The best decision of my 20's was becoming a Digital Nomad.
I read the 4-hour work week in 2010 and became obsessed. First, I needed to figure out a way to make money online (legitimately).
That took me down various paths like copywriting, digital marketing, and eventually, I found success in eCommerce.
Once I was able to earn income online, I packed my bags. Was I nervous? Sure. But I figured I could always go home if it didn’t work out.
So I spent the next several years around Southeast Asia and Latin America.
The Pros:
The cost of living meant I saved thousands a month. I could re-invest it into my business or invest in ETFs (I should’ve bought more Bitcoin).
I traveled the world and gained a much better perspective on life. You see the world through the lens of different cultures. You gain an appreciation for what you do have.
Earning an online income meant no longer trading my time for money.
I gained so much more time back. Doordash is like $25 per delivery these days. A motorbike guy can deliver anything for $1 in some countries.
You can outsource services like meal delivery, house cleaning, laundry, & assistants. Not commuting to an office and buying back your time = thousands of precious hours saved.
Dating. Well, your mileage is going to vary here. It’s always a plus to expand your dating pool compared to your hometown.
You push your comfort zone when traveling alone and can’t speak the local language. Being able to handle yourself helps you develop a more profound sense of confidence.
Cons:
Integrating into the local culture is hard, and you get tired of meeting other "expats." It feels like every digital nomad guy comes from the same pre-built template.
Everything's MUCH more expensive now. The cost of living has substantially increased in countries like Portugal and Thailand. It’s cheap if you want to live like a local. But having a more Western lifestyle means you’re not saving as much money as before.
Staying motivated in a developing country can be challenging because life's in easy mode. Dating and partying can become distractions if you don't have the discipline.
Traveling isn't a magic cure-all if you’re unhappy with your life. You go through an initial Euphoria phase, overwhelmed with so much stimulation and newness. But the high’s going to wear off.
And you’ll have to be comfortable in solitude.
I think spending your entire life in one city is depressing. It's literally like marrying the 1st person you have sex with.
Travel while you can so you can see what the options are.
If you're in your 20's, take risks. The cost of failure is so low. Experiment and go adventure.
Don’t follow society’s path of working a 9 to 5 for 50 years -> retire -> die. The world's your oyster.