Never Believe These 6 Myths About Digital Nomads!
Digital Nomads seem to be everywhere today. More and more people want to live a location-independent life, want to earn money online and go to travel the world. However, there are also many myths about digital nomads. People are quick to judge when they see a stereotypical nomad and assume this is the perfect lifestyle.
But what are the stories behind these myths? Where do they come from and what is true about them? Let’s find out!
Myth #1: Digital nomads are millionaires.
Right. Digital nomads hang around at the beach all day, sip cocktails at the pool and make millions by only working a few hours each week. Of course they are rich as!
Unfortunately, it is nothing like that. In reality, most nomads stay in fairly cheap countries, sleep in AirBnBs and stick to a set budget. Many don’t earn as much as they did before they started their location-independent lifestyle.
Especially in the beginning, when they try to set up a business or try to find clients, many nomads spend way less money than someone with a conventional life.
Myth #2: Everyone works only four hours a week.
We’ve all read Tim Ferriss’ “The 4-Hour Workweek” and yes, it is a super inspirational and motivational book. But to get to the point where you can make enough money to survive with only 4 working hours a week is simply not realistic to most of us.
It takes a long time, much effort, innovative ideas and probably a bit of luck, too, to get there. But it’s not like you become a digital nomad and suddenly get along with only four hours.
More than often aspiring digital nomads work 50+ hours a week to get their business up and running. If you are looking for a lifestyle that reduces your work hours drastically, you should be prepared that this might take a few years.
Myth #3: Digital nomads are on an extended holiday.
Well, many nomads choose to live in digital nomad hubs that are also popular holiday destinations, such as Bali or Bangkok. Mainly because they are reasonably cheap, have a good infrastructure, nice food options, and reliable internet.
But as I’ve mentioned before, digital nomads often work long hours. It’s not like they get to hang out at the beach 10 hours a day. So yes, they do get to enjoy the warm weather, beaches or mountains, but not more than anyone else who lives in these areas.
Myth #4: Digital nomads live super exciting lives.
Last week at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, this week swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines, next week kite surfing in Sri Lanka… Being a digital nomad is so exciting!
Yes and no. Of course, they are doing all of the cool stuff every now and then. After all, that’s one reason why they chose this lifestyle and working online makes it so easy to go to all of these fascinating places.
However, digital nomads are not “ordinary” backpacker. They don’t have time to explore 24/7 (just in case I haven’t mentioned it before). So it’s not a constant excitement. Don’t be fooled.
Myth #5: Digital nomads are young, good looking and successful.
25, tanned, full hair, charming smile, fully Apple-equipped — the picture perfect digital nomad. At least according to Instagram.
But honestly? It couldn’t possibly matter less how you look like or how old you are. Nomads work on their computer. Clients or business partners often don’t get to see them at all.
And age? As long as you are able to generate income online and a capable of moving from one place to another, your age is irrelevant. In case you are worried about having kids: There are many digital nomad families out there who prove that children can actually profit from this kind of lifestyle.
Myth #6: Being a digital nomad is only a phase.
People assume that “the nomad thing” is something like a gap year. Something like a self-discovery trip or a simple break from their normal life.
But being a digital nomad is a lifestyle choice. A way of living that might have some significant downsides (not getting to see your family as much anymore, constantly saying goodbye to new friends etc.), but also some incredible benefits (live where you want and work when you want).
People might slow down after a while of intense traveling. But once they are hooked on the location-independent life, they are very likely not willing to go back to a 9–5 office job. And there is absolutely no need to.
It’s Not The Perfect Lifestyle
As you can see, the life of a digital nomad is not as perfect as it may seem. Don’t trust these fun and shiny Instagram pics. They only show the best bits and parts of this lifestyle. There are disadvantages, too. Especially, in the beginning it can be very hard.
Yes, the freedom of a location-independent way of living is fantastic. But be realistic about it. If you want to life the digital nomad life, keep your expectations straight. Don’t believe everything you hear about it. If it was the perfect lifestyle, everyone would do it, right?
