Embracing Freedom:
My Journey as a Digital Nomad
Hey there! Let me take you on a wild ride that started in 2018 when I broke up with my girlfriend of over a decade. At that point, I realized something profound—I wasn’t happy living in NYC. Don’t get me wrong, New York is incredible, but there’s a whole world out there begging to be discovered, and I didn’t want to spend my entire life in America. I had this itch to travel since I was a kid, and after reading Tim Ferriss’ “The 4-Hour Workweek” back in 2012, I became determined to build a business that allowed me to make money while I slept.
Setting the Stage:
Fast forward a bit, and in 2012, I started my company, The Training Notebook App for personal trainers. That’s when my entrepreneurial journey kicked off. I dedicated countless hours to learning how to design, advertise, and monetize it. The journey was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, but by 2015, the app started making more money than I ever did as a personal trainer. Talk about a breakthrough!
The Great Escape:
Once I broke up with my girlfriend in December 2018, it took me three months to wrap up loose ends in NYC. And boy, did I do some serious research during that time—YouTube, books, podcasts—you name it! Finally, in March 2019, I bid farewell to the Big Apple and set off on my grand adventure as a digital nomad.
Traveling Light:
Picture this: I packed up my essentials and realized, hey, I don’t need much! Just my trusty laptop, phone, and some multi-purpose clothing. I had an epiphany after reading Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. It made me question why I needed all that extra stuff. So, I downsized and managed to fit everything I needed into three backpacks. Simple and efficient, just the way I like it.
Dreams Unveiled:
My plan? Explore Asia until I’ve seen all the places I’ve always dreamt of—India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Korea—the list goes on. And you know what? Along the way, I’d stumble upon other inspiring destinations that I hadn’t even considered before. I decided to live in hostels, connecting with fellow travelers, and soaking up their stories and wisdom. It was all part of my grand adventure!
Questioning the Norms:
You know, I’ve always felt a bit different from the crowd. Why does everyone seem to want the same things—getting married, having kids, a stable job, a big house, making tons of money, filling it with stuff, going on two vacations a year, and getting a second home in upstate New York or Long Island? It just didn’t resonate with me. I craved excitement, something off the beaten path.
Taking the Leap:
It took a lot of guts for me to break away from the predetermined future that seemed to await everyone else. I had to risk everything I had built to live out of those three backpacks. But guess what? I had some savings and my business was thriving, so I felt pretty darn prepared for this drastic change. Plus, I learned so much from other digital nomads on YouTube and in podcasts that I felt ready to tackle anything.
Living My Dream:
And let me tell you, once I started traveling, there was no looking back. I was living my dream! My first stop was Chandigarh, India, to visit my app development team, and from there, I hopped around Southeast Asian countries, spending about three months in each location. I had a blast—exploring incredible cultures, trying local foods, going on dates, and making lifelong friends. It was an adventure for the books!
Let’s Connect: 📸 @thehectorious
Now, here’s the fun part—I want you to be a part of this incredible journey too. If you’ve ever considered becoming a digital nomad, traveling the world, or even embarking on a solo adventure, hit me up with your questions. I’m here to spill the beans and share my
experiences. Let’s dive headfirst into the exciting world of digital nomadism and uncover the wonders that await!
Life took a thrilling turn when I embraced the freedom to roam and the boundless possibilities of a digital nomad lifestyle. Breaking free from the ordinary and exploring Asia’s enchanting landscapes has reshaped my existence in ways I never imagined. So, buckle up and join me in challenging the norms, venturing into the unknown, and discovering the beauty of this vast world. It’s time to live life on your terms and embrace the wanderlust within. Let’s embark on this incredible journey together!
Hector Sanchez
