On Working Virtually – Find Your Strengths
Here’s the scene. We’re on a relentlessly rocking ship (see last week’s post), heading across the treacherous Drake Passage as we make our way from Antarctica back to South America and then (finally) home to Seattle. Visiting Antarctica was the capstone experience of this journey, bookending several months of volunteering and exploring in the Southern Hemisphere.
It was now time to head home. Ugh. A blurb from our journal:
After several months away, we’re heading back to Seattle. Time to finalize the reentry plan. Everything seems to be more clear – manageable and within our reach. Our biggest roadblock is figuring out the perfect way to secure an income (surprise, surprise). It’s especially tough when we validate the fact that we absolutely don’t want to sell-out; we don’t want to do something just to make money. If that was desirable, we wouldn’t have left in the first place. Ideally, we’ll embark on something that is fueled by our passion and makes sense in the context of our other goals. No more living to work. Glad we figured that out before hitting old age.
Now that we’re paying attention to the news again, we’re also pondering (owning up to!) the fact that the state of the economy appears to be sliding fast. Housing prices are dropping and unemployment is rising. Shit. So, we sort of need to incorporate that reality as we put together the puzzle that is our new life. Here we go. Goodbye South America.
Returning home.
At some point, most travelers – even long term adventurers – come home. For some, that means going back to the place where it all started, and for others it means choosing a new place to land. For many people who have been exploring the world for several months, perhaps on a career break, the mere thought of heading home can be painful. After all, the decision to travel is often motivated by wanderlust and less than ideal circumstances at home – circumstances that the traveler does not want to return to.
Frequently this annoying circumstance is work.
We tend to have a soft spot for blog posts that get into any turmoil surrounding the return home. We just read a really heartfelt one written by a guy who had been trekking the globe for six months. He was grappling with the idea of having to return home and, more specifically, dreading the idea of returning to days comprised of unfulfilling work.
Sound familiar? It certainly does to us, which is probably why those posts resonate so deeply.
Getting clarity and facing our dreams.
Our transition back to Seattle a few Januarys ago was rough. We were clear on what we wanted out of life (which was a huge step, given the befuddled state we were in when we left), but we had no clue how to make it happen. We had bucket loads of hope and positivity, but those warm fuzzy feelings were countered by huge doses of uncertainty and worry.
At the time, it all seemed like too much – like a dream. We not only wanted fulfilling jobs, we wanted fulfilling jobs that allowed us to work virtually. As if the former wasn’t enough of a stretch in a brutal economy, we were also shooting for office independence. Add to the mix a whole bunch of other non-work-related ambitions, and it quickly became clear that we had a lot of dreams that needed addressing.
What we were thinking.
Embracing our dreams.
Turns out…. we were thinking just how we should have been. You see, what is often said about dreams – as annoying as it can be – is true. It’s a really good idea to go after them. We tell you that with a great deal of experience. If you don’t, it’s quite likely that you’ll live a life accompanied by that constant nagging feeling. You know the feeling… the one that likes to remind you that you’re out of sync. The one that gives you that feeling in the pit of your stomach. The one that sometimes makes getting through the day difficult.
Somehow, when you embrace your dreams, that feeling goes away. Here’s the even better part. It remains idle even if you’re not yet “successful” in your dream. That part doesn’t matter as much; it’s the “embracing” part that’s critical.
Taking steps towards your dream – even tiny, zig zagging steps – honors the vision you have for your life. When you’re doing that, the rest is secondary.
We embraced our dreams and all of the uncertainty that went with it.
Living our dreams.
So, we leaned into the unknown and made the leap from corporate madness to independent bliss with a virtual HR consulting business. We’re frequently asked how we did it and how it can be done. We’ve always resisted giving too much advice on the topic because people are looking for quick fixes (and we’re still kind of amazed ourselves). Real success – fulfilling success – starts by examining what’s going on inside and not by what you’re doing on the outside.
In these situations, it’s easy to be tempted by money. We can relate. After months and months of not working – and an absence of backup funds – simply making money was a prime concern. There’s a place for that; you’ve gotta put food on the table.
Problem is, too many people make quick fixes or the desire for money the driving force behind their lives without even examining what’s up on the inside – without examining their strengths and natural talents.
How to: get clarity and face, embrace and live your dreams.
So, if you want to work virtually (or have any kind of truly fulfilling career), start with the basics. First, examine your strengths and begin to focus on what you’re supposed to be doing. A few ideas to get you thinking:
- Consider the dream you have for your life; it’s a good place to start your exploration. What is your dream pointing you towards?
- Keep a list of the activities in any given day/week that 1) energize you and 2) deplete you. You’ll be surprised when you see where you’re putting your effort.
- Examine what parts of your prior education/work experience resonated the most with you? When were you “humming” along?
- Think about what you would do if money/time were not a concern?
Even if you are currently working to put money on the table, commit to taking small steps forward. All of this heavy lifting will come to great use. We promise, and we’ll demonstrate why in future posts.
For now, know that by doing this instead of looking for a quick fix, you’ll be diluting the power of that aforementioned feeling that likes to remind you that you’re out of sync. Don’t contribute to the “white noise” of life by avoiding the tough questions and submitting to ungratifying work. You’re better than that so raise the bar.
It can be tough, we know. But we also know that if we had given into the voice that said “just make money” (and contributed to that white noise), we never would have jettisoned that nagging feeling. Heck, we’d probably be back at corporations.
Your turn. What’s your situation? Are you a traveler who wants to work virtually (or works virtually)? Do you feel like you have a handle on your strengths?
You all are so inspirational! Bravo to you for living your dreams! It can be so scary taking that initial leap, but life is full of choices and options and if you can follow your dreams, do it!
For me, having just started a business, this post is yet another affirmation that following my dreams (literally, Go! Girl came to me in a dream) is probably one of the best gifts I can give myself.
It’s terrifying, because I’m so ridiculously passionate about this that there is no backup plan, but I’m not scared: the passion I have is continuing the work, and for once, I’m happy working my butt off, and the response we’ve already gotten is phenomenal.
Thanks for this post! It came at a great time for me!
Very cool, Kelly. Nothing beats that feeling!
I know my strengths, but I’m waiting for the turning point where I can make it happen. How do you know when you’ve reached that point?
Ah… the “leap” question. Well, as long as you’re making forward steps, you’re in good shape. At the right point, the leap is just the obvious next step in your forward movement. The key is to have the bravery to NOT stop moving.
Great post, guys. I totally agree about feeling that nagging voice inside your head that just feels like unrest. It keeps you up at night, it makes you questions certain discussions or even question making a discussion or not… it can become exhausting. Unfortunately, that was me. Living with “my dreams” posting on the fridge but not really doing anything about them. That’s when Vagabond3 came along and I’ve never looked back since. I’m not able to live solely off it, YET, but working towards the goal is one that I’m endlessly proud of and feel so good about.
Can’t wait for the rest of this series…
That’s cool, Jade. I love how you say it “feels like unrest” – another good way to describe that feeling.
Oh, the appeal of a quick fix. I would LOVE to be able to quit my day job and spend my time writing and playing with my baby. And cooking and eating.
I am looking at the slow zig-zaggy path to a location independent job but I’m not sure I’m actually ON the path. I have no choice but to be patient because my fulltime job takes up so much time. And with a husband and baby to support I have to keep going to work.
Thanks for sharing NRV guys. I can’t wait for your future posts!
That “just make money” voice sure is nagging, especially when you have school loans to pay off.
I’m not virtual yet. I am still working on trying to figure out what makes me energized and trying to let go of what depletes me. I have to say those things that deplete you are not always easy to give up, but you sure do feel like a free man when you let them go. Baby steps. One small goal at a time to reach the bigger prize.
Thanks for putting this out there. It helps keep the hope alive. Hopefully with a little hard work Christy and I can make this our future!
Hey, Scott. Glad you bring that point up about “depleting” activities. I was just talking to a guy about this. He kept track of the daily activities that were depleting him. He could not believe the amount of time he was spending “putting up with stuff” (his words).
We did – and still do – the same types of activities. On that boat coming back from Antarctica, we were brainstorming, making lists, sharing dreams, batting around ideas. It all seemed so muddled and confusing at the time but has paid off greatly.
You’re right, it’s all about that one small goal at a time.
I track your posts like a stalker…because you guys reflect a lot of the enthusiasm and courage I had when I was in my early years. 30 years ago I chucked in a corporate career and started a dream job I had long wished I wanted to do, against all friends, family, business advice. Never looked bak..
You are amazing because you’ve done it. And you’ve got a great future ahead of you that will be made by yourselves.
Oh, and that voice in your head, it’s intuition. The further you peel back your social conditioning, the more you will be able to realize it’s potential.
Wow, we have pretty awesome stalkers
I spent the best part of forty years having a toe to toe screaming match with that voice in my head – some of us are slow developers. Self doubt and external pressures can so easily keep you from where you’re meant to be.
I’m chasing it now. I haven’t caught it yet but i’m in the chase…
ive worked on a different principle so far, that is to work my cheeks off when im at home to reap the rewards when im traveling. now with jess, we are looking at rectifying that situation. live the dream! love it.
Great post guys. I am just polishing up a post about visualizing my perfect life. Every time I think I have it there is always more to improve and strive for (actually this constant polishing is my perfect life). but from a physical work and living aspect I’ve found just voicing it makes it real and then you can get down to planning how to achieve it.
I just made the decision to work virtually but I’m still coming to terms with my strengths as I’m no longer pursuing my old job. It’s slow but steady.
We can’t wait to follow your path. We can nudge each other along, Ayngelina!
Very very slwoly getting into working visually.I have found out that there is a lot of good advice around, but in the end you have to make your own mistakes. The biggest challenge is not to be afarid of making them.
I love, love, love this post. Always inspiring as usual guys, especially as I sit hear watching my wife be absolutely miserable working as an attorney. We escaped this life for a year, and while I’m breaking free, we need to figure out a way for both of us to break free. Luckily we have refused to just consume, consume, consume and get ourselves in a hole. So now when the right opportunity comes along, we’ll be ready to hit the ground running. I think that is vitally important to getting free from the typical 9-5 lifestyle. We could have bought a house, a car, and a bunch of crap, but we know that’s not what we truly want. That will only keep us in our current situation longer.
Thanks for being an inspiration to those who don’t want to live the typical American lifestyle. We sometimes wonder if the lifestyle we want is ever going to happen, but reading posts like this make us more optimistic.
So true, Adam!
We feel it every time someone says “WHAT!? You don’t have a car?” That’s why those of us that want to live mindfully (whatever that means for each of us) have to stick together. There’s a lot of gravity out there that pulls you towards mindless materialism and consumption.
Totally agree with you Adam!
We’ve been vigilant about consumption, or resisting consumption to be more accurate. This has allowed us to be debt free and able to feel free, even if we have committments its nothing a little juggling can’t fix.
A lot of my friends and family ask, “how can you guys travel so much, what are you rich, win the lottery”? Its an easy response – you make more money than me! I just don’t piss it away at the night club or on a new BMW.
It’s all about priorities. Our’s is to travel and experience. We live happy but lean, and it works for us. To my friends that feel we are lucky, they are right! But that doesn’t mean they can’t live the same life – they just need to make similar sacrifices b/c it aint free!
Very inspiring post. I love hearing “success stories” I also thought you were spot on about not looking for a “quick fix” I gave up a high paying management job when I moved to Germany and while I’m spending most of my days learning German, I’m slowly working towards a virtual career travel writing. So far I love it and instead of keeping me up at night with worry like my old job did, it keeps me up with passion.
Cool, Laurel – doesn’t that make it all worth it.
Great post! I am in a unique situation where I can actually be working for about half of the year and traveling the other half. Technically, part of my working half of this year is going to be working in a new country so that is sort of traveling as well. Eventually though, this job won’t be available to me anymore, so I’ve started forging my plans now. Hopefully in a few years I’ll be able to say I’ve got no strings attached and can travel, or settle, for as long as I want, wherever I want!
That doesn’t sound too rough, Matt. Good to hear, though, that you’re also facing the reality that’s ahead. Smart guy you are!
Insightful post guys.
It’s been a year (literally) since we returned from our extended trip exploring the world, and I am still struggling with “re-entering” society. Specifically from a career viewpoint. We left the corporate strangle-hold for a reason, which is where the resistance obviously comes from.
Fortunately, I’ve been able to cut the strings and work independently, which has been great. Now we just need to figure out how we can both work remotely from the jungles of Belize!
Thanks for the comment, Cam. We’re really enjoying following your path as well. I don’t know that we’d leave BC for Belize
Another inspirational post from you guys. I really like the niche you have found.
Great post! We’re dealing with re-entry right now and trying to remain focused on continuing to follow the dream. It’s hard because I feel so much more in control of my life now than before we left, but on the other hand there is the reality of needing income that we all have to face. Thanks for the encouragement.
Coming back to this again because I realised (even as I was writing my earlier comment) that I hadn’t answered the questions you challenged your readers to answer.
I’ve been thinking about when I was “humming” and the hums have been few and far between.
Early in my career as a journalist I worked at a national wire service. There was a lot of freedom there for me to chase my own interests. I wrote some pieces I’m still really proud of, mostly “people” stories. But the pay was crap and I was just starting out so I felt obliged to change employers. Got stuck writing about equities for years.
The next time I really enjoyed my job was when I’d just started at a new English language newspaper in Vietnam. All the staff were full of enthusiasm, the stories they were translating and writing were really interesting and they were keen to answer any questions I had about their country, the culture, traditions and food. Unfortunately, morale dropped over time because the hours were ridiculous. And the stories became less interesting as the translators became fearful of the government’s reaction to anything “sensitive”.
Starting a blog has given me a small hum. I’m not sure how to convert that into an income though. Baby steps.
Thanks again NRV guys.
Thanks for such a thoughtful reply. Interesting what you said about people becoming fearful of the government’s potential reaction to anything sensitive. It’s easy to forget that that’s a huge reality all over the world.
I can relate to this post so much. We had this feeling after our 5 year honeymoon. And to begin with we went for quick fixes that had disastrous results. If only we had this post to read back then. We eventually got back on the track of our purpose and love what we are doing now. We had some very harsh lessons because of it and are only just climbing our way back out.
Some really great tips guys!
Thanks, Caz. Yep, quick fixes can be tempting. As we keep learning, they are never fulfilling in the long haul.
This post really hit home for me. I’ve been traveling (and running a location independent business) since May 1st and though I love it, I’m starting to think it’s time to settle down somewhere. I am kind of longing for my own space and hopefully I can find a way to strike a balance between continuing to travel and having that stability I’ve started to crave.
My freelance work pays the bills and then some in SE Asia, but wouldn’t cut it in Vancouver or London and so I’m starting to grapple with what I’m going to do. On one hand, I could probably invest more energy in my business and look to grow it – but that’s a risk. On the other, I could get a job, but I’m afraid of getting back into that soul crushing 9 to 5 slog.
I love the questions you’ve posted that we should all ask ourselves. It’s given me a good place to start to really grapple with some of these questions.
We realized that was our big thing, too, Amy. We were ready to have some stability back in our lives, but we wanted to be able to travel at will. Right now, the mix we have is working perfectly for us.
Good luck!
This is such a great piece. It speaks to all that are on this journey of travel and making our dreams reality. It also inspires those who are looking to find a way to live their dreams. Nice!