Are you wondering if you should become a nomad? Has the Instagram feed of many travelers got you in your feelings about seeing the world? There are a few questions you should consider before taking the plunge.
The national health and economic crisis has given people a lot of time to reflect on what’s essential in life. It has encouraged many to recognize the importance of health, wellness, and family.
Some have become inspired to let go of worldly things and indulge in what makes them happy. That includes a large number of people that have opted for the nomadic lifestyle.
The concept of having no fixed habitat as you travel the world seems like a dream come true. Although it can be a fulfilling lifestyle, it doesn’t come without its problems. As such, anyone interested in becoming a nomad is encouraged to ensure they’re prepared before taking the leap of faith.
So, should you become a nomad? Read on for more questions that will help you find your answer.
Should You Become a Nomad? Questions to Ask Yourself
Why Do You Want This Lifestyle?
Transitioning to become a nomad is significant. You’ll have to adjust to the ebbs and flows of this life constantly.
During times when things aren’t going your way, it’s good to have something to remind you why you chose this path in the first place. This will give you something to hold onto to push through those difficult times. Keep in mind that being a nomad is more than just quitting your job and traveling.
Are You Ready To Let Go of Stability?
To become a nomad means understanding that stability goes out the window. Everything is up in the air, from knowing where you’re going to live to how you’ll afford your next meal when you don’t have a “home base” or job.
While there are acceptable methods to reduce instability, you need to be financially and emotionally prepared for the transition.
How Will You Earn A Living?
While you won’t have to worry about rent, mortgage, or utilities, you’ll still need to make money to become a nomad and survive as one. Once you give notice to your employer, what will you do to earn a living?
You’ll need to pay for things like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare for you and those traveling with you. Whether you decide to go to psychology school so you can become a virtual therapist, apply for remote positions, or start a business, you’ll need to ensure it can provide the bare necessities.
What Are You Leaving Behind?
Nomads leave everything behind to travel the world and live a more free and flexible lifestyle. Is this something you’re prepared to do?
Think about familiarities like your career, neighborhood, home, friends, relatives, community, and extracurricular activities you love most. While you can always visit or engage in these activities during your travels, it’s not quite the same.
How’s Your Health?
One of the most overlooked aspects of becoming a nomad is health and wellness. While traveling has many healing and therapeutic benefits, it’s not a cure-all.
For starters, you’ll be exposing yourself to various elements ranging from time zones to air quality that can impact your health. Not to mention, if you have existing health problems that require regular treatment, you’ll need to determine how you’ll manage your health while traveling if you become a nomad.
How Will This Impact Your Family?
If you have children or a significant other, you’ll need to consider that if you become a nomad it will impact their lives. They, too, will have to give up stability and leave behind familiarities.
You’ll have to contemplate how your children will continue their studies and what it means for your partner’s career and home life. You should also talk to your family to see how they feel about the idea before making any final decisions.
What’s Your Game Plan?
If you decide to become a nomad you must know that the lifestyle has more advantages than disadvantages, you must still strategize. Jumping out of the window without a plan could leave you and your family in a world of trouble.
What do you want to accomplish? What destinations do you want to visit? How will you sustain your budget? How will the kids get an education?
While you hope there aren’t too many mishaps, you must also consider what you’ll do if something goes wrong. You need a backup plan to ensure that you and those traveling with you can sustain the best quality of life.
Don’t Be Discouraged
Reading these questions might cause you to feel discouraged about whether or not you should become a nomad and live the lifestyle, but don’t lose hope just yet. Luckily, there are practical solutions to ease the everyday struggles and enable you to live a more freeing lifestyle.
Do your due diligence, conduct online research for tips, and talk to current nomads to determine how to weather the storms as they may arise.
To become a nomad means a journey of fantastic experiences for singles, families, seniors, and everyone in-between. Be that as it may, the lifestyle comes with a unique set of challenges and severe consequences.
Ultimately, the key to ensuring that you can lead the life you want is to ask yourself the tough questions and devise a plan that will enable you to live out your dream.
