Interested in Being a Digital Nomad? What You Need to Know

Digital nomads have a passion for travel, a desire for adventure, and an interest in new cultures. Becoming a digital nomad has increased a dramatic 131% from 2019 to 2023. Our research found that more than 17 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads.

This kind lifestyle can be exciting and fulfilling–and challenging. If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad, here’s some things you need to know. 

3 Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad 

1. High levels of work satisfaction 

Becoming a digital nomad allows people to combine a passion for travel with their work, so it may not come as a surprise that digital nomads have higher levels of satisfaction with their work than other types of workers. According to our research, 80% of digital nomads report being highly satisfied with their work compared to 59% of non-digital nomad workers.  

2. Opportunities for Geoarbitrage 

Many digital nomads work from places with low costs of living while keeping their same higher level of income, a strategy known as Geoarbitrage. This allows them to focus less on the hours they work and more on things they are passionate about like exploration and travel. 

While the majority—68%—of digital nomads work full-time, many work only part-time (32%), and others work on and off throughout the year as they need. Income varies widely, but 42% of digital nomads say their household income is $75,000 or more.    

3. Better work/life balance 

The digital nomad lifestyle tends to be flexible, which is a big draw for many people. Many digital nomads say the ability to travel when and where they want is the best part of their lifestyle. Digital nomads enjoy experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. The lifestyle comes with a lot of autonomy and the opportunity to decide how you balance your work and non-work life.   

What are the Challenges to Being a Digital Nomad? 

1. Contending with a return-to-office policy 

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the number of people who decided to work as digital nomads. But as pandemic fears have waned, more employers are pushing for a hybrid approach with employees spending a few days a week in the office. This has influenced the growth of digital nomads, and year-over-year growth is leveling out. Over half of digital nomads say they plan to travel exclusively in the US, as it has become more difficult for many to negotiate a fully nomadic work situation.  

2. Managing the logistics of working from afar 

The digital nomad lifestyle, while it comes with many benefits, can be difficult as well. Top challenges reported include managing work and travel, being away from family and friends, personal safety, and time zone differences making work difficult. It’s not a lifestyle for everyone and it can often be hard to manage loneliness and being away from family and friends.  

3. Traveling with a family  

Over half of digital nomads are married or living with a partner and 24% report traveling with their children. Many see being able to expose kids to new people, places, and cultures as a benefit, but education on the road can be a challenge. Some digital nomads home school, but the majority enroll their children in private or public schools. There are programs and companies in many countries that cater to families that may only be in a place for a short period of time.  Other families spend more time in fewer countries to make this easier. 

4 Steps to Become a Digital Nomad

1. Secure a job or business that allows you to work remotely 

Digital nomads come from many different backgrounds. Some are traditionally employed, while others are independent. If you plan to become a digital nomad, start by making sure your job is amenable to doing so. Inform your sponsor or your clients of your intentions, discuss work arrangement details, and make sure any specific requirements they have surrounding taxes, work hours, etc. are met. 

2. Prepare financially and set a budget

Financial preparation and budgeting are important parts of becoming a digital nomad. Consider what rent costs might be like in the cities or countries you want to visit as well as other costs such as food, transportation, coworking spaces, and internet. You’ll also want to consider travel and medical insurance, visas, tech equipment, international phone bills, and having an emergency fund in case you get sick or need to fly home.  

3. Get set up with the right technology

The great news about becoming a digital nomad today is that there is a wealth of technology available to help make your life easier. The basics include a lightweight laptop, smartphone, cables, and power strip, electrical outlet adapters (depending on your country of travel), a Wi-Fi hot spot and booster, a VPN, a portable power bank, and an external hard drive. 

4. Decide where to go

The fun part! There are many factors in deciding your travel destinations. When choosing where to go, some of the things you’ll want to consider are how easy it is to work in that city or country, what the climate is like, what internet access is like, if you need a visa, and whether there are other digital nomads working there.