“When are you going to get a proper job? You’ll need one eventually, you can’t travel and work forever.”

“When will you settle down? Where do you want to buy a house? You need to start saving for a deposit.”

“You can’t do this forever, you need a real job, a career, and a stable, secure income.”

“It sounds nice but I think you’re making a mistake, a bad choice.”

These are all questions I get asked frequently, and statements I get told.

It’s kind of funny because I don’t have the answers that people are looking for.

Often a puzzled look appears on their face when I say that I have no idea and I can’t answer any of these questions.

My question is: Why do I have to have my entire life planned out?

People live their lives differently, whether you agree with their choices or not, it’s out of your control.

I completely understand that some people love the stability and security of a 9–5 job, they love going home every night and spending the weekends with their friends and family. They love walking the same routes and going to their local shop each week.

I get it. It’s comfortable, and maybe one day I’ll want this kind of life too.

BUT…

I crave freedom, independence, and new experiences. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than travelling the world with my partner.

There is so much to discover and learn about people and places.

I’m only 23. When will I ever be this young again, travelling the world with my partner?

I have no responsibilities other than keeping myself and my partner safe. I am in a selfish period of my life in which I get to choose my path and how I spend my time.

Eventually, the time may come when we have someone else to be responsible for, but that’s for future me to think about.

There is plenty of time to get a different job or buy a house. There is no rush. Everyone lives their lives at a different pace.

Define ‘Proper Job’

What is a ‘proper job’? I earn enough money from teaching online to fund the slow travelling lifestyle that I want. I suppose people think of a ‘proper job’ as working 9–5 in an office and having the weekends off.

What I do isn’t too far from that, when I work, I teach between five to nine classes per day. Some of my classes are 1 hour long, some are 45 minutes and some are 30 minutes.

The difference is that I get to choose.

I choose my hours, my rate of pay and my days off.

This flexibility and freedom has completely changed my life. I can work from wherever I am, as long as I have a good wifi connection and a quiet space.

Earning while travelling is amazing and I feel so lucky and excited to be able to make this lifestyle work.

I am manifesting making work and travel a harmonious partnership so that I can continue to live this lifestyle for as long as possible.

Define Success

Often society equates success to items of monetary value, like a big house, a fancy car, or a loaded paycheck. But success is whatever you deem it to be.

So, stop comparing yourself to others; everyone is on their own path and you must create your own happiness.

For me, success means that I live a happy day-to-day life, travelling and improving skills that I enjoy working on.

You’ve got this!

If you can relate to this feeling of wanderlust and freedom, I offer you this piece of advice:

Ignore what everyone else thinks, trust your gut and stick by the people who support you. Along the way, you will attract like-minded souls who lift you up and motivate you to follow your dreams. Surround yourself with these people and see just how good it gets!

Money comes and money goes but you will never be this young again, so go and do what sets your heart on fire.

If you would like to read more about online teaching and how you can make it work for you too, let me know in the comments!