Digital Nomad Loneliness & 15 Ways to Prevent It

Is the digital nomad lifestyle lonely?  It can be, yes. There are times when you might feel lonely if you are working all day alone and staying alone in an apartment with no one to talk to.  That has certainly taken its toll on me at times, but there are always to combat loneliness and create a fulfilling nomadic lifestyle with meaningful social connections.  In this blog post, I’ll explore why being a digital nomad can be lonely, and my top tips and strategies to combat loneliness, as well as some of the most frequently asked questions for those seeking the digital nomad lifestyle.

Why Do Digital Nomads Get Lonely?

Picture this: you’re exploring stunning destinations, working from fancy cafes, and living life on your own terms. Sounds like a dream, right? 

The digital nomad lifestyle seems to be a fantastic way of life for many people, but here’s the twist.

Being a digital nomad often means being away from familiar faces, friends, and family for extended periods. Couple that with spending long hours working at a laptop without talking to colleagues then that can lead to the not-so-glamorous side of being nomadic – loneliness.

Humans crave social interaction, and unfortunately, being a digital nomad can be lonely.  So why is digital nomad loneliness a thing, and how can you combat it so you can make the most of your digital nomad job while enjoying your freedom?

Causes Of Loneliness While Being A Digital Nomad

Loneliness among digital nomads is more common than you might think. It’s not just the occasional case of feeling sad; it can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and is one of the main downsides of a digital nomad life. There are a few key causes and contributing factors that play a significant role in this.

Lack of Social Interaction

First up, we have a lack of social interaction. As digital nomads we’re constantly on the move, exploring new cities and soaking up different cultures.  While it’s undeniably exciting, it also means saying goodbye to the stability of long-term friendships and the comfort of a tight-knit community. 

Building meaningful connections takes time and effort, and digital nomads often find themselves craving those deep bonds that come with familiarity as they lack the time to really get to know people.

Frequent Moves

Another culprit is the frequent relocations. As nomads, hopping from one place to another, chasing the next adventure or job opportunity. Constantly being on the move can make it challenging to establish lasting connections. 

Just when we start to feel at home somewhere, it’s time to pack up and hit the road again, leaving us without stability and a sense of belonging.

Isolation

Let’s not forget about isolation. Sure, you have the luxury of working from gorgeous beaches or cozy hostel lounges, but it can also mean spending long hours alone with just our laptops for company. 

While solitude can be refreshing at times, too much of it can tip the scales toward loneliness.   

The best part of working in an office was having colleagues to talk to and while I can’t imagine ever working in an office again sometimes, I do miss having colleagues to chat with over coffee breaks or friends to share my wins and challenges with.  

So, when you combine the lack of social interaction, frequent relocations, and isolation, it’s no wonder digital nomads can find themselves wrestling with loneliness. 

But don’t worry! We’ll dive into strategies to help you combat this icky feeling and make connections as a nomad. 

Strategies To Combat Digital Nomad Loneliness

Here are some practical techniques to help you combat loneliness and find your people, no matter where your nomadic adventures take you.

Improve your Work/Life Balance

One thing I’ve noticed when I’m working from anywhere is that I also end up working at any time.  When I used to work in an office there were set start and finish times, and once I went home I left everything work-related at the office and could enjoy my leisure time however I wanted.

Now I am my own boss, I love the flexibility of starting work late, or going out for the day and working some evenings, but it can be a challenge to choose when to stop work and when to start living. 

Some people like to stick to a routine and work set hours every day – that could be working in the mornings and doing something else in the afternoon, or having the traditional 9-5 style work hours.  Try to figure out what works best for you.

I hate having to stick to a routine so I keep things flexible but make sure I have time to myself every day when I can relax, socialise or spend time exercising and or going outdoors so I am not spending all day, every day on my own in front of my laptop.  

Choose the Right Accommodation

Choosing the right digital nomad accommodation for you can make a huge difference to how much time you spend with other people.  Some people might prefer to have their own space to live and work, and then go out and socialise in the evening, whereas for others, living with like-minded people is a perfect way to feel like part of a community.

Stay in a Co-living Space

Co-living spaces are becoming more popular for digital nomads so you can share an apartment or stay in accommodation with other digital nomads.  Some co-livings are cheaper than staying in an Airbnb and much more fun as you can socialise and collaborate with the other digital nomads living there.

Other co-livings are more exclusive and can cost more than renting an apartment, but they go above and beyond to foster community among their residents, and working together with other digital nomads can help boost your creativity and grow your business as well as your social life!

Hostels and hybrid hotels are another type of co-living – in hostels you could share a room with others which can be very sociable although it does tend to impact your sleep!  There are also lots of hostels and hotels with private rooms where you can enjoy your privacy and then make the most of shared kitchen, social and co-working areas.

These co-living spaces often arrange social events to help you meet people and could include anything from tours of the local area so you can get to know your new home, to barbecues, shared dinners and pub crawls.

Try Pet-Sitting

While pets might not be able to talk to you, they can offer companionship and company while you are working and in the evenings.  Walking a dog also gives you another reason to get out of the house and get some exercise which will help your overall wellbeing.

Housesitting and petsitting aren’t for everyone though as you need to make sure you are caring for the animals properly, and having pets to care for can mean that restricts your freedom in some cases, but there is nothing like snuggling with some cute animals to boost your mood!

Build Connections 

First things first, let’s talk about building connections. One way to combat loneliness is to actively seek out opportunities to meet like-minded individuals.  While meeting people as a digital nomad isn’t like finding travel buddies, there are similar ways you can find people in the same position as you. 

Attend Local Meetups

Meetup allows you to join or create travel groups to meet like-minded people. You can search for digital nomad or expat groups based on location, interests, and activities.  It is free to join, although if you want to start your own group there is a fee.  Some events may charge an attendance fee, although it is usually minimal and well worth it.

Internations

Internations is similar to Meetup but designed for expats to get to know each other in their adopted city.  If you’re travelling long term or as a digital nomad it’s another useful group to join for socialising and networking opportunities.

EatWith

Eatwith connects you with locals and local cuisine so is fantastic for food lovers.  You pay to attend events in people’s homes or businesses where they prepare authentic local food for you to enjoy. 

For me, eating alone was one of the hardest things to get used to when I first started travelling but I joined Eatwith in Barcelona and met some of my best friends through foodie events there!  I also joined an Eatwith experience in Rome and Budapest which was a lovely way to meet local people.

Join Digital Nomad Groups on Social Media

There are numerous digital nomad Facebook groups where you can find other nomads and get advice and recommendations on things like finding digital accommodation and dealing with taxes and visas. Depending on what work you do you can also find specific groups related to your profession on Facebook or LinkedIn.  

There are lots of travel communities for people who work in travel, which can be very useful for travel bloggers and content creators too. 

Travel Massive is a community of travel industry professionals and enthusiasts who share a passion for travel and you can connect with other members, attend events, and join sub-groups based on your interests.  I’ve been to a few TravelMassive events, usually while attending a travel conference.

Join a Co-Working Space

As well as giving you a change of scene and a comfortable place to work, co-working spaces are a great place to meet other remote workers and digital nomads.  Most co-working spaces also arrange various social events, presentations and networking events to help you to meet other digital nomads and to become part of the community.

Join a Sports Club or Fitness Group

Joining a sports club or fitness group is a great way to stay active and meet other travellers who share your interests. You can join a running group, yoga class, or even a local sports team if you’re staying for a while.

Take Part in a Language Exchange

Joining a language exchange program is a great way to meet locals and other digital nomads who are interested in learning a new language. You can practice speaking the local language and make new friends at the same time.  I joined a language exchange the first time I lived in Barcelona and loved getting to know people while improving my Spanish skills!

Volunteer in the Community

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet other digital nomads who are also passionate about making a difference. You can join a local volunteer program or search for volunteer opportunities online. 

Talk to People!

Wherever you are, don’t be shy to strike up conversations, share your experiences, and be open to forming new friendships. It seems that we are losing the ability to talk to people with the amount of time we spend on our phones and laptops, but you never know, that person sipping their latte next to you might just become a part of your next nomadic adventure!

Foster Community 

Next up, fostering community is key. Take the initiative and create your own little nomad group by organizing gatherings or events. You can host a potluck dinner, organize a group hike, or even start a book club. The possibilities are endless! 

By bringing people together, you not only combat your loneliness but also create a supportive network where others can find a sense of belonging. Remember, a community is what we make of it, so be proactive and let your nomadic spirit shine!

Let’s not forget about maintaining social support, even from afar. Stay connected with friends and family back home through video calls, messages, or even sharing snippets of your journey on social media. 

It may not be the same as being physically present, but it goes a long way in reducing those feelings of isolation. Plus, it’s always comforting to have familiar voices cheering you on from across the globe.

Find Opportunities For Collaboration

Lastly, seek out opportunities for collaboration. As digital nomads, you’re part of a vibrant and diverse community which is growing and developing every day.

Look for chances to work on projects with other nomads, join online communities focused on your interests, or even seek out mentorship opportunities. 

Collaborating not only helps you with loneliness but also opens doors to new possibilities and professional growth, and can help build your business.

Frequently Asked Questions: Digital Nomad Loneliness 

Do Digital Nomads Get Lonely?

Yes, digital nomads can experience feelings of loneliness. The nature of their lifestyle, which often involves frequent relocations, lack of stable social connections, and periods of isolation, can contribute to this. 

But the extent of loneliness varies; some actively seek community and use strategies to combat loneliness, while others may find it less of an issue. 

Overall, loneliness is a common challenge faced by digital nomads, but with proactive effort, it can be managed and overcome.

What is the Dark side of Being a Digital Nomad?

The lifestyle has challenges such as loneliness, isolation, lack of stability, and work-life balance struggles. 

Constantly moving between locations can disrupt personal relationships and make it difficult to establish a sense of belonging. 

Plus, the pressure to constantly be productive while managing travel logistics and adjusting to new environments can lead to stress and burnout. Financial uncertainties and the need for self-discipline are other aspects as well. 

What is the Negative Impact of Digital Nomads?

Environmental footprint could be considered a negative impact of digital nomads as constant travel leads to increased carbon emissions and ecological strain.  It can also be an issue in areas with a shortage of housing where digital nomads live in apartments that local people can’t afford.

Are Digital Nomads Problematic?

Digital nomads can present challenges and issues, including environmental impact. But many nomads practice responsible travel, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. 

Addressing the negatives is crucial, but it’s equally important to acknowledge that digital nomads, as a diverse group, can have a positive impact and coexist harmoniously with local communities.

Final Thoughts on Digital Nomad Loneliness 

Being a digital nomad can lead to loneliness due to the nature of the lifestyle and lack of stable social connections. 

But the extent of loneliness varies among digital nomads. Taking steps such as building connections, fostering community, and looking for collaboration can help combat feelings of loneliness. 

By prioritizing meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, digital nomads can create a fulfilling and balanced nomadic lifestyle.