Jessica Garza’s Story of Struggles on Tech Nomadism
People often say the digital nomad lifestyle is packed with adventure, thrill, and happiness. But that's only part of the story. It's not all sunshine and roses. Alongside the positives, there are some significant downsides.
Having been a digital nomad for quite some time now, I think it’s important to share my own struggles. If I had to sum it up: I don't have a permanent home, I often feel broke, and I don’t have a close group of friends. These are my challenges.
As a digital nomad, I'm constantly on the move. When I finish work, there's no home to go back to. Home is wherever I am at the moment – whether it's a beach, a café, a restaurant, a hotel room, a mountain, a trail, or a riverside camp. It’s nice to be in different places, but it can get exhausting. Sometimes, I really miss having a home base. But this is the path I chose.
Money is another big issue. I work while I travel, or travel while I work – it’s 24/7. And sometimes, despite having savings, I still feel broke. It sounds odd, but it's true. New places bring new temptations. Seeing people enjoying fancy restaurants and unique experiences gives me FOMO. I feel compelled to try everything, which leads to guilt and regret over spending too much, making me feel perpetually broke.
Making friends is tough too when you're always on the move. I don’t have a solid group of friends. Even if I make some, I lose them when I move to another city.
I've learned to live with these downsides, but it still sucks sometimes. I feel lonely and left out. On the flip side, I'm grateful for the freedom and peace that comes with being away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
In the end, you have to sacrifice something to gain something. My sacrifices have brought me freedom, calmness, and contentment. You just have to keep going and moving forward, just like Jessica Garza.
More on Jessica Garza
https://vocal.media/journal/jessica-garza-nomadic-work-hacks-i-use
https://sites.google.com/view/jessica-garza-nomad-internet/home