It’s been almost a year now that I am readying myself to embark into a radical life-long journey that would change my life forever. If not because of my partner’s 8-5 job, we may have already been whisked to our dream destinations – a distant reality in the past with no possibility to attain. At least that reality is not that far now. (:
When I thought of traveling before, I often scolded myself not to think about it because it’s way too expensive and my 8-5 job salary is not enough to support frequent travel expenses. However, these days I allowed myself to dream and I’m determined to make it make it happen.
Poor People CAN also Travel
Despite the common knowledge that frequent traveling is only for the rich and wealthy, I’m gonna prove to myself that it’s not entirely true. The internet era and the increase of competition in the airline industry has given people from all walks of life an equal access to vast opportunities that can only be attained by a limited few before. Budget travel became a niche and more people now are exploring the beauty of the world with a mere budget. Sounds impossible to happen but quite attainable if you have the passion, guts, and of course a steady income that would support your excursion expenses. The question here is, how can you travel without sacrificing your source of income?
Location Independence – the Key to Budget Travel
The darkest part of my working life happened more than 2 years ago. It was the time when I decided to quit my full-time office job to preserve my PRIDE. Fast forward now, I can’t help but thank that person (who made a fool out of herself) for pushing me out from that rat hole of a place unto a world full of limitless opportunities and possibilities. My gratefulness is really immeasurable! Thank you so much! Your are my f*cking Angel. LOL!
For more than a year now I discovered a world so different and more rewarding compared to the 8-5 office cubicle job most of my peers are aiming at. For the very first time in more than 6 years, I can sincerely tell myself that I’m happy and contented with what I am doing. I can’t thank enough the Lord above for the blessings that he showered me and also for surrounding me with people who are very supportive and who have loved me unconditionally. (Note: I was still a believer (but not religious) when I wrote this blog post.)
Enough of my personal drama and now’s for the main part, Location Independence. If this is the very first time that you’ve heard of this phrase, then check here for a more elaborate meaning. As the term suggested, it is a working lifestyle that doesn’t depend on your location. As long as you are connected to the internet then you can work anywhere you want and whenever you feel like working. That’s my work’s set-up for over a year now and I’m enjoying it immensely. I can’t believe the luck I got and how blessed I am to have this kind of job. And though, I didn’t become rich because of this, I’m proud that I’m earning more than I’ve earned before.
At the present, even though my work is not location dependent, I still have to pause my travel plans to wait for Dude (my partner). Dude still needs to resign from his job so that we can travel together. I’m also waiting for the end of the lock-in contract from our internet service provider. It will end 3 months from now and I can’t wait any longer. I’m so bloody excited!
Here are my top 5 reasons why Location Independence allows you to travel for cheap.
1. You can stay longer – Most travel vacations are bloody expensive because it would normally take a week or 3 days, the shortest. You need to go back home because you need to work, thus the fun is short-lived but it cost you dearly. Traveling while working, on the other hand, lessens the cost as you can stay in that particular location longer, thus you don’t need to go home right away. Instead of staying at expensive hotels you can stay in budget apartelles or pension house.
2. More flexible travel schedule – Because you can work anywhere, it is easier for you to change your travel sched depending on the airline promos or sales. You can also create your own itinerary by choosing routes that offer cheaper air or travel fare. This way you won’t be burdened with expensive airfare especially if you are traveling abroad.
3. No need to return home for the sake of your job – Have you experienced that heavy feeling every time a travel vacation ends and you have no other choice but to return home? It actually spoils the experience and it would cost you another long weeks or months of hard work before you can escape that boredom again. Time is a luxury and that’s the very jewel our 8 to 5 jobs are stealing away from us. That’s bloody expensive!
In conclusion, my short introduction about location independence may sound really easy to most of you but I tell you, it’s not that easy. It’s actually very hard and the challenging part is, it comes with big risks. But where’s the fun if it’s just a piece of cake?
How about you? Do you dream of traveling for good? Any tips on how to travel for cheap? Your comments are greatly appreciated. (:
I’m working on my dream of location independence as well. It’s very motivating to see someone who has done it. 🙂
@Chana
There are actually a few bloggers that I’m following right now who serve as my motivation. (:
Nes, it’s great to know that are doin’ what you like most. I’m happy and proud of you. 🙂
Weeeh!! Tenchu, chubs. Laag nya ta puhon oist…kuyog ta…Let’s watch The Conjuring this 23rd. (: