How 3 SunGod Ambassadors made adventure their full-time occupation…
Imagine striding into the office on a Monday morning and announcing to your boss that you’re leaving to travel the world. We caught up with 3 people who did just that. They show us that it isn’t as hard to walk away from the 9-5 grind as you might think…
1. THE MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
“IT WASN’T AN EASY PROCESS. I LIVED FRUGALLY FOR A FEW YEARS WHILE I FIGURED OUT HOW I COULD MAKE MONEY.”
What’s your story? Despite enjoying my work as a sustainable real estate researcher, I was frustrated by the lack of flexibility this offered. In a bid to spend more time outside, I left my job to pursue life as an endurance adventurer, keynote speaker and author. In 2018 I became the first woman to complete a length of Britain triathlon.
How do you make it work? There are lots of groups and organisations running adventure evenings and they're a great way to have a go at speaking to see if you like doing it. From there I spoke everywhere from graduation ceremonies and schools to corporate events and festivals. I didn't have a grand plan, I just had a go at a few different things and followed what felt right for me.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? I find I’m happiest when I ignore what I'm 'supposed to do' and think about what I actually want to do. I realised that some people think I'm crazy, wrong, or a failure just because I've not achieved their version of success. This realisation was like a light had been turned on and I could see the world for what it was. It was so freeing.
Any advice? It can be as simple as going for a regular walk, there is a way that adventure can fit into your life whether on your days off or as part of your career. If in doubt, ignore the fear and know that you are far more capable than you could ever imagine possible.
Follow Fiona's adventures: @fionalquinn
2. THE FREELANCER
"AT A CERTAIN POINT YOU REALISE THAT LIFE IS FLYING BY. MAKE EVERY MOMENT AS UNIQUE AND SPECIAL AS IT CAN BE.”
What’s your story? My wife and I walked away from our desks 3 years ago after realizing that life was passing us by. I was working as a freelance photographer and publishing books on outdoor photography. Hana worked for an outdoor equipment company as a product developer and technician. We’re nearly at the end of an epic bike packing journey from Alaska to Patagonia following the American Cordillera.
How do you make it work: Since we hit the road, I do some photography work on a freelance basis but we also have some income from some property investments. This left us with a cash surplus which has funded our nearly four year adventure. It cost a lot of money, but I don't regret that for a moment.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? Life on the road has shown me that life is about experiences and relationships over material gain. As long as I have enough money and basics to be comfortable, the biggest satisfaction I can gain is from physical challenge, self-reliance in the outdoors and creating special moments.
Any advice? A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Follow Mark and Hana's adventures: @highluxphoto
3. THE BRAND AMBASSADOR
“LIFE WAS DICTATED BY THINGS AROUND ME. PASSION WASN’T A PART OF ANYTHING I DID.”
What’s your story? After 12 years working for an international communications agency, I wasn’t happy with the direction my life was heading. The decision to take the plunge into a life of adventure came when I realised that I was starting to spiral downwards. I had so many adventure dreams and it was time to make those a reality.
How do you make it work? To fund my adventures I work for brands helping to create content that inspires their customers to adventure and buy products. Naturally my life on the road compliments this as I’m able to make great content.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? The journey is more rewarding than the destination - for adventures and life. I make sure I don’t plan my adventures too much because I want the adventure to be a journey into the unknown. I love being able to test myself and overcome new challenges on a daily basis.
Any advice? You can either sit around dreaming while making up excuses, or you can just get up and do it. At the beginning, it won’t be exactly as you dreamed it would be, just make sure that everything you're doing is helping you get to where you want to go! Life isn’t easy and the struggle keeps you hungry. Only those who work hard and persevere get to enjoy things they want to.
Follow Jamie's adventures: @jamieisrunning
Maybe like these people, you’re tempted by the idea of a big life change. Or, perhaps you simply long to find more time to adventure in your busy life. No matter your end goal, you may find that immersing yourself in the pursuit of adventure could turn out to be the most fulfilling thing you ever do…
