8 Psychological Challenges I Had to Overcome to Become a Full Time Nomad

I thought I had it all figured out—until I didn’t.

4am Photo of the Story Bridge Brisbane - View from our apartment!

Leaving behind a comfortable life, packing up my belongings, and hitting the road full-time at 51 - sounds like a dream, right? 

But let me tell you, the reality is far more complex. 

After 14 years of semi-nomadic living and a LOT of travel, I thought I had it all figured out. Yet, when my daughter graduated and we decided to restart our nomadic journey earlier this year, I found myself facing a wave of unexpected fears and self-doubt.

Going nomadic in your 50s is nothing like doing it in your 30s. 

It’s not just selling all your stuff on gumtree and booking a one-way flight (which is what we did 14 years ago). 

It’s about overcoming deep-rooted psychological hurdles that can keep you tethered to your old life.

But, if I can do it with all my menopausal insecurities, so can you.

So, let’s dive into the 8 psychological challenges I had to overcome to make this lifestyle a reality. 

Here’s hoping it’s the inspiration you need to start your own journey.

1. Letting Go of Comfort and Security

Back in 2010, I left the UK to start our location independent adventure with zero fear. 

At that time, it was easy to say goodbye to the dreary weather, the lingering gloom of the 2008 recession, and a life that just didn’t inspire me anymore.

Fast forward 14 years, after settling in Phuket while my daughter finished school, restarting our nomadic journey in my 50s felt completely different. 

Suddenly, leaving behind a comfortable home, our beloved dog Buddy, and a close-knit group of friends hit me hard.

The truth is that as you get older, comfort starts to feel like a warm hug that’s hard to leave. My energy isn’t what it was in my 30s, and menopause symptoms and creaky knees add a layer of unpredictability. 

But comfort is an illusion. You can create a “home” wherever you are. Your friends are only a video call away, and new adventures await if you’re brave enough to step into the unknown.

Takeaway: The real comfort isn’t in your surroundings, but in your ability to adapt. Trust that you can create a sense of belonging no matter where you are in the world. 

By stepping into the unknown and letting go of the need for familiar comforts, you’ll open yourself up to unexpected opportunities, new friendships, and experiences that can transform your life in ways you never imagined. 

Instead of feeling stuck or complacent, you’ll develop a newfound resilience and a sense of freedom that comes from knowing you can thrive anywhere.

2. Guilt of Leaving Loved Ones Behind

After losing my dad in 2008, my mum always pushed me to follow my dreams. When she fell ill, I was torn between two worlds.

On one hand my location independent lifestyle meant I had the flexibility to travel back to the UK for five or so months to help her sell her house and get her affairs in order.

But at the time we lived 13 hours away and my daughter was in her last two years of international school, so I was torn between my duty as a daughter and as a mother!

Thankfully, I was able to return the following summer for another 6 months and spend precious time with her before she passed. But the guilt of not being there full-time still lingers.

Leaving behind loved ones is never easy, whether you’re an adult child, a parent or a grandparent. It’s not just about missing them; it’s the nagging worry that you’re being selfish for choosing your own freedom over staying close.

Takeaway: Guilt is a heavy backpack to carry.

Remind yourself that you’re setting an example of living authentically. Loved ones will understand if you’re pursuing what truly lights you up.

3. Shedding the Attachment to 'Stuff'

When we left the UK 14 years ago, we sold nearly everything for a grand total of £900. It was truly liberating!

We had a couple of boxes stashed away with sentimental bits, but beyond that, we owned nothing.

We managed to build up a fair bit of ‘stuff’ again in Phuket, which we again sold or gave away as we left.

The funny thing is that I don’t miss any of it.

Possessions are a trap that weigh you down.

In fact when selling my Mum’s house and clearing out her stuff, she wanted none of it. Not the ornaments, sentimental reminders of holidays, old photos etc.

All she wanted was more time with my sister & I.

The one thing money can’t buy.

Takeaway: Possessions can always be replaced, but time cannot.

Don’t let attachment to “stuff” weigh you down. What truly matters are the experiences you embrace, the relationships you cultivate, and the connections you make along the way.

4. Conquering the Fear of Financial Insecurity

When we first started traveling, we were pretty broke. We sold everything, had a couple of credit cards, and no real savings.

There were moments when I almost packed it in, especially during a stretch in our early travel days living in my in-laws' basement in Australia.

But I was determined to make my online business work—and it did, eventually.

Today, with the explosion of freelancing, content creation, and remote work, making a living on the road is more accessible than ever.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not scary, especially if you’re over 50 and worried about retirement funds.

Takeaway: Financial freedom isn’t having everything figured out before you start.

It’s about being resourceful and adaptable by leveraging the skills you already have, learning new ones, and connecting with others who are earning on the go.

By staying open to growth and willing to pivot when needed, you’ll discover countless ways to sustain your lifestyle and thrive.

Start with a purpose, and let your journey evolve as you grow!

5. Struggling to Establish a Routine on the Road

Since we left Phuket in May, I’ve been thrown off balance.

Every week it’s been a new place, a new schedule. And as much as I thrive on change, the lack of routine has been tough.

It’s super easy to burn out when you’re juggling travel, work, and trying to stay healthy.

Predictability is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can stifle you, but on the other, it grounds you.

Finding a balance between spontaneity and structure is the key to thriving as a nomad.

Takeaway: Create small rituals, even if your surroundings change.

A morning walk, journaling, or a quick yoga session at the same time every day can be enough to anchor you, no matter where you are.

6. Overcoming the 'Too Old' Mindset

I’ve got arthritic knees and will eventually need replacements. For someone who dreams of hiking mountains and exploring hard to get to monasteries, that’s a bit of a blow.

But you know what? Seeing others in my 50+ Nomad group hiking, diving, and exploring has completely changed my perspective.

Plus I met with a couple 15-20 years my senior yesterday, perpetually travelling and experiencing the world with no signs of slowing down!

The 'too old' mantra is just another excuse. Yes, you might have health challenges, but the key is to take care of yourself now so you can keep going for as long as possible.

Takeaway: Age is just a number. Don’t let it dictate what you can or can’t do. Prioritise your health, and the adventures will follow.

7. Letting Go of the Need for Control

Nomadic life is messy. Flights get delayed, languages get mixed up, and internet connections drop at the worst times.

If you’re a control freak (like I used to be), it’s a nightmare. But learning to let go of the need to control everything has been one of the most freeing experiences of my life.

The unpredictability is where the magic happens!

The unexpected moments, the unplanned friendships, and the serendipitous adventures. That’s where real freedom lies.

Takeaway: Let go of perfectionism and embrace the chaos.

The best stories often come from the times when things didn’t go according to plan. (Like the time my sister & I got scammed in India!)

8. Overcoming Loneliness

I’m a social butterfly.

I’ve always been able to chat with anyone, anywhere. But after making some fantastic close adult friends over the last few years, leaving behind my regular Wednesday coffees or Friday night wines with my friend group was a hard pill to swallow.

However, in no time at all, my fear of loneliness has been proven unfounded.

In fact as a semi nomadic traveller I didn’t realise how many friends I’ve made around the world until I started travelling again.

We spent the summer hopping from one friend to another barely having any alone time and since arriving in Brisbane a couple of weeks ago, I’ve already met up with a group of fellow nomads, making some new like minded friends!

Takeaway: Loneliness can feel like a real fear when leaving behind close friends, but it’s often unfounded.

The connections you’ve built over the years can surprise you, and the nomadic lifestyle opens doors to meeting like-minded people wherever you go.

As a traveller, you can tap into online forums, join groups for nomads, attend meetups, or explore co-working spaces to meet like-minded people.

Volunteering opportunities and local events can also help you build connections wherever you go.

With so many ways to find your community on the road, there’s no reason to feel isolated. You just need to take the first scary step and put yourself out there.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a full-time nomad isn’t just about packing a bag and hitting the road. It’s a journey of shedding old beliefs, facing your fears, and embracing a whole new way of being.

If you’ve ever felt like it’s too late or too scary to make a change, I’m here to tell you it’s not. The only thing holding you back is that little voice in your head.

So pack your bags, silence the doubts, and take the leap.

Your adventure awaits! ❤️