One of the Scariest decisions I've made

On January 15, 2018 I said goodbye to my 9 to 5 (well actually 8 to 4) cushy government job.

A few days later I took off to Florida to start my road trip across the United States.

I had a pile of debt, I had some savings, but not a ton. Here’s how it all went down because I want you to know that there is no magic pill to get you ready to leave your job, nor a financial marker that will make you feel comfortable enough to do it.

I decided in January 2017 that I was going to sell all my things and travel the world! It’s something I have wanted to do since ... FOREVER! I started to get some ducks in a row, I listed my condo for sale and I was ready to get out of dodge.

Well... the condo market at that time was not in my favour, the inventory was high and selling prices were low. I had my condo listed for 110 days with little movement and then decided I would look at finding a renter instead. That was so easy! I had a great tenant lined up in less than a week. Phew!

and this is how it was supposed to go even though it’s not what I had originally planned for. Since I now was ‘voluntarily homeless’ I needed to find a place to live for the next 6 months. I am blessed with some amazing friends (with big houses), and I was able to move in to a friends basement for 6 months. One of the keys to leaving your 9 to 5 with a pile of debt is to reduce your expenses. I went from having to pay a mortgage, condo fees, utility bills to only paying rent, my cell phone and groceries.

It was certainly an adjustment living with people again after living on my own for 4 years, but when you want to live your dreams you have to decide what you are willing to do to get there.

I spent the next 6 months at my job, planning details of my trip, which changed from South America, to Portugal to a road trip in the USA. I went with what felt best to me and in the end I think it worked out amazingly!

When I left my job I still had debt and I had some savings, but I had made the decision to go, there was no turning back, it was happening! Ready or Not! I will tell you, your mind is a tricky fella! I had all kinds of reasons showing up why I shouldn’t leave on my trip, or leave my job, but our mind is designed to keep us safe and anything that threatens that safety must be avoided. It’s how we end up talking ourselves out of stepping out of our comfort zone. “Oh I’m not smart enough for that job, so i shouldn’t apply” “that guy is way too cute, why would he talk to me” “What will so and so say about my leaving my job” the list goes on and on with excuses, just know that that’s all they are, excuses!

Now what about making an income, because I still need to do that!? I have a successful business, but I’ll be honest at the beginning it was hard. I had to find some other ways to earn some extra income. But you know what!? There are a ton of ways to do that! I taught some extra yoga classes and even drove for Uber. My biggest recommendation is to create a source of passive income. It’s a huge help!

Leaving your 9 to 5 isn’t about being ready financially, it’s all about your mindset. If you are ready to do whatever it takes to make it without a JOB it’s totally doable! There will be ups and downs for sure, but the highs completely out weigh the lows. How cool would it be to wake up on Monday morning excited about what you can do with your day, being able to design it exactly how you want! Or making your income online you can be completely location independent and if you want to spend the winters in Costa Rica, do it!

I love helping others become digital nomads so if you have any questions please feel free to send them my way!