WHAT DO DIGITAL NOMADS DO: A Day in the Life of a Digital Nomad
Hey there! I’ve been a bit quiet on the blog for the last few weeks, and honestly, life has been a beautiful whirlwind. Since August started, I’ve felt beyond blessed and grateful for how things are unfolding.
Lately, I’ve been getting more questions about what I actually do all day. If you’re curious about the “what, when, and how” of this lifestyle, I wanted to dive deep and share a raw, personal look at my daily routine as a digital nomad.
The Slow Morning
I’ll be the first to admit: I am not a morning person. In my old corporate life, the 8-hour office grind felt like being stuck in a box that didn’t fit. Now, I embrace a slower start. I usually wake up around 9:00 AM and immediately reach for a glass of water. Before I even look at a screen, I spend a few minutes doing a quick stretch to wake up my body.
After an hour of “me time” and self-care, I finally check my emails and write down my to-do list for the day. Since I work from home in the mornings, I’m keeping it real with you—I don’t always shower right away! But if I have errands or a meeting, I’m off to get ready
Starting the Work Day
The beauty of being a digital nomad is the flexibility. I can choose to work late into the night or start early. On a regular day, once I’m ready, I pack my “office” into my bag:
- Laptop & Charger
- Headphones
- Extension wire (a nomad essential!)
Since there aren’t dedicated coworking spaces in Dipolog City yet, I’ve turned local cafes into my headquarters. My current favorites are Barra Barista, Cafe Nicasio, and Moto Brew. I’ll usually settle in for 2–3 hours of deep work before my stomach starts reminding me it’s time for lunch.
Lunch Breaks & Creative Collaborations
I love a good gastronomic adventure. If I’m feeling inspired, I’ll head to a new restaurant to try a quick bite.
Even though I’m “unemployed” from a traditional job, I never stop building. While I pay for my own meals, I often offer to feature the restaurant on this blog or my vlog. It’s a great way to build my portfolio and practice my content creation skills. I’m always open to collaborations—it makes the lifestyle feel so much more connected to the community.
Afternoon Hustle
After lunch, it’s back to work. I might head back to my morning cafe or find a new corner to settle into. This is where I “lock in” for 3–4 hours of solid freelancing.
I’ve been away from a traditional office for 8 months now. Sometimes, the idea of “getting back to work” after a long break bothers me, but I’ve realized I never actually stopped learning. Every day, I’m updating my skills and exploring new creative fields.
I’ve always wanted to turn my freelancing into a full-scale business. I’m still learning the “business side” of things—the documents, the client management, the scaling—but I’ve already started preparing my company profile and organizing my portfolio. I’m not 100% there yet, but I’m enjoying the process of becoming.
The 5-to-9
At 5:00 PM, I have a non-negotiable habit: I head to the Dipolog City Sunset Boulevard.
After staring at a laptop screen all day, I need to see the horizon. The sunset there is a daily reminder of why I chose this freedom.
Following the sunset, it’s my fitness time. My “5-to-9” involves hitting the gym and lifting weights. This lifestyle involves a lot of sitting and way too much coffee, so working out is how I make sure I stay healthy enough to sustain this life for the long haul.
Evening Wind Down
I head home after the gym to cook dinner. It’s a sustainable way to eat healthy and a fun way to improve my cooking skills. My nights end with true “Me Time”—usually a glass of wine while watching a series or scrolling through social media.
This nomadic life I’ve chosen isn’t just about traveling, but also about finding a routine that actually feels like me. I always knew I wasn’t meant for a four-walled office. Moving into full-time freelancing is a challenge, and I’m working hard every day to make it permanent.
If you’re thinking about making the jump, just know that you don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. You just need the willingness to keep learning.
