It’s often assumed that when the topic of digital nomads comes up, almost immediately everyone thinks of young people in their late teens or their 20s. Type the keyword ‘digital nomad’ into Google, and you are likely going to see one recurring theme. Young digital nomads are, in most cases, portrayed as having a good time on the beach with a high-end laptop and a cocktail by their side. I am well aware of that stereotype, but HEY, I want some of that too!
Is that dream so different from retired people for the last 50 years? Move somewhere with better weather, maybe a place that allows their dollars to stretch a little farther, be with people of a like mind?
I do not see any difference at all between the traditional retirement that millions of people aspire to every year and what I want to do. Well, hold on, there is one difference, I do not want to wait 15 or 20 more years to start “the good life” in the proverbial Paradise.
Over the next few weeks, I am going to explore the differences in the Young and Old Nomad. You never know, there may even be a few more advantages than people think?
This series will cover the Positives and Negatives of being 50-something as opposed to the socially accepted 20-something NOMAD. (Digital or otherwise)
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Life and Business Experience
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Ability to appreciate the Culture as opposed to the Party
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More Financial Stability
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Marriage and Children already experienced
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Loneliness on the Road
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Health Issues and Factors
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And Most Importantly, how to make money during your pseudo-retirement
To Conclude this opening Article:
Most people attribute a digital nomad’s lifestyle to youth. It brings up a question touching on older members of the society: how can one, in his or her advanced years, be a digital nomad? Common misconceptions do not help in answering this concern. Most people believe that digital nomads are young and that people of my age are inflexible, conservative, risk-averse, and let’s face it, just plain boring.
However, the reality of the matter is more people are seeking to embrace technology and ready to try something new, even the older generation. I mean who really wants to sit in an office for 15-20 more years? Especially with all the changes. The American dream isn’t really guaranteed to many people as it once was. Just because you have been with a company for 20 years no longer means you will (or be able) to work until you get that cake and gold watch.
And even if you do make it that far, Older people are no longer happy with a boring and uneventful life after retirement. Most of them want to see and witness new experiences before their bodies call it a day. As Nomadism becomes even more popular, the diversity within this group of professionals is increasing every year.
Is this lifestyle suitable for all age groups? Of course, the answer is yes. But “yes” does not mean right. This series of articles will explore questions of the older generation. It will ask the right questions, hopefully, give a few right answers, and will explore many possibilities if this is something you would like to learn more about.
The desire to travel, have adventures, and experience new cultures happen at all ages, and with today’s technology, any age group can live the digital or other nomad lifestyle. It is all a matter of determination and making your past experience and talents work for you.
As for me, I have hundreds of airports, thousands of meals, and millions of people out there waiting for me. And I am going to do everything I can do not to disappoint them.