Should you start a business elsewhere? Is this even worth it?
At one point, I genuinely wondered if I should just earn less to avoid dealing with the tax headaches.
When you’re sick, travel isn’t glamorous—it’s miserable. And there’s nothing like an illness to make you miss the comforts of home: your family, familiar doctors, and a supportive environment.
As you get older, these concerns become more pressing. Despite the youthful image, most digital nomads are over 30. Health doesn’t wait for your travel plans.
Here’s what I’ve learned after 25 years of travel and over 5 years as a full-time digital nomad:
Find a place to call home base. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but it should feel like home. Stateless nomadism for tax reasons is no longer viable, and the consequences of skipping out on taxes will catch up with you.
Use your freedom to travel intentionally. Don’t plan to get a full day of work done from a sweaty, fly-infested café in Africa just for the Instagram story. It’s rarely productive.
When I need to focus on business or solve problems, I pause my travels. Nomadic life goes on hold. I avoid countries that are hard for remote work—Iran, for example, is a destination I only consider when I have three full weeks with zero work obligations.
The most fulfilling travels I’ve had were deep dives into places and cultures. Being still, present, and mindful without distractions—that is what makes travel truly meaningful.
The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t inherently good or bad. But it’s not for everyone, and it’s not what the glossy influencers make it out to be.
It’s okay to want a stable home and a rooted life. It’s okay to travel with purpose—not for likes, not for labels. Use the freedom you’ve earned wisely. Don’t chase a trend. Build a life that’s fulfilling, realistic, and authentic—whatever that looks like for you.