Guest Contributor: Katie Lamb

Time to Remove your Rose-Tinted Glasses

You’ve probably conjured up the image in your head, of sitting under a coconut tree, computer on your lap, fingers tapping away, the pristine white sandy beach between your toes, locals smiling and waving and money flowing in constantly from your newly set up blog or online business…

This is how I pictured myself before I took the leap and actually became a digital nomad. I had visions of writing a book, of building my online empire and dreamily looking out from my balcony over azure blue surf.

While I’m not saying this isn’t reality for some, I definitely would say digital nomadism and the realities of travelling and working full-time has become slightly glorified.

And I’m not here to put you off this life or scare you away from trying it.

I just want to share some truths, so you don’t blindly watch the videos of guys jumping off boats with Go-Pros and couples posing on beaches holding hands and think it’s all rose-tinted and super easy.

Here are some things I’d wish I’d known before I became a digital nomad.

You Will Spend More Time in Hotel Rooms Than at the Beach

If you follow any digital nomads on Instagram, it will seem every picture is of the beach or of lounging by the pool with a cocktail.

I will say – I’m totally guilty of this also and the majority of my pictures have been of the beach, pools, locals or sightseeing. Posting pictures of myself working in my battered shorts and t-shirts, hair all a mess and with big dark circles around the eyes, just isn’t the vision I want to portray.

The reality is, my first few months as a digital nomad in Thailand, I did go to the beach nearly every afternoon.

But after the novelty wore off and I knuckled down to actually work at building my online income, I started to spend pretty much all day at my laptop, usually in a hotel room or a sweaty café.

If you’re lucky enough to already have a thriving online business, maybe you will be able to spend more time lounging at beach resorts.

But most starting out, will have to spend long hours at their laptop and refuse invites from other travelers to party and go on epic tours.

The Beautiful Views Will Not Help You Work It Hinders You

I’ve been lucky enough to set up my office in beach cafes, on balconies with stunning mountain views and in busy cities.

You would think having stunning views would help you concentrate and you can imagine being inspired by the beauty around you…. right?

The thing is, it’s often so hot and there will be many people around you actually on holiday laughing and sipping cool cocktails. While you will have a list of things to get done, before you allow yourself to go to the beach or do something fun.

Sometimes, the gorgeous views around you and fun holiday vibe are hard to ignore and all you want to do is shut your laptop and get out there!

There will be days when you’ll just stare at your computer screen and it will take ages for your brain to kick in.

I’ve learned to concentrate a little better now I’ve been away for a while. And when I do have days where I can’t concentrate, I give myself a break and go for a walk to enjoy the views.

The freedom was one reason why I chose this life anyway, so getting that work life balance is so important. I’ve learned to allow myself to enjoy where I am and not beat myself up when I don’t get every single thing done.

I wish I’d known all of these things sooner, as with the benefit of hindsight I could have avoided a few mistakes. But nothing worth having is easy, right?

This is part one of a two part article by digital nomad Katie Lamb.

Author Bio

Connect with Katie:

• On Twitter: @remoteworkrebel
• On Pinterest: @remoteworkrebels
• On her blog: Blog: https://remoteworkrebels.com/