Thinking About Becoming a Digital Nomad in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

Dreaming of the digital nomad lifestyle in 2025? Learn the reality of working remotely while traveling, from staying connected with family to managing clients and choosing the right tech for a productive life on the road.

The Truth About Becoming a Digital Nomad

Have you ever felt like the world is calling you, but you’re stuck thinking you’re either too young, too old, too burdened, or just not financially ready to take the leap? Here’s the secret—every digital nomad has had those thoughts at some point.

But the reality? If you plan it right, you can absolutely make it work—whether you’re taking a short-term adventure or making full-time remote work your new normal.

Becoming a digital nomad wasn’t just about chasing travel dreams or working from a beach—it was a response to major life changes and a deep need for something different. For years, I built my career in sales, real estate, oilfield manufacturing, and renewables, and even spent time in the navy, navigating some of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I had already lived a life filled with adventure, but something still felt missing.

Then came 2022—a year that changed everything. A career setback forced me to step back and reassess what I really wanted. I had always been the kind of person who took action, adapted, and kept moving forward, but this time, I had to ask myself some big questions: Did I want to continue down the same path? Was I truly fulfilled? Was I building a life that made me excited to wake up every day?

Instead of rushing into another job or trying to rebuild the same kind of career, I took a different approach, trying a few different things out. I fundraised for a disc golf course, a real “feel-good” project as it contributed to the health and well-being of my community. I even spent a season gold mining, embracing a completely different challenge just to see where it would lead me. These experiences reminded me that life wasn’t about sticking to a script—it was about creating opportunities and taking risks.

And that’s when it hit me. The thing I wanted more than anything was freedom. Freedom to work on my own terms. Freedom to choose where I lived, what I worked on, and how I spent my time. That’s when I made the leap—I sold everything I owned, became certified as a mortgage broker, and fully embraced the digital nomad lifestyle.

The Reactions You’ll Get When You Go Nomad

1. The “You’re Crazy” Crowd

This group just doesn’t get it. They can’t understand how someone could leave behind stability, friends, family, and a traditional career. Some might even think you’re just running away from responsibility.

2. The “I Wish I Could Do That” Crew

This is the fun group—the people who are genuinely excited for you. Even though they’ll miss you, they love hearing about your adventures and living vicariously through your journey.

Some will stay connected regularly—like my friends Dennis and Lisa, a German couple who emigrated to Canada. They check in with me over video calls, send messages, and even refer me clients from across the world.

Your biggest supporters will often be the ones who are curious about the lifestyle themselves—even if they’re not quite ready to take the leap.

Managing Clients While Working Remotely

Some clients think being a digital nomad is awesome, while others assume you’re just on a permanent vacation and won’t give them the service they need.

To handle this, I make it clear: I’m not on vacation—I’ve just traded my office for a different view. My “cubicle” might be a coffee shop in Quito or a balcony in Medellín, but my work ethic stays the same.

💡 Pro Tip: I remind clients that before I became a mortgage broker, my own mortgage was handled by a broker in Australia. The process was seamless, and it felt no different than if they were right there with me. Thanks to modern technology, remote service is just as effective.

Working Across Time Zones

Time zones can be tricky, but they’re manageable. In my case, I’m two hours ahead of my clients, which actually works to my advantage—I start early and wrap up later, but I’m always available when they need me.

If you have clients, put their needs first and structure your work hours around them. This is especially crucial for fields like finance, consulting, and coaching, where trust is everything.

Things to Consider Before Going Full-Time Nomad

Going nomad isn’t as simple as booking a flight and grabbing your laptop. Here’s what you need to think about:

2. Handling Clients & Employers Remotely

If you have a traditional employer, you need to prove you can be just as effective remotely. Some jobs simply aren’t suited for remote work, but if you’re in consulting, tech, marketing, finance, or customer service, working from anywhere is often possible.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re negotiating a remote work setup, don’t start by offering a pay cut. Prove your efficiency first—you’re saving them office space, after all!

3. The Right Tech Setup Matters

Productivity as a nomad depends on your gear. I’ve written a full Top Tech for Digital Nomads guide, but here’s a quick tip—balance weight and space with efficiency.

For example, my three-screen laptop extender makes me 30% more efficient because I can drag and drop between different programs. It’s worth the extra space in my bag.

🔹 Other essential tech:
✅ A reliable laptop – Your entire career depends on it
✅ Noise-canceling headphones – Essential for busy cafés & coworking spaces
✅ Portable power bank – Because outlets aren’t always available
✅ Universal travel adapter – Different countries, different plugs!

Is Becoming a Digital Nomad Right for You?

Being a nomad isn’t for everyone—but it might be exactly what you need.

If you’re flexible, resourceful, and don’t mind adjusting to new environments, you’ll thrive. But if you need routine, stability, and a familiar office space, it could be challenging.

That said, even a short-term experience as a nomad can be life-changing. Whether you do it for a few months or make it your lifestyle, the key is to plan, adapt, and enjoy the journey.

Final Thoughts – Ready to Take the Leap?

The digital nomad lifestyle is a mix of freedom, adventure, and adaptability. It’s about choosing experiences over possessions, embracing change, and finding new ways to work, connect, and explore the world.

I’ve shared my journey, my struggles, and my best tips—now it’s your turn.

💬 Thinking of going nomad in 2025? Drop a comment or hit the contact button—I’d love to hear your story! 🚀

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