What's it really like to be a digital nomad?

We debunk some myths about working on the move

Jul 31, 2024

With remote working increasing during the pandemic and beyond, so has the number of workers opting to become digital nomads. These are people travelling and working in another country other than their homeland for a set period of time.

Instagram feeds showcasing writers with Riviera views beside their laptops can spur wanderlust in even the most reclusive freelancer. But is the allure as enticing as the reality? We spoke with freelancers working across multiple countries to learn what's true and false about working from different locales.

Myth #1: It takes a lot of preparation

The amount of time needed to plan for your stint in another country will depend on various factors including location, finances, type of journalism, client base, and your passport privilege(s), defined as the ease with which your passport allows you to travel or secure visas. Passport Index even has a real-time ranking of passports based on their mobility. For Suzanne Latre, freelancer and Editor-in-Chief of Le Parisien Matin, “It wasn't a choice as much as it happened after I accepted multiple freelance missions that were remote and required some travel. It turned out to be a full-time schedule very quickly. I didn't really prepare for this lifestyle, I just made the jump.” Similarly, freelancer Turyal Azam Khan fell into working between two countries after deciding to get study for a masters degree in the UK once Covid restrictions eased. “The UK is a bigger market for freelancing than Pakistan and living in the UK also gave me access to other opportunities globally,” says Turyal. Nomad List offers a list of best places to work as a digital nomad if you need support picking your next destination.

Myth #2: Digitally connected means easily connected

We’ve all witnessed the dreaded message that our connection is unstable and reliable and internet is even more important for someone without a permanent base. “Don’t take your Wi-Fi situation lightly. I’ve stayed in too many places where I thought I could work, but that was not the case,” recalls Tamara Davison, who has freelanced nomadically for several years and is currently based in India. She recommends always having a back-up connection to hotspot. Internet isn’t the only culprit of digital malaise. Even with the rise in FinTech companies, your location can inadvertently affect your ability to receive a paycheck. When Turyal returned to Pakistan, PayPal wasn’t available and “clients had to look for alternative methods to pay you or won’t work with you if you don’t have PayPal.” Be sure to clarify payment feasibility before confirming clients.

Myth #3: More locations, more opportunities

Working everywhere all at once can come with benefits and drawbacks, though experiences are as varied as freelancers. “Some people do require you to meet in-person before assigning a job. This is something I respect but can't always do,” observes Suzanne. Conversely, Tamara has found she has gotten more opportunities by “just being in the right place at the right time” and “keeping your finger on the pulse of local news can help you land pitches in national media”. Understanding your current client base and potential opportunities before you decide on a place can help ease transition nerves. Turyal cautions aspiring nomads to read visa regulations before moving as he was unaware in 2021 “that as an international student…you also cannot freelance using your bank account so that year was a huge hurdle.”

Myth #4: A nomadic lifestyle is only for travel journalists

Many apps now include commercial content disclosures, forcing influencers and journalists to declare when they’ve been comped that sea view penthouse suite instead of goading us plebeians into thinking they can afford this lifestyle. But travel journalists are not the only freelance journalists jetsetting. “I’ve landed many hard-hitting news pieces,” recalls Tamara. “I read local media so I can keep an eye on emerging events and also connect with local journalists who may want to partner on projects.” Not sure where to start? Tamara recommends, “Introduce yourself to local NGOs and make as many local contacts as you can.” She also advises connecting with photographers in the area so that you can offer visuals during pitches.

Myth #5: Work hard, play harder

Living abroad means a relaxed schedule and non-stop fun, right? Wrong. “The best part of being a nomadic freelancer is that it allows me to avoid having to go to the same office everyday and to manage my own schedule,” mentions Suzanne. “[But] I ran into the issue of organising calls; it's not great when someone you're interviewing is constantly busy and their only time to meet for a virtual interview is your 3am.” She also urges newbies to not envision an “Instagram lifestyle… Realistically speaking, you're not going to be doing a lot of visiting when you're working. Most of your outings will be work-related.”

Myth #6: Moving is the hardest part

As any person who has moved often can attest, moving frequently can affect your ability to build community. For Suzanne, “the lack of ability to settle down and form stronger friendships” is the most difficult aspect of being a digital nomad. “We can say what we want but social relationships are very important to mental health and they make travelling more enjoyable,” she adds. While it can be tempting to constantly explore new locales, Tamara warns novices to travel slowly and suggests, “Spending a few days in any location isn’t enough time to really get stuck in. Moving frequently and packing your bags will definitely get exhausting, and it stops you from really getting to know the place and people. I have a weird theory that everything falls into place after being in a location for around five weeks — such as friends, routine, and a sense of grounding.”

So what’s their best advice for anyone considering this lifestyle? “My advice would be to be prepared for everything both mentally and physically,” advises Turyal. “It seems fun and to be honest it is but the journey is tough so be prepared for that.”

It may not always be lavish and thrilling, but you can have a profitable career freelancing and being a digital nomad. Minding your location and expectations while embedding yourself locally can greatly increase your ability to acclimate successfully to this new lifestyle.

Are you a digital nomad journalist with similar or disparate experiences? Share your experience on our Facebook page.

Digital Notebook

Don’t forget to check out our new Digital Notebook we put together with xTiles. Look at us venturing into the world of apps! In the notebook we share a ton of resources including templates for pitching, invoicing and logging expenses as well as tips, tools, checklists and loads more. It’s all there for a one off payment of less than £20. It may be of particular use to those of you who are new to freelancing and finding your feet.