How Covid-19 Thwarted My Plans For 2020

Originally written on 21 March for Nomad Numbers: Sharing stories of nomads during the coronavirus pandemic #1

See also my February interview with Nomad Numbers: Semi-retirement at age 33 for better work-life balance – only a month ago before plans changed dramatically!

Life before the virus

I had arrived to Auckland in August 2019, following a year of slow travel in USA. I was working an event management contract to top up my travel savings, enjoying the work visa-free status of my Australian citizenship there. I was housesitting regularly for my accommodation, while also exploring New Zealand on weekend breaks.

I was eagerly anticipating my next six-month trip from late April 2020 after my work contract ended. I had an award flight booked and a rough itinerary in mind for travel across Canada on a ‘working holiday visa’. I also planned to connect with nomad and blogger friends at USA’s TravelCon and Financial Freedom Summit in May.

Then Covid-19 changed all that

The major event I’d been working on for 7 months finally started in early March – and it soon became apparent it wouldn’t continue through its full three weeks in New Zealand. Each day presented new challenges, as logistics costs escalated, flights were cancelled, borders started closing, and mass gatherings were reduced.

With the event unravelling, future housesits cancelling and international travel becoming more restricted by the day, I quickly decided to return to Australia with 72 hours’ notice on Saturday 21st March.

I was able to change an existing flight booking from Auckland to Adelaide without fees – though with a pesky fare difference. My decision was validated quickly, as an announcement soon followed that international Qantas flights were to be grounded 10 days later and Australia’s borders were soon to close to non-citizens.

Positives amidst the chaos

I am able to stay at my parents’ house for my 14 day self-isolation, now required for arrivals into Australia. I’ll pay board for my room and food, but much cheaper than trying to find a rental in New Zealand (and risk getting stuck there in lockdown too).

I have recently been thinking a lot about Wait But Why’s post The Tail End, particularly as it relates to spending time with my parents. The author points out an important feature, that despite potentially another 30 years of co-existence: “It turns out that when I graduated from high school, I had already used up 93% of my in-person parent time. I’m now enjoying the last 5% of that time. We’re in the tail end.” I’m pleased to recapture some in-person time with my parents, even if it is in strange circumstances.

I am also looking forward to spending (socially-distanced) time with other friends from my hometown after my self-isolation ends.

My workplace has fortunately allowed me to complete my final contracted month of admin work remotely, so I continue to be paid despite not being in the office.

I now have a forced rest break to reflect on the year and decompress from the busy event contract. I also have dedicated time to concentrate on building my online and freelance work, having previously committed to making that my last full-time office job!

I had 6 months in cash savings for my planned Canada travel (in addition to other emergency funds), which will stretch further now with my current cheap accommodation.

Being on the path to financial independence, I have built a decent share portfolio over time and the dividends will roll in as passive income during this time. Admittedly, the significant drop in sharemarket value recently has been a little disconcerting, but I’m not worried as I have years ahead for these investments to grow.

I am aware of other resources available to me, described in Vicki Robin’s post on Rich and Resilient Living blog: The ABCs of Wealth. These other forms of wealth beyond money are Abilities, Belonging and Community. Putting emphasis on building these resources in addition to money can help get through these times smoothly – plus create a more fulfilled life in general.

Looking ahead

For now, I anticipate needing to settle in Australia for the next six months – a bummer, as I was trying to avoid the winter! I’m hoping the government here will heed advice to lockdown early and stop the spread of virus asap.

My fingers are crossed I’ll be able to attend both FinCon and the rescheduled TravelCon in USA late September, but I’ll have to wait and see.

I’m feeling quite humbled being back in my childhood bedroom in my parents’ house. I’ve essentially been grounded right now; not being able to leave my ol’ room while in self-isolation, as my family is taking this very seriously. This will take some adjustment! However, I appreciate how lucky I am to have this kind of homebase to return to in an emergency.

I’m sad I don’t have closure on my time in New Zealand, with more sights I wanted to see and missing goodbyes to friends with my abrupt departure.

My events industry has been devastated by cancellations and job losses, so I’m sensitive to the financial pressure many friends are feeling right now. I’m hearing these similar feelings echoed by colleagues across countries I’ve worked in – Australia, New Zealand, USA and UK. I hope to use my knowledge of personal finance and my own modest resources to help others at this time.

Overall, I feel like I’m in a good position to be able to wait this out – while also building something new with this downtime available. Stay safe and well, everyone!

How has Covid-19 upset your plans for the year? Let me know in the comments and get in touch if you need a chat.