In 2023, amidst the hustle and bustle of corporate life in New Zealand, our family made a radical decision – we chose to break free from the conventional and embrace a life on the road. It was a decision rooted in a longing for change, sparked by a conversation in 2019 about the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement.
The idea had lingered in my mind since a heart-to-heart with a friend on maternity leave. The concept of financial freedom and the possibility of shaping our lives on our terms had intrigued me. Fast forward two years of contemplation, discussions, and a bit of convincing, my husband and I decided to take the plunge into a nomadic lifestyle.
Before our kids came along, travel was a significant part of our lives. We were always jetting off to new destinations, exploring cultures, and making memories. However, after starting a family, we found it increasingly challenging to maintain our wanderlust lifestyle. Despite our best efforts, we could never seem to make extended travel happen with kids in tow.
Furthermore, being surrounded by family scattered across different parts of the world only intensified our longing for freedom. It was difficult being stuck in one location, especially when our hearts yearned for adventure and exploration. We felt the weight of our corporate jobs, the demands of everyday life, and the longing for something more fulfilling.
Our days were filled with relentless work, with both of us dedicating long hours to our jobs. Our children spent their days in daycare from 7:30 am until 4 pm, leaving us feeling like ships passing in the night. Despite our hard work, we found ourselves struggling to make ends meet in a high-cost living environment. I was deeply involved in the COVID public health response, while my husband managed a sizable team in a logistics company. Stress, financial strain, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction permeated our lives, and we felt disconnected from each other.
The decision to become a nomad family wasn’t just about escaping the daily grind; it was a quest for a life that resonated with our values. We chose to untether ourselves from the constraints of a traditional lifestyle, opting to rent out our house and part ways with most of our possessions. The allure of exploring new places, cultures, and creating meaningful connections as a family became our guiding light.
As we embarked on this nomadic journey, we discovered the richness of slow travel, the joy of being present with our kids, and the profound impact of simplifying our lives. From managing our finances wisely to savoring the simplicity of life on the road, every aspect of our nomadic lifestyle became a lesson in embracing the freedom to live authentically.
So, in 2023, we took the leap. We quit our jobs, rented out our house, and sold most of our belongings to embark on a nomadic journey as a family. It hasn’t been easy, and there have been challenges along the way, but the freedom, joy, and sense of fulfillment we’ve found on the road have made it all worth it. This is our journey – from corporate stress to nomadic bliss – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Join us as we share the highs, the lows, and the transformative moments of our nomadic family adventure. From the concrete jungles of corporate life to the open roads of exploration, this is our story of reclaiming joy, forging connections, and navigating the uncharted territories of a life less ordinary!