Travel for Life
Over at www.nomadicmatt.com, perpetual traveler Matt recently offered a post in response to a curious visitor to his site who wanted to know what the “secret” is to being able to travel for life.
Matt’s answer? There is no secret.
Like Matt, I receive lots of questions about how I can afford to travel as much as I do. I also receive lots of questions about how to structure a life that isn’t dependent upon a boss rubber-stamping a vacation request. Here are a few of my responses:
*YOU can break out of the 9-to-5 world. You really can. But the first step is believing that you can, deciding how you will, and understanding the consequences of your decision, not only for yourself, but also for significant others in your life. For more on how to ditch your cubicle job, check out my article: How to Bag Your 9-to-5 Job and Write/Travel Full-Time.
*Surround yourself with people who are living the kind of life you want to live. Reach out to people like Matt or myself. Ask questions; most of us know there’s no secret to this kind of life, and we’re happy to share the nuts and bolts of our experiences with you. Follow other people’s stories on blogs and websites to see how they’re living a full-time life of travel. One great website is Christine Gilbert’s www.almostfearless.com.
*Recognize the possibilities of a work-life continuum. I work more now than I ever did when I had a 9-to-5 job, but I also enjoy everything I do much more. I only take the work that truly interests me and about which I feel passionate… that way, work never seems like work. Also, I only accept work that accommodates my frequent moves. Evaluate your skills and determine what kinds of work you can take or make on the road.
Have your own “secrets” to share? Leave a comment!
Photo: Raggedroses
May 20th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Excellent post Julie! (and thanks for the shout out!)
I think what stops most people is that they are afraid and there is a lot of unknown in our life…I mean I don’t know what I’m doing next month!!! (I could go anywhere) and a lot of people aren’t comfortable with that….but it’s people like us that can shine on a light saying it’s ok to break free…you will survive..
May 20th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Matt-
You’re absolutely right! If you’re a person who is dependent upon traditional job benefits and the predictability of a paycheck, then the perpetual nomadic life will be really challenging for you. If, on the other hand, you trust that things always work out–and they always do!–and if you work harder than you ever have in your life, it’s amazing who and what come along to support the journey.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Great post Julie… and so timely for me. One of the greatest thing about this journey so far has been the support of the online community and people like you and Matt.
May 22nd, 2008 at 6:46 pm
I’m glad you linked to the article about bagging the 9-5 job as it was a fascinating read, full of things I understand well, minus the travel part. You’re an inspiration to others but this is something that not everyone is cut out for. Like you said, ditiching the 9 to 5 often means a lot more work, even if it is something you like more and our loved ones that have to deal with our decision to buck tradition can feel a little agitated sometimes. I like that you suggested coming up with a “narrative” about what you do too; sometimes that’s the hardest part about being a writer, especially if you can’t take them into a bookstore and point out a glossy cover with your face on the back.
Site redesign looks fab too
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Thanks, Nicole!