The Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad No One Talks About

I still remember the day I first learned about digital nomads. I was buying a salad in a kiosk when I bumped into a Swiss guy. We struck up a conversation about our work, and he shared his experiences as a digital nomad.

I was instantly hooked. I was in the final semester of my accounting degree, but I couldn’t picture myself confined to a single cubicle (or even a city). The idea of working from a cozy café in Paris or a beachside bungalow in Bali felt exhilarating. It seemed like the ultimate dream.

Seven years later, I can confidently say that the digital nomad lifestyle is every bit as incredible as I imagined—but it’s also far more challenging than I ever anticipated.

If you’re wondering whether the digital nomad lifestyle is for you, I’m glad you’re asking that question. This path isn’t just about sipping coconuts by the sea (and trust me, you wouldn’t want that all the time anyway).

Let me share with you the honest, unfiltered pros and cons of being a digital nomad, based on my journey so far.

Pros of Being a Digital Nomad

Being a digital nomad isn’t just about sipping coconuts on a beach. It also has some truly awesome benefits. Here are some common and not-so-common advantages of being a digital nomad.

Freedom to Work Anywhere, Anytime

Having location independence is the main reason I became a digital nomad. I’ve worked near a glacier in Alaska, close to the Grand Canyon, and traveled through Europe for three months with my boyfriend.

Even if I don’t travel as much in the future, I’d still choose this lifestyle. During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to move back in with my parents in the countryside and start gardening.

As a digital nomad, you’re no longer tied to a desk or strict office hours. For me, this meant starting my mornings with a hike in Alaska and working afternoons from the cozy lounge of a hostel.

This flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of being a digital nomad—it lets you design your schedule around your productivity peaks and the lifestyle you want to live.

Travel On Your Terms

Traveling draws many people to the idea of becoming a digital nomad. While Europeans generally enjoy more vacation days than workers in Asia, even 20 days a year is often not enough once you’ve caught the travel bug.

As a digital nomad, I can decide when and where I want to travel. I usually plan weekend trips when there are fewer crowds and accommodations and flights are cheaper.

This flexibility has allowed me to experience famous cities like Paris during the shoulder season—a time between the peak and the offseason.

I also make the most of every flight and visa. For instance, I’ve maximized my six-month visa maximum stay and visited six states. I’ve also visited multiple countries by train with my three-month Schengen visa.

As a digital nomad, you can travel slowly or check off as many destinations as you want. The freedom is exhilarating.

Experience New Cultures

Digital nomadism opens you to other cultures, especially if you stay long enough.

I learned how to cook Thai, Balinese, and German food. Each dish taught me the value of patience, balance, and using fresh ingredients. Cooking became a way to connect with locals and bring memories back home.

I also learned how to take care of horses and mules on a ranch. Working with these animals taught me trust and responsibility.

I also learned about Buddhism and Hinduism. I was introduced to their deep philosophies of how we are all interconnected. I even went deeper and became a yoga teacher.

Every culture I’ve experienced has added a new layer to my understanding of the world and myself.

Lower Costs of Living

I am from the Philippines so my cost of living is not very high. But even I was surprised to find that other Southeast Asian countries like Taiwan and Laos are even cheaper!

If you’re from the US, Australia, or European countries, you’ll be amazed at how far your money can go in this region. You can stay in beautiful beachfront apartments for a fraction of what you’d pay back home.

Dining out is equally affordable; you can enjoy a meal at a good restaurant for the same price as a fast-food burger in your home country!

Saving Money

Having the option to live in these places with a low cost of living, I managed to save for investments and emergencies. In fact, in February 2024, I left my remote work and went full-time with this blog with my savings.

I also cut costs in other areas of my life. I walk in most of my travels and cook my meals daily, which saves a lot of money—and it’s something I genuinely enjoy. Thanks to the freedom I now have, I can have these choices.

Meeting Amazing People

The digital nomad community is incredibly diverse and inspiring. I was able to camp in the wilderness of Alaska thanks to someone I met while volunteering at a hostel.

I also met a girl during a Vipassana retreat whom I kept running into on the other side of the world. Oh, and did I mention I met my partner while backpacking in Sri Lanka?

You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn from the people you meet on the road. You might never cross paths with some of them again. But the time you shared and the memories you created together will make you feel like you have a family wherever you go.

Personal Growth

Traveling pushes you outside your comfort zone.

You’ll navigate language barriers and adapt to new environments. It will make you more confident, resilient, and self-reliant.

I’ve learned to trust myself and face my fears. I’ve stopped worrying about what others think.

I’ve hitchhiked across countries and couchsurfed with strangers. I’ve volunteered in diverse jobs around the world. Each experience helped me grow as a person.

Learning New Skills

Over the years, I’ve taught myself SEO, photography, social media, and even basic web design. I’ve also learned how to make a bed properly and picked up farming skills.

You’ll find that your best teachers are Google, YouTube, and the people you meet along the way.

Take this opportunity to learn new things out of pure curiosity, especially if you’re in a new country. Try something you’ve always wanted to explore but put on hold because of a 9-to-5 job.

Creativity Boost

New environments spark fresh ideas. I often find myself working better when I’m in an inspiring setting—whether it’s a cozy café in Bali or a hammock by the beach in Thailand.

It is also amazing how your surroundings can inspire you of what’s possible and help you realize the kind of life you truly want to live.

The life I’m living now—which I absolutely love—was born from those moments of inspiration.

Minimalist Mindset

Living out of a backpack teaches you to let go of what you don’t need. You’ll realize how little you actually require when you’re carrying that backpack up a mountain or unpacking it for the tenth time.

The urge to shop for new clothes every now and then will fade. With every purchase, you’ll become more mindful of its impact on the environment.

When you’re hiking or camping, you’ll start to appreciate the simple things in life—a warm meal, a cozy blanket, or even fresh water. You’ll find contentment in what you already have.

Better Food Options

Because you’re not tied to living in a city, you can choose to live in the countryside, where fresh, local food is often more affordable.

I also stayed in European countries and learned about their bio and locally sourced produce.

They also have stricter regulations on food additives and chemicals, which makes eating there feel healthier and more sustainable.

Experimenting with Lifestyles

What if you could live in a city this month, move to the mountains next month, and spend the following year surrounded by rice fields? If you’re a digital nomad, you can easily do that.

You can rent an apartment in a city for a month, and if you love it, you might stay longer. Some nomads even find a place to settle down for years.

I’ve learned that I thrive in mountain towns and prefer staying in one place for at least a month. But after two months, I start feeling the pull to move on. You’ll find your style as you go on this journey.

Appreciation for the Mundane

Traveling constantly makes you appreciate the little things—fresh air, the simple beauty of flowers on the street, or even the quiet moments in between.

I’ve also realized how much I love cooking with my boyfriend or preparing meals for him. Another joy is returning to our home base in the Philippines, where I get to plant fruit trees and see them bear fruits.

This newfound appreciation is one of the unexpected benefits of being a digital nomad. It’s a gentle reminder to find joy in life’s ordinary moments.

Getting to Know Yourself More

With so much time spent alone or in new environments, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible.

I’ve discovered what truly excites me, what scares me, and what matters most to me.

It made me realize and do things that really give me joy rather than what is expected of me. I can’t wait to see what this experience will bring to you too.

Creating a Life That’s Uniquely Yours

Not only it will help you discover what you really want, but you’ll also gain the courage to design a lifestyle that aligns with your truest self. A life free from the expectations and judgments you often face back home.

For me, this meant embracing a life full of adventure, focusing on personal growth, and doing the things that genuinely bring me joy.

It’s one of the greatest advantages of being a digital nomad. You have the freedom to shape your work—and your life—on your terms.

Time Zone Challenges

Living across time zones can be difficult. I remember waking up at 4 a.m. every Saturday in Vienna to join a team meeting in the Philippines.

While manageable, these situations can throw off your work-life balance. It’s one of the most common disadvantages of being a digital nomad, especially if your work requires frequent collaboration.

Connecting with family and friends isn’t any easier. It takes several attempts to make a call back home.

Loneliness and Isolation

No one talks about how lonely this lifestyle can be. Sure, you meet amazing people, but soon you’ll have to say goodbye. I often find myself crying on buses, trains, and planes.

We often say we’ll see each other again, but it rarely happens. I also miss having coffee and dinners with friends back home.

This is one of the things you should prepare for as you become a nomad. Learn to appreciate friendships that last only weeks or months (that doesn’t mean they aren’t deep). Also, make an effort to stay connected with your friends and family back home.