So You Think You Want To Be a Digital Nomad

So You Think You Want To Be a Digital Nomad Theyre one of those people that everyone has at least heard of if they dont know one personally.  The digital nomad.  That fortunate soul who wanders the globe in a series of perpetual adventures. And making a great living while doing so.  Who wouldnt want to join their ranks? Its easier than you may think.  Especially if you choose a hybrid approach where you get to  travel a lot but still have firm roots in one place, like Ms Career Girl.  But as with so many things which we only see from the outside, theres a downside to consider before you make the leap.  Here are the hidden costs of the digital nomad lifestyle, and then some expert tips if youre still feeling that urge to hit the road. Digital Nomad(ness) Lost Connections:  No, thats not a missed flight.  Its the loss of the close social interaction with friends and family.  Sure, youll likely meet new friends on the road, but it wont ever be the same.  Itll require a pretty big adjustment to a totally new way of feeding the human need to be part of a family or other social group. Fantasy vs. Reality:  Youve seen the images that get shared and re-shared on social media.  There they are, all wonderfully tan and smiling, sitting on a beach or in some quaint pub with their laptop.  Nice photo op.  Reality is that as often as not theyre either in the corner of a hostel or coffee shop a good piece of the day,  giving their all to hustling enough money to get to the next destination. Stuff Be Gone:  If you think you can adopt the minimalist lifestyle, great, youre that much closer to being a digital nomad.  But for most of us, letting go of your stuff and learning to live with nothing more than you can put in a backpack or suitcase is a challenge.  Think essentials.  Bare essentials.  No, barest of essentials. Those are just the beginning.  Still think its your cup of tea?  Heres some tips garnered from Natalie Sissons new book, The Suitcase Entrepreneur.  If youre really serious about this, Id highly recommend you give it a read.  While its a bit light in depth here and there (it would take a multi-volume set to provide a complete education), itll give you a ton of ideas to consider and some suggestions and insights that will help you make the leap or decide the comforts of home are just fine. The Suitcase Entrepreneurs Tips Natalie Sissons book is like  an intense coaching and reality check session.  Its about creating a life that most fear to venture into.  Whats it take to do it?  Heres some of what she says are the key qualities and characteristics youll need to be successful. A vision for yourself and life that you will fight for Determination, persistence, and the ability to hustle The ability to spend time along and enjoy your own company An independent nature and the strength of character to deal with daily challenges Decision-making and planning capabilities you can continue to build on, and discipline you can act on As with any major life decision, its important to look at both the upside and downside.   As always, if youre willing to pay the prices, the rewards can be great.