The founder of a coworking destination on a Thai island says there's an important step you should take before becoming a digital nomad

While Abbott says he doesn't usually see many people showing up at KoHub without jobs, it is a common issue in the digital nomad community, especially in famously inexpensive destinations like Chiang Mai, Thailand.

"You can't afford to come to a space," Abbott said. "You can't afford to be part of that community. You're constantly cutting corners."

"You become obsessed about saving every penny," Abbott added. "And, you're not obsessed about the right things, which is socializing. And then you won't last."

Abbott estimates that most backpackers typically don't spend more than a year and a half traveling nonstop because they get burnt out from the lack of community.

"It gets tiring," Abbott said "You want to have deeper social interactions."

Meanwhile, Abbott says, the diving community tends to be more close-knit, building relationships that span continents.

Abbott drew from his own experiences traveling and diving to create a space where people could form more long-term, meaningful relationships. The space hosts activities, from group dinners to karaoke at local bars, almost every day.

"We heavily invested in social side of things," Abbott said. "And a lot of our events are just meeting people and hanging out, low pressure, not business oriented. Just trying to get to know people."