Being a digital nomad has many advantages, but some freelancers find that loneliness, language barriers, and unrealistic expectations can be a problem.
Working as a digital nomad sounds like a sweet deal. You mostly get to set your own hours (depends on the kind of remote work, really), which typically lets you work from anywhere in the world. Want to see the sunny beaches of Southern California or explore New England during the fall? You’re your own boss, so go right ahead. As long as you have one of the many essential accessories for digital nomads and a stable internet connection, that is.
However, if you’re a social butterfly, it could be more challenging than you might imagine. Charlotte Grainger wrote about her experience as a digital nomad in an essay for Business Insider, noting that it was difficult to form bonds with other digital nomads. Grainger was working as a freelance writer in the U.K. when she decided to visit Lisbon, Portugal, for a two-month stay. When she arrived, she tried to make friends with other nomads, but found that it was like trying to fit in with a clique in high school when you’re new to the school and they’ve been friends since elementary school.
