It’s been an eye opening experience watching the impossible become possible after I ditched my cushy corporate city life for a life of absolute uncertainty, adventure, and most importantly, freedom.
In episodes 37 and 38 of Everyday Badassery, I share my journey from self-doubt to self-belief and how I embraced the world of travel content creation and how you can, too.
What Happens When You Take a Chance and Put Yourself Out to the World
From living on a yacht and finding manta rays with drones in the Maldives, to creating over-water underwater content for a research team’s documentary series – every day brought me face to face with a reality I’d never known while holed up in my cubicle.
The exciting unknowns of being a travel creator had me living on a luxury bus, auditioning as on-camera talent, and even breaking a world record by being one of 300+ people dressed up as a dinosaur.
In short, opportunities I hadn’t ever imagined came my way, all because I chose to take a chance and put myself out into the world. Every day brings something new, and it’s this constant element of surprise that fuels my spirit of adventure.
Ask and Do Not Give Up
Transitioning from a comfortable corporate life to being a travel creator wasn’t without its fair share of challenges. But the key is to keep asking questions, keep exploring, and never give up.
Too often, especially when trying something new, people are quick to give up. To throw in the towel. To find an excuse they shouldn’t keep at it.
The number of times I have wanted to give up is astronomical.
But consider this: the only thing differentiates me from the people that have made it and the people that don’t, is that I DID NOT give up.
It’s About Freedom: Protect Your Time
Time, as they say, is the most valuable asset one has. As a travel creator, I’ve learned to appreciate and protect my time more than ever. I get to decide what I want to do and where I want to go, be it flying drones over the stunning landscapes of the Bahamas or creating exciting content while touring a private resort on a private island.
The crux of the matter is this: being a travel creator is about embracing freedom.
It’s about living your life on your own terms, exploring the unexplored, and turning the impossible into possible. It’s about telling your story to the world and living an adventure while at it. My journey into the world of travel creation has taught me that when you believe in yourself and take that first step, you embark on a path where the impossible becomes the reality. And trust me, there’s nothing more badass than that.
The Three WORST Parts of Becoming a Travel Creator
Entering the travel content creation industry might seem incredibly glamorous, with social media filled with influencers flaunting the opulent side of their lives, sharing beautiful sceneries, and seemingly living their best lives.
Not everyone is willing to talk transparently about some of the down sides of the “job”… but I am…
1. Experiencing Doubt On All Sides
The journey of a travel creator is also characterized by frequent bouts of doubt. For instance, even though your adventures might seem thrilling and enviable, you may find yourself questioning your decisions and wondering how you ended up in the situation you are in.
Additionally, the pressure of content creation can be overwhelming. You could end up spending an enormous amount of time planning your content, only to have your efforts seemingly wasted if the content doesn’t perform as expected on social platforms.
The unpredictable nature of social media platforms, which often change their rules without warning, adds to this uncertainty. Thus, it’s crucial to not solely rely on social platforms and establish your independent platform.
Moreover, the feedback from audiences can create another layer of doubt. The constant scrutiny of likes, comments, shares, views, and even hate comments can impact your mental health. On the brighter side, there can be instances where your content significantly impacts someone’s life, which can be immensely rewarding.
Lastly, one of the unexpected challenges could come from your closest circle. The journey to becoming a travel creator often involves substantial changes in your lifestyle and might not always receive the support you expected from those close to you.
2. Being Exposed to the World is a Double Edged Sword
When you choose to become a travel creator, one inevitable part of the journey is becoming exposed to the world.
This exposure can be both exciting and daunting – a true double-edged sword. On one hand, your content reaches a vast array of people, from diverse walks of life. This means your work gets visibility and appreciation from different corners of the globe.
Every ‘like’, comment, or view on your content represents someone who was moved by your creation. This worldwide reach can lead to a plethora of opportunities knocking at your door. One day you could be offered a chance to speak at a conference, the next you might receive an invitation to become a brand ambassador for a company you admire.
Every email or direct message could present a new chance to grow, create, or connect in ways you hadn’t previously imagined.
However, being so openly visible can also have its downsides. The greater your exposure, the greater the risk of attracting unwanted attention or criticism. When your life becomes public to this extent, boundaries can blur.
Everything from your location to your personal life choices can be subject to public scrutiny, and even judgment. The negative aspect of this exposure can range from online trolling to, in extreme cases, stalking or content theft. This open visibility can also distort the understanding of your work.
Many may perceive your life as effortless, overlooking the substantial effort and hard work that goes into content creation.
Thus, stepping into the role of a travel creator calls for a balanced perspective, one that recognizes the immense opportunities but is also prepared for potential challenges.
3. Your Passion Can Become the Job You Hate
Making your passion your job can be a dangerous game. If you don’t manage it well, the thing you loved most might turn into what you despise. I’ve seen it firsthand. I loved traveling and being on camera, but when they became my job, I burned out.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can avoid this by setting boundaries and having a clear ‘why’ for your creation. Just start somewhere, without overthinking it. The key here is to start, learn, adjust, and keep going.
You have to remember that while passion is essential, you need to make money too. I’ve seen creators with huge audiences who are broke because they didn’t think about this part. So, think about how you can monetize your passion right from the start.
Also, understand what kind of creator you want to be. If you want to work for yourself, the path might be harder, but the reward is higher. If you prefer working for others, that’s a different path, and that’s fine too.
About the podcast
Inspirational stories to help you be just 1% more badass than you were yesterday. Our BIG badass moments in life are made possible by the the culmination of our SMALL badass moments. I keep it REAL. Made with love WHILE TRAVELING.