Inspired by Derek Sivers’ Now Now Now project, here’s an update of what I’m currently working on and what’s coming up soon.
Aside from the updates below, I’m always working on:
- Expanding my remote work offerings (including event planning, travel coordination, freelance writing, social media management, and virtual assistant administration). Need help in these areas or more? Get in touch!
- Planning the next trip to add to my 40 countries visited so far.
- Building up the Australian financial independence community with the Australian FI Weekly enews and other initiatives coming soon!
Current savings goals
Aside from saving towards my FI Stash (usually 40-60% of my net salary when working full-time), I have a specific travel goal I’m working on.
Antarctica 2022 with 7in7 – Goal: AUD$17,300 (USD$12,000), due July 2022
As at 4 Nov 2019 = AUD$2,800
- Second job earnings in NZ: AUD$600
- Savings from housesitting in NZ: AUD$2,200
Update: 8 Aug 2019
August 2019 – April 2020: I’ve moved to Auckland, New Zealand where I’ll be working an event management job contract for nine months; my longest in ages! Looking forward to exploring this new country for me around work.
I am planning to make this my last 9-5 office job, so I’m laying the groundwork for remote and freelance work mid-2020 — including event planning, travel coordination, social media management, writing, and virtual assistant support.
I’ll still be heading to FinCon 2019 in Washington DC in September, plus to the 7in7 Digital Nomad Conference in Wellington, New Zealand in late October.
April 2020 – September 2020: I plan to explore Canada on another “working holiday” visa, checking out more festivals and events while getting to know the Canadian FI community. Stay tuned!
Update: 22 June 2019
June 2018 – June 2019: I’ve just finished my one-year mini-retirement trip around the USA. I visited 20 states by bus, train, and plane, spending a total of US$20,000 (US$55 a day). I kept accommodation costs low by happily staying in budget options like hostels, Airbnb, staying with friends and housesitting. I prioritised spending more on local food, museums, arts festivals and other experiences.
I had a great time meeting lots of financial independence enthusiasts and bloggers during the trip, particularly at events including FinCon 2018, CampFI Southwest 2018, Lola Retreat 2019, Camp Mustache 2019, and many ChooseFI meetups.
Along the way, I worked short temp jobs on festivals and major events. For those curious, I had a J1 “cultural exchange” visa to work a range of jobs throughout the year to subsidise my vacation. Tertiary students and recent graduates from selected countries are eligible for this 4-12 month visa. While mostly used by 19-22 year olds, there’s no age limit, so I happily took advantage of that as a mid-30s new Masters degree holder!