To Nomad or Not to Nomad: Is It Time to Pause or Go? (Test Included)

I’m nearly 40. I’ve lived long term in more than ten cities and travelled through countless other countries, sometimes for months, sometimes for a few days.

Some years, I only travel once. Other years, I’m constantly on the go.

I’ve “quit” the nomad life multiple times. And at some point, I always start again.

It’s in my blood, I guess. Papa was a rolling stone. Well, that’s me. Just without the kids.

I know nomads of all ages who barely stay anywhere long enough to unpack. But most of the people I know eventually settle somewhere, especially as they get older. They want relationships they can invest in, a routine, and friends who are actually around when they want to grab dinner.

I want those things too. There’s only so many times you can have the same introductory conversation before you start wishing you were sitting with someone who already knows you.

But even when I’m settled, there’s often that nagging feeling.

I gotta go.

Having quit a few times myself, I’m probably not the person to tell you when to stop for good. But if you’re wondering whether to book another flight or stay where you are, here are a few questions worth asking for any digital nomad.

Is it time to pause or go?

Answer based on how you feel lately. Not how you felt on that incredible trip three years ago.

1. You’ve got six months ahead of you in the same place. How does that sound?

A. Honestly? A relief.
B. Pretty good, as long as I can take a trip or two.
C. I’d rather spend some of that time somewhere new.

2. What’s making you look at flights?

A. Habit. I’m not even particularly excited about going anywhere.
B. I could use a break, but I’d want to come back.
C. There’s somewhere I really want to spend time.

3. What do you wish you had more of right now?

A. Close friends nearby and a regular routine.
B. Time at home and time away. My current balance is off.
C. Travel. There’s still a lot I want to see.

4. How are your relationships doing?

A. I know people everywhere, but I’m missing having people around.
B. I have people I’m close to. I’d like to be around them more often.
C. I’m happy with how I stay connected while travelling.

5. Be honest. How do you feel about finding another apartment, figuring out another gym, and packing everything again?

A. I’m tired just thinking about it.
B. Fine a few times a year. Every month would be too much.
C. It’s annoying, but I still want to go.

6. Is travelling getting in the way of anything you care about?

A. Yes. I keep putting things off because I’m about to leave again.
B. Sometimes. I probably need to spend longer in each place.
C. Not much. I’m able to make time for what matters to me.

7. If nobody asked where you were going next, would you still want to leave?

A. Maybe not. I think I’m putting pressure on myself to keep travelling.
B. Yes, occasionally. But I’d want somewhere to come back to.
C. Absolutely. I don’t need anyone else to be interested.

Mostly A: Stay a while

You sound tired of moving, or interested in things that need you to stick around.

That seems like a good enough reason to pause.

Give yourself a few months somewhere you actually want to be. Make plans with people. Get into a routine. See whether you enjoy it once you’re no longer spending half your time organising your next move.

And if you want to leave again later, you can. I’ve done it plenty of times.

Mostly B: Have somewhere to come back to

This is where I find myself sometimes. I want my own space and people nearby, but I still want to travel.

You might be happy taking a few trips a year. Or leaving for a couple of months and coming back to the same place.

It does mean figuring out the cost of keeping a base while you’re away. But if it works for you, there’s a lot to like about coming home without having to find a new home first.

Mostly C: You still want to go

You’re interested in travelling, and the practical annoyances haven’t put you off.

If you can afford it and it fits your responsibilities, being nearly 40, 50, or whatever age you’re worried about doesn’t seem like a reason to stop.

Maybe you’ll travel more slowly than you used to. Maybe you’ll be pickier about apartments. I’d count knowing what you like as a benefit of having done this for a while.

Answers all over the place?

You might be tired of how you’re travelling.

Would you feel differently if you stayed three months instead of three weeks? Had your own apartment? Went somewhere you already knew people?

Try changing the part that’s wearing you out before deciding you’re finished with the whole thing.

I’ve settled down enough times to know I enjoy it. I’ve left enough times to know I enjoy that too.

Right now, which one do you actually want?