Vagabonding Case Study: Heather Healey

Heather Healey

heathersharmony.me

Age: 25

Hometown: Salt Lake City,Utah

Quote: “I am most looking forward to the moments of clarity when I realize that I am living my dreams.

How did you find out about Vagabonding, and how did you find it useful?

When I discovered your website I’d had my travel blog for a couple months and loved reading your case studies and success stories. When I saw you had a book I instantly wanted to read it, I bought it as a Christmas gift to myself. I’ve highlighted insightful phrases, written my own reflections in the margins and have loved reading every chapter!

I found myself relating and agreeing with nearly the whole book, it’s really encouraging to know that while it’s a unique lifestyle it’s not as uncommon or impossible as the mainstream public thinks it is.

What is your job or source of travel funding for this journey?

I knew I wanted a life that fit into travel rather than trying to fit travel in my life so I got my degree so I could have something to offer during my travels and will be traveling slow teaching English. I originally bought a condo and hoped it would turn a profit to help fund my travels but in the end I was desperate to get out from under it and also got laid off my job with a nice chunk of severance pay, so one way or another the recession has served me well.

Do you plan to work on the road?

Yes. Teaching English as I go, my first stop as an ESL teacher isSouth Korea. I am open to other employment opportunities but teaching is one sure route.

What was the reaction of your friends/family/colleagues as you planned your trip?

More often than not it’s a mixture of shock and jealously, some doubt my choice and some wholeheartedly support it.

Any tips or lessons learned from the travel-preparation process?

While it is good to research, plan and prepare if there is one lesson I’ve learned from traveling its that everything will work out. I never cease to be amazed at how the universe guides me to the opportunities I didn’t know I was looking for.

How long do you hope to spend on the road?

As long as I am still passionate about being on the road, which I suspect will be indefinitely.

Which destinations do you hope to visit?

To be honest I’ve got such grand dreams that it’s turned out to be a never ending list. I can’t make it everywhere so for now I am leaving the traveling to my intuition and the universe and as I get further into vagabonding I may take more control to visit specific destinations.

Which experiences are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to the moments of clarity when I realize that I am living my dreams and I continue to make it happen! Right now it’s all a big leap of faith, on one hand I am completely confident I can find a way to sustain my gypsy desires and on the other hand I second guess my abilities to make money and keep the traveling going.

What are you packing for the journey?

3 cameras (a point and shoot, a water proof and my Nikon), my laptop, Chap Stick, mascara and a whole lot of passion!

Do you have any worries or concerns about the journey?

Loads of concerns and worries like injury, loneliness and a lack of money but none of them can hold a light to the worries and concerns I have about NOT going.

How can we best follow your adventures?

My blog, facebook page and twitter are where all the humor, insights and nuggets of wisdom are! It would be an honor if you would share the journey with me, the more the merrier!

Website: heathersharmony.me Twitter: heathertravels

Are you a Vagabonding reader planning, in the middle of, or returning from a journey? Would you like your travel blog or website to be featured on Vagabonding Case Studies? If so, drop us a line at casestudies@vagabonding.net and tell us a little about yourself.

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Case Study: Heather Healey  | January 18, 2013
Category: Vagabonding Case Studies

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