Digital nomads aren’t just backpackers on endless vacations. These 10 myths reveal the truth behind the lifestyle—what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and what’s just wrong.
I should compile some funny questions/comments we get sometimes, it would be a fun read honestly.
Like when a 50+ years old lady 2 years ago asked us "are you traveling on Mum & Dad's bank account?"... girl, I'm 35, I left my parent's house at 15... what are you talking about lol.
Hahaha I think mine is usually people from my hometown thinking I'm rich. And I have to explain how much I've worked just to be there. Some even try to borrow money like I'm a millionaire 🤣
I've been a digital nomad for a few years, living between two countries, occasionally travelling to others. One of my uni friends lived in several different countries for education, work and other reasons, and because she had remote businesses, she called herself a digital nomad.
There's no one singular definition of digital nomad, because it's a lifestyle, not a profession. Speaking of which, people make me laugh when they ask: How can I become a digital nomad? Well, I never decide to become one. I had two professions that have existed since the dawn of time that were very easy to adapt to the digital world - and I enjoyed moving and travelling.
Furthermore, people can only make cynical remarks regarding what qualifies as "real life" if someone is wasting their life on silly stuff like drugs and partying. You have a job and you travel, that's real life. And indeed, I've heard of middle-aged nomads selling their houses and embracing the lifestyle. Besides, travelling and running a business teach you real life skills 10x faster than staying put.
We definitely still pay taxes! 😂 As a Swedish friend once said, “Your country will hunt you down like a dog to force you to pay taxes.” Yep, no getting around it.
I also don’t understand why people think nomads don’t work. Tropical settings and sunset cocktails do require money. 🙈
I think it comes from the image highlighted on social media… if you search on IG for nomad, you see a bunch of people chilling somewhere sunny… which doesn’t represent the reality at all
Sure! I'm surrounded by friends and family who only have one viewpoint of what "real life" is, most of them don't even understand my freelance editing business or how it's sustainable/profitable let alone me traveling the world while doing so.
It was just refreshing to see this take and see that there's so many more people who think like us. And it was also eye-opening for me that I need to find more like-minded people and build community with them.
And let’s also acknowledge the population of nomads who are doing this because it’s too damned expensive to own or rent in the first place. If you’re gonna be poor, may as well do it on the road. LOL!
These myths weren’t surprising, but it was good to read them. It makes me happy for some unknown reason—maybe because I see someone living a version of my dream life.
As a digital nomad, I feel you 😁
Have you heard them all as well 😅?
I should compile some funny questions/comments we get sometimes, it would be a fun read honestly.
Like when a 50+ years old lady 2 years ago asked us "are you traveling on Mum & Dad's bank account?"... girl, I'm 35, I left my parent's house at 15... what are you talking about lol.
Hahaha I think mine is usually people from my hometown thinking I'm rich. And I have to explain how much I've worked just to be there. Some even try to borrow money like I'm a millionaire 🤣
😂
Lots of good points, Jeremie.
I've been a digital nomad for a few years, living between two countries, occasionally travelling to others. One of my uni friends lived in several different countries for education, work and other reasons, and because she had remote businesses, she called herself a digital nomad.
There's no one singular definition of digital nomad, because it's a lifestyle, not a profession. Speaking of which, people make me laugh when they ask: How can I become a digital nomad? Well, I never decide to become one. I had two professions that have existed since the dawn of time that were very easy to adapt to the digital world - and I enjoyed moving and travelling.
Furthermore, people can only make cynical remarks regarding what qualifies as "real life" if someone is wasting their life on silly stuff like drugs and partying. You have a job and you travel, that's real life. And indeed, I've heard of middle-aged nomads selling their houses and embracing the lifestyle. Besides, travelling and running a business teach you real life skills 10x faster than staying put.
You are bringing up so many great insights here Teodora, thank you for sharing this 🙌
36 & Married with similar stories!
Will be in BKK from May - Sept if you're around; happy to eat & hang!
Nice to see other couples in their 30s living this lifestyle 😃
We are spending time in Europe at the moment but I’ll hit you up when we head back to BKK 😉
Been at it since 2015 (ish) and 5 years as a couple!
Wifey is from North Italy (Dolemites area) and we go back at least 1x year to visit family :)
Sounds great - catch ya soon!
We definitely still pay taxes! 😂 As a Swedish friend once said, “Your country will hunt you down like a dog to force you to pay taxes.” Yep, no getting around it.
I also don’t understand why people think nomads don’t work. Tropical settings and sunset cocktails do require money. 🙈
Haha yep.
I think it comes from the image highlighted on social media… if you search on IG for nomad, you see a bunch of people chilling somewhere sunny… which doesn’t represent the reality at all
I absolutely needed to hear #9!
This one could be a post by itself to be honest 😆
I'm curious, do you mind elaborating on why you needed to hear this one?
Sure! I'm surrounded by friends and family who only have one viewpoint of what "real life" is, most of them don't even understand my freelance editing business or how it's sustainable/profitable let alone me traveling the world while doing so.
It was just refreshing to see this take and see that there's so many more people who think like us. And it was also eye-opening for me that I need to find more like-minded people and build community with them.
Thank you for sharing.
I can relate to what you are saying.
I'm the weirdo in my family, no one has a passport, 90% live in a 40 miles radius from each other. They all have a "regular" job.
They don't fully understand what I'm doing, and even less why I'm doing it.
It can be challenging and discouraging, but there are many people out there that can support you 🙏
Feel free to DM me if you want to 😊
And let’s also acknowledge the population of nomads who are doing this because it’s too damned expensive to own or rent in the first place. If you’re gonna be poor, may as well do it on the road. LOL!
Oh 100%.
We travel because it's costing us less than living in Europe (AND, we have a better quality of life).
I'd rather be poor by the beach than somewhere freezing cold 🤣
These myths weren’t surprising, but it was good to read them. It makes me happy for some unknown reason—maybe because I see someone living a version of my dream life.
I'm glad it was helpful Divya 🤗
I hope you make your dream life come true, it's totally possible!
Yes I have to make it my reality. Hmm