30. | How do I start a new life at 50?

I think simple answers can be found for all similar questions, the problem is, based on my experiences, by asking questions. I have had quite a few deeply disturbing experiences, sorrows, and traumas in my life, as you could read about in the post entitled My sweet suffering.

During these periods, I turned to my surroundings with quite a lot of intensity. I am always there within myself, as a thought, as a voice – that is why in such situations it always seemed clear that I had to turn to where I am not always. I told everyone what had happened to me and waited for reactions. At first, I was looking for the right answers. Maybe someone could tell me how I could solve my own problem. Nonsense, right? Only desperation can provide a solution to my stupid attitude.

Over the years, I have learned that you should not turn to others for answers, but for questions. What I can decipher from my own story in my own head, I will decipher. In my experience, a much more valuable help is a question that the other person asks me, and I haven’t asked myself yet. It brings me great comfort if I know the answer to such questions about my own life. And in the case when I don’t have an answer to an unexpected question – from a different perspective – I immediately get the opportunity to move on to the answers.

So I recommend that you ask! If life throws big questions at you, ask yourself. Ask the people around you. Ask the world, face to synchronicity.

In our world increasingly permeated by AI, a ChatGPT can slowly become a standard conversation partner. For this post, I started talking to this software. I thought I would ask what dangers it could mention for me, and then I would be curious to see how I can respond to them – for myself.

This is how the following Q&A was born:

I am starting a completely new life at the age of 50. Can you name any mental obstacles that might make a complete change difficult?

Starting a new life at 50 can be exciting and inspiring, but of course there are mental challenges to face. Below are some common emotional and mental obstacles that can make change difficult:

1. Fear of the unknown

• A new life equals the unknown, which can often cause anxiety. Fear of an unknown future is natural, especially if you have experienced stability and security in your life so far.

2. Redefining your identity

• By the age of 50, you have spent many years developing an identity based on your career, family, or social role. If this changes drastically, it can cause a sense of loss of identity.

3. Leaving behind achievements and relationships

• The thought that what you have built up to now (relationships, career, home) may be pushed to the background can be emotionally difficult. This can also include feelings of grief over your life so far.

4. Lack of self-confidence

• Starting over takes a lot of self-confidence, but at the age of 50, many people feel that they can no longer adapt to new situations with the same flexibility as they did when they were younger.
  The question, “Will I still be able to learn and adapt?” often arises.

5. Social pressure and opinions

• The opinions of those around you or social expectations can also make the decision difficult. Statements such as “People don’t usually change at this age anymore” or “Why are you leaving your secure life?” can cause anxiety.

6. Feelings of loneliness or isolation

• When starting over, many previous relationships may loosen or break, and it may take time to build a new community, friends, and support network.

7. Awareness of the passage of time

• During midlife transitions, a person may focus on their age and wonder if there is enough time to complete their new life path. This can cause pressure and uncertainty.

8. Fear of failure

• A new life does not guarantee immediate success, and fear of failure can hold many back. The thought of “What if I don’t succeed?” can block action.

9. Leaving your comfort zone

• At 50, you may already be living in an established routine and comfort zone. Breaking out of this can be emotionally and mentally difficult, because the brain is inherently seeking security.

10. The issue of physical and mental energy

• While age is not a barrier, the lack of drive or feeling of declining energy levels experienced in younger years can also make it difficult to start over.

How can these challenges be addressed?

• Self-reflection: Think about what you want to achieve and what motivates you to start over.
• Supportive community: Find like-minded people or mentors.
• Small steps: Set smaller goals and don’t try to achieve everything at once.
• Learning and growth: See every challenge as an opportunity to learn new skills.
• Resilience: Accept that there will be changes and setbacks along the way, but they are all lessons learned.

This period gives you the opportunity to pursue dreams that you may have previously put aside. Your attitude towards the challenges of your new life will be key to your success.

1. I am not afraid of the unknown. I would like to embrace it!
2. I believe my identity is not tied to a place. I am not afraid of losing myself. I was, am and will be the Soma.
3. I am not afraid of leaving my life behind, that is what the article entitled The Decision is about.
4. I obviously lack a healthy amount of self-confidence, but I am not afraid that I will not be able to cope with this issue.
5. The multitude of opinions expressed in my environment does not cause me anxiety. Everyone around me has a supportive attitude.
6. I thought about this in the article About my loneliness. I do not think that I will be lonely. How long I will stay single is not a question of the new lifestyle, I dare to hope.
7. By the age of 50, I imagined a completely different life for myself with someone who ultimately did not need me. I could have tolerated a calm life. But for two months now, the thought that instead a life full of excitement and tasks awaits me has been my friend.
8. I am not particularly afraid of failure. I have no one to answer to in matters concerning my own life. Who would say that I failed, even if I don’t succeed. What does it mean to fail? Will someone who hasn’t even tried judge me? For me, success is just starting this path.
9. In the post I live a minimalist life, I described what I need. I still sleep outside in the woods whenever I can. Both in winter and summer. I don’t imagine that certain comfort zone to be too wide. It’s no problem to abandon this illusion.
10. Have I mentioned in one of my posts that I just experienced the feeling of flow for the first time in my life? Yes, I did. I am full of enthusiasm and energy.

During the first question of the exam, I feel like I passed. There were no unknown questions, and the number of questions I was able to recall the number of posts I had already written may prove to the esteemed committee that I have dealt with the topic before.

I will try to answer the thoughts raised in the section on how to handle these challenges with one sentence.

In my world surrounded by a supportive community, I live a self-reflective life, moving along the path of learning and growth in small steps with resilience.

What physical dangers should I expect?

Starting a new life—especially one that involves traveling, exploring new places, or living an unusual lifestyle—can also pose physical dangers. Here are some potential risks to consider and avoid:

1. Health risks

• Local diseases: You may encounter different infectious diseases in new countries (e.g. malaria, dengue fever, hepatitis). You may need vaccinations.
• Access to healthcare: Medical care may be limited or expensive in some places.
• Food and water hygiene: Food and waterborne illnesses, such as food poisoning or diarrhea, can be common in unfamiliar places.
• Mental health: Stress and loneliness can also cause physical symptoms, such as insomnia or fatigue.

2. Accidents and injuries

• Traffic accidents: Different traffic habits and rules in new countries can be dangerous. (For example, driving on the left.)
• Sports and adventure activities: Mountain climbing, diving, skiing or other adventure sports may be at higher risk.
• Work-related injuries: If you do physical work, unfamiliar equipment or work environments can pose a risk of accident.

3. Natural Hazards

• Weather Extremes: Some places are prone to heat waves, cold winters, floods, or tornadoes, which you need to adapt to.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, or tsunamis can be dangerous in certain regions.
• Wildlife: You may encounter dangerous animals in some areas (such as snakes, insects, and predators).

4. Safety and Crime

• Pickpocketing and Robbery: Tourists and newcomers can be targets.
• Violent Crime: Some countries have higher rates of violent crime.
• Scams: When traveling, especially in foreign places, tourists are often scammed or overcharged for services.

5. Environmental and Cultural Differences

• Environmental Pollution: Air pollution, noise pollution, or water pollution can be a problem in some cities.
• Climate differences: Adapting to the weather – such as tropical humidity or high mountain air – can be physically taxing.

6. Exhaustion and fatigue

• Long trips: Jet lag, time zone changes and long flights can take a toll on your body.
• Overload: Constantly adapting and processing new experiences can be physically exhausting.

7. Poor infrastructure

• Poor transport network: Neglected roads, unreliable transport and lack of safety measures can lead to accidents.
• Power outages: Power outages or water supply problems can make life difficult.

How can you minimise these risks?

• Preliminary research: Learn about the environmental and cultural characteristics, health and public safety situation of the destination country.
• Insurance: Take out adequate travel insurance that covers medical and other emergencies.
• Health Preparation: Get recommended vaccinations and bring essential medications.
• Respect Local Customs: Learn local customs and rules to avoid conflict.
• Be Aware: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places or at night.

Foresight and preparation will help you reduce your risks and enjoy your new life to the fullest!

1. I have already started this health preparation. I will write a post about it soon.
2. This danger exists everywhere, not just on the other side of the world. Traffic accidents endanger my existence in Hungary just as much as they do elsewhere. Not to mention that I drive a car here, and I do not plan on doing so on the other side of the world. During my hikes, I have always been careful and do not undertake anything that is obviously unreasonably risky. Of course, I have already jumped out of a plane from a height of 4,000 meters…
3. Natural hazards are indeed more significant elsewhere, but that does not stop me from setting off. Obviously, I would not like to end my life being bitten to death by a snake or swept away by a tsunami, but as now, we are in the hands of fate in other parts of the world at any moment.
4. I will try to stay safe, but just like here, it is not up to me. If possible, I will avoid areas that are not recommended for me. I will always have a wallet with me (I haven’t used it in years), with some money and a few expired cards in it, so I can give it to knife-wielding beggars if necessary. I’ve been scammed at home, so I’m not worried!
5. If possible, I avoid polluted areas. I’m also very curious about climate and cultural differences. I somehow imagine that I won’t get a culture shock.
6. I haven’t experienced jet lag yet, but as bad a sleeper as I am and as many sleep problems as I’ve had, I might just smile about it. Overload, exhaustion: Hello Darkness, my old friend!
7. If I can, I’ll choose to avoid this problem. I have a pretty large information base for this now!

I think the second set of questions on the exam can also end with acceptable answers.

Apart from psychological and physical dangers, what else could be a source of danger for me?

Apart from psychological and physical dangers, there are many other sources of danger that can arise in a digital nomad lifestyle. Some of them are listed below so that you can prepare and minimize the risks:

1. Financial instability

• Danger: If you don’t have a steady, stable source of income, your expenses can quickly exceed your means. Unexpected expenses, such as airfare, accommodation or health issues, can also cause serious financial problems.
• Prevention: Build an emergency fund, create a detailed budget, and work on projects or clients that provide a stable income.

2. Legal issues

• Danger: Violating visa conditions or employment regulations can lead to legal conflicts, deportation or fines. Tax rules in some countries can also be complicated.
• Prevention: Learn about the legal environment, employment and tax rules in a given country and follow them exactly.

3. Technology addiction

• Danger: Over-reliance on technology – such as the need for an internet connection or a laptop – can make you vulnerable. If this becomes unavailable, your work can be completely paralyzed.
• Prevention: Keep backup devices (e.g. a second laptop or phone) and create offline backups of your data.

4. Losing connections

• Danger: Constant travel can make it difficult to maintain long-term relationships, whether with family, friends, or professional networks. This can lead to isolation in the long run.
• Prevention: Establish regular communication habits and use online communities or nomadic networks to maintain connections and build new ones.

5. Cultural misunderstandings

• Danger: If you are unfamiliar with the local culture, customs, or laws, you can easily violate them, which can lead to tension or problems.
• Prevention: Always be aware of the cultural and social norms of the country in question and be open to learning.

6. Time zone challenges

• Danger: If your clients or colleagues live in different time zones, the time difference can make it difficult for you to work efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Prevention: Use time zone management apps and try to stay in a time zone that better suits your work.

7. Unhealthy Lifestyle

• Danger: Constant travel and disorganization can make it easy to neglect healthy eating, exercise, and sleep, which can lead to long-term health problems.
• Prevention: Establish a healthy routine that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet, even when traveling.

8. Local Natural Hazards

• Danger: Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions) are more common in some countries, and they can be life-threatening.
• Prevention: Check the natural hazards in your region and always have an emergency plan.

9. Exploitation

• Danger: In some places, tourists or foreigners are considered targets for scams or robberies, especially if you are traveling alone.
• Prevention: Be vigilant, do not display valuables, and always be informed about the security situation in the area.

10. Lack of work-life balance

• Danger: It can be difficult to find a balance between constant work and travel. This can lead to burnout and a decrease in quality of life in the long run.
• Prevention: Set work hours and make time for rest, fun, and experiences.

1. I think I’m working on this enough. You may have read about it in a few posts.
2. I’m already working on this too, but I haven’t written about it yet. I will.
3. I’m still addicted to technology, as I have always been during my work for the past 27 years. I’m going to be a Digital Nomad. What else should I depend on if not technology? I’m not even afraid of running out of air… That’s not a real danger for me. If there’s no internet, I’ll pick oranges on a farm.
4. I don’t believe in my isolation. See my article About my loneliness.
5. I will always find out about the country before I go there. For example, I already know quite a lot about Thailand.
6. You won’t be surprised if I tell you that I already have the time zone management app! It’s a legitimate risk, I’m taking it into account!
7. The current one isn’t very healthy either. I’m trying to change, but not because of the trip I’ve made around the world. Because of myself.
8. The emergency scenario is an interesting idea, I’ll have to think about this further. I already have the thoughts that point to this (naming a trusted person, sending an SMS on the way home before major trips, etc.), but I need to work this out more. Finally, a question that has not yet come to my mind.
9. Many people have taken advantage of me in many ways. Some less, some more harshly. Some in a way that I only noticed afterwards, some in a way that I allowed them to. This danger is real, but it doesn’t only exist in other places in the world. I always try to work on this, even in the present.
10. I think I’ve been handling this properly in my own life for a while now. It won’t be a problem.

The third set of questions in the exam can be closed, I have a new idea here.

I will not ask the software any more questions. There are certainly other things to consider, but that will be enough for now.

Summary

The digital nomad lifestyle is tempting, but it comes with many risks that can only be avoided with careful planning, flexibility and a sense of responsibility. Always be informed ahead of time, plan emergency scenarios and maintain a balance between work, travel and your personal life.

And start a new life in your fifties as you would in your twenties! Ask yourself the right questions, answer honestly and decide based on them!

If you have the answers to all the questions, then ask your heart too! If it says yes, then start your new life!