Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
So, you’re weighing the pros and cons of becoming a digital nomad? We all see those dreamy photos of laptops on beaches and can’t help but think, “Sign me up!”
But let’s peel back the filter and explore the realities. Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of digital nomad life. I’ve been a digital nomad for over a decade, so I think I have a pretty solid list.
Let’s start with the not-so-glam stuff, then end on a high note!
Table of Contents
The Cons of Becoming a Digital Nomad
Despite the enviable Instagram shots, digital nomad life requires serious discipline and hustle—especially in the early stages.
You’re on your own to manage time zones, find reliable Wi-Fi, and juggle multiple gigs or projects. The constantly shifting environment can make building deep friendships difficult, and people often mistake your work for a never-ending vacation.
Balancing actual travel with work obligations can be overwhelming if you don’t set boundaries and pace yourself.
1. You Might Work More Than a 9–5
One of the biggest misconceptions is that digital nomads lounge around, working a handful of hours before clocking out for margaritas.
In reality, it’s often more work than a regular office gig—especially in the early days when you’re building a portfolio or launching a new business.
There’s hustle involved in finding remote gigs, managing clients, and planning your next move, which can easily add up to more than 40 hours a week.
TIP: Combat burnout by establishing “work hours” and sticking to them. Even if you don’t have a boss, you’ll need structure to avoid letting work spill over into every free moment.
2. No Set Schedule (Discipline Required!)
Working wherever you want sounds magical, but it can quickly become chaotic if you lack self-discipline.
With no boss hovering over your shoulder, it’s easy to skip work for a beach day—or, conversely, to realize it’s 10 p.m. and you’ve been glued to your screen all day.
TIP: Try time-blocking, use to-do apps, or join coworking spaces to keep boundaries between “work” and “play.” You’ll thank yourself when you still have the energy to explore after finishing your tasks. I use Toggl and Asana.
RELATED: 17 Free Online Tools to Make Your Work Life Easier
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3. Community and Friendships Can Be Fleeting
The nomad lifestyle often means you’re on the move—great for scenery changes but tough on relationships.
You’ll meet tons of people in hostels or Facebook expat groups, but there’s a good chance someone’s leaving town soon (maybe even you!).
Building a deep sense of community takes time, so you might experience periods of loneliness or feel like you’re always saying goodbye.
TIP: Plan longer stays (1–3 months minimum) in each destination. This slower pace helps you form stronger connections with fellow travelers and locals alike.
4. Everyone Thinks You’re on Vacation
Get ready for comments like, “Must be nice to be on a permanent holiday!”
While you might post a dreamy waterfall pic, behind the scenes, you’re juggling deadlines and actually working. It’s sometimes frustrating to explain that “digital nomad” doesn’t mean you’re sipping fruity drinks 24/7.
TIP: Don’t let it get to you because you can’t really control other people’s perceptions of anything. I have no tips. lol.
5. It Can Be Tough to Start
Freelance gigs, online teaching roles, or remote full-time positions rarely land in your lap overnight.
If you’re freelancing, job-hunting becomes a second (unpaid) job. You’ll spend hours applying for gigs, sending proposals, and honing your craft with little immediate payoff. It’s a learning curve—and a hustle—in the beginning.
TIP: Check out online jobs with no experience needed if you’re a total beginner. And if you’re feeling stuck, you could always try teaching abroad or a working holiday to save some cash before jumping into full-time nomad life.
6. Balancing Travel and Work Takes Effort
So many new digital nomads burn out quickly by trying to bounce between cities (or countries!) every few days.
Constantly moving means constant planning—new accommodations, new transit, new SIM cards. It’s thrilling at first, but it wears you down fast. Plus, when you’re in transit, you’re not working—so your projects pile up.
TIP: Slow travel is golden. Staying somewhere for 2–3 months (or more if viasa allow for it) means you’ll have a chance to fully experience the culture and keep up with client demands. It’s the sweet spot for productivity and exploration.
Oh and bonus, this way of life will also be significantly cheaper too.
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7. Financial Complexity & Taxes
Everyone wants that sweet, sweet freedom—until tax season rolls around. Even if you’re living on a beach in Bali, Uncle Sam still wants to know what you’re up to.
Filing taxes when you’re based abroad can be messy, plus you might also face local tax rules in your new destination. Some countries have digital nomad visas, but they come with their own paperwork and fees.
TIP: Either get cozy with tax software or hire a professional who understands expat/nomad taxes. Trust me, it’ll save you many headaches down the line.
Americans should also be familiar with FEIE, which can save them some tax dollars!
8. Unpredictable Infrastructure
Spotty Wi-Fi is one thing—total power outages or snail-speed internet is another.
In some places, electricity can cut off without warning, making remote calls or deadlines a nightmare. And let’s not even talk about trying to upload large files on a 1 Mbps connection.
The good news is that things are getting better and better! But don’t hold your breathe everywhere…
TIP: Always have a backup plan. Keep a SIM card with data at the ready, scout out reliable coworking spots, or even invest in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to keep you sane and online.
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9. “Annoying Visa Stuff” (But Grateful It Exists)
So you want to stay in paradise a bit longer? Cue the visa headache. Even if you’re getting paid from your home country, many places aren’t cool with you working on a tourist visa—digital or otherwise.
Sure, it’s a total first-world problem to have these options at all, but let’s not sugarcoat it: between digital nomad visa applications, border runs, and periodic immigration check-ins, the hoops can get old fast.
Sometimes you just want to plant yourself in one spot without mountains of paperwork or shelling out for a fancy long-stay visa.
TIP: Decide upfront if you want to commit to a digital nomad visa (usually more legit, but more process) or if you’re okay doing border runs/country hopping often-ish.
While I’m 100% grateful to even have these opportunities, it’s worth acknowledging that it can be a real (though very privileged) pain in the butt.
Research the length of stay allowed, costs, and any pesky requirements—like proof of income or health insurance.
RELATED: Longest Tourist Visas for U.S Citizens, How to Extend, & More
10. Lack of Stability / Housing Challenges
Today you’re in a cool Airbnb, tomorrow you’re in a noisy hostel next to a midnight karaoke bar. Securing long-term (and comfortable!) housing can feel like a full-time job—especially when you’re moving around often.
Landlords might increase the rent abruptly, or you’ll find that “fully furnished” is code for “one pillow and a rickety chair.”
TIP: Read reviews meticulously, ask about noise levels, and look into Facebook groups or local forums for insider tips on decent, longer-term stays. I don’t find this to be too big of an issue for me, I’m really good and finding great spots!
11. No Standard Employee Benefits
Paid vacation, sick days, 401(k) matching—who’s that?
Unless you have a job that actually pays this out and allows you to work from anywhere(congrats!), you’re the boss and the employee, which sounds cool until you realize you also have to figure out health insurance, retirement, and a buffer for sick days or unexpected downtime.
TIP: Automate your savings and consider setting up your own “benefits.” That could mean a separate savings account for unexpected expenses or using a freelance-friendly retirement plan. You’ll also want to start investing—I love using Acorns!
The Pros of Becoming a Digital Nomad
On the flip side, the freedom to work from anywhere in the world is priceless. You can choose destinations that match your budget and lifestyle, potentially lowering your cost of living while expanding your cultural horizons.
Meeting new people—both locals and fellow nomads—broadens your perspective, and you’ll learn to thrive with a simplified, more minimalistic approach to life.
Ultimately, if you value independence, adaptability, and exploration, the rewards of digital nomadism can far outweigh the challenges.
1. True Location Independence
The biggest perk? You can work from almost anywhere with decent internet.
That might mean beach towns in Mexico, cozy cafés in Portugal, or even your grandparents’ basement if you need to crash with family. Having the freedom to choose your “office” is an incredible feeling.
Personally, I’ve lived in Portugal, Morocco, South Africa, Ecuador, Mexico, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand—and I loved getting to know each place as my temporary “home.”
RELATED: My Favorite Places I’ve Lived—Six Places I’d Call Home Again
2. Potentially Lower Cost of Living
Choosing countries where expenses are low can help you save money while living a fuller life.
Many digital nomads find that it’s cheaper to live abroad than to stay in their home country. That’s certainly true for me!
No seriously though, I pay SO much less, I won’t get into here because I have an entire article breaking it down for you…
RELATED: Living Abroad for Cheaper Than Existing in the US
3. Flexible Hours
Yes, flexibility is a double-edged sword, but once you find your rhythm, it’s a blessing. Want to spend Wednesday morning surfing?
Sure—just catch up on work in the afternoon. Need to nap midday because your flight landed at 4 a.m.? Go for it. You have the freedom to control your schedule, not the other way around.
4. Cultural Immersion
Being a digital nomad means actually living in different places, not just visiting for a whirlwind tour.
You’ll frequent local markets, learn basic phrases (/beyond), and discover more than the average Joe or Jane visiting.
Everyday life—like finding a go-to coffee spot or chatting with your neighbor—gives you insights you’d never get as a standard tourist.
There’s something about living a regular life, but abroad, that makes life a bit more exciting!
5. Simplified Lifestyle
When living out of a suitcase or backpack, you realize how little you need.
Owning fewer possessions not only saves money but also reduces mental clutter. Minimalism starts feeling pretty liberating.
Sure I want to burn my clothes sometimes but before you know it, I’m back home “shopping” through my old stuff and switching things out. I also wear my stuff down so when I do go shopping, I don’t feel so guilty.
6. You Meet New People
Yes, friendships can be fleeting, but you also encounter fascinating folks from all walks of life.
Whether it’s a local teaching you new customs or another digital nomad sharing travel hacks, these chance connections can enrich your life in ways you never expected.
Facebook groups, coworking spaces, and expat meetups are great places to start.
7. Almost Anyone Can Do It
It’s not just for influencers or uber-wealthy entrepreneurs. Loads of remote job options exist—freelancing, teaching online, virtual assistance, coding, design, you name it.
If you have a marketable skill (or are willing to learn one), becoming a digital nomad is definitely possible. It takes drive and hustle, sure, but you don’t need a trust fund or “special treatment” to pull it off.
RELATED: Best Digital Nomad Jobs
8. Constant Room for Growth
The more you travel, the more you realize how vital it is to keep your skill set fresh—especially in the remote work world.
Whether you’re a freelance writer or a web developer, staying up-to-date on trends and best practices will keep you competitive. Need a quick way to learn a new skill?
Start for free: Check out these Skillshare classes to level up your expertise!
9. Seasonal (a.k.a. “Weather”) Freedom
Hate winter? Skip it. Love chasing summer surf spots? Go for it. As a digital nomad, you can literally chase the sun (or the snow) across the globe. That kind of flexibility is absolute gold for anyone who can’t stand certain climates.
10. Language Development
When you’re actually living abroad, you pick up more than just “hello” and “thank you.” Immersing yourself in everyday conversations can skyrocket your language skills—an impressive bonus to add to your personal (and professional) toolkit.
TIP: Try language-exchange events or apps. Practice daily greetings, order your coffee in the local lingo, and you’ll be chatting up a storm in no time.
11. Level-Up Your Problem-Solving Skills
When the nearest Apple store is 300 miles away, and your laptop won’t boot, you learn to get creative.
Dealing with lost reservations, canceled flights, or mini-emergencies fosters adaptability like you wouldn’t believe. Employers love that skill, and it’s super helpful in everyday life, too.
I can’t tell how good I am at predicting what I’ll need in any situation or country or the best areas to say. I had five days’ notice before my two weeks in Japan during cherry blossom season and it was epic.
I have so many examples; I feel like I have a superpower navigating new countries like I know what I’m doing even though I’ve never been!
12. Affordable Healthcare Access (Woo!)
One of the unexpected perks of digital nomad life is discovering that healthcare can be way cheaper (and sometimes better) in other countries.
Need to see a dentist? In many places, you can walk away with a cleaning (and maybe even a filling) for what you’d normally pay just for a consultation back home. It’s a pretty sweet deal when you realize you don’t have to drop a small fortune for basic checkups or treatments.
Do some light digging on a destination’s medical facilities and local costs before you arrive. A little research on reputable clinics can save you from pricey (and sometimes sketchy) surprises. After all, why not take advantage of healthier living and peace of mind—without the hospital-size bill?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, becoming a digital nomad is about finding a balance between work and adventure.
It’s not a carefree vacation—there’s a lot of discipline, planning, and good old-fashioned hustle. But if freedom and flexibility light your fire, there’s no question it can be one of the most rewarding lifestyles out there.
I’ll be the first to say this lifestyle ain’t for the weak! Not everyone is cut out for it. While my cons list is nearly as long as my pros, the pros far outweigh the cons.
I’ve learned how to manage everything, and the cons hardly affect me anymore, really. You’ll have to give the lifestyle a go to see if it’s for you or not!
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I hope this helped you see all the pros and cons of being a digital nomad!
