30 Nov
30Nov

While it may sound like the ideal occupation, being a digital nomad is not always as glamorous as it appears. Although being self-employed or a remote worker or entrepreneur can be exciting, digital nomads also face some of the challenges that nine-to-fivers do. Whether you are just starting out on your digital nomad journey or are a few years into working on the road, here are some guidelines to help you make the most of this very unusual lifestyle. 

HughblaisdellDigital nomadCC BY-SA 4.0 

1. Adopt a Hardworking Mindset

One of the biggest misconceptions about becoming a digital nomad is that it is all about travelling to exotic places in the world and spending only a few hours a day "working" on your computer to earn a living. Regardless of whether you are a freelance content creator, a YouTuber, an entrepreneur on the road or a blogger, there is no getting around hard work when it comes to being a successful digital nomad. You will most likely be spending more time working than you would on a regular job with a steady paycheck and set work hours as everything boils down to you and your talent, time, and efficiency. Hustling is a reality that every remote worker needs to get used to.

2. Deal with Logistical Issues with Patience

As a digital nomad, travelling from one destination to another becomes integral to your yearly schedule and this means getting used to your fair share of logistical concerns and nightmares. Whether you choose to occupy co-living spaces offered by the likes of lyf by Ascott or spend a few months in a hostel or hotel, meeting your professional needs will prove to be a challenge. From finding a solid Wi-Fi plan to sorting out time differences when making calls to clients overseas or dealing with flight delays and transportation woes to your newest base, what can go wrong on the road is endless. The trick is to adopt a flexible attitude towards these common travel-related hiccups.

3. Embrace the Fact that Every Day will be Different

Unlike an office setting in a company where every employee has a set number of tasks and responsibilities, life as digital nomads is far more uncertain. It is difficult to stick to a routine as the infrastructure is not available and must be ironed out through your own experience. You will be constantly trying to figure out when to work, how to work, what project to prioritise and whether your work is subpar as there's no one but you to make all these decisions and hold yourself responsible for various outcomes.  This can be exhausting and taxing but it is crucial to outsource tasks where you can and to go easy on yourself when things don't work out according to plan. 

4. Make Your Flexible Work Schedule Benefit You

While digital nomads complain of having to work overtime or all the time, the luxury of being able to choose when to work should not be taken for granted. Unlike office workers who have only a few hours every morning before reporting to work, digital nomads can decide what time of the day works in terms of their own productivity, habits and preferences. For example, digital nomads can work at night or when it is convenient as they are not being paid by the hour or how many hours they put into a project. This means that you can work more on some days and less when your health or personal priorities must be dealt with.

5. Go Slow

One of the biggest mistakes that digital nomads and remote workers make is setting unrealistic earning goals and working themselves to burnout to achieve this end. Taking days off and slowing down your work pace can help in improving the overall quality of what you produce while also minimising stress.

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