Thinking about pivoting your life and becoming a digital nomad? The idea of working from anywhere in the world sounds like a dream, right?
Before you sell your house, pack your bags, and book a one-way ticket, itโs important to know that this lifestyle might not be a perfect fit for absolutely everyone.
As someone whoโs been navigating the highs and lows of remote work, traveling solo and slow around the planet, Iโve learned that thriving in the digital nomad lifestyle depends a lot on certain factors with your personality and mindset.
So, I have collated this list of 10 essential traits that, in my opinion (and that agrees with statistics, so it is not just me), youโll probably need to thrive and enjoy this lifestyle truly.
Why Digital Nomadeness Might Not Be For Everyone

I have friends who have said to me, “Not an ounce of my body would like to do that,” when I was heading out to travel the world solo.
But for me, a non-routine, unpredictable life with a ridiculous level of freedom (for better or worse) feels like a really great life, and the thought of it actually gives me goosebumps.
However, not all people have the same feeling about that.
It takes a certain mindset and some particular personality traits to be happy and thrive under these circumstances, and neither of these is right or wrong in the sense of a good or a bad personality.
But if you don’t check at least the majority of the boxes of the ten personality traits mentioned below, you may actually find yourself feeling miserable working and living as a digital nomad after a while.
So, let us dive in.
1. You Enjoy Your Independence
As a digital nomad, youโre your own boss, tech support, and often your own best friend.
Therefore, youโll also need to be comfortable with (or preferably happy about) making decisions on your own, solving problems without a safety net, and being able to pep yourself up to rise to any occasion.
So, if you often find yourself doubting your decisions, asking others for advice or help to figure out a problem, that may indicate that the lack of people to support you might become a challenge that you should take into consideration.
Being comfortable with this independence is key, whether itโs figuring out a new city or troubleshooting a laptop issue. Sounds like you?
2. You Find It Easy To Adapt To New Surroundings

From navigating new cultures and languages to adjusting to different time zones and unpredictable internet speeds, the ability to easily adapt without mental breakdowns will keep you sane.
Constant traveling means constantly dealing with changeโa lot of it.
On the other hand, if you get frustrated by not finding your favorite food or get annoyed when people just don’t “understand” (you know, cultural perceptions and bias), be aware that this might become a challenge for you.
If you naturally embrace the unexpected and find growth in every challenge, that is a really good sign you will thrive as a digital nomad.
3. You Have A Strong Self-Discipline
Without the structure of an office, staying productive and honoring self-inflicted deadlines can sometimes be challenging.
Youโll need the ability to create a solid routine for yourself and the discipline to stick to it.
If you tend to work on tasks just because others tell you to and check on you, while on your own, you tend to become a world-class procrastinator; this will probably become an issue for you – unless you address it.
However, if you are able to set clear work hours even when no one is watching, create a dedicated workspace (even if itโs just a corner of your place), finish your tasks as planned from an inner motivation and drive, and keep distractions in check, that is a good sign.
4. You Are Resilient When Things Go Sideways

Life as a digital nomad isnโt always Instagram-perfect. In fact, it hardly ever is. Missed flights, unwanted change of plans, lost luggage, accommodation failures, slow internet, and tech issues can often be part of the package.
Resilient people don’t let setbacks or problems throw them into a black hole. If you tend to accept a situation where circumstances change and embrace the new normal without much frustration, you have a good starting point.
Once, I had planned a really short regional flight but instead had to travel around the world to my home country for ONE vaccine shot required to enter the destination I had planned (after trying to find this vaccine in every country around me).
It was expensive and time-consuming, but it had to be done – so I did it, and I decided not to sweat it. If it is out of your control, there is no need to spend any energy on it. Does that sound like you?
5. You Are A Good Communicator
Remote work often means collaborating with people in different time zones and cultures and maybe even sharing a workspace or living spaces with people you don’t know very well.
Strong written and verbal communication skills will come in very handy for maintaining professional relationships, ensuring your clients or team understand your work – and creating relations with new people around you.
So the question is: Do you tend to have communication failures, get into conflicts, or get emotional when adaptation or compromises are required at home? If so, you can expect this to increase exponentially in a new, multicultural environment.
If, in your everyday life, you are often able to convey information, requirements, and boundaries in a respectful and unemotional way, that is a definite positive sign you will master digital nomadness.
6. You Are Open To Different New Cultures

According to some, one of the best parts of being a digital nomad can be experiencing different cultures. But that is not a plus to all!
To truly enjoy this aspect, you should be naturally open to new customs, foods, and ways of life.
If you find yourself explaining to people from other cultures how things are done in your country and feel like you are educating them on “the better way” to go about things, you might want to get real honest with yourself about your level of openness – and whether this might need some work.
In addition to respecting strange, local norms and embracing diversity, you should probably also enjoy it, not just accept it. If you feel like that, nomadic living will probably enrich your life.
7. You Enjoy A Minimalist Lifestyle
Does “less is more” or “more is more” resonate with you? Less is definitely more when living out of a suitcase, and it is an advantage if you enjoy this type of living.
Personally, I can live out of my shoulder carry-on bag for a week, and I traveled the world for six months (before my nomadic life) with only a small backpack.
I loved that, and it made me wonder why I have so much stuff at home!
Thriving with a minimalist living will make your digital nomad life significantly easier. As an extra perk, it will probably also help shift your focus from a desire for material possessions to searching for meaningful experiences for fulfillment!
8. You Have Some Level Of Tech-Savviness…

Your laptop and phone are going to be your lifelines as a digital nomad. Knowing how to troubleshoot tech issues (or have really good online tech support), use productivity tools, and stay secure online are essential skills.
If you normally are curious to learn how to fix and master your gadgets and software in your everyday life, that is a good thing.
However, if you tend to be a user of systems and have “a guy” you can call to fix any and all issues, you are probably in for a steep learning curve.
Regardless, you should invest in a reliable setup, stay updated on the latest digital tools, and be at least to some extent self-sufficient. And these are skills, so it is simply something you need to (take the time to) learn.
9. …And A Bit Of Financial Savvy, Too
Budgeting for life on the road is a bit different from budgeting for a stationary lifestyle.
Your expenses at home are likely to be more predictable than when you are on the road, concerning rent, transport, and prices on food, gas, and whatnot.
Not to mention tax regulations, insurance coverage (make sure you have really good insurance for long-term travel suited to digital nomadism), and a financial backup for any kind of problem that could arise far from home where you might need assistance.
Youโll need to track expenses, plan for taxes in multiple jurisdictions, and save for emergencies. But don’t panic, a little financial pre-planning goes a long way in keeping your nomad life stress-free, so are you up for that?
10. You Love To Network And Connect With People

Building a network is simply invaluable.
Whether connecting with fellow nomads, joining coworking spaces and even Facebook groups, or attending industry events, networking opens doors to opportunitiesย andย friendships with like-minded people.
This probably comes so naturally for all you extroverts out there that you don’t even think about it. If you are an introvert, I want to say: don’t worry; you don’t need to be a serious extrovert to love this or handle it with comfort.
Personally, I am kind of a 50/50 person here. I love meeting people, but I also love being on my own, and I get my energy from recharging in my own company.
My advice is to strike some kind of balance; don’t exhaust yourself socializing, but you should prioritize some networking level to succeed.
10 Jobs You Can Do As A Digital Nomad
Some jobs require a particular skill, education, or expertise, while others require little or no prior education, courses, or experience in remote work as well as in any “at home” job.
So, you have an advantage if you have a background in an industry that can easily be adapted or done from anywhere in the world.
If your skills are not immediately remote-work-friendly, don’t panic. Take a look at the list below, and you will probably find one or two job types you can learn without a formal degree or 10 years of prior experience.
- Software Developer
- Content Writer/Copywriter
- Digital Marketer
- Virtual Assistant
- Online Teacher
- Social Media Manager
- Translator
- Data Analyst
- Customer Support
Wrap-Up: Is Digital Nomadism For You?
Choosing to become a digital nomad is about more than just having a remote jobโitโs about cultivating a mindset and skills that help you thrive in a constantly changing environment.
If you resonate with the traits listed aboveย orย you are willing to work on them, youโre already on your way to mastering and thriving in this exciting lifestyle.
As long as you remember, it will not always be easy: if you love the idea of the rewardsโfreedom, adventure, and personal growthโit will absolutely be worth it.
So now, what, do you think you are ready to take the leap?
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