The Stressful Reality of Being a Digital Nomad: Beyond the Rose-Colored Glasses

The digital nomad lifestyle is often romanticized as the ultimate blend of work and wanderlust.

Images of laptops on pristine beaches, cozy cafés in foreign cities, and the freedom to explore the world while earning a living dominate social media.

However, the reality of being a digital nomad is far more complex and, at times, far more stressful than it appears.

For Russell, a full-time tech worker and travel blogger behind Inside the Upgrade, the challenges of working remotely while traveling became glaringly apparent during a trip to Mexico.

“It was just a disaster,” she told USA TODAY. “When the internet doesn’t work, and you’re trying to work remotely, your stress levels skyrocket.

It’s important not to draw attention to it.

I’m a productive team member; it’s not like, sorry guys, I’m in Mexico.”

Russell’s story is a testament to the often-overlooked difficulties of the digital nomad lifestyle.

While the freedom to work from anywhere is undeniably appealing, the lack of stability, logistical hurdles, and emotional toll can make it a far cry from the glamorous life portrayed online.

The Allure of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

The pandemic served as a catalyst for many to reconsider their work-life balance.

For Russell, the confinement of her New York City apartment and her company’s shift to remote work prompted her to embrace her love of travel.

Since then, she has worked from Colombia, Paris, and most recently, Costa Rica, with brief stops back home.

Russell’s experience reflects a growing trend.

According to a survey by MBO Partners, the number of Americans identifying as digital nomads surged by 147% between 2019 and 2024, reaching 18.1 million.

This lifestyle, which allows individuals to blend work and travel seamlessly, has become increasingly accessible in a world where remote work is the norm.

However, as Russell and others have discovered, the digital nomad lifestyle is not without its challenges.

“I think it’s really easy to put on rose-colored glasses,” she said.

“I will say I’m speaking from a place of privilege, and I’m really lucky to do what I’m doing.”

The Balancing Act: Work, Travel, and Routine

One of the most significant challenges digital nomads face is maintaining a work-life balance.

Ellen Flowers, a travel blogger at The Perennial Flower, has spent a decade fusing work with travel.

Yet, she admits that the line between work and leisure often blurs.

“You’re loving the destination, and you want to explore whenever, but I’m working remotely,” Flowers said.

“When do I start? When do I turn off? There’s a line where maybe I don’t know how to vacation anymore.”

For Russell, the constraints of a typical nine-to-five job dictate her travels.

Working during weekdays forces her to make sacrifices, such as adjusting to different time zones.

In Paris, she found herself taking calls until 2 a.m. to accommodate her team’s schedule.

The limited time to explore can also lead to a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out).

“If you’re only in a place for a few days or a few weeks, you have FOMO the whole time,” Russell explained.

“Everyone’s going to the beach and happy hour, but you have meetings.”

Logistical Challenges: Accommodations and Visas

Finding suitable accommodations for longer stays is another hurdle. Russell often plans her trips months in advance to secure housing for the full duration of her stay.

“If you’re trying to spend a month somewhere, people will often book three days here and there, so it’s hard to find a place that’s available for the full duration,” she said.

To support local communities, Russell prefers booking through local hosts on short-term rental platforms or checking WhatsApp housing groups where residents share available guest rentals.

Visa requirements also add another layer of complexity.

Countries like Portugal offer digital nomad visas, but they come with strict income requirements and additional costs, such as international health insurance.

Portugal’s golden visa program, which grants residency to real estate investors, has faced significant backlogs, with some applicants waiting years for approval.

The Lack of Routine and Community

The transient nature of the digital nomad lifestyle can disrupt daily routines, making even simple tasks more challenging.

“How do you have a routine when it’s constantly changing?” asked Casie Tennin, a digital nomad and certified life coach.

Tennin recommends creating daily templates that can be adapted to different locations, such as incorporating an early morning walk into each day.

“Otherwise, you feel super ungrounded and unrooted,” she said.

Building deep connections is another struggle.

“It feels super lonely,” Tennin admitted. “It’s easy to meet people, but they feel like travel friends.

You meet up for a few days, but you don’t cultivate deeper friendships.

You always kind of feel like an outsider.”

Cultural barriers and language differences can exacerbate this sense of isolation.

Additionally, the “digital nomad” label can create tension with locals, particularly in destinations where rising costs and gentrification are concerns.

In Bali, for example, trendy cafés popular among foreigners are often too expensive for locals earning a daily minimum wage of about $10.

The Impact on Local Communities

The influx of digital nomads has had a profound impact on many destinations.

In Spain, the golden visa program, which granted residency to real estate investors, was discontinued in April 2024 due to concerns about housing affordability.

Portugal has also implemented tighter restrictions on its own program.

Tennin emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one’s impact.

“Be mindful of the impact that you have in general, be aware of any privilege that you might have coming in, and have an intentional mindset,” she said.

Learning key phrases in the local language, supporting locally owned businesses, and engaging with residents on a deeper level can help bridge the gap.

Is Being a Digital Nomad Worth It?

Despite the challenges, many digital nomads find the lifestyle deeply rewarding.

For Russell, the joy of exploring new cultures and the freedom to work from anywhere outweigh the difficulties.

“This feeling of being on vacation doesn’t always have to happen when you’re on vacation,” she said.

“Even when I’m going to the grocery store, I’m doing it in Costa Rica, so that brings me a lot of joy.”

Ellen Flowers echoes this sentiment, noting that the lifestyle has made her more resilient and adaptable.

“It’s made me more of a well-rounded person.

I handle chaos a lot better,” she said.

For those considering the digital nomad lifestyle, Tennin advises reflecting on their motivations. “Why do you want to do this?” she asked.

“Oh, because it looks cool on Instagram, but is there some sort of deeper-seated drive there? If the intrinsic value is freedom and flexibility and adventure, those are things that’ll probably drive you to feel fulfilled in that lifestyle.”

Conclusion

The digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom and the opportunity to explore the world while earning a living.

However, it also comes with significant challenges, from logistical hurdles and disrupted routines to the emotional toll of constant transience.

For those who thrive on adventure and are willing to navigate the complexities, the rewards can be immense.

Yet, it is essential to approach this lifestyle with realistic expectations and a mindful awareness of its impact on both personal well-being and local communities.

Ultimately, the decision to become a digital nomad should be driven by a genuine desire for freedom, flexibility, and cultural immersion—not just the allure of Instagram-worthy moments.

By embracing both the highs and lows, digital nomads can create a fulfilling and balanced life on the road.