Thinking back to that first day when I decided to throw in the towel on my job and take the plunge into freelancing, it seems like a lifetime ago. I remember the feelings of fear, apprehension and excitement – all at the same time. It was a big decision and a huge step to give up the stability of a monthly pay cheque and rely completely on myself to make a living. Today those feelings are all back again, as I take my next big leap of faith.
Working for yourself has one huge advantage that often goes overlooked: It doesn’t really matter where you are. As long as you have a decent internet connection and some electricity… you could be working from home, or a cafe, or… anywhere else really.
The Past
At the end of 2009 I landed a new contract with Virgin Atlantic Airways to design and build a new travel blog for vtravelled, their social-travel web application. The next summer, vtravelled were invited to attend a travel-blogger press trip to Valencia, Spain which would include attendance to the 2010 Formula 1 European Grand Prix. Having an understandably busy schedule, no one from vtravelled had time to go on the trip but, knowing my love for Formula 1, they asked me if I’d like to go on the trip on their behalf. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.
What followed was one of the most amazing weeks of my life, I couldn’t help but write about how much I’d learned from the experience.
As some of you already know, I have some experience with travel. I was born in Scotland to Irish and English parents, I grew up in The Netherlands (learning to read and write Dutch well before English), before spending six years in The Philippines. I only came to live in the UK for the first time (that I can remember, anyway) in 2005. When people ask me where I’m “from” … I genuinely don’t know what to tell them.
Growing up all over the world had its advantages. I was exposed to more cultural diversity and given more opportunities than many have in a lifetime and I was unbelievably lucky to do so much in so little time. But the grass is always greener, and while people who have grown up in one small town long to travel and see the world. I longed for somewhere to call home, for friends who I’d known my whole life, for a place which felt like I belonged there.
To this day there are only about 3 people who I’m still in contact with who I’ve known for longer than 2 years. My Facebook profile is filled with 338 acquaintances. People who I once had something in common with.
So initially my interest in the trip to Valencia was purely based on Formula 1 – I wasn’t that concerned about “travel”. But then again, I didn’t expect to meet such an amazing group of people. I definitely didn’t expect for the trip to change my outlook on work, life and everything in between. But it did.
Me, jumping out of a plane on a trip to Costa Brava.
I got on well with the organisers for that trip. Before long I was being invited back on other travel-blogger press trips to Spain not on behalf of Virgin Atlantic, but just as myself. I also started speaking at travel conferences and events, often talking about WordPress – but directed at users, not developers. Quite a difference.
The Future
The more I travel now, the more I realise how much I enjoy it. The more I travel now, the more I feel like I’m doing something with my life.
The more trips I went on, the more I met people who live a location-independent lifestyle. They travel non-stop, moving from country to country living and working as they go along. About 6 months ago a realisation finally set in: I’ve been location-independent for two and a half years… I just haven’t been doing anything with my independence.
I can work from anywhere and, at the end of this year, I plan to make ‘anywhere’ my new home.
In November I’ll be speaking at WordCamp Gold Coast, in Australia – and I’m not coming back. I’ll be staying in Australia for two months with friends in Sydney, before starting my new life in early January by revisiting the Philippines and then going on to China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. After that, I don’t really know where. I’ll figure it out when I get there.
My office will be a Macbook Air, my living-room will be an iPad, my bedroom will change depending on wherever I am, and my entire life will fit into a single carry-on-luggage-sized bag. I’ve already sold half of my possessions in preparation.
I’m petrified. And I can’t wait.
I’ve had this post sitting as a draft for over a month. Not only have I been waiting for final plans to be confirmed, but I’ve also been pretty scared of publishing it. This post is my own, self-imposed, point of no return. If you’re reading this… then I’ve successfully located the ‘publish’ button. There’s no going back now.
More to follow.
How exciting. What an adventure. It’ll be amazing.
You got time to speak at http://www.wp-brighton.org.uk/ before you go?
arse. Forgot to check the notify box, another comment to let me tick it…
Just… wow! Enjoy yourself John. I hope to meet you again.
All the best man, good move before you get too old! ;)
Good luck. It sounds like a fantastic idea and plan.
Nice. Good luck – I think that’s the dream a lot of us desk-jockeys have – I certainly toyed with the idea once or twice.
If you haven’t already, track down and read @PaulCarr’s latest book, “The Upgrade” – he’s done just what you’re about to (kinda), and it’s an interesting tale. In fact, fuck it – if you want a physical copy, mail me your (soon to be non-) address and I’ll send you my copy.
Best of luck! If you’ve got the chance why not make the most of it.
You still speaking at WDC2011? Was hoping to meet for a beer!
James.
@welcomebrand
I’d love to come and see you speak at WordCamp Brisbane.
Best of luck with your travelling. I have to step back and admire your bravery; as much as I would love to live in perpetual motion, the very idea terrifies me. Make sure you keep writing about your experiences and how you cope with it all.
Wow! How exciting John. Welcome to the world of location-independence – it’s not so scary really (although we have a base as a back-up we’re pretty location independent right now and it makes life all the more interesting).
Glad you’ve found inspiration from Valencia and other trips to nurture and follow your dream. Best of luck – we’ll all miss you round here… wherever here is!
@JohnONolan Wow!
You’re making a HUGE jump into the deep!! Respect about taking this choise! It’s something that would scare the Cr*p out of me! A lot of success with this life-changing ‘challenge’ (again!).
Wow John, exciting news! It’s a big step but I’m sure you’ll take it all in your stride.
I wish you all the best as you prepare to go out and explore the world. Already looking forward to following your updates and seeing what you get up to :)
Congratulations & good luck! Im guessing you will be blogging the whole experience?
You know it!
Makes sense, if you suspect like me that Lincoln is perhaps not the centre of the universe! :)
Good luck on your travels, very envious! Hope you will come back and see us in lincoln one day.
Sounds like a very good move! Have an absolute blast!
This is awesome and inspiring. Good luck John!
Goed gedaan kerel! Just great reading about you taking the plunge. I kinda read between the lines, or rather between the tweets, and figured you’d be doing something like this. I wish you a lot fun and happiness with your new chapter.
John, This sounds wicked dude – I really do hope that all this goes well for you, no doubt it will. Best of luck chap.
P.S A small gathering at the Apple in brizzle might be in order for a leaving drink?
Very exciting news. I’ve been working for myself for nearly a year now and have also started considering just what does it mean to be location independent…
Your post makes me really want to buy that home on the mountain in the forests I’ve been looking at for the last 2 years and make it my new office…just need to check if it has an internet connection though! (The joys of living in South Africa – not as advanced as the rest of the world) :-)
All the best.
Great post, and all the best for your travels. We all know you’ll have an epic time!
Looking forward to seeing you @ WDC’11 – hopefully it won’t be the last meeting ;)!
Best of luck John!
Woah, big news but to be honest, not that unexpected.
From the passion felt through your blog posts and tweets, travelling is indeed a passion of yours as is the web. I was only listening to ExplicitWeb this morning and had a feeling that you’d be off travelling for an infinite period of time!
You’re a brave man and I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures and seeing the photos that’ll keep us up to date with your world view!
Take it easy John!
Anthony
Good luck to you John! Sounds wonderful!
Wow! I’m still building up courage to do what you did a couple of years ago, and now you’ve already moved on to your next stage! Hope it all goes well. I loved the concept of the 4-hour Work Week – the location-independence, anyway – and now you’re about to live it!
Hope you have a great time John. It’s been a pleasure these last couple of years and hope you stay in touch!
@James, he’s still speaking at WDC :)
Good luck John.
This is absolutely amazing — you’re exactly the kind of person that suits this sort of lifestyle. Obviously it’s not something you’ll do for the rest of your life, but the years you’re doing it you’ll meet so many people and experience so many things you’ll never regret it.
Hope to see you again at some point, I presume this means you won’t be heading to New Adventures or any similar events? If not, that sucks but I’m happy for you. If yes, then I still owe you a few beers!
One thing: if you go to Thailand, make sure she’s not a he. Or vice versa if that’s what you’re into.
Who can blame you John… I was on holiday last week, and thinking the same.
Congrats and good luck
I’m curious how you’ll deal with work visas/permits in the various countries you’ll end up in?
Hi Steve,
I’ll be working (as normal) through my UK business, paying UK tax – makes 0 difference :)
Epic, this is a dream of mine too, hopefully one day will be doing the same!
Thanks! I absolutely love your domain and email address btw – props!
Wow, what a fantastic thing to do. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
Fantastic, mate! I’m really looking forward to seeing you at WCGC2011, and I hope I get the chance to show you round my home town while you’re in Australia too. :)
Much respect.
What does Herbie think about all this?
To be honest, I’ve always known you were going to do this. It’s you all over! I know we don’t actually see each other much, but I’m gonna miss you being in my timezone. I wish you all the best, and I hope I’ll be able to share small parts of your journey with you.
Thank you so much, everyone – it’s not often that I get too many comments to reply to every single one – but I really do appreciate absolutely all of them :)
Good luck ol’ bean! You’re more of a man and an adventurer than i’ll ever be, I wish you the best of luck, you lovely foul-mouthed tattooed antagonistic feisty inspiring man!!!
Big loves from Bristol
Gav
Wow John, big news, although you kinda gave it away with your tweets. Still, I wish you all the best and hope to meet you again, some day!
As someone who’s not quite old enough to move out on my own, this is a very inspirational post. I’ve been secluded in my little Canadian bubble for my whole life, and now I want to travel the world. Excellent post, and I can’t wait to follow where you go…
That sounds truly exciting. Wish you all the best and safe travels as you venture into this new area of life.
Good luck with your next chapter John.
I’m looking forward to seeing your talk and saying G’day at WordCamp Gold Coast! The delicious ales and warm sunny beaches await!
See you in November Squire!
Exciting news. It’s great that modern technology allows us to do stuff like this. I really like the first few stops you have lined up. Australia and several Asian countries, wow. Hope you’ll have time to work! Oh, and never realized you knew Dutch. Veel success!
wow… what an amazing experience its going to be.
good luck and have fun!
This is you. Simple as that. I didn’t know the full backstory until now. If I had done, I’d have told you digital nomadism was a no-brainer rather than a cool thing for you to do.
I’m cobbling together a way of doing it myself. And the more I learn, the more I realise it’s actually a way of expanding your home, rather than leaving it. Of multiplying your home, many times over. And you know the thing where you never get the chance to see people because you have to do the 9 to 5? That’s always struck me as a broken thing. And digital nomadism kicks it right in the teeth.
Gonna be awesome, sir. Both You and It. :)
All the best John, been reading your posts with interest since the beginning. Have fun and keep the Macbook safe! I look foward to the next years worth of posts.
Congrats! Excited to read about your travels and hope to run into you on the road soon. Perhaps TBU, to start with.
Good luck John on your life of adventure and new experiences.
- Twitter: @craigdeakin
Best of luck! It takes alot of courage to do something like this.
When I read this post I immediately thought of a slide a saw a while back. It’s called ‘Don’t be rich, Live rich – One year on the road – The good and the bad’. It had some really good advise on working and travelling at the same time. The URL: http://www.slideshare.net/nomadznu/nomadznu4
I wish you all the best John, sounds like it’s going to be fun (I’d love to go to Australia one year, never mind round the world!), and I’m glad to hear you’ll be blogging about it along the way too! :D
Bravo! Good luck, have fun and always remember the first rule of life: Don’t fuck up and die. ;-)
Best of luck John!
I once went to a music festival, and met a guy that was doing what you intend to do, and he’s stories were so rich, had so many knowledge, it’s a very fun and rich live style, you learn a lot as you go, again, best of luck.
Go for it! You won’t regret it once!! Worst case scenario you return to where you are now! I can recommend a perfect book for your travels. Tim Ferriss – 4 hour Work Week.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/4-Hour-Work-Week-Escape-Anywhere/dp/0091929113/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312904476&sr=8-2
Enjoy & have a great time!!
Already read it and reviewed it on this blog a few years ago ;) It’s good – however outsourcing isn’t for everyone, definitely not for me. There are lots of other good things in that book too though.
Good luck, John. A brave decision indeed but one that I’m sure will prove to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
If there is one thing I’ve learned from you after following you on Twitter for a couple of years is that you have the balls to follow through with things. If you believe in something you get involved, stand your ground and don’t take a back seat like so many others (myself included!) – I wish I had half the guts you have.
I’m looking forward to seeing how it all goes. Whatever happens it will surely be an amazing experience.
Phil
Thanks Phil – that’s really kind of you :)
Sounds very exciting John, Good luck.
Hé John, omdat je Nederlands als eerste leerde en ik dus ook, schrijf ik in het Nederlands :-) Mooi dat je een nieuwe bestemming hebt gevonden om je leven de invulling te geven die je nodig hebt.
Veel plezier en hopelijk tot ziens!
Really enjoyed reading that, John. And best of luck with your new adventure. If I had to choose a few countries to go to I would have gone for a similar list. Have fun and take some good photos!
Best of luck with it man and I hope you have a bloody awesome time. Enjoy Oz and make sure you hit up my home town of Melbourne while you’re down there!
Wow, that’s a big move buddy. Let me know if you’re planning to come down to Malaysia.
Hey John! Good luck mate, sounds like you’re going to have a fantastic time, all the best!
PS do it all now while you can, once the ‘wife’ and ‘kids’ come it all stops! LOL
;) Doug
Thanks mate – nice to hear from you :) Hope you’re well!
I’m totally late on this one, but Wow – Inspiring!
Best of luck with everything, you can’t lose though really!
Love this. Can’t wait to see you!!
It’s good to know that you once lived in the Philippines. Hope you get to enjoy your next trip here.
:) keep on blogging!
Congratulations John on taking this huge step – its something I’m sure everyone dreams of doing at some point in there life but never have the courage to actually do it.
I look forward to reading all about your travels and can guarantee you’ll have a great time in Australia. Summer.. Glorious beaches… yeah you might not be too in the mood for work. I’d be glad to say hi if your ever coming to Melbourne.
Cheers mate and good luck!
Congrats man, you’ve done something that most people don’t have the courage to do (including myself), wishing you an exciting and adventurous journey!
Take it easy!
Hello John,
I’m writing to tell you that I really enjoyed your presentation at WordCamp Gold Coast, and I’m intrigued by your new direction.
I’m looking forward to reading your book when it’s released, and I’ll pop in here from time to time to see where the road takes you.
Enjoy Sydney. It was my hometown until last year, when I moved up to the Gold Coast. I miss it enormously, and get back there as often as I can. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the opportunities, lifestyle, and people there.