Digital nomadism has surged as a prominent trend in recent years. If you are reading my blog for nomadpreneurs, it likely means you are drawn to this dynamic and adventure-filled lifestyle.
However, this lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges that shouldn’t be ignored. Whether you’re already a digital nomad or thinking about becoming one, here, we provide you with information, data, and solutions to navigate the exciting but demanding aspects of this lifestyle.
The data indicates that digital nomads encounter four significant challenges:
1. Financial Issues of Digital Nomads
- A study by MBO Partners found that nearly 70% of freelancers experience significant income gaps at some point within a year.
- According to a 2018 report from FlexJobs, 65% of digital nomads struggle with efficiently managing their finances and personal budgets.
- Nomad List estimated in its 2019 data that the average monthly cost of a digital nomad’s lifestyle is around $2,000, with accommodation being the primary expense. Without income, sustaining this budget would be challenging.
- A 2020 report by Travel Lemming assessed that approximately 25% of digital nomads work without a formal contract or a steady income stream.
- According to a 2022 survey conducted by Remote.co, 44% of digital nomads reported facing financial difficulties at some point during their journeys.
Tackling Financial Issues
Dealing with financial problems has straightforward solutions. Save money, create and stick to a budget, and find ways to increase your income. Lack of financial education can be particularly challenging for those who haven’t learned to manage their finances.
Saving: Building a financial foundation by saving money before embarking on any journey is crucial. However, saving alone isn’t enough – you must also know how to make your money work for you and explore ways to increase your earnings.
Budgeting: A budget is your best tool to make your money go further. But, if you don’t stick to your budget, you might find yourself short of funds in a foreign country. A budget serves as a tool to control your expenses and ensure you don’t spend more than you earn.
Earning More: The ability to earn more is paramount; it enables you to save and even deviate from your budget when needed. To achieve this, consider investing in courses that focus on money generation through tools like bots, funnels, email marketing, e-commerce, or advertising. Acquiring skills and knowledge will strengthen your services, products, and your ability to sell more.
For this last point, if you prefer not to do it yourself, learn how to hire talent that can assist you in generating more income.
2. Loneliness and Isolation Issues
- Based on a 2022 survey by Remote.co, 28% of digital nomads reported feeling isolated and lonely.
- In a 2022 study by Buffer, it was discovered that digital nomads working or traveling alone are more prone to loneliness compared to those accompanied by friends or family.
- A 2023 study by MBO Partners found that 61% of digital nomads experienced loneliness at least some of the time.
The primary reasons for this loneliness include:
- Lack of Lasting Social Connections (47%): Many digital nomads struggle with building enduring social bonds.
- Difficulty Making Friends in New Places (42%): Establishing connections in unfamiliar locations poses a challenge for a significant portion.
- Homesickness (38%): A considerable percentage experiences a yearning for home, contributing to feelings of isolation.
Solutions for Dealing with Loneliness and Isolation
Technology: In today’s world, technology is a fantastic ally to stay connected with friends and family. Schedule regular meetings in your agenda so that you can always share moments with them.
Friendship with Other Nomads: Joining groups of digital nomads can be a game-changer. Traveling together with such groups not only helps you build connections but also allows you to make new friends. These connections can prove beneficial for both business and companionship during your stay.
Meetings: Engage in local activities tailored for foreign professionals. In my country, numerous coworking offices organize weekly or monthly gatherings where you can interact with fellow professionals. If you’re staying in a digital nomad-friendly hotel, there are likely organized activities. If not, utilize meal times to connect with tourists, fellow travelers, or other digital nomads.
3. Cultural Clash
A 2022 study by the University of Suffolk emphasized that digital nomads who are not open to new experiences or do not make an effort to learn about the local culture may encounter greater difficulties in adaptation.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by NomadList, 32% of digital nomads reported difficulties adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. A 2023 study by Remote.co found that 35% of digital nomads faced challenges adjusting to a new culture.
The primary reasons for cultural difficulties include:
- Language Differences (58%): A significant percentage struggled due to disparities in language.
- Customs and Social Norms (49%): Nearly half encountered challenges navigating local customs and social norms.
- Unfamiliarity with the Local Environment (43%): Over four in ten digital nomads faced difficulties due to a lack of familiarity with their surroundings.
- Feeling Like a Stranger (38%): A substantial portion experienced a sense of being an outsider in the new cultural setting.
Navigating Cultural Differences
Cultural shock is an experience that travelers may encounter when moving to a cultural environment different from their place of birth. It is characterized by a sense of disorientation, confusion, and even anxiety that can arise when facing new ways of life, customs, values, and beliefs.
Research Before You Travel: That’s why it’s essential to research the culture of the country you plan to visit. Seek insights from fellow travelers who have been to the country and explore in advance the culture, cuisine, and beliefs of the region you intend to visit.
If you’re a digital nomad, you’ll likely seek mountainous areas, forests, and beaches—places rural or away from the city. Keep in mind that citizens in regions like cities may have different customs than those living in rural areas. The same applies between provinces and regions. Everything, from food to interpersonal interactions to clothing, can vary from one area to another.
In more rural areas, expect less internet coverage, the need for local currency in cash, and transportation challenges. Research, research, and research to avoid regrets later.
Learn the Local Language: If you want to travel, being open to new experiences is crucial. Learning to communicate with locals and integrating into the community is essential.
Languages like Spanish have accents that vary by country and region. The use of words may also differ. While this might be challenging for some, others find it fascinating to explore the cultural richness of different communities.
Depending on your personality, choose places where you feel more comfortable and less pressured to integrate into the community. If you love adventure, fearlessly embrace the journey to success.
4. Housing Hassles for Digital Nomads
- Based on a 2022 survey by Remote.co, 38% of digital nomads reported difficulties finding affordable and secure accommodation.
- A 2022 study by Nomadlist highlighted that digital nomads traveling with families or pets may encounter even greater challenges in finding suitable accommodation.
- A 2023 study by Coworker.com found that accommodation costs were the top financial concern for 44% of digital nomads.
The primary reasons for accommodation challenges include:
- High Rental Costs in Popular Cities (52%): More than half faced challenges due to exorbitant rental prices in sought-after urban areas.
- Lack of Long-Term Housing Options (39%): Nearly four in ten struggled to find accommodations for extended stays.
- Difficulty Finding Housing That Fits Needs (36%): Over a third found it challenging to secure housing that catered to their specific requirements.
Accommodation Tips for Digital Nomads
Consider staying in hostels or using Airbnb. These options are often more budget-friendly than hotels. However, as a digital nomad, it’s crucial to be mindful of certain conditions when staying anywhere, particularly regarding electrical infrastructure and internet connectivity.
In some countries or regions, you may encounter slow or unstable internet, coupled with unreliable power supply leading to outages. These situations can potentially damage equipment or disrupt your communication with clients without warning due to power cuts or internet failures.
Therefore, it’s essential to choose accommodations with electric generators to keep your devices connected. Additionally, ensure access to mobile data for internet connectivity. Typically, cellphone towers have backup generators, ensuring internet access on your mobile device.
Hostels and houses may lack electric generators, so inquire thoroughly before booking.
If you have preferred hotels, consider booking in advance. This ensures availability and helps you avoid higher prices.
Be flexible with your travel dates. This flexibility allows you to discover better accommodation deals, especially if you steer clear of peak tourism seasons.
Being a digital nomad comes with numerous challenges, as we’ve discussed. That’s why I’ll continue creating content to provide you with accessible resources that can continue assisting you on your digital nomad journey. This is the mission of our blog and newsletter for digital nomads.