I see you.
You’re scrolling through Instagram, looking at a perfectly filtered photo of some twenty-something digital nomad posing on a Bali beach with their laptop (probably in a thong), and somehow making six figures a month while sipping coconut water.
Meanwhile, you’re in a tiny Airbnb, fighting with dodgy Wi-Fi and questionable air-con, wondering why your online side hustle isn’t taking off the way you hoped.
And just like that, self-doubt creeps in.
- Maybe I’m too old for this.
- Maybe I missed my chance.
- Maybe I should just pack it in and go home.
But the truth is that comparison is a trap! And it’s one that robs you of joy, confidence, and progress.
And for those of us in the 50+ nomad community, it can be particularly toxic.
Why Comparison is Even More Dangerous for 50+ Nomads
We’re in a unique position. Unlike the younger nomads who grew up in the digital age, many of us have had to learn how to navigate the online world.
Whether it’s starting a remote business, figuring out passive income, or simply managing the constant changes in tech. That alone is a huge achievement.
But comparison tells us a different story. It whispers: Look at them, they’ve already figured it out. You’re too slow. You’re behind.
This mindset is dangerous because it makes us forget the huge advantages we bring to the table:
- ✔ Life experience. We’ve built careers, raised families, navigated challenges. We know how to handle setbacks and keep going.
- ✔ Strong work ethic. We didn’t grow up in the “instant gratification” culture. We understand that success takes time, patience, and persistence.
- ✔ Deeper financial wisdom. Many of us have learned (sometimes the hard way) how to manage money, budget, and invest wisely—skills that help us create a sustainable nomadic lifestyle.
- ✔ Greater emotional intelligence. We know that life isn’t just about “the hustle.” We prioritize meaningful experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
But when we compare ourselves to younger, seemingly more successful nomads, we completely dismiss these advantages and focus only on what we lack. And that’s where things go wrong.
The Instagram Illusion: Why You’re Comparing Yourself to a Fantasy
Let’s talk about social media for a second. It’s not real.
Sure, those perfectly curated posts make it look like everyone else is effortlessly making money, traveling the world, and living the dream. But what you don’t see is:
- 🚨 The stress of finding clients or keeping a remote business afloat.
- 🚨 The homesickness that creeps in when living abroad for long stretches.
- 🚨 The credit card debt or financial struggles hidden behind the scenes.
- 🚨 The loneliness of constantly being on the move.
- 🚨 The sheer hard work it takes to create an online income, build an audience, or master a new skill.
So when you compare yourself to someone’s highlight reel, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. You’re measuring your real life against a carefully curated illusion—and that’s never a fair comparison.
The Real Secret to Success: Compete Only with Yourself
Instead of looking sideways at what others are doing, shift your focus to your own progress.
- 🛠 Track your personal growth. Are you better today than you were last year? Last month? Last week? That’s the only measure of success that matters.
- 🛠 Set your own goals. What you want matters more than what others are achieving. Do you want to build a $100k business, or do you just want to make enough to comfortably fund your travels? Define success on your own terms.
- 🛠 Learn from others without comparing. Instead of feeling envious, study successful people as role models. What strategies are they using? What can you apply to your own journey?
- 🛠 Celebrate every win. Even small progress counts. Did you get your first client? Set up your website? Finally figure out how to schedule social media posts? Give yourself credit!
The 50+ Nomad Advantage: You’re Playing a Different Game
Our goals, values, and priorities at 50+ are different from someone in their 20s or 30s.
And that’s a good thing.
- ❌ We don’t need to chase six-figure incomes if a comfortable, sustainable business supports our lifestyle.
- ❌ We don’t need to be “hustling” 24/7—we’ve already done our time in the rat race.
- ❌ We don’t need to prove anything to anyone.
Instead, we can focus on meaningful travel, enjoying our work (rather than slaving away), and building a lifestyle that gives us freedom and fulfillment.
We’re not running the same race as younger nomads, so why compare?
Action Steps: How to Stop Comparing and Start Thriving
If comparison is stealing your joy, it’s time to take back control.
Here are some practical steps to shift your mindset:
- ✅ Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than.” If someone’s posts leave you feeling inadequate, it’s time to mute or unfollow. Curate your social media to inspire, not discourage.
- ✅ Create a personal progress journal. Instead of measuring against others, track your own milestones and improvements. Celebrate every step forward.
- ✅ Find a supportive community. Surround yourself with like-minded 50+ nomads who understand your journey and can lift you up. (Join our Facebook group!)
- ✅ Remind yourself: There is no deadline. You are not “behind.” Life isn’t a race, and success comes in many forms.
Final Thoughts: Own Your Journey
At the end of the day, comparing yourself to others is a waste of energy. That energy is far better spent building the life you want—on your terms, at your pace, and in a way that truly fulfills you.
So next time you find yourself caught in the comparison trap, pause and ask:
Is this helping me, or holding me back?
Then, shift your focus back where it belongs—on your own growth, progress, and adventure.
Your Turn!
Have you struggled with comparison as a 50+ nomad?
What’s one thing you’re focusing on for yourself right now?
Make it happen and focus on becoming the version of yourself that feels right for you. No comparisons needed. 🚀✨
