Greetings Anne, and I echo the gratitude of other subscribers and readers for sharing your journey of what I call in my own writings “jumping off the ivory tower.” I did just that more than 20 years ago (leaving tenure) while still dabbling in academia as a teacher, researcher, and as a way to get visiting gigs - in my case it was Australia and New Zealand that first called me. I also have some “reveals” about the challenges and losses that can accompany financial instability, but Lately - and with the cultural equivalent of facing down the barrel of a gun for the next four years in U.S., the urge for that “something else “ has resurfaced. As you courageously tell us, to live the writer’s life unencumbered by capitalist grind culture — but is that even possible? Your longview does give hope and inspiration, and building a creative community takes focus, energy, commitment and a purpose to the work that is bigger than the work itself. I could say more , and perhaps will in my own future newsletter. For now, know that you are not alone even if you are flying sola. What we do and have done is brave — and that truth has its own inner fortitude. I’ll be interested to know if you go back to uni or find another way to wing the writing life tethered only to a plume. Fly well and may you land exactly where you -feel- you need to be. In creative community, 💜
Thank you, Tressa. I wrote that piece last summer and decided to settle down for a bit and do a Master’s course in creative writing in the UK for the visa at much as for the studies. I’m really enjoying it and leaning a lot! I wrote about going back to school a couple of months ago.
I resonate with you completely! It's equally as overwhelming, as it is liberating to embrace this kind of uncertainty. I find myself continuously fantasizing about where I will live next, what my next chapter will look like, what the next creative way to pay the bills will feel like. Yes, this lifestyle is ungrounding, sometimes, but I find myself choosing it over and over again. Lean into it <3
Please, filmmakers - make this a Netflix movie! What a journey you are on and my deepest congratulations for your courage! We're only a few years apart in age and the pressure to find my place on this planet has been mounting so intensely. It's wonderful to have your perspective. Best to you!
What a beautiful journey you’re on! I’m about to be 50 and questioning so many things about the future and illness and the way stress contributes to an unsustainable lifestyle. Wishing you all the best in figuring out next steps. Have you tried Ireland? I’ve looked into it since my great grandparents came from there and I *think dual citizenship might be an option.
Amazing. I just quit my 6 figure job last week to live an "unsettled" life myself. Love to hear stories of other people doing this and keeping it real. It's not easy, but it can be worth it
Everyone has to figure out that piece of the puzzle for themselves. Sharing my financial information publicly (which many have asked for) isn’t a great idea. But I will say that when you give up your mortrage/rent, home insurance, car, auto insurance, that frees up money that can go into travel and living abroad. When I quit my life, I also quit a lifestyle that is VERY expensive. I should write a post about that.
We are similarly semi nomadic right now, also UK and Europe. When I read about ‘overpriced apartments’ I just wanted to alert you to trustedhousesitters.com. I’m no their ad/marketing person just a VERY happy user. It’s utterly brilliant - you look after people’s beautiful homes (with fully equipped and complete spice racks in the kitchens!) and their pets/livestock and in return they get to go away knowing their home/pets are cared for. We have stayed in gorgeous locations and homes, and made lifelong friends (with the humans and animals!). Give it a try!
Also, I think that the idea of moving around - or serial homing - is something that society doesn’t understand or support (yet). Everyone wants a permanent forever home, that’s the idea. And we all just assume we want the same. But a forever home is a HUGE drain on your time and money. I love being a bit of a nomad for now. Maybe I’ll find my ‘true love home’ while travelling. But in the meantime this is the life for me!
I loved reading this so much, and so much resonated with me! I'm going through something similar- have been living out of a suitcase for a year and a half, trying to figure out where my next "home" is. Wishing you the best of luck!
And with kids. Yes. Ages 9-15 when we moved. I know some parents are hesitant to remove children from their home and routine. But that’s the whole point; to show them the world. Adapt to new places with them. We never for a second thought our beautiful life can’t unfold because we found a great dance studio or pee wee football league. Nah. Not for us. The world was calling, we answered, and we’re bringing our kids.
I don’t know why this is showing up in my timeline just now, but I needed it. At 35, I feel like my life doesn’t fit me anymore. Months ago I signed a contract for renting or a house, I am writer, I have a home, life is good – and yet there’s this urge to quit, leave it all behind for a lifestyle of being free travelling and writing around the world. I haven’t figured it out yet, but it feels comforting to read your experience. Thank you.
It’s a big leap. I prepared mentally and financially and did a ton of research. It doesn’t happen overnight. But you can start taking steps in that direction and see how it feels.
Thanks for sharing - very helpful insights. We will soon make a similar change, although will keep a home base going, but hope to travel frugally for longer periods. It's unfortunate that being a citizen of the world is not possible :) on limited funds.
Though this is not the point of the post and very happy for your experience, I find it odd that how you’ve made this happen for yourself isn’t referenced? It costs a lot to be “free” as the piece says— curious how much?What of your daughter back in the states? I’m very envious of your lifestyle and would love a realistic comment on how you actually survive and get by, perhaps that’s another piece or something you’ve already written.
Same
Greetings Anne, and I echo the gratitude of other subscribers and readers for sharing your journey of what I call in my own writings “jumping off the ivory tower.” I did just that more than 20 years ago (leaving tenure) while still dabbling in academia as a teacher, researcher, and as a way to get visiting gigs - in my case it was Australia and New Zealand that first called me. I also have some “reveals” about the challenges and losses that can accompany financial instability, but Lately - and with the cultural equivalent of facing down the barrel of a gun for the next four years in U.S., the urge for that “something else “ has resurfaced. As you courageously tell us, to live the writer’s life unencumbered by capitalist grind culture — but is that even possible? Your longview does give hope and inspiration, and building a creative community takes focus, energy, commitment and a purpose to the work that is bigger than the work itself. I could say more , and perhaps will in my own future newsletter. For now, know that you are not alone even if you are flying sola. What we do and have done is brave — and that truth has its own inner fortitude. I’ll be interested to know if you go back to uni or find another way to wing the writing life tethered only to a plume. Fly well and may you land exactly where you -feel- you need to be. In creative community, 💜
Thank you, Tressa. I wrote that piece last summer and decided to settle down for a bit and do a Master’s course in creative writing in the UK for the visa at much as for the studies. I’m really enjoying it and leaning a lot! I wrote about going back to school a couple of months ago.
I resonate with you completely! It's equally as overwhelming, as it is liberating to embrace this kind of uncertainty. I find myself continuously fantasizing about where I will live next, what my next chapter will look like, what the next creative way to pay the bills will feel like. Yes, this lifestyle is ungrounding, sometimes, but I find myself choosing it over and over again. Lean into it <3
Please, filmmakers - make this a Netflix movie! What a journey you are on and my deepest congratulations for your courage! We're only a few years apart in age and the pressure to find my place on this planet has been mounting so intensely. It's wonderful to have your perspective. Best to you!
What a beautiful journey you’re on! I’m about to be 50 and questioning so many things about the future and illness and the way stress contributes to an unsustainable lifestyle. Wishing you all the best in figuring out next steps. Have you tried Ireland? I’ve looked into it since my great grandparents came from there and I *think dual citizenship might be an option.
I love Ireland. Spent a summer there in 2015. Haven’t been back yet, but it’s definitely on my list of possible landing places.
Amazing. I just quit my 6 figure job last week to live an "unsettled" life myself. Love to hear stories of other people doing this and keeping it real. It's not easy, but it can be worth it
I am inspired by your words and travel. All I want to do is travel the world! How can you afford it? Savings? Substack paid subscribers? Inheritance?
Everyone has to figure out that piece of the puzzle for themselves. Sharing my financial information publicly (which many have asked for) isn’t a great idea. But I will say that when you give up your mortrage/rent, home insurance, car, auto insurance, that frees up money that can go into travel and living abroad. When I quit my life, I also quit a lifestyle that is VERY expensive. I should write a post about that.
How was your situation not good?
We are similarly semi nomadic right now, also UK and Europe. When I read about ‘overpriced apartments’ I just wanted to alert you to trustedhousesitters.com. I’m no their ad/marketing person just a VERY happy user. It’s utterly brilliant - you look after people’s beautiful homes (with fully equipped and complete spice racks in the kitchens!) and their pets/livestock and in return they get to go away knowing their home/pets are cared for. We have stayed in gorgeous locations and homes, and made lifelong friends (with the humans and animals!). Give it a try!
Also, I think that the idea of moving around - or serial homing - is something that society doesn’t understand or support (yet). Everyone wants a permanent forever home, that’s the idea. And we all just assume we want the same. But a forever home is a HUGE drain on your time and money. I love being a bit of a nomad for now. Maybe I’ll find my ‘true love home’ while travelling. But in the meantime this is the life for me!
I loved reading this so much, and so much resonated with me! I'm going through something similar- have been living out of a suitcase for a year and a half, trying to figure out where my next "home" is. Wishing you the best of luck!
Thank you, Tara. My best to you as well!
Give me a word, I’m in Sicily too
We burnt our American entrepreneur life down in 2023; sold everything we owned and moved our family of 6 (yes 4 kids) to Lisbon. It can be done.
And with kids! How do you like Lisbon? I’ve never been but have been hearing so many good things.
Oh and Lisbon is just spectacular! Beautiful old world + modern twists. The landscapes! My goodness I love the surrounding beaches. It’s a real gem.
And with kids. Yes. Ages 9-15 when we moved. I know some parents are hesitant to remove children from their home and routine. But that’s the whole point; to show them the world. Adapt to new places with them. We never for a second thought our beautiful life can’t unfold because we found a great dance studio or pee wee football league. Nah. Not for us. The world was calling, we answered, and we’re bringing our kids.
I don’t know why this is showing up in my timeline just now, but I needed it. At 35, I feel like my life doesn’t fit me anymore. Months ago I signed a contract for renting or a house, I am writer, I have a home, life is good – and yet there’s this urge to quit, leave it all behind for a lifestyle of being free travelling and writing around the world. I haven’t figured it out yet, but it feels comforting to read your experience. Thank you.
It’s a big leap. I prepared mentally and financially and did a ton of research. It doesn’t happen overnight. But you can start taking steps in that direction and see how it feels.
Yes I love that. Tiny steps, small changes, all leading up to the big one ultimately. 🙏
Thanks for sharing - very helpful insights. We will soon make a similar change, although will keep a home base going, but hope to travel frugally for longer periods. It's unfortunate that being a citizen of the world is not possible :) on limited funds.
Thank you for the honest candor because many of us are ready to run!
Though this is not the point of the post and very happy for your experience, I find it odd that how you’ve made this happen for yourself isn’t referenced? It costs a lot to be “free” as the piece says— curious how much?What of your daughter back in the states? I’m very envious of your lifestyle and would love a realistic comment on how you actually survive and get by, perhaps that’s another piece or something you’ve already written.