10 Common Excuses for Not Living a Nomadic Lifestyle and How to Overcome Them
Are you tired of the daily grind? Do you dream of exploring exotic places and travelling whenever you want? If so, becoming a digital nomad and living the nomadic lifestyle may be the answer.
A digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely from anywhere in the world. They have the freedom to pursue their passions, set their own schedules, and experience the world on their own terms. It’s an exciting and liberating way of life that’s becoming increasingly popular among those seeking more flexibility and adventure.
But, making the transition to this nomadic lifestyle can be daunting. Fear, uncertainty, and a lack of knowledge can hold you back from taking the plunge. Many people often make excuses for not pursuing their dreams of living the nomadic lifestyle and becoming a digital nomad.
If you find yourself in this position, continue reading! In this blog article, I will explore some of the most common obstacles and excuses that people face when trying to live the nomadic lifestyle and provide tips on how to overcome them. So, let’s get started on your journey to a nomadic lifestyle!
1. “I don’t have enough money”
Money is often one of the biggest concerns for those considering a nomadic lifestyle. The good news is that you can still travel on a budget and have an amazing time. In fact, living a nomadic lifestyle is a bit like starting a new job: it comes with new challenges and new ways of doing things, but it also brings great rewards.
Instead of putting money into a house or apartment, you can spend it on rentals around the world. While transportation expenses may be higher, you’ll save money on other things like utilities and other bills that come with having a permanent home. And for many nomads including me, this actually ends up being less expensive than their previous lifestyle.
One way to cut costs is through house-sitting. You can stay in someone’s home while they’re away and take care of their property and pets. Not only will you save money on accommodation, but you might even get a furry friend to keep you company.
To save money on destinations, explore the affordable wonders of Southeast Asia or Mexico instead of choosing the most expensive countries in the world. Plus, who doesn’t love a good taco or pad Thai?
If you have a skill set that can be utilized remotely, freelancing can be your ticket to earning a living while traveling. Writing, web development, or graphic design can all be done from anywhere with an internet connection. Don’t know where to start? Check out my blog article for more travel job ideas!
Lastly, there are countless other ways to save money while on the road. Cook your own meals instead of eating out all the time, travel during off-peak seasons, and take advantage of free activities and events. After all, the best things in life are often free! For even more hacks, check out these 12 tips on how to save money while traveling.
2. “I’m not skilled enough”
Feeling like you’re not skilled enough to live the nomadic lifestyle is another common concern, but it’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily have to be an expert in one specific skill to make a living as a digital nomad.
There are many opportunities for those with skills in writing, web development, social media management, graphic design, translation and more. You could also make a living by teaching English online or tutoring in your native language. Check out the travel jobs article I mentioned earlier for more inspiration and ideas. It’s all about finding what works for you.
And if you don’t have experience in these areas, don’t worry! There are tons of resources available to help you learn new skills. Online courses, tutorials, and mentorship programs – like Coursera, YouTube, Codeacademy, LinkedIn Learning – are all great ways to gain new skills and knowledge. And the best part? Many of these resources are free or low-cost. So no excuses!
I personally believe that if you want something, you need to put in the effort to make it a reality. You can’t just sit around waiting for it to happen. Instead, take action and pursue your dreams. And as you do, you’ll learn new skills and strategies that will help you succeed even more. You could start by taking on some side gigs while keeping your regular job to see if you enjoy it and how it works, and then transition gradually.
For example, during the pandemic, I was stuck in Mexico and needed to earn some cash as I couldn’t go back home. So I took a leap and started taking on freelance gigs on Upwork, even though I had zero experience in that area. But guess what? I put in the time and effort to make it work, and it paid off!
That experience taught me that you shouldn’t let your perceived lack of skills hold you back from pursuing your digital nomad dreams. With some determination, a willingness to learn, and a little bit of grit, you too can build a career while living the nomadic lifestyle.
3. “I’m afraid of the unknown”
Oh boy, the unknown can be scary! Especially if you love sticking to a routine. But embracing the unknown can lead to some serious personal and professional growth.
Now, don’t get me wrong, planning, researching and preparing can definitely ease some of those fears. Trust me, I’m a planner through and through! But at the end of the day, there’s only so much you can control. Sometimes, you just have to take a deep breath and go for it.
And if you’re feeling nervous, remember that you’re not alone! There are tons of communities out there for digital nomads and travellers where you can connect with like-minded individuals and get some support.
At the end of the day, it’s okay to feel scared or uncertain. It’s all part of the adventure! Just take it one step at a time, be open to new experiences, and who knows what kind of amazing things might happen when living this nomadic lifestyle.
4. “I have kids”
Yes, and so? I’m happy for you. But having kids doesn’t mean you have to put your dreams of a nomadic lifestyle on hold. In fact, it can make for an even more enriching experience for both you and your little ones. Think of all the incredible adventures and cultural experiences you can share together as a family!
Sure, transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle with kids might require some extra planning and organization, but it’s definitely not impossible. There are many families out there who have successfully made the transition to a nomadic lifestyle, and you can too.
One great option is to homeschool your children while on the road. You can design a curriculum that fits your family’s needs and interests, and make learning a fun and immersive experience. Alternatively, you can enroll your kids in an online school program, so they can continue their education while traveling the world.
And don’t worry, you won’t be alone in your nomadic family adventures. There are resources available for families, including online forums, support groups, and travel blogs. These communities offer a wealth of knowledge and can help you connect with other nomadic families who are on the same journey as you.
If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge into full-time nomadism with your family, that’s okay too. You can always choose to have a home base and travel from there whenever you can.
For some inspiration and proof that it can be done, just check out the amazing Bucket List Family on Instagram and YouTube. This amazing family of five has been traveling the world for years, sharing their adventures and proving that a travel lifestyle with kids is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
5. “I have a loan”
The dreaded L-word: loans! They can feel like a heavy weight dragging you down, especially if you’re dreaming of a nomadic lifestyle on the road. But no worries, there are ways to manage your loan payments and still live your best nomadic life.
Of course, if you have a stable income, whether you’re at home or on the go, there won’t be much difference, as you’ll have enough means to cover your loan payments. But what if you’re in a less stable position?
Let’s say you have a car loan. Ask yourself: do you really need your car while you’re away? If not, consider selling it to pay off the loan. Alternatively, you could explore options for renting out your car when you’re not using it to bring in some extra cash to put towards your loan payments.
Now, when it comes to mortgages, owning a home can be a source of comfort and stability, but it can also feel like a financial anchor tying you down. One option is to rent out your house while you’re away, using the rent payments to cover your monthly mortgage payments. Additionally, refinancing your mortgage to a lower interest rate could lower your monthly payments and free up some cash for your nomadic lifestyle.
6. “I don’t know where to start”
Transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. It can sometimes feel like facing a closet full of clothes to tidy up and feeling completely overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done.
Just like that moment of hesitation when you’re standing in front of your messy closet, the decision to embark on a nomadic lifestyle can feel overwhelming. But instead of retreating back to the couch, take a deep breath and push that ON button. With a little determination and a can-do attitude, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.
Remember that it’s okay to start small. Take baby steps towards your goal, whether it’s researching potential destinations or job opportunities, or simply saving up some money. If you’re curious about the steps to becoming a digital nomad, check out this digital nomad blog post for step-by-step guidance, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Think about your current skills and job – can you make it remote? This could be a great way to dip your toe into the digital nomad waters. Or, if you’re feeling bold, consider learning a new skill or exploring a completely different career path.
To get more inspiration, check out blogs (:D) and guidebooks written by digital nomads. You’ll find practical advice and insider tips on everything from finding work to staying productive while on the road.
And don’t forget about the power of online communities! Join digital nomad groups on Facebook, or check out Reddit’s digital nomad community. These forums are full of people who have been where you are and can offer invaluable support.
7. “I’m scared to feel lonely”
Feeling scared of loneliness when transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle is totally understandable. But hey, you’re not alone in feeling this way! Many nomads have been there, done that, and found ways to overcome their fears.
So, what do you do when you feel lonely at home? Do the same when you travel! Just like at home, it’s important to stay active and engaged in your community.
There are many options to connect with like-minded individuals, such as joining online communities where you can connect with other digital nomads, share experiences, and offer support to one another. If you prefer face-to-face interactions, attending local meetups or events in the places you’re traveling to is a great option too. Hostels can also help you save money on accommodation and meet new people.
Another way to combat loneliness is by joining co-working spaces or other shared workspaces. They are perfect for freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads to work in a communal setting, and often host events and activities to bring the community together.
Whether it’s striking up a conversation with someone at a café or joining a local activity or excursion, you’re bound to cross paths with interesting and like-minded individuals when traveling.
And sometimes, if you experience loneliness, you’ll quickly notice that it’s better to be alone than to be with the wrong people. A good thing about being a nomad is that it gives you the freedom to choose who you spend your time with, so you can surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
At the end of the day, feeling lonely is a natural part of the journey and, in general, only temporary. Give yourself time to adjust to your new lifestyle and step out of your comfort zone.
8. “I want to travel, but my partner doesn’t”
Don’t worry, it’s not necessarily a problem! If you want to make it work between you, it’s definitely possible. Here are a few options to consider:
Firstly, remember that being a digital nomad doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to travel all the time. You could try settling in one location with your partner and taking shorter trips together. This way, you can enjoy the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle while still maintaining a home base.
Another option is to plan longer trips and meet up with your partner in between. However, this will depend on your individual situation and should be discussed with your partner to make sure it works for both of you.
It’s important to have open and honest communication about your goals and expectations. Consider finding compromises that work for both of you, such as alternating between travel and settling in one location or taking shorter trips.
If your partner is unable or unwilling to travel at all, you could explore the option of solo travel or traveling with friends or family members who share your passion for the nomadic lifestyle. Alternatively, you could consider joining a travel group or finding a travel buddy with similar interests.
Every relationship is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
9. “I’m not sure if I’ll like it”
Ah, the classic “I’m not sure if I’ll like it” excuse. Well, how do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t even tried it yet? Embrace your inner adventurer and give it a shot!
But I get it, transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle can feel like a big commitment, especially if you’re not sure if it’s right for you. So why not dip your toes in the water first? Take a shorter trip or try out a nomadic lifestyle for a trial period of several months. Who knows, you might end up loving it and never want to go back to your old routine.
And even if you try it out and decide it’s not for you, that’s totally okay too. At least you’ll have some cool stories to tell and memories to cherish. Plus, the nomadic lifestyle is all about freedom, so you can always go back to your old ways if you miss them.
10. “What if I fail”
The cheesy answer is that it’s only through failing that we can truly learn. While it’s natural to worry about the unknown and potential risks involved in transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle, it’s important to remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process.
Instead of asking “What if I fail?” ask yourself “What if I succeed?” The possibilities are endless when you take a chance and try something new.
Failure is not the end-all, be-all. It’s simply a temporary setback that can help you learn and grow. You’ll never know what you’re capable of unless you take a risk and try. So don’t let the fear of failure stop you from living the life you want.
And even if things don’t go according to plan, it’s not the end of the world. You can always pivot, try something new, or even go back to your previous lifestyle. The nomadic lifestyle is all about flexibility and freedom, so don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different options.
In conclusion, don’t let those excuses hold you back from living the life you want to live, nomadic or not. Whether you’re worried about money, skills, or leaving your comfort zone, you’ve got all the resources and support you need to overcome any obstacle and embark on the nomadic lifestyle journey.
So, don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Sure, it might not always be easy, but what is 100% perfect in life? Failure is simply an opportunity to learn, and with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to living the life you’ve always dreamed of.
4 Comments
Maryanne
This is my dream – thank you for being encouraging. Great photos by the way. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Alex
Thank you so much!
Liv
Point 3 and 6 certainly resonate with me. I’ve always thought being a digital nomad is something I’d love but no idea where to start and the fear of the unknown is strong!
Alex
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Starting as a digital nomad can indeed feel overwhelming. But the good news is that you’re not alone in this journey! Take small steps, do your research, and slowly ease into this lifestyle. Remember, every adventure begins with taking that first step into the unknown 🙂 Best of luck, and enjoy the ride!