'I LEFT LONDON FOR A DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE IN CROATIA BUT ONE THING BROUGHT ME HOME AGAIN'

While many think that it's the younger generations who are the most keen to exit the UK and work abroad or travel whilst working remotely, it's in fact Gen X who are most likely to have no concerns or barriers and embrace the nomadic lifestyle.

As younger generations worry about job stability and loneliness while working remotely abroad, Gen X professionals like 43-year-old Kirsty Hanson are embracing digital nomadism for freedom, flexibility, and a new way of working.

"For over a decade, I lived in London navigating soaring rent prices while working as a contractor in software testing for a medical education company. Like many, the shift to remote working during the pandemic opened my eyes to new possibilities. When restrictions were lifted and my company continued to allow remote work, I asked myself: why was I still tied to London when I could work from anywhere?

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In September 2022, I made the leap into digital nomadism. It wasn’t just a financial decision — though the extortionate rent was certainly a factor — but also a personal one. A long-term relationship had ended, and I wanted change. Rather than moving to a different part of London, I thought, 'Why don’t I just go somewhere completely different?'

I have always had a passion for travel, having taken extended backpacking trips in the past but because of this, my travels were always temporary — I’d save money, quit my job, and take a work sabbatical to travel for months at a time. However, this time I was balancing work and travel rather than taking a sabbatical.

I chose Europe to remain in the same time zone as my company. I started in Croatia, thinking I’d move on to Montenegro, Albania, and maybe Greece. But I ended up staying in Croatia because I loved it so much.

One piece of advice I’d give to others thinking about this lifestyle is to keep plans fluid because you never know how you’re going to feel. I initially thought I’d move around more, but once I got to Croatia, I just didn’t want to leave.

Challenges of the digital nomad lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges was adjusting my mindset. I had to remind myself that this was a lifestyle, not a holiday. Initially, I was drawn into the fun of meeting new people, going out for drinks, and embracing spontaneity but I quickly realised that I needed structure. I also discovered that hostels weren’t the best for productivity, so I switched to renting apartments.

Loneliness was another unexpected hurdle. While the summer months were lively, the atmosphere changed dramatically in the off-season as tourists dropped off. However, I joined a hiking group and discovered that many fellow remote workers, particularly from America, were navigating similar experiences.

Experiencing healthcare abroad

It turned out that getting medical assistance abroad was surprisingly straightforward. While in Croatia, I fell ill and used an app through my travel insurance, which allowed me to book a video consultation with an English-speaking doctor. Within hours, I had a prescription and collected my antibiotics from a local pharmacy — a process far simpler than trying to get a GP appointment back home in the UK.

Why I chose not to get a digital nomad visa

At one point, I considered applying for Croatia’s digital nomad visa, which would have allowed me to stay for a year. The process seemed straightforward, and I was excited about the idea of a more permanent base. However, life had other plans. When my dad passed away, everything changed.

Suddenly, the excitement of nomadic life was overshadowed by grief, and being away from home no longer felt right. The biggest challenge was navigating such a difficult personal time while being, in essence, homeless.

Coming full circle

By January 2024, I made a complete U-turn and bought a house on the south coast of England. After living out of a backpack for nearly 18 months, I wanted stability. I quickly viewed a property, liked it, and bought it.

But settling down doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned the freedom of remote work. This summer, I’m heading to Sardinia for two and a half months, working remotely from my boyfriend’s family home.

Instead of quitting my job to travel, something I had done in the past, I now embrace a hybrid approach, working from different locations while maintaining a home base.

Advice for aspiring digital nomads

For those considering this lifestyle, my biggest piece of advice is to not overthink it. So many people tell me, 'I don’t think I could do that,' but you won’t know unless you try.

Flexibility is key. Keep your plans fluid because things don’t always go as expected. Be mindful of loneliness and seek out communities through coworking spaces, meetups, or social groups and most importantly, prepare for the unexpected. Whether it’s a visa complication, a personal loss, or just a change of heart, life will always throw things your way, and it’s all part of the experience. Being adaptable will make the journey all the more rewarding.

While I may not be a full-time nomad anymore, my experience has reshaped how I approach work, travel, and life itself. And if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that adventure doesn’t have to mean giving up security — it’s about striking the right balance between the two."

*Based on a recent survey by Research Without Barriers (RWB) on behalf of AXA - Global Healthcare of 1,001 UK workers

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2025-03-09T11:01:03Z