Freelancer, remote worker and digital nomad –3 different things
Something to consider is the question about making new friends. That’s one of the essential conditions if you want to feel at home wherever you are, at least for me. Yes, you can meet new people through various online (and offline) communities. But then, if you have to introduce yourself all the time, nurture these friendships and say goodbye to all these people (or try to stay in touch from a distance), would you really feel a sense of belonging?
Arrifana, Portugal
Bali is a popular digital nomad destination.
Source: Unsplash
There is a common misconception when it comes to these terms. Before I left the 9-5 culture, I used to think that life was either ‘being stuck in an office’ or ‘you can change your home every 3 months and carry your laptop to the moon and back’.
When I started my journey and happened to be in Portugal (but partially still in the UK and with family still in Bulgaria), I thought I’d do that. I imagined travelling between these 3 (and also anywhere else that I choose, e.g. Thailand, Spain, somewhere in North America or why not Morocco) and then carrying a little suitcase with all my belongings wherever I want to.
I quickly realised how impractical it would be to move around bags, suitcases and backpacks every few months. I still remember the chaos of collecting my remaining belongings from the UK, throwing away/donating/selling 70% of it, dealing with oversized luggage at the airport, sorting out flat deposits… Then bringing it all to Portugal, buying back everything I’d left behind. It was stressful and not something I always wanted to repeat.
You can be a freelancer and remote worker, but you don't need to move all the time.
You want to have adventure, but also to have a sense of belonging
You can be location independent but don’t need to be a nomad.
You can be pretty static and pretty happy about it.
If you choose a destination that gives you everything, reasonable living costs, good weather, and communities, there’s no need to change it all the time.
Many people think that you need to be an entrepreneur to be able to dictate the conditions of your work. That’s not necessarily true. You can negotiate flexible working conditions and choose to stay employed and still work remotely.
You can be employed and still work flexibly and remotely
Being a digital nomad doesn't mean endless holiday
It’s a myth that remote workers spend all day surfing and hiking and have a substantial passive income supporting their lifestyle. In most cases, we work our asses off. We must constantly deal with conflicting tasks & deadlines while fighting the FOMO when it’s sunny. But someone has to pay the bills (and fund all these adventures)!
Choose what aligns best with you
These lifestyles have a common desire to be free and flexible. I don’t see myself going back to any traditional form of employment.
There’s still a lot to learn. I’m currently recovering from a 2-week work marathon with 10h+ workdays and barely any time off. But oh, is it sweet to be writing this from the beach on a day when I chose to finish work at 2!
A digital nomad enjoying her freedom.
Source: Unsplash
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