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Vocabulary
Digital Nomad: Someone who works remotely while traveling to different countries.
Example: She became a digital nomad to explore Europe while working online.
Cost of Living: The amount of money needed for basic expenses like housing and food.
Example: The cost of living in Thailand is much lower than in the United States.
Open-Minded: Willing to consider different ideas or opinions.
Example: Being open-minded helps you learn more about other cultures.
Elitist: Believing one group is better than another.
Example: Saying one country’s culture is superior can seem elitist.
Partner: A person you share a close relationship with, like a spouse or significant other.
Example: He and his partner decided to travel the world together.
Mark Smith grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a city known for its sunny skies, rich culture, and the famous annual hot air balloon festival. His childhood was what he calls “typical” for a kid growing up in the American Southwest—filled with sports, time spent outdoors, and snowboarding trips to the nearby mountains. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he became a digital nomad, traveling the world and embracing a lifestyle he once thought was impossible.
In 2018, Mark moved to San Francisco to work as a curriculum developer for a tech-focused educational company. But life in the bustling city soon became overwhelming. The high cost of living, long hours, and relentless pace left him feeling burned out. He spent his evenings playing video games and eating takeout, trying to escape the monotony. "I felt stuck," Mark recalls. "I wasn’t happy with where I was or where I was going."
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 became a turning point for him. His car was totaled in an accident, and he was recovering from the end of a serious relationship. But amidst the chaos, Mark’s data analyst job transitioned to being fully remote, opening a door he hadn’t considered before. "If I could work from my bedroom, why couldn’t I work from a beach in Mexico or a café in Japan?" he thought.
Later that year, Mark decided to take a leap of faith and become a digital nomad. Over the past three years, he has traveled to 13 countries, including Thailand, Colombia, Japan, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. He describes the experience as "life-changing," explaining that the freedom and excitement of exploring new cultures have brought him immense joy. "The second I clock out of work, I feel like I’m on vacation," he says.
One of Mark’s favorite parts of being a "passport bro" is the opportunity to meet women from different cultures. He finds dating abroad more exciting and fulfilling than it was in the U.S. "I’ve met women who share my values—kindness, loyalty, and a strong sense of family," Mark explains. He appreciates the openness and connection he’s found in his relationships overseas.
Mark also highlights the financial advantages of living abroad. In many countries, the cost of living is significantly lower than in the United States. "In some places, earning $40,000 a year is enough to support a family," he says. "That means my partner can choose whether to work or focus on raising our kids if she wants. It’s a level of freedom that’s much harder to achieve in the U.S., where even dual-income families struggle to make ends meet."
However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Mark had to convince his manager that working remotely from other countries was both legal and productive. "My boss, Sam, was skeptical at first," he admits. "But I prepared all the tax information and showed I could maintain the same level of performance." His hard work and persistence paid off, allowing him to fully embrace the digital nomad lifestyle.
Despite criticism and stereotypes surrounding passport bros, Mark feels proud of his choices. "Some people think we’re men who couldn’t succeed in the U.S.," he says. "But that’s not true. Many of us have great careers in fields like tech, data analysis, and programming. We’re building fulfilling lives on our terms."
Mark is also passionate about connecting with others in the passport bro community. He runs a Discord group where members share career tips, travel advice, and stories about life abroad. "It’s about learning from each other and growing together," he says.
Looking ahead, Mark hopes to one day settle down and start a family. His top contenders for a long-term home are Brazil, Colombia, and South Korea, countries where he’s felt the most connection. "I want to marry someone who is beautiful, loyal, and family-oriented," he shares. "I work hard so I can provide a good life for my future family, with the freedom for my partner to choose the life she wants."
For now, Mark is enjoying the adventure of exploring the world, meeting new people, and living a life that feels like a permanent vacation. "Being a digital nomad has given me freedom and happiness I never thought I’d find," he says. "It’s a life I could never have imagined if I had stayed in the U.S.
Discussion Questions
What do you think are the biggest benefits and challenges of being a digital nomad?
Do you agree that dating abroad can offer a new perspective on relationships? Why or why not?
If you could live and work in any country, where would it be and why?
Do you think it’s easier or harder to find a life partner in another country?
How does cost of living influence your choices about where to live or travel?
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