What if I told you that 34 percent of Americans would move abroad if they had the means?
According to a 2024 study by Monmouth University, this dream of leaving behind a traditional life and living overseas is possibly "the New American Dream."
Ever felt like that? Maybe you've been imagining what it would take to live and work from anywhere, untethered from one location. Whether in Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, or elsewhere, I'm here to tell you that your dream might be closer than you think.
Hi, I'm Marcia Hylton, aka Marcia Unbound. I help women monetize their skills and start living their dream lives abroad.
My digital nomad journey began in late 2015, and by 2017, I was hopping between countries every four to six weeks. At the time, I kept a home base in the U.S. and juggled life and business coaching for clients back home while exploring the world.
Fast-forward to nowâI've sold everything: my car (a fun little convertible), clothes (including wardrobe pieces I was far too attached to), kitchenware, artwork, and even many of my favorite jewelry pieces. Nonetheless, the process has been freeing. Today, I'm a citizen of two countries, with legal residency in a third. That's the kind of flexibility and freedom this lifestyle offers.
What Does My Life Look Like Now?
I coach digital nomads, create digital products, write articles, and invest in passive income streams. I've built a life where I work on my terms, doing what I'm passionate about while living a life that allows me the freedom to explore the globe. If you're looking to carve out your own path, being a digital nomad allows you to design a life that aligns with your passions and goals.
Is Digital Nomad Life For You?
If you're wondering whether becoming a digital nomad is realistic for you, let's look at some numbers. We all love hearing other people's travel stories, but digging into the numbers will give us the clearest picture.
What Are The Ages Of Digital Nomads?
According to Localize.com:
- 47% of digital nomads are between the ages of 30-39.
- 14% are in their 20s.
- The rest? They're over 40.
Many people think the digital nomad lifestyle is just for 20-somethings, but that's not true. There's no "right age" to start this journeyâthe right age to become a digital nomad is when you decide to make your dream happen.
Here's another interesting statistic: most digital nomads are American, and interestingly, 24% of American digital nomads travel with their children. Families are making this lifestyle work, proving it's not just for single travelers like me.
How Much Money Do Digital Nomads Make?
Let's talk about money because I know this is a big concern. According to Statista.com:
- 34% of digital nomads earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.
- 35% earn between $100,000 and $250,000.
- 8% are earning between $250,000 and $1 million.
- And 2% make over $1 million per year!
If you think that's not enough, consider this: many digital nomads live in countries with a much lower cost of living than the U.S., which means that $50,000 a year could afford you a much higher quality of life. Imagine earning more while working fewer hours and living in a place you enjoy.
This lifestyle provides endless financial opportunities. Whether you want to build multiple streams of income, relocate, or do both, the digital nomad life offers the flexibility to design a life that's uniquely yours.
Managing Your Health As A Digital Nomad
If you're like me and live with a chronic illness, you might be concerned about healthcare. I have autoimmune conditions that require daily medications and regular physician care. Trust me, I know firsthand that managing chronic illnesses while traveling and living abroad requires extra thought and planning. But here's the thing: it's absolutely possible and, in many cases, even better.
In some countries, healthcare is more affordable, and the quality of care can be exceptional, often far better than what we're used to in the U.S. The food is usually healthier without the preservatives and chemicals that damage our bodies. Living abroad can truly support a healthier lifestyle.
The Emotional Benefits Of Being A Digital Nomad
Being a digital nomad isn't just about the practical perksâthere are emotional benefits, too. I recently asked a group of expat women what they were most proud of from their time abroad, and their answers were inspiring:
- "I've gained more patience. Customer service is slower in other countries, and I've learned to slow down and absorb the change of pace around me."
- "Time and peace of mind are worth way more than money and material things."
- "While working in China, I discovered how courageous, adaptable, and intelligent I was."
- "I can communicate with anyone, language barrier or not!"
- "I've learned that I'm worthy of being seen."
- "Living a simpler life is even more wonderful than I imagined."
These women's experiences echo many of my own realizations. When you step into new environments, you discover just how capable and resilient you truly are.
Here Are Tools To Help You Kick-Off Becoming A Digital Nomad
If you've ever dreamed of becoming a digital nomad but aren't sure where to start, I've got two resources for you:
âď¸ The Ultimate Digital Nomad Money Strategy Toolkit
This comprehensive toolkit provides everything you need to figure out which of your existing skills to monetize and how to turn them into a sustainable income stream. It's packed with tools, strategies, and information on finding free money to help you kickstart your journey. www.moveabroad.com/moneykit
âď¸ Skills2Cash Mini-Course (Free)
Not ready to invest yet? That's okay. You can get free access to my Skills2Cash mini-course, where I'll walk you through exercises and actionable steps to develop your own unique list of income-generating remote business ideas. www.moveabroadplan.com/skills
Final Thoughts
The digital nomad lifestyle is about creating a life of freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. From choosing where you live to how you work, this lifestyle puts you in control. If you're ready to take that leap, I'm prepared to support you every step of the way.
Thanks for being a subscriber. Remember, you can ask me anything here. Sending your questions and thoughts ensures that the content I publish aligns with your needs.
Wishing you financial, location, and time freedom!
Marcia Hylton, aka Marcia Unbound
Digital Nomad Advisor
