The life of a digital nomad can appear as one of freedom, adventure, and excitement. The opportunity to work from beautiful places all around the world while being your own boss is empowering, offering the possibility to create a lifestyle that aligns with your passions and interests. This lifestyle can be daunting, however, due to the challenges of frequent travel, networking, and remote work. Rest assured that it is a misconception that digital nomads are all extroverted and that these qualities are requirements for the position. Anyone can become a digital nomad, and it is possible to balance the excitement with quiet, comfort and personal space as well.
Understanding the Unique Challenges for Introverts as Digital Nomads
It is often assumed that only outgoing personality types who thrive on social encounters and constant stimulation are fit for the nomadic lifestyle. This is due to external perceptions that travel is all about meeting new people and engaging with different groups that can overshadow the quieter aspects that introverts might appreciate. To learn how to balance the diverse qualities of being a digital nomad, it is first necessary to address the unique challenges that may deter introverts from pursuing this lifestyle.
The primary challenge for those who prefer stable routines and predictable schedules is the frequent change in environment. Moving cities or countries every few weeks can cause disruptions to daily life as routines change to accommodate flights and transportation. Further, staying in different hotels and Airbnbs can appear unsettling as it requires entering unfamiliar environments and always learning new places. Going to new areas of the world also presents the challenge of learning new cultures and practices that may be very different from what you are used to.
Introverts may also be deterred by the social expectations and networking that travel and remote work brings. Depending on your business, you may need to meet new colleagues, interact with fellow travelers, and outreach with new clients. The expectation to socialize may seem overwhelming as you meet new people everywhere you go. Know you are not alone, this can be overwhelming for even extroverts. Similarly to all remote work, there is a greater need to exercise self-discipline to maintain productivity, as the flexibility of working from home or anywhere can lead to distractions and a lack of structure. For a nomad, balancing your work and personal life may be difficult due to time differences and exploring new places.
While these challenges may seem more overwhelming for introverts, they can be overcome while staying true to your personality. With proper planning, you can create a lifestyle that suits you.
“I’ve always been a big introvert, but since taking the jump to leave my life behind and move to Europe to become a nomad 2 years ago, I can see how much I’ve changed as a person and as a business owner. I’ve been to 30 countries in just over 3 years and have met so many countless new people (including two of my now team members). I’ve had to force myself out of my comfort zone, connect, engage and actually talk to new people and put myself out there. I still have my homebody days where I hide away with a book and avoid all humans, but the idea of doing things alone doesn’t completely terrify me anymore. I have just learnt to balance it more“ – Emily McCabe, Founder Eb and Flo Digital
Creating a Routine and Self-Care Strategies
The best way to combat the challenges discussed above is to establish a routine that brings stability to what may appear as a chaotic travel schedule. Taking the time to prepare and design a routine will help to ensure that you stay productive, avoid burnout, and enjoy yourself along the way.
The first step is to establish a morning routine that can be followed no matter where you are. Whether that be quiet meditation, journaling with a cup of coffee, mindfully moving your body, or having a skin care routine, these activities will ground you and present a sense of familiarity when everything may appear different. Starting each day with a consistent habit will help you feel anchored when everything else is changing.
Next, is to group travel activities together to minimize constant moving. Instead of moving cities or countries every few days, spend a few weeks or even months in one location. This will allow you to develop a sense of comfort and to thoroughly explore an area. Being a digital nomad presents the opportunity of being able to set your own schedule, which allows you to choose how fast or slow you would like to travel but when needing to prioritize work while you travel we recommend taking it a bit slower than you would for a vacation. This will really assist in limiting competing priorities for exploration and work.
Although it may be busy at times with meetings and travel, allowing dedicated time for activities that help you recharge and relax is essential. Whether this be reading, journaling or a quiet walk, these activities can help to balance the energy you spend on work and social events. Equally important is maintaining a consistent work schedule vs trying to fit tasks in between activities and travel logistics. Give yourself the gift of focus.
Finding and Designing Introvert-Friendly Workspaces
Creating an environment that is conducive to your productivity is necessary for your own comfort as a digital nomad and designing a workspace that matches your preference as an introvert is the key to success. If you plan on staying in one place for a significant amount of time, setting up an office space can be the way to go. This doesn’t need to be elaborate; a quiet corner with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and desk can be extremely helpful.
For places that may not have the space, researching cafés and coffee shops that have a peaceful and quiet atmosphere can also ensure your comfort while you work. Be mindful of the times that you go and plan for less crowded times such as early mornings or late afternoons. Regardless of what works best for you, having a reliable pair of noise canceling headphones can help you to concentrate and stay focused no matter where you are. For those of you considering traveling out of your home country, having an unlocked cell phone that is compatible with eSIMs is super helpful for when WiFi is less reliable.
Networking Tips for Introverts
Depending on your business, networking may be an essential part to gaining clients and growing your audience. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, remember to start small by attending intimate workshops or events where one- on-one interactions are more likely. We have found that booking tours and activities through Airbnb Experiences usually yields a smaller group than many of the larger local tour companies. However, you are more likely to meet tourists passing through the area vs locals or other digital nomads. Virtual opportunities may also be a great option as digital nomads have a strong online presence, and many communities exist to connect with others. Platforms such as Slack, Facebook and Discord can be great places to network, share experiences, and build relationships.
For larger networking events, preparation is the key to success. Have a few conversation starters ready and a pitch of your business on hand. Remember that you don’t need to talk to everyone in the room and know your boundaries. After an event, follow up with one or two people to deepen the connections you’ve made.
“No matter what avenue you choose, networking while traveling is an incredible way to build your personal network and expand your business. You will be exposed to perspectives and opportunities you would likely never get by staying in one place. After 3 years of being a digital nomad I have made connections on almost every continent. As my company grows and we are doing business in the US and abroad I have been able to call on my contacts and my experience to edge out the competition and land clients from many cultures and countries. In addition, now when I travel I almost always have a friend close enough to meet up and show me around which is a much more enjoyable way to travel the world.” – Annalee Hagood-Earl, founder of Bash Creative.
Being a digital nomad as an introvert is entirely possible and the lifestyle is a great choice for anyone who craves flexibility and freedom. By creating a routine, finding introvert-friendly workspaces, and using effective networking strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of remote work and travel, while staying true to yourself.
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