Instagram is packed with beachside laptop shots, and every other article raves about the nomad dream. And yes, it’s real–for me personally, it’s the perfect way of life (for now). But not everyone needs to travel full-time to find more freedom in life.
Some create freedom by working remotely from a home base, others travel in short bursts, and many simply shift to a more flexible work schedule.
The goal is the same—more freedom in life, more control, more adventure—but the path looks different for everyone.
Let’s dive into simple tweaks that can bring more freedom in life—no one-way ticket required.
What’s the Hype About Digital Nomads?
Let’s break it down. A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while traveling. Sounds like a dream, right? Laptop by the beach, no office, endless adventure.
But it’s not the only way to find more freedom in life. And it’s definitely not for everyone. Sure, the flexibility is great, but it also comes with spotty Wi-Fi, always looking for a new place to stay, and missing a real, or let’s say steady, community.
Freedom looks different for everyone. Let’s talk about what actually works for you.
Freedom Starts With Small Changes
1. Work Flexibly
You don’t need to quit your job and move to Bali to feel freer. Start small. See if you can work from home a couple of days a week. Even that little change can give you more control over your time and space.
A friend of mine only goes to the office once a week. The rest of the time, she works from home, plans her day her way, and has more time for herself.
Here are a few more ways to add flexibility to your work life:
- Look into freelancing or side gigs – If your job won’t budge, start small. Take on remote projects, explore contract work, or build a side hustle.
- Negotiate remote days – If your job doesn’t already offer remote work, ask. Many companies are open to it, especially if you prove it won’t affect your performance.
- Adjust your hours – Maybe you don’t need to work 9 to 5. Some companies allow flexible hours. If mornings are chaos with kids, see if you can start later.
- Batch meetings – If meetings drain your time, suggest setting them on specific days so you have uninterrupted work blocks on others.
- Try co-working or cafés – If home is distracting, work from a quiet café or co-working space. A change of scene can boost focus and creativity.
- Use productivity hacks – Time-blocking, Pomodoro technique, and task lists help you work smarter, not longer. More efficiency = more freedom.
2. Manage Time Effectively
Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. The trick is to work smarter, not longer. Find tools and techniques that help you get things done without spending all day at your desk. The less time wasted, the more time you have for what really matters.
My husband and I use Bonsai to track time for different projects and clients. It helps us stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
Here are a few simple ways to make the most of your time:
- Take breaks – Short walks, stretching, or even stepping away from the screen for a few minutes can improve productivity.
- Use a time tracker – Apps like Bonsai, Toggl, or Clockify can help you see where your hours go.
- Prioritize tasks – Not everything needs to be done today. Focus on the important stuff first.
- Set boundaries – Block off deep work time. Turn off notifications, say no to unnecessary meetings, and protect your focus.
- Automate the boring stuff – Use scheduling tools, templates, and auto-replies to free up time.
- Work in sprints – The Pomodoro method (25-minute work sprints with breaks) can boost focus and prevent burnout.
Enjoy Adventures Without Moving Abroad
3. Explore Your Own Backyard
You don’t need a plane ticket to find adventure. Play tourist in your own city or take short trips nearby. There are probably places you’ve never noticed right under your nose. A new café, a scenic hike, or a quirky museum can bring big excitement.
Koh Phangan, Thailand, is our home base right now. When we have visitors, I take the chance to explore more touristy spots or places I wouldn’t normally go. It’s a fun way to see familiar places with fresh eyes.
Want to make everyday life feel more adventurous? Try this:
- Eat somewhere new – A different restaurant, a new cuisine, or even cooking something new at home can shake things up.
- Visit new places in your city – Parks, markets, small museums—you don’t have to go far to find something interesting.
- Take a different route – Walk or drive through an area you rarely visit.
- Try a ‘yes’ day – Say yes to something you’d usually skip, like a local event or a spontaneous day trip.
4. Travel in Short Bursts
You don’t have to be on the road full-time to experience the world. A well-planned vacation can be just as fulfilling. Less stress, fewer logistics, and you still get that fresh perspective.
- Look for easy destinations – Some places are just easier with kids, work, or a limited budget.
- Pick one place and slow down – Instead of rushing between five cities in a week, stay in one spot and soak it in.
- Take weekend trips – A quick getaway can feel like a reset without major planning.
- Be a smart traveler – Pack light, avoid overbooking, and leave room for spontaneity.
- Go off-season – Fewer crowds, lower prices, and a better experience.
Find Adventure Without Leaving Home
5. Travel, But Make It Easy
You don’t have to sell everything and hit the road to experience new places. Plan a trip that actually feels like a break—no overpacked itineraries, no stress. A short getaway can be just as refreshing as a big adventure.
- Skip the FOMO – You’ll never see everything, and that’s okay.
- Stick to a few key experiences – You don’t have to do everything. Pick the highlights and leave time to relax.
- Choose family-friendly spots – Destinations that are easy to explore make all the difference.
Community and Connection
6. Build Your Local Tribe
You don’t have to travel the world to find a great community. Strengthen the connections you already have. Join a local group, volunteer, or say yes to that invite you keep dodging.
- Give before you take – Offer help, share your skills, or just listen. That’s how real connections form.
- Find people with similar interests – Whether it’s a hiking group, a yoga class, or a book club, connection happens when you share something.
- Make the first move – Invite someone for coffee or start a conversation.
7. Tap Into Online Communities
The internet makes it easy to connect with like-minded people, no matter where you are. Join a forum, hop into a social media group, or attend a virtual event.
You can find support, inspiration, and real connections without ever leaving your couch.
- Try online co-working – It’s like a virtual office, but with people from all over the world.
- Join Facebook groups or Reddit communities – There’s a group for everything.
- Follow digital nomad or travel families on Instagram – You’ll find inspiration and advice.
Finding Balance: The Hybrid Lifestyle
8. Mix It Up
Who says you have to pick just one lifestyle? A hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds. Work remotely while keeping a home base, then travel when it feels right. Stability when you need it, adventure when you want it.
That’s exactly what we’ve been doing since 2019. We have our little home in Koh Phangan, Thailand, but still travel around. This gives us the freedom to explore while always having a familiar place to return to—no burnout, no constant packing, just a rhythm that works.
Freedom Starts From Within
9. Pause and Reflect
Sometimes, the search for more freedom in life isn’t about where you go—it’s about how you feel. Take a step back. What actually makes you happy? What gives you that deep sense of contentment?
- Write it down – Journaling can help you see patterns in what truly makes you feel free.
- Let go of what doesn’t serve you – Say no to things that drain you. (I personally love this one—it’s unbelievably freeing when you stick to it!)
10. Practice Mindfulness
Slowing down, being present, and appreciating what you already have can be just as freeing as hopping on a plane. A peaceful mind and a grateful heart might be all you need to feel truly free.
Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness Every Day:
- Walk without distractions – No podcast, no scrolling—just a walk where you actually notice what’s around you.
- Start your morning without screens – Before grabbing your phone, take a deep breath, stretch, or just enjoy the quiet.
- Use your senses – Notice the smell of your coffee, the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds outside. The little things ground you in the moment.
- Try mindful breathing – Pause for a minute. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly. Even 10 seconds of focused breathing can help you reset.
- Do one thing at a time – Multitasking makes life feel rushed. Focus on just one task—whether it’s eating, working, or playing with your kids.
- Take mini breaks – Step outside, sip your tea slowly, or close your eyes for a few breaths. You don’t need an hour-long meditation—just small pauses in your day.
- Be kind to yourself – Notice your thoughts. If they’re negative, reframe them. Would you talk to a friend that way?
- Practice gratitude – Before bed, think of three things that made you smile today. A simple habit, but it shifts your focus to the good.
Who’s Sticking to 9-5 vs. Choosing a Different Path?
Let’s look at what’s actually happening. The traditional 9-5 job has been the standard for decades, but things are shifting.
More people are ditching rigid schedules and looking for more freedom in life—whether that’s freelancing, remote work, or becoming a digital nomad.
- The 9-5 Reality: Many still follow the traditional work structure. It offers stability and predictability, which some people love. But according to a study from the Pew Research Center, only 6 in 10 workers now say they have a “standard” work arrangement.
That means a big chunk of the workforce is already stepping away from the 9-5 grind.
- The Rise of Flexible Work: More people are exploring alternative careers—from freelancing to part-time gigs. The Freelancers Union reports that over 35% of the U.S. workforce is now freelancing, proving that flexible work is more than just a trend.
- Digital Nomad Growth: The MBO Partners’ State of Independence research series shows that millions of Americans now identify as digital nomads. And that number keeps climbing every year.
- Remote Work Is Here to Stay: The pandemic changed everything. More companies have embraced remote work, and employees aren’t rushing back to the office. Many now prefer the flexibility of working from anywhere.
👉 You might also like:
– How to Become a Digital Nomad Copywriter
– How to Travel Around The World and Make Money
– 20 Remote Work-From-Home Jobs With No Experience Needed
– What is a Digital Nomad?
What Does This Mean for You?
The numbers are clear—more people are finding ways to break free from the 9-5 grind.
Whether that means becoming a digital nomad, freelancing, or just working more flexibly, the goal is the same: more freedom, more fulfillment, and more control over life.
But here’s the real takeaway—it’s your choice. You don’t have to pack a suitcase and live out of coffee shops to shake things up.
Maybe you start with small changes, like working remotely a few days a week. Or maybe you go all in and redesign your lifestyle completely.
There’s no single right way to do this. Freedom looks different for everyone. The important thing? You get to decide. Cheers to whatever path feels right for you!
How do you bring more freedom into your life? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your take!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
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