Always on holidays, always working

So maybe it’s not that you’ve been cheated out of an unlimited supply of time; maybe it’s almost incomprehensibly miraculous to have been granted any time at all.
— Oliver Burkeman

Fine, I’ll admit it—I’m a digital nomad. I cringe at the label, but it sums up my work-life setup perfectly.

And honestly? Being a digital nomad is pretty great:

• Morning surf sessions on stunning beaches? Yes, please.

• No crowded subway commutes or traffic jams.

• Flexible schedule, so you’re either your own boss or free from the boss’s constant eye.

• You can work from the couch, a cozy café, or even the comfort of your bed when you’re feeling a bit lazy.

Sometimes, it feels like living life with a cheat code. But like all shiny things, there are hidden costs.

Conflicting rhythms

This isn’t just a digital nomad thing—it’s a remote work reality. The freedom to set your own hours is fantastic, but there’s a catch: it can throw you out of sync with the rest of the world. Most people are likely on traditional schedules, and aligning with them can be challenging.

*I’ll add some balance to this opinion by noting that we’re currently witnessing a major shift in the workplace. Freedom is increasingly becoming something both employees seek and employers promise. While not everyone will end up working remotely, workplaces are likely to evolve to offer employees greater flexibility.

Meeting tourists

Digital nomads often end up in beautiful, tourist-friendly places—think warm, tropical spots like Indonesia or other parts of Southeast Asia. It makes sense: why wouldn’t you want to work in paradise?

But it also means friendships can be hard to build. Many people you meet are only around for a week or two, max. Sure, there are digital nomad hubs like Bali where you’ll find “your people,” but you might also lose some of the authenticity you were seeking in the first place.

And while connecting with locals is amazing, it sometimes feels different. You might sense that you’re seen as the wealthy outsider. It’s not always like this, but it can add a subtle layer of distance.

The Guilt

Digital nomads face a unique set of guilt trips:

• Guilt from flying often.

• Guilt over contributing to gentrification and seeing local culture shift.

• Guilt from recognizing the privilege gap between you and most locals.

There are ways to lessen this impact—like using more eco-friendly transport or supporting local businesses over big hotel chains. But the truth is, it rarely feels like enough to fully balance things out.

Always working

This lifestyle can feel like a vacation that never ends, making it easy to forget you’re working most of the time. Weekends? They blend into regular workdays.

Disconnecting becomes a challenge too. Taking real time off is essential, but digital nomads seem to struggle more with this. Little tasks—checking emails, sending a quick Slack message, resolving a client issue—may only take a minute, but they keep your brain in work mode, stopping you from fully recharging.

Other challenges come to mind, too—being far from friends and family (of course), having to start fresh every few months, and constantly booking places to stay, transport, and visas.

Yet, for all its quirks and trade-offs, I still love being a “digital nomad.” The morning surf, coffee shop workdays, and barefoot freedom are my kind of perks. And right now, there’s no better time to live this life—so I’m embracing it while I can ✌️

— James

Tools & Websites

• Hardcover is a bootstrapped alternative to Goodreads, aiming to create the ultimate social network for readers. Its interface is beautifully designed, and the book recommendations have been spot on so far.

• Datafast is a Google Analytics replacement from the well-known Indie hacker Marc Lou. It’s simpler to use, integrates with Stripe, and is way less overwhelming.

• Amo is an animated website worth checking out. Click & enjoy!

James’ Library

…Aesthetic Corner…

Baraka

Baraka is the alter ego of French artist Antoine Musset. His early work is infused with the spirit of La Réunion—where he lived for several years—showcased through vivid colors and Creole names. His latest series, Enfants Terribles, features paintings of iconic, world-changing figures imagined as children.

Nanu’s Nudge Counter

Nanu created this elegant brass nudge counter to help you track your most important habits. Isn’t it beautiful?

One day at a time, keep pushing forward and stay connected to what truly matters to you.

Sustainable Living

Project Kamp is an inspiring collaborative initiative by One Army. They bought a piece of land in central Portugal, where they’re prototyping a more sustainable way of life.

The project has covered a range of areas—from infrastructure and water management to fire prevention. They brought together over 30 people from across Europe, all living in community, each with unique skills and roles, from cooking to woodworking.

Be sure to check out their YouTube channel for weekly update videos (or yearly summaries showing all the progress). If you’re interested in doing something similar, visit their community site, where they share how to replicate their work, along with resources from their research and development center.

Friends of James

• Beehiiv — the powerhouse behind all my newsletters, helping me craft, design, grow my audience, and monetize effortlessly.

• Notion — my go-to tool for the last 6+ years, where I store all my notes, manage tasks, and essentially run both my life and businesses.

• Webflow — the engine behind all my websites, letting me design, build, and launch seamlessly without code.

• Make — the tool that runs my business on autopilot, handling all recurring and time-consuming tasks

*these are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Your support directly helps keep this newsletter going ✌️