Colleen Kinsey Writes about life as a digital nomad
I remember what my life was like two years ago. I did the normal 8 to 5 corporate job Monday through Friday. By the time Friday would finally roll around, I was too exhausted to plan the trips or adventures I was secretly pining to do. Instead, I would scroll through travel blogs and Pinterest and dreaming of a different life.
One day, I came across a blog that mentioned the term “digital nomad.” I was intrigued and began doing more research. A digital nomad is someone that lives a nomadic lifestyle and has the ability to work anywhere in the world, all they need is a computer and Wi-Fi. That’s what I wanted. I carefully calculated a plan to make this digital nomad dream a reality.
While I was working the daily grind, I would spend the evenings teaching myself search engine optimization and website development. My goal was to start a new career that would allow me to live wherever I wanted in the world.
I was also getting rid of all my belongings – furniture, clothes, things that had collected over the years. I would schedule times for friends to drop by and raid my closet. Whatever I couldn’t sell or give a way I donated until all I was left with was a 40L backpack. Thankfully, my sister took my cat, as I don’t think he would have been to pleased with my upcoming nomadic adventures.
After eight months of preparation, I had saved up enough money, had a few websites under my belt, and with a full backpack, my sister dropped me off at the Kansas City airport. I was about to embark on a new adventure, far away from my comfort zone and even further away from the people I loved. I was excited, but also terrified.
A million things were going through my head as I boarded the plane – “What if I fail?” “What if I’m absolutely miserable?” “What if….”
Two years later and those fears seem like a distant memory. Since I started this lifestyle, I’ve traveled to over 20 countries by myself. Most people are shocked when I tell them that I’m a solo female traveler, but I wear it like a badge of honor. I actually prefer to travel alone. Here are a few reasons why:
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Colleen digital nomad and solo traveler in Abu Dhabi You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
- The only person you have to please is yourself.
- It’s easier to meet new people on your own.
- You get to learn more about yourself as a person.
- You gain confidence.
Now, I am the CEO of a successful web development company and work with small businesses to maximize their potentials through websites. I maintain a few websites of my own, including a travel blog – Travel Meets Happy, and I can live wherever I want. For example, I’m currently sipping coffee on my balcony in Berlin, Germany.
My advice for anyone that is considering a lifestyle of travel, or even your first solo trip. Travel is something that moves you and changes you. Don’t let your fears stop you from pursuing your dreams.
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