The Life of a Nomad: My Journey of Freedom and Growth

Have you ever dreamed of packing up your life and hitting the road, free to roam wherever your heart desires? That’s exactly what I did in 2019, and I want to share my story with you.

Back in 2018, I felt a burning desire to break free from the conventional 9-to-5 grind. I wanted to live freely, confidently, and without being tied down to one place. This led me to start my own online business—a move that opened the door to a life of independence and adventure. Aside from my current internship at Mindvalley, where I’m organizing the Mindvalley University events, I haven’t been traditionally employed since.

Living a location-independent life is something I absolutely adore. The freedom to choose where I want to be, the thrill of new places, and the diverse experiences are priceless. But I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s also incredibly challenging.

For six years, I ran my business, sometimes with the help of a small team of freelancers. However, the intensity of those years eventually took its toll, leaving me utterly burned out. I decided to take a year off, living off my savings, and invested heavily in personal development. I delved into embodiment coaching and authentic relating, trying to address my weaknesses. I was always on the go, doing and making things happen, but I never really knew how to relax.

I found myself trapped in the cycle of constant work with no clear way out. Despite investing in numerous business coaching and training programs, I felt stuck. It was only after two years of intensive therapy and a variety of training programs that I finally started to feel a sense of connection to myself and others and learned to be at peace.

Now, I work as a freelancer for various clients, which, too, has its ups and downs. A few months ago, my main client abruptly ended our contract, leaving me in a bit of a pickle. But, thanks to my network, I found new clients and this internship at Mindvalley. Alongside, I also conduct workshops on authentic relating, helping people connect authentically and overcome social anxieties.

In short, the nomadic life is a roller coaster. It’s challenging, but it also allows me to live in some of the most beautiful and exciting places. I’ve spent two months on Koh Phangan in Thailand, two and a half years in Bali, Indonesia, one and a half years in Lagos, Portugal, and now, I’m in Tallinn, Estonia.

One of the best parts is meeting different people and immersing myself in various cultures. It’s a constant journey of self-discovery and growth.

So, that’s a glimpse into my nomadic life. It’s been a journey full of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I get to live my dream, and every day is a new adventure.

I hope sharing my journey gives you an idea of what it means to live a nomadic and self-employed lifestyle.

Yours, Silja