Picture this: you’re living the dream in Pattaya, hopping from one coworking space to another, taking calls from the beach, and exploring Thailand in your off hours. But wait—does this digital nomad lifestyle come with an expiration date? According to both research and real-life accounts, the answer might be yes. Let’s take a closer look at whether this nomadic lifestyle has a shelf life and why so many nomads hit the “five-year itch.”
We’ve all heard the stories of digital nomads living out of a backpack, crisscrossing the globe. But for many, that “freedom” has an expiration date, often around five years. Take Lauren Juliff, for instance. A successful UK travel blogger, Lauren spent five years traveling to 75 countries. But by the end of that period, the excitement was replaced by panic attacks. The lack of stability, constantly changing homes, and losing touch with her routine and friends finally caught up with her. Lauren made the tough decision to settle down in Lisbon, swapping the nomad life for a more grounded lifestyle.
So, is the five-year burnout unavoidable? Not for everyone, but for many, it seems to be the case.
Before we dive into why nomads eventually hit a wall, let’s explore what drives them to pack their bags and hit the road.
Escaping Socio-Political Stressors: Some nomads are running from more than just their local 9-to-5. They seek a better quality of life, whether it’s a cheaper cost of living, better political conditions, or simply a more fulfilling existence.
Remote Work Flexibility: Thanks to the rise of remote work, the digital nomad lifestyle is more attainable than ever. The freedom to work from anywhere is appealing to those tired of the office grind.
Craving a Life Overhaul: For many, a big life event—a breakup or job loss—pushes them to make a drastic change. Becoming a nomad represents an opportunity to hit the reset button.
The Love of Travel: Let’s be real—traveling is at the heart of it all. Seeing the world while earning a living is the ultimate dream for many.
So, what is it that turns that dream into a drag after a few years? Sociologist Beverly Thompson, herself a digital nomad, suggests that after around five years, the constant movement and lack of stability start to wear down even the most adventurous spirits.
One issue is the lack of a “home base.” As exciting as it is to always be on the move, many nomads miss the comfort of having a space they can call their own—a sanctuary to unwind in after a day of work. Without it, the lifestyle can start to feel like being stuck in a strange limbo.
Another major factor? Loneliness. While coworking spaces like those in Pattaya can help create a sense of community, they don’t fully replace the deep, long-term relationships that come with staying in one place. Sure, you’ll meet fellow travelers and nomads, but it’s harder to form strong connections when you’re constantly on the go.
Many nomads also struggle with the “work while you travel” paradox. Working from a café in paradise sounds ideal, but it can be frustrating when you’re surrounded by tourists on holiday while you’re trying to hit deadlines. Suddenly, the glamorous nomad life feels more like an office job with better views.
Here’s where things get tricky—leaving the nomad lifestyle isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Research by Vincenzo Luise, focusing on nomads in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, found that while most digital nomads see their lifestyle as temporary, it can end up becoming harder to quit than they anticipated.
Many digital nomads initially see the experience as a self-discovery journey—a chance to learn, save, and prepare for a more traditional life later. But they often find themselves trapped by the very freedom they sought. Financial considerations like work opportunities, property, investments, and pensions are often tied to their nomadic way of life. Social connections also become more fluid, making it hard to reintegrate into one place.
While the digital nomad life can be a thrilling and liberating adventure, it seems to come with a built-in timer for many. Whether it’s the need for stability, deep-rooted connections, or just the burnout from constant travel, many nomads find themselves returning to a more settled lifestyle after a few years.
But hey, in Pattaya, with its coworking havens, tropical vibes, and strong nomad community, maybe you can stretch that five-year mark a little longer! After all, who’s in a hurry to give up beachside office views?
