Over the last year I've met hundreds of backpackers who are on gap years, working holidays or just exploring for an extended vacation.
Almost all of them tell me that they wish they could continue their adventure but reality is calling. This reality is in the form of the pressures from their family or society to get back home and start working. Why? Well, that's the adult thing to do, right?
If you're currently travelling and faced with pressures from your family or the world around you - to stop doing what you love and go home, this post is for you.
Let me start by saying the world around us is changing rapidly. Right now you have an opportunity to create your own dream reality - whatever that means for you. If that means skipping the desk job in the big city for more beaches, sunshine & deep thinking... then be bold and do it.
Your first challenge is the external pressure, right? Well, the advice from your family is likely outdated. It's sad, but true. Finishing your studies, then getting right into work so you could climb the ladder was the way to get ahead in their generation. Now, the rules have changed. Your family are always going to want you to be safe & secure. Unfortunately safety for them is still linked to having a full time job. Again, the rules have changed.
If you're getting pressure from friends. Perhaps ask yourself - where are they getting their advice? Yeah - it's likely their parents. Don't be afraid to step outside of this pressure, don't forget it's your life.
Now, when telling people your revised strategy it's vital you respect their beliefs and understanding of the world. It's what they know to be true but it doesn't mean this is true for you.
Okay if you're not returning home to sacrifice 240 days of your year for a salary, then how will you make money to fund your lifestyle? You honestly have so many options here. Just because you're not returning home, it doesn't mean you don't have to do some work - but you want to find work which is more flexible and on your terms. Depending on your background you may have way more options here - consider what value you can deliver to the world. Here are some ideas...
First up, if you read & write English you can become a tutor. Either locally, through an online platform or by advertising for 1-2-1 private tutoring.
Next up, you could become a content writer. Signup to PeoplePerHour here, create your profile and start applying for content writer jobs. There are plenty of other opportunities released everyday for translation, proof reading, user testing and more. I've seen so many people take this route and make it work for them.
If you studied a specialist subject, perhaps you have the skills to provide value to companies. For example, if you studied Public Relations, could you not 'Press Release Writing' as a service?
A final idea is to look at remote working - where you can find a remote job. Check out Remote OK, or search online - if you have the right skills, you could find a role quickly.
Be creative and you'll find a way to fuel your dream lifestyle.
Also, I must add here - you don't need to miss out on getting commercial experience & building up your knowledge just because you're not sitting in an office. Travel is an investment in yourself - source out opportunities on the road to volunteer where you can, join local projects or even find internships which will pay your living costs. Alongside whatever experience you pick up, enroll onto online courses and read as much as you can. With platforms such as Udemy, Lynda, Treehouse & even YouTube - you can expand your knowledge rapidly wherever you are.
You don't have to stop travelling. Don't be afraid to break free and create a life which serves you.
If you do stop travelling to go home for a job, make sure you do it for you and nobody else.
If you'd like to learn more about how I shifted my lifestyle into a digital nomad and find out what barriers may be holding you back from creating your own dream lifestyle. You can order my book here.