I learnt about this concept of the grass is always greener syndrome, on Twitter the other day. It was aimed at digital nomads and vagabond entrepreneur-type people like myself and most likely you the person reading this. Although the Tweet is exaggerated and ridiculous it does bring up a good point. Why are you going where you are going, or do you just have the grass is always greener syndrome?
Introduction
The grass is only greener syndrome is described as such – a common human experience that refers to the tendency to believe that other people or situations are better than one’s current circumstances. People experiencing this syndrome may feel envious of others’ lives, careers, relationships, or possessions, and believe that their own lives would be better if they had what the other person has, very similar to the more common saying of “keeping up with the Joneses”. Buying something or doing something just because the people around you are doing it, not because you want it.
Realism
The post says that digital nomads are bored at home people, so obviously if you are a digital nomad you are not bored at home you’re out somewhere doing something. If you are bored at home and want to be a digital nomad book a call with me and we can create a plan for location independence for you.
Beaches
According to the tweet and honestly, the common perception of digital nomads is a laptop and beautiful sand under someone’s feet. The post is correct in this thinking at least in my opinion working as a digital nomad from the beach actually is not very ideal at all. Sun glare on your screen, sand literally everywhere, weak or no wifi in most cases. Beaches are not the place to get work done. Unfortunately, influencers and companies associate beaches and laptops together equals digital nomadism. Even Yonderpreneur is guilty of using stock photos of someone on a beach with a laptop.
Expat hubs
If you are wanting to live in an expat hub then live in an expat hub. When I first began my journey I was in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Probably one of the largest expat hubs in all of Mexico. I don’t personally enjoy places that are considered “hubs” anymore but they are definitely good places if you are just starting out. Do you have to remember to ask yourself why do I want to go here? Is it just because a flashy influencer made it look cool or is it a suitable place for you? For example, I think the allure of Bali Indonesia really started with one flashy influencer that then brought in other influencers which brought in more, creating a chain of people flowing into the island. Would I go to Bali? Perhaps for a vacation or to just scout it out but I have no intention of ever setting up a base there it doesn’t fit my criteria of what I am looking for. I feel potential digital nomads go to places that don’t actually fit what they are looking for and they get discouraged give up and go home (like what is being described in the tweet).
Money “Tightness”
A major point of being a digital nomad is “geo-arbitrage” – The practice of taking advantage of lower costs of living in different parts of the country or even the world. The money you make ideally gives you more spending power in the location you choose. If you make money in the USA but you are living in San Francisco then your money isn’t going very far because all your expenses are that much more costly. However, if you take the same USA salary and apply it to Managua Nicaragua then your money is going incredibly further and you can spend less of it save more of it or invest it in whatever your pleasure.
If you move somewhere that’s more affordable to live in and there has been no change in your income and you’re still not saving any money then the problem is actually you. Re-evaluate your habits are you partying too much are you living beyond your means?
Conclusion
So although this tweet that triggered this thought of information definitely shouldn’t have been taken as seriously as I have in this article it’s important to know about the grass is always greener syndrome it’s a common human experience that can affect anyone, including digital nomads and entrepreneurs. It can lead to feelings of envy and the belief that other people or situations are better than one’s current circumstances. However, it is important to ask oneself why one wants to go to a certain place or pursue a certain lifestyle. Is it because of a flashy influencer or because it fits their criteria?
Being a digital nomad involves more than just working from a laptop on a beach or living in an expat hub. It requires careful consideration of factors such as affordability, access to reliable wifi, and overall suitability for one’s needs and goals. Geo-arbitrage is a major advantage of being a digital nomad, but it is also important to evaluate one’s spending habits and ensure that they are living within their means.
In the end, the grass is not always greener on the other side. It is important to appreciate and make the most of one’s current circumstances while also pursuing one’s dreams and goals. Digital nomadism can offer a unique and fulfilling lifestyle, but it is not without its challenges and trade-offs. It requires careful planning and consideration to make the most of the opportunities it presents.