hola todos y bienvenidos a mi blog!!

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A few years ago in 2017, I started this blog with the intent of documenting my travels. As a professional student in healthcare, I finished my capstone project in Ecuador for 6 months. I had been to S America a few times, but these months in Ecuador solidified my love for the continent and more specifically the Andean countries. During that time, I logged all my adventures and enjoyed holding myself accountable for memories I knew may fade away otherwise.

 

Once I got home from Ecuador, I graduated with my degree and set off for the travel contract industry. I was super driven by this path because it allowed me to fulfill a traveling lifestyle while working as a healthcare professional. After only two contracts, my plan backfired and I landed permanently in Nome, Alaska.

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My initial 3 month contract turned into 6, then 7. I contemplated renewing again but soon realized I was turning into a Nome-it unintentionally. Before I knew it, I was in love with the subarctic winters and berry picking summers. I signed on permanently, knowing full well that I locked myself into an 8-5 grind with a pre-determined numbers of days off. This was all quite the opposite of my original plan.

 

Well, this full time position offers a 403(b), a lot of PTO compared to most places, a no premium, federal healthcare plan, a pension, and low stress environment.  Not to mention a loan repayment program. 

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About a year into the job and paying off my loans (so slowly), a co-worker started talking to me about retirement. I had never been asked that question nor gave it a second thought at that moment. But after conversing day after day, I developed quite the interest in personal finance and early retirement.

 

Now, I enjoy writing both about personal finance as well lifestyle and travel.

 

While I’m still in my 8-5 job, I won’t be until I’m 65. I have not forgotten the parts of me that wish to live nomadic in a van, that want to long term travel in S America, and that yearn for slow living. 

 

I’m not the first person who has had these thoughts. Hundreds, probably thousands of people have blogs with a similar takeaway. But if there’s one goal I’d like to accomplish with these posts, it’s to reach someone who is in the same position and give them the resources and motivation to kick start a non-traditional lifestyle.