Since I started telling more people about my trip this week, I’ve been getting quite a bit of advice about how to make money on the road.
“What are you going to do while you travel?”
Is there something wrong with being lazy? Most of us never truly get the opportunity to do absolutely nothing. Sure, we may take a day off to eat chimichangas and watch football, but that’s not what I’m talking about.
Image credit: The Wandering Angel via Flickr under Creative Commons
The concept of a career break is foreign to most people in the corporate world, so in an effort to process what I’m doing, many well-meaning friends are trying to turn the trip into a job for me.
- “You should go find some sponsors.”
- “You could wear a big Coca-Cola logo on your bike while you’re riding.”
- “Write a book and sell it.”
- “You need to put some Google ads up on your blog.”
- “Add a Paypal button and let people donate money for every time you eat some animal’s testicles.”
Wonderful thoughts and someday I might follow-up on a few of those. But here’s the thing – jumping from one tourism-based career to a new tourism-based career doesn’t make sense to me.
I’d rather go to the bookstore and browse for something new.
Dan Brown’s book “The Lost Symbol” bored me to tears from the first chapter. The last thing I would do is skip to a different chapter in the hopes that it might be better – it’s still the same shitty* book. I’d rather go to the bookstore and browse for something new.
The need to do nothing
There’s an exchange from Office Space that comes to mind. The main character, Peter, was asked what he would do if he had a million dollars and didn’t need to work?
Peter Gibbons: I would relax… I would sit on my ass all day… I would do nothing.
Lawrence: Well, you don’t need a million dollars to do nothing, man. Take a look at my cousin: he’s broke, don’t do shit.
I definitely don’t have a million dollars, but that doesn’t mean I can’t simply enjoy the moment for a while. Trapped somewhere in my head, there’s a rant about the travesty of vacation time in America, but I’ll save it for another time.
Along with my travel goals, I hope to clear my mind in ways that aren’t possible when you’re immersed in a river of career molasses. How can you really clearly assess your life direction if your brain is obsessed with the ad copy you have to get approved on Monday?
My favorite travel experiences are the serendipitous moments you didn’t see coming.
I have set a course to enjoy a serendipitous life.
I have set a course to enjoy a serendipitous life. During that journey, I will keep my eyes open for a new path, one that I can’t possibly predict or imagine. Throwing myself full time toward some new financial pursuit this early in my trip would only obscure those little alleyways of fun.
Doing something in the midst of doing nothing
Yes, I have a blog. Yes, I’ll be writing. Taking photos. Making videos and podcasts. I am doing those things for two reasons – one, to record my memories of the journey. Second, to entertain – myself, and hopefully others. Eventually if people want to throw money at me for that, my pockets will be open.
But that’s secondary. As you look at my blog, you’ll see that little of my marketing background shows up, nor have I tapped into friends and their expertise. I don’t have a strategic marketing plan or revenue forecasts or any kind of business development scheme.
For the first time since I entered the working world, I’m just living and I won’t try to monetize my life.
Sure, but what do you DO?
While I’m traveling and people ask me what I do, I’m not entirely sure what I’ll say. “Freelance writer” certainly sounds cool, but I’m afraid I’d be doing a big disservice to people who actually ARE freelance writers.
For now, I just ride my bike, meet new people, see the world and goof around as much as I can.
*disclaimer: this comment is not intended to be a reflection on my current job (which I truly enjoy) or the jobs of people in the travel world. I just meant that Lost Symbol sucks…Related articles by Zemanta
- Jennifer Baggett: ‘The Lost Girls’: An Incredible Journey Around The World (PHOTOS) (huffingtonpost.com)
- 4 things that stop you writing #2: The Fear of Failure (publishingtalk.eu)
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Having nothing to do or worry about is relaxing, but for me, it’s only a matter of time before I get completely bored out of my mind.
But even starting a business (a website no less) to be able to travel the world and work as the key elements is not enough for most people. I still have friends & family asking what I’m going to be doing, will I get a reference from my previous employer for ‘when I get back’ aka ‘when I get back to reality’, or will I be a waitress…
Nothing satisfies them, so I think just do what will satisfy yourself. And if that’s nothing, then so be it. Good luck!
.-= Globetrooper Lauren´s last blog ..The effects of altitude in a nutshell =-.
Thanks Lauren!
I absolutely agree – my brain will kick into gear and I’m sure I’ll have half a dozen projects a couple weeks into the trip (in addition to writing, cycling and sightseeing).
But I’m really looking forward to seeing the product of a mind unencumbered by preparations for Tuesday’s conference call and Wednesday’s staff meeting…
I’m kind of like you. Travel, for me, is about travel. I keep a blog because I am a compulsive documentarian (I was a double major in photojournalism and documentary filmmaking, with some writing on the side) and I can’t stand not documenting what I see. Sure, I’d love to get a book offer or whatever, but it’s not the goal I have in mind when I travel.
Yeah, I love travel just for the sake of learning and seeing the world from different perspectives.
I love that you’re a compulsive documentarian. I think I’m a compulsive entertainer – or just a compulsive goofball.
.-= Joel´s last blog ..Travel Is Not My New Job =-.
Well said. People often ask us what we do all day, and when I reply, “Read, walk around, drink coffee, take pictures, meet people, eat some food,” I don’t think people know what to say in reply. So many people are uncomfortable with not doing much. I struggle with this too from time to time, especially now that we’re coming to the end of our trip. I feel like I should be doing SOMETHING to prepare myself for reentry into the real world. But in the end, I think learning to relax and slow down are important lessons. Everything in life doesn’t have to be about making money or doing something…
.-= Asa´s last blog ..Ancient Ruins and More Couchsurfing Adventures =-.
Thanks Asa –
Conceptually, I know how to relax but I think it may one of those skills that takes time to hone. I hope to get plenty of practice.
I always get a kick of how people say “You should get sponsors” or “write a book” like it’s the easiest thing in the world and it just never occurred to you. It’s really hard for people, especially those in full rat race swing, to conceive of doing nothing just for the sake of it.
I like having a blog because i feel like it gives my trip some structure. That said, I feel like I am constantly reminding myself that this is MY time to relax and enjoy however I see fit. And that that’s totally okay.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Herzegovina: The Flip Side of Bosnia =-.
Totally agree – as much as the relaxation will be great, I do know that I have to have SOME structure along the way. Goals that keep me motivated. Otherwise, the sloth could totally take over.
Who ever wants you to eat animal testicles is off their rocker. You don’t see me trying to eat human ones, ‘damn dirty humans’. lol
.-= Cornelius Aesop´s last blog ..The Final Countdown – Part 3 of Moving Out and Riding On =-.
Don’t worry – I’m staying away from monkeys in general. I promise to only eat lower mammals along the way.
Pretty much my ideal lifestyle.
.-= Candice´s last blog ..The Best Dive Pub Ever Found, the Inn of Olde =-.
I think my ideal is wandering the world, writing novels along the way.
We’ll see how close I can get to that.
Excellent, and good for you. I wish you all the best in seeking out “those little alleyways of fun” (great line!)
Thank you Camden! Especially on a bicycle, I love just seeing something out of the corner of my eye and saying “I think I’ll head THAT way for a bit.”
You should definitely just relax and enjoy your trip. Our first year-long RTW was pure fun – we had no pressure at all to make any money.
This time round we have made travel into our life so we do need to think about how we are going to make money to sustain it. Although we love our new life it isn’t as relaxing as the first trip, and you definitely don’t have the same clear mind.
Enjoy the luxury while you can!
Thanks Erin – wonderful advice. It should be nothing but fun and enjoyment at first. The time to figure out how to sustain it will come soon enough – no need to rush it!
‘So your going to get a job and work your way round?’
‘No! I’m going to enjoy myself and if something comes up…Great’
That use to be my answer to all the questions however I’ve got a bit fed up of people not really getting it s now I just say: errr…yeah.
Definitely the way I feel – I’m not avoiding working on the road, but I’m waiting until something feels right.
Great post!!! We’re all doing this for our own reasons, and it’s nice to read yours. Clarified, noted. No coca-cola T for you.
I intend to just enjoy as well, if there wasn’t that aspect, probably should have remained at staid office job. Oh can’t.. Laid off.. Oh well. 
.-= Nomadic Chick´s last blog ..How To: Get Rid of Paper =-.
Hah, yeah, if money were the motivator, we all chose the wrong path to head out on the road!
Joel, I just love this piece–well said.
Recently I stopped working – I officially retired. When I made my announcement, a lot of people asked me, “What are you going to DO?” As if going to an office or working 60 hours a week was “doing” something.
Before I did this, I committed to a 3 week trip to Italy that would follow 4 days after the final day. I knew I would need some de-compression time, and it was a good decision to make.
Second best decision, traveling alone, something I did often for business but rarely for pleasure. And other than 4 cities when I had reservations, no plans at all.
I never went in a church or museum. I never took a taxi. I walked-sometimes in excess of 20 KM a day. I thought. I was silent. I saved myself.
I had a freaking fantastic time. I hope you do too.
Thanks Sharon – I’m definitely looking forward to hopping on the bike and just losing myself in my thoughts. If it’s even close to the calm I found in limited trips in the past, it’s going to change me in wonderful ways.
Really enjoyed your post! This is me giving you a high-five! Is relaxing and enjoying our surroundings so far from our over-productive, unsatisfying lives that we see it as doing nothing?
I usually volunteer when I travel, which gives me something to talk about when people ask me the unrelenting questions of how, what and where. I would love to be completely pure-hearted in saying that volunteering is the only reason I go abroad, but in truth I travel to travel and find I really enjoy volunteering as a way of getting deeper into my surroundings.
One thing I find particularly annoying is the pressure to write a book. Yes, I’ve had some intense experiences, but its just not in my nature to write a tell-all book about the dying baby orphans I held, or the fear I felt when I had a moto accident abroad. I always want to stand on my soap box and yell about how I don’t feel right exploiting my own fears and the unfortunate circumstances of others just for someone’s entertainment…but of course I politely respond with some line about how I might get around to it someday.
The money thing…..Ah! I am not a slacker! I work seven days/week and live in a shoebox when I’m in the US to put away money for traveling. I find myself falling back on the old adage, “Work hard, play hard.”
Ok, ok, sorry for this ranting comment! I really appreciate your post and am excited for you to get abroad and “do nothing”
.-= Jackie Rose (@letssitoutside)´s last blog ..Blackout =-.
No apologies necessary, Jackie – thanks for stopping in. I appreciate the rant and agree with all of it.
Volunteering is definitely in the plan – I don’t know when or where, but if I can lend a hand along the way I’m going to.
Of all my plans to write, though, that’s not a part that I think I’ll elaborate on too much – volunteering has always felt more personal to me and not something that’s necessary to share, unless it benefits the cause and encourages others to similarly participate.
I always feel like I get so much out of traveling, it’s only natural that I give something back. Funny thing is I get so much from volunteering…
You’ll find places. I’ve tried working with a group or organization, but found that the best way to work with locals is to stay in one place for a little bit and ask around if there’s a clinic or something that takes volunteers. Usually you can get a free room if you volunteer regularly, or are willing to spend a month in very rural area where there’s no other place to stay but at the site.
I agree, the experience of volunteering is very personal, for me and the people I’m working with.
Safe journeys!
.-= Jackie Rose (@letssitoutside)´s last blog ..Blackout =-.
I like the sound of it. And it seems like what you need/want right now. Good for you for so clearly outlining your goals. I’m on board!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..An Amuse-Bouche: Planning Four Days in San Francisco =-.
Thanks Keith – it sometimes worries me that I’m being selfish and wasteful in not doing anything. But honestly, my goal of learning about other cultures is something I do hope can pay off in other ways in the future.
I like to read traveling blog that is less commercialized and I can see the personality of the blogger, so kudos to you
.-= Dina´s last blog ..Top 3 Travel Gear Chosen by Travelers Around the World =-.
Well, I wouldn’t say I’d turn down money if anyone decides to THROW it at me…
Good ideas, Joel. I’ve found that my blog – while I enjoy it as a hobby – is great for keeping me focused during my travels.
As much as I love sightseeing, exploring, eating, and drinking – at the end of the day, it’s nice to have a sort of ‘responsibility.’ I can feel you on wanting to get away from it all, but I imagine sooner or later, you’ll be glad to have a sort of productive outlet.
And, I love the Office Space reference.
.-= Mattq´s last blog ..New Zealand’s North: Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach =-.
Thanks Matt – yep, I will definitely need an outlet and a creative one, at that. The beauty of all day bike rides is the wonderful things that flow through your mind. I’d hate to lose all that brilliance!
Well said, sir! There’s nothing wrong with traveling for the sake of vacationing. Take advantage while you can
.-= Brooke vs. the World´s last blog ..Making the World a Small Place – Soup Wednesday =-.
Thanks Brooke, I definitely plan on it!
I’ve always felt that only when we are able to relax and focus fully on what makes travel so rewarding (the interactions, the lessons, the struggles, the moments of awe, etc.) do we notice the new opportunities that present themselves along the way. And many of those opportunities just may eventually lead to ‘work’ or some sort of income, but again, they’ll all pass us by if we’re not able to be in the present moment as we travel around.
And I think traveling without working is far from being lazy as most people will agree that traveling is a much harder challenge than they at first believed!
.-= Earl´s last blog ..The Strange Habits Of A Traveler =-.
Thanks Earl – totally agree with all of that. My head still keeps buzzing with lots of little online businesses or side projects. I’m trying to make note of all those but not focus on them until I’m ready.
“is there something wrong with being lazy?” that made me chuckle!
i’m relieved to see someone doing nothing and not trying to monetize their travel plans. i’m still grappling with my “career break” and sortof feeling like a loser while hiding behind “freelance writer” (well, I do write… very very parttime). thanks for reminding me that goofing off is ok
.-= floreta´s last blog ..The Road to Emptiness: Zen Travel =-.
It is a bit of feeling like you’re not fulfilling your potential if you’re not go, go, go all the time.
But at the end of it, quality still matters over quantity – so learning, relaxing and rejuvenating can ultimately be more productive.
I understand completely what you’re saying, as we’ve also heard the same things. I thing all of us travel bloggers have. The sad thing is that there are so many of us and picking up and leaving is not as uncommon as it seems but people still insist on making these annoying little remarks. Meh! I intend on responding “living” if anyone asks me what I do.
Best of luck to you during your travels.
after 20 days on the my RTW trip, all i can say is, ahem! RELAX! plan days to do nothing! So many days are jammed packed to see and do as much as possible (we are only doing it in 6 weeks, so it’s a little different, but still) sometimes I just want to sit at a bar, drink a few margaritas and call it a day! Have fun Joel- can’t wait to read about your journey!! and see you back in L.A. next year!
.-= Jade´s last blog ..Hey WiFi, Where you at? =-.