Should digital nomads take holidays?

I'm currently typing away from a gelateria overlooking the ocean. While the waves of the Mediterranean sea crash, I've been pondering over a question that seems odd to most but quite significant to us:

Should we, as digital nomads, take holidays?

The average Joe might glance our way and muse, "Aren't these digital nomads always on holiday? 🤨"

But here's the catch: While our Instagram might scream perpetual vacation, the reality is a blend of exploration and exhaustion.

Yes, we're constantly moving, that's true, but we're also constantly working. The stunning sunset shots often come after hours of meetings or tight deadlines. It's a dual life, doubling the effort to relish this fantastic digital nomad journey.

So, what's the game plan? How do we find that sweet balance between work and wanderlust? There are two approaches to explore, in my honest opinion:

1. The Total Disconnect

Some of us find comfort in unplugging entirely for a few days every now and then. A digital detox, if you will. Switch off, kick back, and genuinely take a breather without the hum of Slack notifications (the sound of hell in my old corporate days 😱).

2. The Balanced Approach (my favorite one)

Here's my personal hack: Work 4 days a week, reserving the extended weekend, Friday to Sunday, exclusively for adventures. By giving myself these mini-vacations every week, I've discovered a seamless blend of work and travel. And if you do the math, this sums up to a staggering 156 days of holiday vibes annually! So now, instead of the traditional corporate sprint to annual leave, I've got a recurring rendezvous with life's wonders.

And the beauty of it? Flexibility. I can swap a Sunday work sesh for a beach day, and vice versa, based on my mood and needs.

The essence of this approach is to prevent the burnout and keep my nomadic spirit alive.

But remember, fellow wander-workers, this is my rhythm.

In reality, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to our lifestyle. Craft your own tempo. Maybe it's a two-week sabbatical every quarter, or perhaps it's regular half-days. Whatever you choose, ensure it resonates with your essence.

The key is to acknowledge that we aren't just travellers; we're working travellers.

Balancing the two with respect and mindfulness ensures we get the best of both worlds.

Wherever you are, remember to take moments for yourself. After all, we're not just chasing destinations; we're chasing experiences and memories.

So, prioritize your well-being, and don't forget to soak in the beauty around you.

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"Travel far enough, you meet yourself." – David Mitchell

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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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