Pros and cons of being a Digital Nomad
Pros
You should know from the get-go whether you enjoy being exposed to all sorts of cultural norms, diverse foods, work attitudes, and so on. If the prospect sounds exciting, you may be in good shape. If it sounds off-putting or undesirable, it’s time to set boundaries.
Simplified lifestyle.
Traveling to new cities and countries means you’ll be limited in what you can bring with you. Many digital nomads sell their homes and possessions to live a simpler life and travel more easily. You’ll likely feel more free without the weight of everyday things.
Less stressful work environment.
Detaching from the daily hustle and bustle, no commuting to work, and no need for professional attire can contribute to a better work environment. Research has shown that remote workers are more productive. Focused, uninterrupted time can allow for faster completion of work.
Cons
Loneliness.
Like other home-based workers, digital nomads may struggle with isolation, but their attempts to connect with coworkers may be even more extreme. If this sounds too intense for you, it’s an important aspect to consider.
Time zone issues.
Depending on where you travel, you may be several hours ahead or behind coworkers. Time zone differences may require working at night or early in the morning. This may mean that your three o’clock meeting or deadline is actually in the middle of the night if you are in a different country than your employer. Clearly understand how different time zones impact when and how you fulfill your work duties and how to set boundaries with coworkers or clients.
Internet/connection issues.
We all know that coffee shop hotspots and Wi-Fi connections aren’t always the most reliable. You may find that you can’t connect at all. Or you may have to pay a lot of money to get online. Plan for internet access issues and have lots of backups.
