Is being a digital nomad a good career choice? If I'm looking for a good profession, would a solo company or an independent engineer be a suitable option?

Digital nomadism sounds wonderful: free and easy, traveling while working. One day in Sanya, the next in Chiang Mai, with work done from a cafe or a guesthouse balcony. But in reality, there are many pitfalls, and it depends on how you approach it.

If you love freedom, can't stand the 9-to-5 grind, clocking in, and endless meetings, and you have some professional skills—like coding, design, content writing, or marketing—then starting a one-person company or becoming an independent contractor is indeed a viable path.

The advantage is, you're the boss. You decide whether to take on projects, how much to charge, and when to work. Over time, your income might even surpass that of an employee, especially after you build a reputation. Plus, you can choose to work only on projects you enjoy, without having to revise a proposal for the eighth time just because your boss said so.

But the challenges are significant too. For example, if there are no clients today, you'll have to cover next month's rent yourself. No one pays your social security, and you get no salary if you get sick. Clients suddenly disappearing or projects being cut halfway through—you have to bear all of that. And doing everything yourself—technical work, negotiating contracts, chasing payments, bookkeeping—is exhausting, and without colleagues to chat with, it's easy to feel lonely.

So, while this lifestyle seems free, it's actually freedom earned through self-discipline. You need to be able to manage yourself, work on time, save money, expand your client base, and constantly learn new things. Technology updates quickly; what you know today might not be in demand two years from now.

If you're willing to start with small projects, gaining experience while making mistakes—for instance, taking on side gigs after work, slowly building your reputation, and then transitioning to full-time independent work—that would be much more stable. Don't just quit your job immediately, declaring "I'm going to be a digital nomad," only to find your mindset collapsing after three months with no clients.

To sum up: a one-person company or independent contracting is a good path, but not an easy one. It suits those with skills, self-discipline, who aren't afraid of loneliness, and are willing to accumulate experience gradually. If you navigate it well, you can indeed live the life you desire. But you need to be down-to-earth and take it one step at a time.