The Search for Belonging in a Nomadic Life
In the world of digital nomadism, where the globe is your playground and possibilities seem endless, finding a true sense of belonging can often feel like the most elusive adventure.
A Journey of Self-Discovery ??
I was born in France but left 20 years ago. I became Canadian, and since then, I’ve lived in Morocco, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and now Portugal. Each of these countries has shaped who I am in different ways. But as I travel, I find myself questioning how I truly identify. Of course, I will always be French, but my work mindset aligns more with North America’s results-driven culture. I carry the Brazilian “aqui agora” (here and now) spirit, the European love for lifestyle, and I easily adapt to the laid-back nature of Asia.
In many ways, I am an international hybrid, blending cultures wherever I go. Sometimes, I joke that I’m a “mix-up” of cultures—trying to find myself in a world that’s as transient as I am.
Caught Between Two Worlds ????
I am not a tourist. I’m not a backpacker (anymore). I’m not a luxury traveler. I’m not an expat. I’m not a local. Technically, I’m an immigrant, but I don’t really fit the mold. And I’m not a digital nomad, even though I once thought I was.
Some nomads tell me I’m not a "real" nomad because I have a base and travel only a few months a year. My friends in Lisbon tell me I’m too nomadic and that I’ll never find a partner if I’m always on the move. I feel rejected by both sides, torn between two identities that don’t quite fit.
Even though I thought fellow nomads would understand my constant desire to move, sometimes I feel like they’re not inclusive. But do I even want to be included if I’m constantly being judged? I also don’t want to be a "packmad" surrounded only by nomads who are just looking for safety and a lifestyle that mirrors their European or American ways—same coffee shops, same routines. I didn’t choose this lifestyle to feel like I’m at an adult summer camp.
Maybe I’m weird for wanting to push myself out of my comfort zone more, but I don’t see the point of staying in places that have lost their authenticity. For example, East Coast Mexico has too many nomads, and it’s lost its flavor. Give me Puerto Escondido over Playa del Carmen any day, Rio over Buenos Aires, and Koh Phangan over Chiang Mai! I’m all about those vibes that make me feel alive. ??
Am I the only one who feels this way? ??
Seeking My Tribe
For the past year, I’ve been searching for my tribe (and why not a partner to share this lifestyle with), going to several nomad events but I haven’t quite fit in. I have an "explorer" profile (take the MatchMeIfYouCan personality test to see which type you are), but I can’t connect with travelers who cross the Atlantic to Brazil only to stay on a boat, afraid to leave or simply uninterested in experiencing more.
I also don’t resonate with travelers who are content to stay by the hotel pool. I crave the company of people who want more than just a vacation. But too often, I meet people who are stuck on the surface-level aspects of travel.
It’s hard for me to connect and build meaningful friendships when the people I meet are not adventurous enough. ???
Nocal: A New Identity ????
I’ve met some expats in Rio and other cities, and while I’ve been one myself, I find that many expats don’t want to get too attached.?
They know I’ll only be around for the length of my visa, and then I’ll leave. It’s a transient lifestyle, and forming deep connections becomes a real challenge.
For some of us, the traditional labels like "tourist" or "expat" don’t truly capture the essence of our nomadic existence.?
We’re something else—a blend of nomad and local. I call it Nocal. ?
The Quest for Authenticity ????
Three years ago, I wrote an article about what I thought all nomads were, but now I realize it was just a fantasy. We are not all the same.
As Nocals and explorers, we crave immersion in the cultures and communities we encounter. We yearn for authentic experiences, not the typical tourist trail. We want to dive deeper, to discover the heart of a place, and to build real relationships with the locals.
But the quest for authenticity comes with challenges. It’s hard to find a place where we feel truly at home when we’re always on the move.
How Do We Find Our Tribe? ??
So, how do we find our tribe in a world that often feels divided?
Perhaps the answer lies in embracing the diversity of the global community. Instead of trying to fit into one specific group, we can cultivate connections with people from all walks of life—locals, fellow nomads, expats, and travelers. By embracing a variety of perspectives, we can expand our social circles and enrich our lives in ways we might not expect.?
Yes, this will require stepping out of our comfort zones. Yes, it may involve moments of discomfort and uncertainty as we form new connections. But there’s beauty in that—learning to straddle different cultures, embracing the unknown, and finding common ground with people from all walks of life.
Being a Nocal isn’t just about traveling or working remotely—it’s about connection, empathy, and embracing the richness of the human experience. It’s about realizing that belonging transcends geographical boundaries. True belonging is found when our hearts and minds are open. ????
The Dark Side of Digital Nomadism ????
The darker side of digital nomadism doesn’t stem from a lack of community—it’s from the failure to fully embrace it. True connection requires more than just virtual interactions or fleeting encounters. We must engage with the world around us and actively create the connections we long for.
In the end, it’s not the destinations we visit or the milestones we achieve that define us, but the relationships we cultivate and the communities we call home—wherever we are. ??
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A Solution: MatchMeIfYouCan ????
That’s why I founded MatchMeIfYouCan—to help people find travel, love, or business matches based on values, lifestyle, and goals. If you’re someone looking to find a deeper connection while traveling, we help you connect with like-minded individuals.
Types of Travelers in the MatchMeIfYouCan World ???
Here are the travel profiles that might resonate with you:
The Explorer ????
The Relaxer ????
The Culture Enthusiast ?????
The Planner ????
The Adventurer ?????♂?
Profile Compatibility ??
Who else identifies as a nocal ??
Let’s find your perfect match while exploring the world. ???? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! ?? Let’s connect.
#DigitalNomad #Belonging #MatchMeIfYouCan #NomadicLife #RemoteWork
Founder | Career Coach | Global Talent Partner | Event project manager, MBA
1 个月Yann Jouannic