How to become a Digital Nomad: lessons from my failed attempts

Twelve years ago, the idea of being a digital nomad was all the rage. Remote work was gaining momentum, online meetings were becoming more common, and the freedom to work from anywhere felt like the future.

It was an aspirational move, I was following others online, and was motivated by what seemed like true freedom from the rat race.

I didn’t consciously choose this way of working at first—circumstances led me to it. As a single parent with two young kids, the time spent commuting to meetings no longer made sense. I could use that time being at home, balancing both work and parenting. I was also transitioning out of corporate life, drawn instead to working with more human-centred, heart-led organizations.

Lifestyle became a priority.

Back then, remote meetings weren’t the norm. “We’ll have our meeting on Skype,” I’d say, only to be met with confusion. How? What is that? Why? Clients still expected face-to-face conversations, in an office or a café. But slowly, things shifted. People adjusted, and so did I. My schedule became more flexible, my work continued to flow, and I was still delivering on my commitments.

Breakthrough!

Then came my next step—I bought my first laptop. Now I can work from anywhere! I declared.

Excited, I tested the waters by working from a friend’s dining table in Devon. But instead of feeling accomplished, I felt… off. I missed my desk—set at the right height, my large screen, the comfort of a space designed just for me. Working remotely didn’t feel liberating; it felt inconvenient. I had a few more attempts, but it always felt forced.

I had to admit it: I wasn’t cut out for the nomadic entrepreneur lifestyle.

The big white desk — *My failed attempts at being a Digital Nomad*

Fast forward to 2023, and life presented another opportunity—three months in Argentina. By then, my mindset had evolved. I no longer clung to the belief that I needed my perfect desk to do great work. I trusted my ability to adapt.

And I did.

I rented a beautiful flat with an office space—a big white desk, a comfortable chair, and a breathtaking view. Perched high above the city, I watched birds sweep past my window as I worked. It felt easy. Aligned. Joyful.

That experience changed everything. The next summer, I did it again—this time in Barcelona and Madrid. And just now, once again, I found myself back in Argentina, embracing this new rhythm.

Would I call myself a nomadic entrepreneur? No. I still love working from home. But what I have gained is something even better—flexibility. The freedom to choose where I work, knowing I can thrive anywhere. And that, to me, is priceless

Nora Rose Zinerman
Art Directress, Brand and Website Designer