An Unexpected Journey: From Corporate Life to Digital Nomad
In the whirlwind of life's unpredictability, sometimes the most chaotic turns lead to the most rewarding paths. My story took an unexpected leap in March 2023, setting me on a journey I had longed for but never quite managed to embark on. Here's the story so far.
Like many 20 something year olds, fresh out of uni, I felt a bit lost. My dream wasn’t to work in a 9-to-5 job, it was to explore the world. My heart was set on travelling in anyway I could, wandering from one place to another. Teaching English in China became that gateway for me and everything was lined up to go in October 2019, but as fate would have it, my departure was delayed to early 2020. Then, as we all know, the world came to a standstill. International travel was no longer an option, and my dreams were put on a seemingly indefinite hold.
DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF THE UK
Confined within the borders of my home country, I didn't let the global pause stop me from travelling. Instead, I turned to the natural beauty that the UK had to offer. From hiking in the Eryri mountains in North Wales to wild swimming in the Lake District and roadtripping from Scotland to Cornwall, I found adventure in my backyard. This led to converting my very first camper van, Carlos, built out of a desire for freedom and the ability to work remotely while exploring the UK. Documenting the van build and my adventures became a newfound passion, creating content of my travels and the van build was the tipping point to know I wanted a creative career with purpose.
LIFE GOT SWITCHED TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
March 2023 was a month that will forever be etched in my memory. Losing my corporate job and facing the reality of having nowhere to live for most would be hitting rock bottom. Instead, it became the catalyst for the life I had been dreaming of. With a push from the universe, I embarked on a new chapter, diving headfirst into the freelance world and moving into Kenny, our current van, to live out my coastal girl van life dreams on the southwest coast.
EMBRACING DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE
Cornwall marked the beginning of my digital nomad journey, offering a picturesque backdrop as I navigated this new lifestyle. The van became both home and office, providing a unique blend of work and travel as I offered freelance support to brands in marketing strategy, social media, content creation and events. The freedom to travel around the UK for events while living and working on the road was everything I had hoped for.
A WINTER ESCAPE TO PORTUGAL
As the UK winter approached, bringing with it the chill that makes van life challenging, the decision to head to Portugal was a no-brainer. The allure of warmer climates and the promise of affordable travel through Trusted Housesitters made it an easy choice. The next three months were spent exploring Lisbon, Cascais, Central Portugal, and Porto. The opportunity to live rent-free in exchange for pet sitting was not only budget-friendly but also incredibly rewarding, giving us the chance to look after adorable pets while experiencing the local culture.
I highly recommend Trusted Housesitters to anyone that is looking for budget friendly and cheaper travel, with sits all over the world, you could honestly plan a whole world trip without having to pay for accommodation!! I have a discount code that can give you 25% off your membership. Use code: FINDINGHANNA25. Sign up here.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
This journey, from the uncertainty of losing a job and a home to embracing life on the road, has taught me the value of resilience and the beauty of embracing the unknown. My story so far is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best things in life come from the most unexpected circumstances. Stick around as the Digital Nomad life has only just begun, and there are some exciting adventures on the horizon!
