Many articles share how to become a digital nomad, but writers do not discuss the challenges they face. When making a life-changing decision, it’s vital to be aware of the hurdles you will have to overcome.

Planning and being prepared for the challenges ahead is essential if you are selling your home, quitting a secure job, or making life-changing decisions. How do I know this? Here is my story.

My Digital Nomad Story

In 2015, I quit my job of 24 years to work remotely and travel the world. This decision was made over time. It took me two years to plan, and various hurdles had to be overcome. Since then, I have lived and worked remotely in cities like Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Prague.

This was a life-changing decision. I went from a materialistic lifestyle to living in a modern apartment with an Italian leather sofa and a 50-inch television and continuously buying the latest gadgets. I left a secure job with great pay and a solid pension.

Here is the first step to becoming a digital nomad.

Open a new document on your laptop (or grab a pen and pad if you want to be old school) and make your favorite beverage. Then, find a quiet space at home and switch off your phone and any other distractions.

Making difficult decisions during a pandemic

When writing this article, we are living through a global pandemic. You are likely currently working from home, and traveling sounds ludicrous. The point of this exercise is to get you thinking about the future. We will not be living through this pandemic forever.

Create Your List of Challenges

You will need to write down a series of questions, so please take time to think about your answers and write down your thoughts.

Start by writing down what stops you from packing your bag today and becoming a digital nomad. Do you have debt? No savings in your bank account? Do you have a home to rent or sell? Are you worried about leaving your ageing parents? What are the mental barriers stopping you?

Will your employer allow you to work remotely and travel?
Do you need to gain the skills to work remotely?

Think about what is stopping you.

This will become your list of challenges, and believe me, while right now it might feel like a big brick wall is stopping you, there are solutions to all the challenges.

Reasons for Becoming a Digital Nomad

Next, write down why you want to work remotely and travel. I think you could give this some thought. Are you stuck in the comfort zone? Counting down to Friday and wishing your life away? Or are you running away from problems that will not be solved by becoming a digital nomad?

Be honest with yourself.

After completing these two exercises, you will have a list of challenges to overcome. This could be a list of tasks, i.e., clearing debt or changing your mindset to help you make the right decision.

You’ll also have a list of reasons why you want to become a digital nomad, and this list will keep you motivated. Vision what your future might look like – create a vision board so that these images are the first thing you see in the morning and when you need motivation.

Before you start these two exercises, it’s essential to be realistic.

The Reality of Becoming a Digital Nomad

You will often see content portraying a digital nomad working next to the pool on a laptop, with a cocktail or on the beach with the waves lapping around you.

The reality is that it could not be further from the truth.

Relaxing next to the pool or on the beach is fun, but working remotely in these locations is impossible due to the glare on the screen and unreliable internet connection. It is essential to find somewhere to focus rather than the beaches and swimming pools, which can be very distracting.

You will spend your working day in co-working spaces, coffee shops, or your apartment. Create a good work-life balance to have time to do the things you love.

Most companies will require you to work 8 hours a day, and if you are self-employed, more hours will be needed to run your business. Being a digital nomad is a life-changing experience, but be realistic.

Do you have any questions about this first step to becoming a digital nomad? Sign up for my email and receive free training every Sunday.