I used to think the hardest part of being a digital nomad would be finding good WiFi or resisting the temptation of trying every new pastry in sight. Turns out, my biggest struggle is something else entirely: conversations.
Not just any conversations—those deep, unexpected, time-warping travel conversations that start over breakfast and somehow stretch into sunset drinks. The kind where you connect with someone instantly, knowing full well that in two days, they’ll be gone, off to another place, another adventure. And so, obviously, work can wait, right?
The Vicious Cycle of FOMO Conversations
Here’s how it usually goes:
- I meet an amazing person.
- We start talking about everything—life, travel, culture, their childhood pet’s name.
- I tell myself, It’s fine, I’ll just push work a little later today.
- Work doesn’t happen.
- They leave. I tell myself, Okay, time to focus now.
- A new person arrives. Oh, but they’re only here for a few days…
- Repeat steps 1-6 until I realize my deadlines are laughing at me from the abyss.
And the worst part? I don’t even regret it. Because these are the moments that make travel worth it. But also… why am I like this?!
When Work and Wanderlust Collide for a Digital Nomad
Unlike other travellers who are here for a week and then back to their structured lives, as a digital nomad I’m doing this for the long haul. This means I can’t just “catch up on work later” because later will also be filled with new conversations, new places, and new people who will inevitably make me question all my life choices.
I tried fighting it. I told myself, Nope, this time, I will set strict work boundaries. But then someone invites me for chai and a deep dive into the meaning of life, and suddenly, my to-do list is just a distant memory.
Also read: Beyond the Instagram Filter: Lessons from 4.5 Months on the Road. Challenges I faced last time I tried the digital nomad lifestyle!
The Only Solution? Travelling Slower
This time, I’m trying something new: forced solitude in between social sprints. Instead of always staying in hostels or co-living spaces, I now spend a few weeks in quiet places where the only distraction is my own procrastination skills. This way, I can guilt-free binge on conversations when I’m in a social setting, knowing I have actual work time built in later.
Will it work? No idea. But at least I’m trying to break the cycle.
Until then, if you see me staring longingly at a group of backpackers deep in conversation while I type furiously on my laptop, just know—I’m suffering from conversation FOMO. And I’ll probably be joining them in five minutes.
Also read: Sometimes, it’s just not your season
