What to Expect as a Beginner Digital Nomad (tips from an expert!)

So, you want to become a digital nomad or are loving the idea of a better work-travel balance with remote work? There are a few digital nomad tips beginners should know first.

The flexibility and freedom that come with being a digital nomad is amazing. Location independence and the ability to choose how you work is a dream come true. But you’ll have the most success and work-travel balance when you manage expectations and lifestyle habits.

Already have your remote job nailed down? Before you start packing up shop to spontaneously move around the world and work in digital nomad-friendly countries, consider how you might have to adjust your life as a digital nomad.

We have years of digital nomad living under our belts. These lessons are key takeaways to ensure you begin your digital nomad journey with the right mindset.

Continue reading to discover five core things to expect if you want to be a digital nomad:

1. Minimalism is key as a digital nomad

One of the first things to consider about digital nomad life is the limited space: the amount of belongings you can bring with you — even if you are staying in Airbnb.

Many digital nomads only travel with large backpacks or a couple of suitcases max. Trust me, the more you travel, the less you’re going to want to have to lug around…it’s a lot. 

Even though you love your five pairs of shoes and 27” desktop, you will have to think practically when packing for your nomad trip.

Choose the items that are most comfortable, most practical, and only select things that you are entirely sure you will use. When packing, try to think about each item you want to bring:

• Do you genuinely need it?
• Will it help you in some way?
• When did you last use it?

Narrow down the items that you love most and leave things you could live without at home. If you plan on traveling around often when you become a digital nomad, you will be better off living as minimally as possible.  

2. Initiative and self-motivation is a necessity

Another important aspect of living abroad as a digital nomad is the fact that you will be in charge of your own work and your schedule.

Life as a digital nomad takes a lot of self-discipline and self-motivation, as you (usually) will not have any co-workers or managers who will remind you to do your work. Don’t get so caught up in playtime that you forget to complete your daily tasks. 

Stay focused on your work by creating a solid schedule for yourself and sticking to it. Remote work productivity is key. Organize with calendars, make lists, and set reminders so that you remember important deadlines and projects.

You could also download helpful organization apps, or if you’re more old school, you could purchase a paper planner and highlight, add stickers, or anything you need to stay as organized as possible.

Life as a digital nomad does not mean all fun and no work. The more organized you are, the more likely you are to stay focused and, thus, the better your experience will be.

3. Things don’t always go as planned

Another thing you should know about life as a digital nomad is that it’s very likely for things to go wrong at some point. While traveling often, multiple things could go south, so it’s essential to plan.

For starters, you could miss flights. Airlines could lose your luggage or leave you stranded somewhere. Items could get stolen…

Of course, these frustrating scenarios don’t happen all the time, but it’s still important to always be cautious and have a backup plan if you lose something crucial like your phone, purse, or wallet. 

It’s also crucial that you learn to keep a cool head on your shoulders when these unfortunate scenarios do occur. Suppose you do experience something awful, like getting your backpack and laptop stolen, for example. In that case, you will have a much smoother experience if you try to stay calm and brainstorm solutions instead of panicking.

It’s also best to try to avoid risky situations. If you’re in a hostel, be sure all your important belongings are securely locked in a locker. And for long nights out on the town, try your best to be aware of your surroundings and be sure your purse, wallet, and phone are by your side at all times. 

Stay prepared with:

• Property insurance/travel insurance
• An emergency credit card and savings account
• Proper locks, secure baggage, and security boxes
• A cloud backup for all

4. You’ll have to adjust to unique work challenges

As I mentioned above, life as a digital nomad is not always easy, and choosing this lifestyle will come with a few challenges. For starters, you’re more than likely going to face the struggles of balancing your free time with your working time.

Depending on your workload, personal organization, and the location of your clients, you may be required to be online at night or during early mornings.

Sometimes you might find yourself working late at night and feeling upset from missing out on a city’s nightlife — but you have to remember that profit is crucial for digital nomad longevity.

You are going to want to see all of the cities you visit and enjoy your time traveling, but you can’t get too caught up in exploration that you don’t finish your work. Balance is key!

Also, keep in mind that you need to generate enough income each month to fund yourself while in a foreign country. The last thing you want to do is run out of money and not have enough to get back home.  

5. prepare for a mindset shift

Becoming a digital nomad will truly be transformative. Your newfound work-travel balance will allow you to explore the world and learn who you are.

The one thing you are sure to love most if you become a digital nomad is the fact that every day is an adventure!

When you’re able to work remotely from wherever you decide, and you’re open-minded enough to explore the unknown, the world is truly your oyster.

As a digital nomad, you will be able to explore nature like never before, visit sights that you’ve only seen on Pinterest, and then go beyond that and immerse yourself in new experiences.

You’ll discover who you really are and what you truly want out of life. 

What do you want to know about being a digital nomad?

I hope this blog post helps you prepare your mindset for an adventurous journey to becoming a digital nomad!

Moving abroad to work remotely and explore the world can be difficult at times, and we don’t want to sugarcoat it, but with a little bit of planning you will be sure to have the best time of your life.

Hey Pinterest Fam!

Save these Tips for Beginner Digital Nomads by pinning the image below to your inspiration board.