How I tried then gave up on digital nomad life in 1 week 👨‍💻

Three months into the pandemic, it was clear that this was the new norm. Instead of grieving over lost opportunities, I decided it was time to embrace the situation and start living differently. After all, the world was changing, so why shouldn't I?

The truth is, anyone can do it, and no one is stopping you.

What Made Me Want to Become a Digital Nomad?

The allure of freedom was intoxicating. Imagine waking up in a different city every month, exploring new cultures, and not being tied down to a single location. I craved the flexibility to work when I wanted, where I wanted. The idea of combining work with travel seemed like the perfect antidote to the monotony that had crept into my life during lockdown.

Seizing the Opportunity

With remote work becoming the standard, I had the chance to make this dream a reality. My job was fully online, my pet fish was gone, and there were no pressing reasons to stay put. So, I took the plunge. I packed the essentials into a backpack and booked a flight to remote destinations I'd always wanted to visit.

The Process and How I Felt

The first few days were exhilarating. Setting up my "office" on a balcony overlooking the ocean felt like living in a postcard. I was sipping fresh coconut water while coding — what could be better?

But soon, reality began to set in.

The Struggle to Manage Travel and Work

Time zone differences was no joke. I was working odd hours, leaving me tired and out of sync with both my colleagues and the local culture. Finding a quiet place to work was harder than I thought; not every cafe is thrilled with someone occupying a table for hours on end.

Social isolation hit me unexpectedly. Making friends in a new place isn't as easy as it sounds, especially when you're juggling work responsibilities. I missed impromptu lunches with coworkers and the ease of familiar routines.

Balancing work commitments with the desire to explore was more challenging than I anticipated. Mornings started with ambitious plans: finish my tasks quickly and spend the afternoon wandering through museums and local markets. But unreliable working environment and time zone differences meant I was working often late into the night. Leisure time became a scarce commodity.

When I did manage to step out, I felt guilty — shouldn't I be using this time to upskill or catch up on work? Conversely, when I focused on work or learning new technologies, I felt like I was missing out on the very experiences that drew me to this lifestyle.

The constant push and pull between exploring new places and dedicating time to professional growth left me exhausted. I was physically in amazing destinations but mentally tethered to my laptop screen.

The End Result

By the end of the first week, I realized this lifestyle wasn't for me. The romanticized vision I had didn't match the reality. I needed structure, a stable environment, and clear boundaries between work and personal time.

I made the decision to return home, where I could establish a routine that worked for me. This doesn't mean I've given up on travel or adventure — far from it. But I've learned that I thrive when I have a home base, a place where I can recharge and be productive without the constant stress of adaptation.

What I Learned

There's no shame in trying something and realizing it's not for you. In fact, it takes courage to admit when something isn't working and to make a change. The pandemic gave us all a chance to reevaluate our lives, and for me, that meant discovering that home is where I'm happiest and most productive.

So, if you're considering the digital nomad life, go for it — but be prepared for the challenges. And if it doesn't work out, that's okay too. The most important thing is finding what works for you.