After spending several years traveling the world as a digital nomad, I made the difficult decision to return to the United States and settle down in one place. This decision came as a shock to many of my friends and followers, who had watched me live what seemed like a dream life, working remotely from exotic locations and experiencing new cultures on a daily basis. However, the reality of being a digital nomad was much different than the glamorous image portrayed on social media.
One of the main reasons I decided to quit my life as a digital nomad was the constant feeling of being disconnected from friends and family. While technology made it possible to stay in touch with loved ones, the time zone differences and long periods of time spent in remote locations made it challenging to maintain meaningful relationships. I longed for the sense of community and belonging that comes with being in one place, surrounded by familiar faces.
Another factor that contributed to my decision was the lack of stability and routine in my life. While the freedom to work from anywhere was exciting at first, it soon became exhausting to constantly be on the move and live out of a suitcase. I missed having a routine and a sense of structure in my day-to-day life, as well as the stability of a permanent home.
Financial considerations also played a role in my decision to return to the US. Living as a digital nomad can be expensive, with the cost of accommodations, transportation, and other expenses adding up quickly. I found myself constantly worrying about money and whether I would be able to sustain my lifestyle in the long term. Returning to a more traditional work environment in the US provided me with a steady income and financial security that I had been lacking as a digital nomad.
Lastly, I realized that the constant travel and new experiences were causing me to miss out on deeper connections and personal growth. While I had seen many amazing places and met interesting people during my time as a digital nomad, I felt as though I was only scratching the surface of what the world had to offer. By returning to the US and putting down roots in one place, I could focus on building deeper connections with others and investing more time in personal development.
While my time as a digital nomad was filled with incredible experiences and memories, I ultimately decided that the lifestyle was not sustainable for me in the long term. By returning to the US, I have been able to find a greater sense of belonging, stability, and personal fulfillment that I was missing while constantly on the move. While I may not be jetting off to exotic locations every month, I am grateful for the life I have built for myself back in the US.
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I woke up this morning feeling nervous about publishing this video… It feels vulnerable to share something so personal but I hope it is helpful for you. Be sure to subscribe if it resonates with you and I will link to my book and luggage mentioned here: Digital Nomads for Dummies: https://amzn.to/3JLLx5c
Suitcase I use: https://amzn.to/3X9044g
Carry-On I use: https://amzn.to/4dNtPgx
Why did I not get the chance to be a digital nomad?
Digital nomad is one of my dream in the near future but this video makes me know more…. Good to know it.
I am retired. I fantasize about traveling as a way of life or relocating to a Southern State. At 67 I’m still in my house of 36 years. We are never selling and will give it to two of our daughters. I travel instead 3 to 4 times a year. I think I have the best of both worlds.
Foremost, I think you show what being a free spirit coupled with living your passion and working hard can create.
Bravo, and yeah I love your content (you're one of the rock stars in the Digital Nomad lifestyle and traveling in general).