The Most Common Critics You’ll Face as a Digital Nomad and How to Handle Doubters

Common Critics Digital Nomad Families are facing

As a traveling family, you are exposed to many opinions and comments. Most of the reactions from people are highly positive – they are interested in your lifestyle. But there are also always negative comments and criticism. In the beginning, it was difficult for us to react adequately. But today, it’s an easier task. So here are some of the most common critics you will face as a Digital Nomad and how you can deal with them.

“You don’t have decent health care elsewhere.”

I must say that many critics leveled against Digital Nomads are not meant maliciously but come out of love. Because when people are worried about you, they can quickly sound harsh and rude. This is one of them.

It’s true in deepest India or on the smallest island in Thailand, health care is worse than in a major German city. And especially with children, you always want a good clinic or doctor nearby. But what many forget: In big cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Kuala Lumpur are world-class hospitals and doctors. Singapore, for example, is known for the best pediatric medicine in the world. It is no coincidence that there is a lot of medical tourism in places like that.

And you can reassure your friends and relatives: As a well-paying Westerner with travel health insurance, you usually have access to excellent medical care – via helicopter in an emergency.

“We will not be able to work together over distance.”

As a Digital Nomad, you probably have a job that you can do remotely. If some clients are concerned that collaboration will suffer because of your lifestyle, you should ease their fears. For example, we always let clients know months in advance when a big relocation is coming up. Then, we can determine early enough whether the new time zones will fit together and, if not, whether to move large projects to a different time period.

The best thing you can do is find ways to make it easier to communicate online. We use classics like Slack, Zoom, Teams, and shared documents. Highlight the benefits to the client: I often get booked for urgent texts because I can deliver them faster, thanks to the time zone difference.

Last but not least, Some companies are still too stuck in old ways of thinking and want their employees physically on site. Of course, you can’t provide that. Maybe it’s time for a breakup, then.

“With this lifestyle, you can never build anything and own a house.”

The beauty of life as a Digital Nomad: You’re not trapped in a system. I see so many people who buy a house and plan everything carefully financially. By the time they’re 60, they’ve paid everything off and can look forward to a nice pension. What bothers me so much about this life is that nothing can get in the way. If the income disappears, the colossal loan can no longer be paid. It’s a big hassle to move and change anything about life. Even minor adjustments like changing daycare facilities are impossible (at least without a rat race).

Yes, Digital Nomads can also buy houses. But if they do, they tend to do so as a capital investment rather than to live there for the rest of their lives.

“If you always borrow everything, you will never have anything of your own.”

Similar to the previous point. It’s true; we Digital Nomads buy only the most necessary things to keep our luggage small and our lives flexible. Instead of a dressing room full of clothes, we have a hand luggage suitcase with all the clothes we need. This is good not only for the environment but also for your head’s clarity! Tidying up and clearing out is good for mental health! In my opinion, everyone should try to live with fewer possessions.

The conscious choice to live with fewer possessions isn’t just about practicality; it also has profound effects on mental well-being. Tidying up and decluttering can contribute to a sense of order and simplicity, fostering a clearer and more focused mindset. In a world often overwhelmed by materialism and excess, the Digital Nomad’s approach to minimalism becomes a refreshing alternative.

“You cannot provide the children with a good school education.”

I can well understand this concern. I myself grew up in the classic concept: kindergarten, school, university, apprenticeship, and employment. However, there is so much more many don’t even know these days (neither did I until three years ago). From worldschooling and homeschooling to online schools, and finally to the possibility of temporarily enrolling your children in international schools. You have to get smart and be a little more creative. Because one thing is for sure: we, too, want only the best for our children. We simply go an alternative way.

Navigating these alternative routes requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to embrace creativity. The landscape of education is evolving, offering families the opportunity to tailor learning experiences to their unique needs and preferences. It’s a recognition that the one-size-fits-all model may not be the best fit for every child.

The choice to pursue alternative education methods doesn’t stem from a lack of concern for our children’s well-being; rather, it reflects a commitment to providing them with the best possible educational journey. By going off the beaten path, we, as parents, seek to tap into diverse learning opportunities, fostering an environment where our children can thrive in ways that may not be achievable within the confines of traditional educational structures.

Ultimately, the pursuit of alternative education is about embracing choice, flexibility, and the boundless possibilities that exist beyond conventional norms. It’s a journey that requires being informed, open-minded, and a little creative—all in the pursuit of giving our children the best possible foundation for their future.

“You are taking away our grandchildren!”

This criticism is the toughest for Digital Nomads. Because it is true. It breaks my heart whenever I see my children face timing with their grandparents. And I’m incredibly sorry when I have to share significant milestones, like the first lost tooth, with my parents via photo cloud. Unfortunately, life as a Digital Nomad also has downsides. This is one of them – if not the worst.

Being physically distanced from loved ones, particularly grandparents who hold a special place in family dynamics, is a poignant reality. It’s an aspect of the nomadic lifestyle that brings about a sense of loss and longing. While the wonders of technology allow for virtual connections, it can never fully replace the warmth of shared physical spaces and the joy of witnessing milestones firsthand.

As Digital Nomads, we grapple with this emotional tug-of-war, cherishing the freedom to explore the world while grappling with the sacrifices made in terms of family closeness. It’s a delicate balance that calls for constant reflection and the conscious cultivation of connections despite geographical distances.

“Your kids always have to say goodbye and can’t build real relationships.”

That’s probably the criticism we’ve heard most often as Digital Nomads. I am not a teacher, nor am I a child therapist. I can only tell what I see. And what I see in our Digital Nomad community is open-minded, free children who make wonderful friends and keep in touch, even when they move. The kids see each other again at regular intervals.

Nomad Kids get a large circle of friends that includes every culture, nationality, and language you can imagine. I’m sure that’s something they can benefit from for the rest of their lives.

“You can no longer be there for me as a friend.”

Maintaining friendships and doing them good is already tricky in conventional life as a family. And now there is also a huge distance, time difference, and completely different lifestyles. You can never tell in advance whether a friendship will withstand this change. You should try it out. From my own experience, I can say: Some friendships reach an entirely new level and you have more contact than when you lived in the same city. Others don’t make it. And that’s okay, too.

From personal experience, I’ve discovered that some friendships not only endure but reach entirely new levels of depth when nurtured across distances. The effort to maintain communication becomes intentional, and the value of the connection often transcends the limitations of physical proximity. In some cases, I’ve found that I have more meaningful contact with friends when living in different parts of the world than when we shared the same city.

However, the reality is that not all friendships withstand the challenges of distance and lifestyle shifts. Some connections naturally evolve, and that’s okay. It’s part of the ebb and flow of life. The nomadic lifestyle demands a certain flexibility in relationships, understanding that people and circumstances change.

While it may be disheartening to see some friendships not make it through the changes, it’s essential to embrace the natural evolution of connections. Each relationship carries its unique dynamics, and the nomadic journey is an opportunity to cherish and invest in those friendships that stand the test of time and distance.

“It’s dangerous where you are!”

Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, kidnappings, and terrorist attacks – we have often heard that it is not safe where we are. These safety concerns often come from the older generations. It’s true, some places have a higher crime rate, while others are more likely to have an earthquake. Try to make them understand that you know the risks and have taken appropriate precautions. For example, we have provided our children with Apple tags and avoided living in dangerous neighborhoods. But we are not a lot safe from natural disasters – especially now that we are affected by the consequences of climate change.

What critics have you already heard as a Digital Nomad? Please let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu