Freedom isn’t actually free

Four years ago, I sat on the edge of my bed in London, staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. with my heart racing.

I’d just had another panic attack, my third that week.

My life looked perfect on paper, a good job in one of the top European cities, a steady paycheck, a fancy title working for one of the top British multinational companies.

But I still felt trapped.

That night, I made a decision: I was done waiting for weekends or holidays to live my life. I was going to chase freedom, no matter the cost.

Fast forward to today, and I’m writing this from a café in Chiang Mai, sipping Thai specialty coffee while managing four projects and wondering if I bit off more than I can chew.

It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real. And that’s what I want to talk about today: the cost of chasing freedom.

The trade-offs of freedom

Freedom gets romanticized in this lifestyle, but let’s be honest—it’s not free.

These are three of the biggest trade-offs I’ve experienced:

• Stability: leaving my corporate job meant saying goodbye to financial security. In the early days, I constantly asked myself, “Will this work out?” Even now, with Freaking Nomads and my other projects, the income rollercoaster can be nerve-wracking, I swear.
• Connection: living on the move makes it hard to maintain relationships. Old friendships fade, and while I’ve met incredible people, starting over in every new place every time can be exhausting.
• Peace of mind: the idea of freedom is liberating, but building a life that supports it is hard work. Some days, I feel like I’m drowning in tasks, and the pressure to “prove” this lifestyle is worth it can be overwhelming.

Why I still choose this life

So, why do I keep going? Because, even with its challenges, this life is damn worth it.

Here’s why, in my opinion:

• I get to choose my priorities. It’s not about the mere fact I can choose my destinations but about waking up every day and deciding what matters to me most.
• Growth happens in discomfort. The uncertainty and challenges have made me stronger and more resilient. I’ve grown more in the past two years than I ever did in a corporate office.
• It forces intentional living. Being nomadic teaches you to savor the little things—a great café, a stunning sunset, or a kind stranger. You learn to appreciate the now.

When I think back to that night in London, I don’t regret my decision. It hasn’t been easy, and the cost has been high.

But every time I sit in a café in a new country or wake up with the freedom to design my day, I remember why I chose this path.

It’s messy, it’s raw, and it’s mine.

If you’ve also struggled with the trade-offs of freedom—or wondered if this lifestyle is worth it, you should know that you’re not alone.

It’s okay to feel torn or tired. The key is finding the balance that works for you.

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Written by Luca Mussari

Digital nomad and co-founder of Freaking Nomads. After leaving a corporate job in London, I co-created Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace remote work and find happiness wherever they go.

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