10 Signs Digital Nomadism Is For You

You've heard the hype and now you can test if digital nomadism is the right career path for you. Are you super chill and open to different cultures? Working online from anywhere in the world could be your next big adventure.

1. You're spontaneous

@iamkaypeeee / Via instagram.com

Just like MJ here, a BBC journalist who quit her job to travel in her van, digital nomads are spontaneous and in the moment.

If you're so spontaneous that you're willing to give up your consistent and regimented lifestyle for one of uncertainty and adventure, then digital nomadism isn't a bad option.

2. You hate how high your rent is

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Ok, high rent is one thing, but being stuck in a contract is another situation entirely. What if you want to go on a month-long vacation? You'll have to sublet your apartment, or pay the stiff fee of your vacation plus your rent. Neither of these options is super appealing, am I right?

But, what if you didn't rent or own an apartment? What if you could nomad from place to place staying in hostels, hotels, AirBnb residences and other short-term housing options? If you already have a job that could be done remotely via computer, then digital nomadism could be a real option.

3. You actually enjoy airports and train stations

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Most people hate layovers. They hate being trapped for hours in some unknown place. But digital nomads take those opportunities to pop out the laptop and get some work done.

Even better, airports and train stations are awesome opportunities to people watch, make new friends, or film a new travel vlog. It's all about perspective and as a traveler, perspective really is everything.

4. You love planning the logistics of travel

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Are you the type of person who loves spreadsheets? Do you enjoy spending hours looking for the cheapest flight deals? Have you got all your top dream destinations pinned on Pinterest?

If so, it sounds like you are a natural planner and digital nomadism takes some serious planning. If you're moving every few months to a new destination and you're on a budget, it will take time and energy to figure out transportation, lodging and not to mention where to actually go and what to see.

5. New cultures? No problem.

Stacey Herbert / Via browngirlsfly.com

Culture shock is a real phenomenon. It can be super intimidating and overwhelming to find yourself in a totally different culture with different norms, outlooks and of course, language.

But if you're going to opt for digital nomadism, it's important to be open to new cultural experiences. Letting go of how you expect things to be can be liberating. After living in a different country for a period of time, you may even find that you like certain aspects better than your home country.

Stacey Herbert, a digital nomad and marketing specialist, speaks about her experience in India, "People will stare, so it's easier to get used to it quickly. I know many locals got a bit of a 'culture shock' when I rocked up to the Taj Mahal wearing a Shalwar Kameez. I smiled, took the whispering, laughing, and pointing in my stride, and spoke with some incredible locals that day. Turns out they're just as interested in you as you are in them."

6. You can work productively anywhere

@kimmoym / Via instagram.com

You see how I snuck that word in? Productively. Sure you can peruse Instagram for the #digitalnomad hashtag and you'll find tons of curated images of people and their laptops on the beach. But, that's not necessarily what digital nomadism is all about.

Yes, it makes a great pic, but real digital nomadism is actually a lot of hard work. And one of the hardest aspects of that work is learning how to be incredibly productive no matter where you are. If you can master that, you're ready.

Kimmoy Matthews says, "I actually find that I'm very productive when I go to two cafes in one day. It breaks up the monotony of sitting in one workspace all day long and it allows me to get familiar with the cities I'm visiting in each country. No matter how beautiful and quirky a cafe is, what makes it great for me is the speed of the wifi and access to an outlet so I can stay charged up."

And of course, it's important not to blow all of your money drinking coffees all day. As Kimmoy explains, "Quick tip for those on a budget--You should select and schedule your visits around places that serve meals like breakfast and lunch. If you go between meals, you could easily spend a lot on the yummy cafe indulgences that invade your senses while you crank away on your laptop."

7. You Need Your Space

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A lot of people give up the digital nomad lifestyle because they miss the comforts of going in to an office today to a group of familiar coworkers. Familiarity is actually pretty instinctual for humans and it does make life more comfortable.

However, nomads thrive in the discomfort of not knowing what to expect next. And, they really do need their space. Every day in the same office with the same coworkers? Puh. lease.

8. You're super duper chill

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Traveling the world can be stressful. Like, mega stressful. It's easy to lose your cool in annoying and chaotic situations. But, the people who make the most perfect travelers and the best fits for digital nomadism are chilled out.

If you're rocking a sabai-sabai, hang-ten, chilled-out attitude, then the stresses of travel won't bog you down and you'll be better prepared to live in the moment and enjoy the ride.

9. Different types of food? Um, YES!

@eatyourkimchi / Via Instagram: @eatyourkimchi

If you're traveling frequently from country to country, you'll be experiencing a wide range of new cuisines. In short, nomadism may not be for the weak stomached. But, if you can smile and bear it, even when the food is burning a fiery trail down your intestines, you are one of us. Proceed!

10. You're ready to explore the world

@chrisburkard / Via Instagram: @chrisburkard

If not now, when? Digital nomads know that you can spend your entire life at a 9 to 5 job, just waiting for your annual vacation leave. But then, of course, you're so tired that you can't really enjoy your vacation. Retirement will eventually come, but why not travel while you can?

If you're ready for a life of unexpectedness, adventure and hard work, then think about digital nomadism. It really might be right for you!