The Hard Path To Finding Location Independence
Posted on Jun 23, 2012 | 32 comments
With the reality of long-term travel finally settling in, it's time for us to really start thinking about work.
The bottom line is, that if we want to sustain our travel lifestyle, we have to find a way to make money while we travel. We have to find a way to become location independent.
Heidi and I have talked a lot about location independence and if it's really worth it. Right now, we have managed to put ourselves in a position where we could travel for 2 years or more and never work a day. We could just go. We could be free. Us and the kids and the world. Sounds nice.
But what happens when the money runs out? What happens when the fairy tale ends and we have to come home?
If you had a choice, would you rather travel for 1 year without work, or travel for 3 years working 30 hours a week?
I asked people this question on Facebook a few weeks ago and nearly every person who responded chose the freedom of 1 year without work.
I suppose I can't blame anybody for choosing absolute freedom. It's a nice idea. I wanted to make that choice as well, but I couldn't do it. I've been down that road before. I'm done with taking the easy way out. The easy path leads me directly back to where I've been my whole life. I'm done with easy. I'm done with the quick fix. I'll get my freedom, but I'm gonna have to work for it.
I remember when we blurted out this idea of traveling the world forever, people would always ask the same question:
But how are you going to make money?
I hated this question. I had no idea how to answer it. The truth is, that when we first started we were very unrealistic. We were trying to fill some desire to travel and spend time with our kids. We busted out the guidebooks. We planned ridiculously challenging adventures. We talked about traveling the world forever as if we could go and buy the privilege of such a life from a box at Wal-Mart. We never really thought about making money and sustaining our travels. We were dreamers.
Today, nearly 2 years later, and with travel knocking on our doorstep, we are thinking (and dreaming) differently. We know we are going to travel. We know we have enough money to give us the start we need and launch us out into the world. But we also know that if we don't start working we'll be right back at our office desks in a few years. So now, we are doers. Now we're about the reality of the travel lifestyle instead of the dream of the travel lifestyle. Now we are workers.
The Truth About Finding Location Independence
There are two ways to work location independent.
1) You get a job working for someone else that allows you to work from anywhere.
2) You create a business for yourself that allows you to work from anywhere.
Now for me, option 1 is no different from the day job I'm working right now. I don't want to work for another person's paycheck. I don't want to work on their schedule, or make their coffee, or follow their rules. I want my own game, my own rules. It doesn't matter if I'm pushing papers in Boston or Bali, pushing papers is pushing papers - end of story. I want to do work that's mine and means something. I want to do work I love.
So that means that I have to choose option #2. I have to create something of my own. I have no choice.
To create your own location independent enterprise you need only 2 things - ideas and effort. Now, ideas are easy. Ideas we don't even have to work on, they just come. You have ideas everyday. If you sit down with yourself and a bottle of wine tonight and start talking about location independence I guarantee you'll have 10 ideas for location independent businesses by the night's end. But putting those ideas into practice, well . . .
Location independence takes hard work. Without hard work your late night ideas will become nothing more than late night memories. In order to create something that produces, something of value, you need to work for it. You need to make it happen. You need to know that everyday when you wake up you are going to work. The work never stops. There is no end to this game. There are no weekends. You don't get to walk into the bosses office and schedule time off.
The truth is, location independence is probably a lot harder than what you're doing right now. But I promise you, the harder you work, the more successful your enterprise will become. There is no big secret to success. It's not luck. It doesn't happen by accident. It is simply about being brave enough to pursue an idea and see it through for the rest of your life. Simple right? 
If It's So Hard, Why Become Location Independent
Why create Apple? Why Google? Why write War and Peace?
It's not about money. Nobody who ever did anything truly great did it for money. Money doesn't produce greatness, heart does. Don't believe me?
What's better: The card your daughter bought you from the ad team at Hallmark or the one she made from scratch with the crayons and glue marks?
You think a true artist ever did anything great for money?
Acquiring real location independence is an art form. You are creating something from nothing. You are using all the tools you have to produce something you love. You are designing a life that will benefit others.
We choose this path because it's what we believe in and it's what we love to do. It's what makes us want to get up in the morning. It's what inspire us.
At some point we need to realize that the dreams will never stop until we put them into actions. Dancing around our dreams does nothing. We can take vacations, read books and blogs on travel, and watch Eat, Pray, Love over and over, but you and I both know that won't make us happy.
To be happy we have to put action behind our dreams. We have to get to work.
We seek location independence because we have to. It's what we are supposed to do. It's the dream.
Do work you dream of.
Do work that fits with the lifestyle you enjoy.
Do work that allows you to be creative.
Do work that helps others.
Do work that evolves.
Do the work everyday.
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Hey Justin, I'm so excited to hear what you'll decide to do. I suspect it won't be anything predictable. We have been traveling 7 months now, and my hubby is setting up a business to sustain us longer term. We couldn't have done it straight up. We had to learm how to travel as a family first, and we needed to gain some distance from our home lives to help us think, rest, dream and so on.
But now we have the idea, we are excited all over again...
Jill - Going Anyway recently posted..Hoi An – pretty as a picture
You're situation is so unique. I give you so much credit.
Big learning curve I am sure. We are all different. The fact is, that if we want it, we can find a way. Thanks Jill - glad you're all doing so well!
Great post. This is what it all comes down to. Creating a new lifestyle takes work, a lot of it. There is nothing wrong with a gap year or sabbatical, if that's what you want. You will have amazing experiences. But if long-term location independence is what you're after, the planning and preparing (and doing) are seemingly never ending. We all have to decide if it's worth the effort. I've already made my decision.
Wireless Ideology recently posted..Harry Crews and the Considerable Effort in Becoming a Digital Nomad
I actually do feel there is a downside to time off. I know for myself that when ever I take a day "off", I end up taking 2 days "off". Not saying I am a workhorse, but there is something to be said for consistency. Thanks Bobby!
You guys rock and you're going to figure this out. I agree with Jill... it takes time to get your head in the new game, you can't rush that. The business will come. Sounds cheesy and impossible, but it will. Do things for the love of the game, for sure. You know everything anyone knows, probably more... and you're doers... it's gonna be incredible. Cheering from Thailand!
Jenn Miller recently posted..Cobras & Russians in Texas: You’d have to see it to believe it.
Not worried, just realizing what IT takes. The truth is most people won't "find a way." They won't. This is why most of us, myself included, have always done what we have done. We settle cause it's easier.
Thanks Jenn! Waiting For Thailand!
Sustainability is key. The thought of a desk job at the end of a year of travel is almost worse to me than no travel at all.
I have a weird relationship with the word "work." I suppose Monica and I work hard, but much of what we of does not feel like work. I don't "feel" like I'm working as hard now as I have at other times in my life.
Persistence & perseverance are the big factors I always think of. Achieving location independency takes time. It's not like just getting a job and collecting a paycheck. It's a struggle. There are setbacks. But you have to keep going because you know you can't stomach going back.
Great post!
Clark Vandeventer recently posted..Summertime in Lake Tahoe and a Type A’s relentless quest for leisure
I agree with you 100% on that. I know myself, and I know I will never go back.
As for "work". No matter what one does, I think there are times when one doesn't want to do IT. Doing IT even when you don't want to, that's the work. I don't want to produce OK, I want to produce GREAT. Great comes with work - always.
Great post! I really love its level of inspiration. The reality that it is hard work and yes there is never a day off it seems.
When are you guys actually taking off?
Kurt recently posted..Tornadoes, Hitchhikers and Tents in Kansas – Part 2
Unlike most people who prefer to take a year off without working, I'd rather take a break while still working some hours each week. Come to think of it, doing one thing can be so boring, and I have no doubt that that applies to fun too. And what will be the point of traveling for one year without work and then find yourself back to square one financially? It is good to think of sustainability.
Howard Robb recently posted..http://kimkardashiantapenews.com/kim-kardashian-enjoys-being-with-older-man/
Justin, it's the same thought process for myself. I would take the one year without working, every time. We're fortunate enough to be in the position where we can take such a journey, so lets not ruin it by working along the way
Nate @yomadic recently posted..Lesmurdie Falls – Secret Suburban Waterfall at The End of The Earth
You what the difference for me is I think? If I didn't have kids I'd do the same thing every time. I so badly want to just go with it. But I just can't imagine having to come back to nothing with kids. Can't imagine sending them off to new schools and going to look for work given we are set up nicely now. Just can't put them in that position. They'd probably never complain, but still - that's the difference for me.
But you are working? How much time do you spend on your blog each week??
Interesting reading. You know, I never even considered trying to be location independent when I first started looking into travelling. That was for people who worked with computers, not people like me! But now, thanks to connecting with other travellers, I'm beginning to see that we should at least give something a go. We'll see anyway. Best of luck with your plans
Kirsty recently posted..Education on the Road
No, I don't think it's only for people with computers. I don't really love computers that much. You could be a painter, writer, foodie. Thing is, when you have a family, all those things you wanted to do get harder to do. You have to make it happen. It's not easy.
What would you make a go at?? What are your interests? What could make your lifestyle sustainable??
I think my main issue is that it takes a bit of a leap for me to get away from my preconcieved ideas like the computer thing. Of course it's not all that, but my brain sometimes doesn't listen! I think I'm a bit stuck in my ways!!!!
Before kids I always wanted to 'work my way around the world' and wanted to do TEFL. I might be interested in giving that a go one day although I haven't thought too seriously about it recently. Education is my life at the moment as we have home educated for the past 11 years. I also love nature.
I think it is such a huge change in mindset doing this as well and I don't think I am quite there yet. I always assumed I'd do a year long rtw and go back to 'normal life'. Having faith in yourself is also paramount I think.
Thanks for the post though, and to all the people who have commented. I love just reading and learning through discussions like these.
Kirsty recently posted..Education on the Road
Kirsty,
If you don't mind a day job, TEFL is great. Very easy. Easier than you think to find jobs. In most countries, TEFL jobs find you! You just have to be ready to contract for a year.
AS far as your brain goes. I threw mine away a long time ago. That helps! My brain used to always talk me out of things and make me think I couldn't do stuff. One day I just stopped listening and now I pretty much do whatever I want, even if it's ridiculous.
If you're willing to work and dedicate yourself, you can find a way to do pretty much everything.
All the best! You'll get there.
I agree with the others...you keep your options open, keep the ideas flowing, and the opportunities will present themselves! The hard part is reeling them in and working really hard to make them work! I think you'll find that niche...no doubt! Those who seek it find it! I love being self-employed and wouldn't want it any other way. This means I don't leave my job over the weekend, because I take it with me everywhere I go. But those are just some of the sacrifices we make for a freedom of lifestyle that we love!
Living Outside of the Box recently posted..Colors of Ajijic Mexico
Right! "The hard part is reeling them in and working really hard to make them work!"
I totally agree. That's what this post is all about.
What a great post. Just last night, on a Sunday, I was working until 3 AM (ok, that's already Monday) working toward designing my oww location independent career...while I had to wake up at 6 AM to go to my current management position that is paying for he bills.
Yep, you guessed it: I work 40 hours a week, paying off $40 grand in debt in less than 4 years, all while also working an extra 40-hrs/week to design my location-independence career. I'm hoping that, when I'm finally debt-free, my location-independent career will be mature enough that funds will be steady and I'll be able to travel without having to worry about a thing.
Like you said: It is not the easy way out, but eventually, it'll be exactly the life I always wanted. We sacrifice and work hard now, then later it'll be habit--and habit and life that we love! Keep pushing and don't give up--as I cried last night trying to finish a tough project, I kept reminding myself the reason why I'm doing this--drying up the tears and bringing a smile to my face =)
Keep chansing your dreams! I'll be here rooting for ya =D
Nomadic Translator recently posted..TBEX 2012 review and my 1st Blogiversary! Hard work paying off
3AM to 6AM, I remember that well. I did that for a good year almost. Then I switched to mornings. I like that better most of the time.
Keep working hard! It will happen with your work ethic. Keep building those habits! They work!
Most days things are easy. Some days things are hard. It's the hard days you need to work!
Congrats on one hard year of blogging!
Thank you! Yesterday was my birthday, yet I still worked my ass off. Reading other stories like yours give me more strength to push on!
Nomadic Translator @latinAbroad recently posted..Hurricane Season: Happy birthday to me! Tropical Storm Debby came to party
It's absolutely not only about computer work. It can be teaching, doctor, dentist, painter, whatever talent you have.
I love this post Justin, very powerful. You can feel your perseverance in between all the words. OK, agree that not all people can do IT, maybe because they hate to take the risk (or don't want to leave their family).
Recently I talked to Heather from Globetrotting Mama. In a couple of days from now they return home after one year of traveling the world. We concluded that this is only the end of their physical trip around the world. Returning to your office after a year of travel can be tough, but you will have changed as a person for sure.
Not everyone can or will do IT. But for those who will, there is always work to do. Maybe just even teaching us at home how the world really looks like.
Emiel recently posted..Berlin: 10 Great Things to Do (with your kids) – Part 2
Right, computers have very little to do with it. It's the same for everyone. Fing a way to make the idea happen and then work to make it happen. Do it or don't.
I'm not afraid of returning to the office, I just don't like it. Why go back to something I don't like??
Sure things can develop. Sure give them a chance and see what happens. But I know that with strong work habits on the road I have no chance. I'm to much of an explorer. I'll get sucked into the lifestyle and 2 years will be over and I'll have nothing but memories and job hunting on my horizon. Not letting this opportunity pass.
Thanks Emiel!
We have been struggling with this idea a lot lately. We go back and forth between those two options you presented. As you say it is hard. And some days, for me, too hard and I collapse. I really like the idea of having our own business, but we are trying to understand if it just would end up with more stress and work and location dependance than the idea of a job that can be freely done anywhere. And at the moment adding business planning to the mix would push me over the edge. Job, school, 3-4 blogs between us, 2+ books in the work, time together and time with friends.. it doesn't even leave much time for sleep, which just makes the whole rest more difficult some days.
As much as it doesn't sound like it, I see freedom of some sort in working for someone else. Freedom from accounting and sales activities.
It is amazing to hear that you can push yourself in the way you do. I wish you guys all the best. I would love to be able to do that, and I DO push in some ways, but they have yet to become profitable to be seen as a business. This is fine as our goal isn't location independence in the sense of eternal travel, but just the freedom to take a last minute trip to an island or live a few months in another country and not having to go into the office every day.
Andrew recently posted..Ios, Greece – Walk with Photos
I'm really impressed with your determination. My husband (Andy, Grounded Traveler) and I would love to have more freedom and flexibility to travel, but we haven't gotten the "how" figured out yet. Until a couple years ago, I never saw myself doing anything besides the typical office job. I'm luckily out of that situation now, but struggling to find what I really want to do to actually earn a decent amount of money. But I'll keep pushing myself
I'm really looking forward to following your journey.
Ali recently posted..Stormy Days and Fishy Nights in Bora Bora
It is tough road. One thing I have learned is to stick to one idea. Most businesses fail only because people quit on them. Stick with it. You're certainly not alone!
Very inspiring post as I'm in the same place where I really want to travel, but I need to make the $$MONEY$$ in order to do so. Trying to forge something yourself is a hell of a lot of work (and currently unpaid dammit!) but so satisfying and filled with the hope that it could become something more. Good luck and happy travels!
Andrea recently posted..On being Authentic. Part 1
Yeah, I understand this! I feel you really have to give yourself some cash so you can go and find the work you love to do. Worrying about money clogs the brain and can make you feel a bit trapped. On the flip side, once we have money we tend to get lazy, hence the need for consistent work. Good Luck. Get some cash and go. Then get to work!
hmmmm....I totally agree with you Justin...I would rather work some and develop a sustainable lifestyle for myself rather than not work at all and have a temporary life style. Infact, that's how I make every choice in my life...it has to have long term, lasting consequences. It has to be an investment that provides long term return.
I love your articles but I had to laugh because I did find location independance at the ripe ole age of 25 when I graduated as a veterinarian. I planned a back packing trip to Australia and decided I was going to put my location independance to the test and work there doing locums. Ironically, just months before I left, I met my future husband and returned five weeks after leaving. Ten years later, we have three children and I live about a ten minute drive from my childhood home. But that lust for time and energy to call my own has never left me. I just do it differently now. I am all for less stuff and more life!!!! So nice to see like minded people.
Just curious, while you are waiting for this change of lifestyle what do you do to enhance the day to day of it all? I ask because you said that you weren't too thrilled with your job and I was just curious.
Yep, I agree with you Kerri that at 25 you can do it on a whim. Now, with 2 kids, a career that doesn't translate very well to location independence, and stuff, it isn't as easy. A year off would be easy, but a lifetime is much harder to arrange.
Enhance the day-to-day? Well, it's not that I don't enjoy my work, it's just not my main priority. We are saving and sacrificing and working now for a better day tomorrow. It's just the way it has to be. Got to work hard for a bit.
Doing the work and knowing you have the completion of an amazing goal on the horizon is a great enhancement!
I am in this place NOW. And it's hard even being here. I should tell you that I've always worked for myself and it is a LOT harder than working for someone else. But I'm not location independent. So now I have to create that. Thank you for the inspiration.
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