Favorite Blog: Almost Fearless
[singlepic=1570,300,,,right]One of our favorite blogs, Almost Fearless, comes from a fellow career-breaker, Christine Gilbert. The blog follows along on Christine’s journey from corporate manager at a large Fortune 500 Company to full-time freelance travel writer. In addition to her adventures on the road, Christine shares great tips on becoming a digital nomad and a location independent professional.
According to Christine:
I always wanted to travel the world. Who doesn’t? But somehow I ended up trading in my 20’s for a job I didn’t love, money I didn’t need (but happily spent on things I didn’t need), and a burgeoning sleep problem. One night after I ran out of valerian root and melatonin, I stayed up all night looking through job listings in my field. I realized something—I didn’t want to do any of them. None. I could change my job, change my environment, but the work itself had become excruciating.
It was time to take the leap and start over. I would finally pick up that writing career I had been tinkering with for years. I would start living the life I wanted now, instead of waiting for some far off reward. My husband and I would sell everything and move abroad with our two dogs, Molly and Jack.
During her extensive pre-departure research, Christine wasn’t finding a lot of like-minded people with advice to share, so she started “Almost Fearless” to be that support for others.
I never found exactly what I was looking for, but I promised myself I’d document the process for others, as best as I could. In that vein, I’ve tried to be as honest and open as possible – even if that means admitting my own doubts and struggles.
[singlepic=1572,250,,,right]Christine recently presented a great series that we feel every Briefcase to Backpacker will find useful in planning their career break. The 30 Ways in 30 Days to Redesign Your Life and Travel the World series offers practical, real world steps to help you get from wherever you are, to exactly where you want to be – traveling the world and living the lifestyle you want.
Some of these posts include:
Be sure to check out this series as well as her new eBook "Twitter for Travelers: A guide to using Twitter to make travel easier, cheaper, smarter, safer and faster".
6 Responses to “Favorite Blog: Almost Fearless”
Other comments
9 Comments on "A Year in Paris"-
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂 -
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
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Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
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Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
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Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
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Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
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shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
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Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
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G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.
2009-11-06 08:59
I took a leap myself. In fact, it is the subject of my new bestselling book, The Leap. Although most of the people who I write about didn't take such a risk, and make such a dramatic and sudden life change.
There are lots of frustrated people out there now. But you dont have to chuck it all. You can start to move safely toward much greater things. If you only open yourself up to it...
Rick Smith
The Leap
2009-11-06 10:38
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by BriefcasetoBackpack, John Lostflame. John Lostflame said: Favorite Blog: Almost Fearless | Briefcase to Backpack - Travel ... http://bit.ly/1FX6Zf [...]
2009-11-06 15:46
I've become a fan of Christine's work since returning home from my trip. Thanks for featuring her!
2009-11-10 10:53
Inspiring. I also like the "Almost" in "Almost Fearless". That's honesty for you. Sometimes it's hard to jump ship and travel when you read some of the go-getting blogposts out there. I prefer Christine's honesty!
2009-11-22 12:17
Although I may not always agree Christine, I do enjoy her blog and must admit that I do enjoy her honesty although it can be harsh at times. Her brand AlmostFearless pertains not to just her life change, but also her opinions. Yes, It takes guts to write what she does -all part of her fearless nature. Kudos to that.
I am impressed with her following and wish her continued success as she enters a next stage of her nomadic life...
stay adventurous,
Craig
2009-12-27 03:52
Thank for alerting me to Christine and her work. I have been an 'Earth Pilgrim' for over a year now and find it fantastic to meet up with others of a like mind.
Jorrit, never mind what the 'go-getters' say, just go and do it. We each have our own way of going about it, find your own. Best of luck.
Graham