The digital nomad dream is dead
Hey Freaking Nomads,
Let’s take a moment to zoom out.
Over the past few years, it seems to me that digital nomadism went from fringe lifestyle to mainstream aspiration. Remote jobs surged, new visa programs launched, and travel opened up again post-pandemic. It felt like the world was finally catching up to what many of us had already been living.
But 2025 feels… well, different.
All around us, the world seems to be contracting. Economically, politically, and even socially. And I'm seeing that it's starting to have a real impact on the viability and perception of being a digital nomad.
We’re seeing more companies walk back their remote-first policies. For the first time since 2020, the number of remote roles is declining, especially in the U.S., UK, and parts of Europe. Flexibility is no longer the default, it’s becoming a privilege again.
At the same time, the cost of living has gone up everywhere. Inflation has pushed housing prices in popular nomad hubs to levels that feel less and less sustainable. What used to be affordable destinations may now be hotspots of tension, with locals protesting the impact of mass tourism and foreign workers on their cities. And let’s be honest, in many places, digital nomads are now being lumped into that same overtourism conversation.
Add to this a broader geopolitical shift. Countries that once embraced openness are turning inward. Visa rules are tightening. Tax scrutiny is increasing. National elections are shifting public sentiment in ways that make cross-border lifestyles feel more uncertain. Sometimes, even unwelcome.
So, yeah...In 2025, digital nomadism isn’t just about a lifestyle anymore. It’s about adapting to a world where globalization, once seen as inevitable, is being challenged by growing divides between the “mobile” and the “rooted.”
I’m based in Sofia, Bulgaria, a place that still offers affordability, community, and relative freedom. But I feel the change. I see it in rising grocery prices, in emails from friends losing remote jobs, in the headlines out of Spain and Portugal. I feel it in the quiet recalibration of what it means to be a “global citizen.”
So no, I don’t think the digital nomad dream is dead.
But I do think we’re entering a new phase: one that requires more from us.
Being a nomad now means actively keeping up with a fast-changing world. It means learning new skills, especially as AI is reshaping industries at lightning speed. It means staying curious, adaptable, and constantly upskilling.
It’s also about thinking more globally. This isn’t the “book a one-way ticket to Bali and figure it out later” era anymore. This is the era of intentional exploration. Slower travel, yes. But also bolder choices. Choosing places others might overlook. Showing up in emerging hubs.
And maybe most importantly, this new phase is about courage. The courage to redefine success, to try unfamiliar paths, and to keep building, especially in places and ways that defy expectations.
The dream may not be gone forever. But it’s just growing up, and is asking us to grow with it.
And maybe that’s not a bad thing.
Talk soon,
Irene
🔌 Shameless Plug
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Try it here—or keep gambling on Google Maps reviews written by people with suspiciously high tolerance for slow Wi-Fi or coffee refills 🙅
👀 What else...
- Nothing kills the vibe faster than airline staff or a visa officer asking for “proof of onward travel” when you’re trying to keep things spontaneous. That’s why we put together a list of the best (and legit) dummy ticket services: Temporary flight reservations that don’t force you to commit to a full-price ticket.
Jessica Saabor
- We sweat-tested the top eSIMs for Bali so you can skip the airport kiosks and call a Grab as soon as you land. We checked speeds, coverage, and ease of setup. Here’s what’s actually worth your money in 2025.
Angelina Bertoni
- We’re calling BS on the loner nomad myth once and for all. The real digital nomad life runs on community, both online and IRL. We rounded up our favorite colivings, coworking spaces, and programs that actually help you meet people, not just pass through.
Jessica Saabor
💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you
Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:
- Copywriter Intern at SafetyWing
- Brand Designer at Titan
- Senior Product Manager at TalentIn
- Senior Backend Engineer at Thaloz
- Event Project Manager at Interprefy Ag
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📚 Want more digital nomad guides? Read our articles on all things nomad, including travel tips, budgeting & finance, legal and taxes, community, productivity and more.
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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋
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