I’m about to take the plunge.
These past couple of years I’ve been working in New Orleans, employed by a university as a web designer. My visa expires in December. I’ve decided not to extend. I’ve canceled my green card application. I’m moving back to Ireland at the end of the year.
I’ll set up my own business. I’ll make money blogging, and I’ll also set up some systems to generate passive income. This will not take long, 3-4 months at the most.
Then, I’ll travel. I’ll be location independent, able to run my business from anywhere with an internet connection. I’m thinking Spain would be a good first stop. I’ll spend about six months there, live comfortably, learn the language, then move on, probably to Southeast Asia.
Why am I telling you this?
Because I want you to follow me. I want you to check in on my progress every now and then. I want to serve as an example. I want to show you the possibilities. I want to go live my wildest dream, and in the process I hope to convince you that you can live yours.
And if I fail — if, twelve months from now I’m stuck living with my parents and printing out résumés — well then you can pat yourself on the back and be glad that you didn’t follow my lead, that you didn’t quit your job, that you didn’t abandon the safe and familiar route.
Except that…
I know I won’t fail I know I’ll succeed
I admit that I don’t know exactly how I’m going to accomplish all of the above, but I’m willing to work hard, to study, to learn, to plan, to take hard knocks and to get back up again. In short, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that freedom. I have a burning desire, and I believe Napoleon Hill when he says that a burning desire is “the starting point of all achievement, the first step towards riches.”
Plus, I’m not setting out to do anything that hasn’t been done before. More and more people are abandoning the 9-to-5 lifestyle, refusing to be just another cog in the machine. These people are playing by a new set of rules, making most of them up as they go. They live exceptional lives, they’re doing meaningful work, and they’re leading a movement.
I’m already studying those people, have been for a while, and you’ll probably hear me mention them a lot in the coming months.
No holding back
I’m hoping to lay out a blueprint, leave breadcrumbs for you to follow so you can do this, too.
I will be very honest. Throughout this journey, I’ll tell you what works for me and what doesn’t. I’ll tell you exactly how I prepare these next few months. Once I set up my business, I’ll tell you precisely how much money it makes and how.
I’ll detail the sacrifices I make, the leaps I take, every win and every loss.
So here I go
This is me putting my money where my mouth is. I’ve written a lot on this blog encouraging you to face your fears, live your dreams and be the change you want to see in the world, but I haven’t really been walking that talk. I can’t expect you to take me seriously until I do. I can’t take myself seriously until I do.
Are my ideas far-fetched and unrealistic? Am I wrong to challenge the status quo, to take the plunge and risk everything in the process?
I’ll soon find out, and I’ll be sure to let you know.
That’s my hopefully not-so-far-future plan. Good luck on the journey, I’ll keep reading your experience. And definitely make a stop in Spain, I’ve always wanted to go there.
Thanks, Tony. Good luck with your journey, too. Keep me updated on how it goes.
Good Luck, Niall! Come and visit us in Moscow!
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Wishing you great success with the plan Niall. The post was really inspiring. Now if I were only 10 years younger
all the best,
Cathal.
We’ll miss you, Niall.
Good luck, Niall! Ambitious goals, to be sure, but it’s great to have a quick deadline to really light a fire under your ass!
Thanks, all.
And I’d highly recommend everyone check out Colin’s blog. He’s one of those very trendsetters I was referring to in the post.
http://exilelifestyle.com/
I think that there are many people who feel as you do. It would be so nice to work outside the 9-5 system. When you have a joy for what you do, you can make a bigger difference in the world! I look forward to living vicariously through you! I know you can do it!
Of course I’ll follow your journey
I agree with @Laurie: I think that a lot of people feel this way. Are you going to stop in Spain? I would like to recommend you some places to visit, but I have only been in Madrid (once) and Catalonia (where I live; mostly in Barcelona and the north part: Girona, Figueres….) myself.
Good luck!
Respect what you are doing Niall, it is going to be an experience to remember one way or the other. Give us a shout if you need anything or are just passing on through Waterford.
I am trying to do this too! Planning to stay in my job for the next 18 months or so to save up money and start my own business. I’d rather be doing something I love for next to nothing than being in a job I dislike for great money. And if it doesn’t work out, at least I can say I tried!