There comes a time where every long term traveler is posed with the question, “Is it time to settle down?” Whether travel fatigue is setting in or the desire for stability overtakes the itchy feet, it’s not unusual to want to eventually settle down.
Here are some questions you might be asking yourself:
Do I want something more permanent?
There’s no shame in wanting more stability. You’ve been brave enough to take the leap to live as a digital nomad and you’ve had countless eye-opening experiences. However, moving around constantly has finally lost its magic and every new place blurs into another. Do you just need to recharge for a few months or do you want a permanent base? Only you can find the answer within yourself with introspection. Here are some questions to help you figure out how to proceed with settling down.
What kind of life do I want to carve out?
By now you should have some semblance of what you value most in your life. On our travels, we are exposed to a multitude of different cultures, families, and lifestyles. What kind of values are important to you? Here are some questions regarding values you may be pondering about:
- Is the base location family-friendly? (Assuming you’re thinking of family planning)
- What is the ratio of work/life balance you need to feel free, but also passionate about your work?
- Are you still planning on traveling? If so, what would your plans be for your space + possessions? Many travelers sublet their room or even rent their spaces to Airbnb.
- Does the local culture fit in with your values? Oftentimes, digital nomads put low costs as a priority when relocating. However, these destinations sometimes come with challenges. Low costs destinations may be lacking in entertainment options, amenities, and infrastructure. The adaptability curve is much wider when a culture is radically different than what you’re used to.
What environment do I thrive in?
Having a supportive community is a central pillar to having a well-rounded life. As humans, we are naturally social and want to foster bonds. Even when all the basic necessities are covered, it’s important that your community also speaks to your soul and helps you feel a sense of purpose. Here are some common questions surrounding environments and what you may be looking for:
- Is there a thriving expat scene? Or do you prefer being ‘one of the locals’?
- Does the idea of living in a city elicit excitement or groans?
- Do you need an efficient public transportation system or are you comfortable driving?
- Do you desire to live near a body of water or is being landlocked okay with you?
What do I NOT want?
Being honest with yourself about things you don’t want in a city can help you significantly narrow down your choices. Oftentimes, digital nomads are eager to go to countries and settle down without much planning beforehand. While keeping an open mind is good, lack of preparation can leave you feeling more frustrated than you were back home. Some obvious choices that are often overlooked when settling down include (but not limited to):
- Not being prepared for the climate
- Feeling unprepared to deal with culture shock
- Moving to a city that is pricier than expected
- Not having accessibility to essentials like mental healthcare or medication
How can you best prepare for settling down?
The most obvious (but also most important) thing you can do before settling down is research. Join Facebook groups to get insider knowledge on what you need to know about a country. Utilize tools such Numbeo, which compares costs of living. When possible, always visit your future residence before signing any paperwork. Getting caught in an ironclad contract when your prospective home isn’t ideal, is not a good way to get a head start on your new life. After all, the goal is to create a life with less stress, not adding to it. Traveling to a destination as a digital nomad is completely different than settling down overseas. It’s expected that challenges are inevitable and adjusting takes time.
Settling down is a big decision that sets the framework for how you want to live your life in a designated base. It’s easier when you have a network that gets you. Our free Facebook group is open to all digital nomads and entrepreneurs. We would love to support you and your mental health during this transition. Take care!
Leave a Reply