press
Entrepreneur logo HuffPost logo Gizmodo logo LifeHacker logom
eBiz Facts is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More

Updated: October 21, 2019

5 Comments

7 Years As A Digital Nomad

The Riskiest Thing You Can Do

I made this video to mark my 7th year as a digital nomad in 2017.

If it resonates with you, please like and share on Facebook and YouTube.

The Riskiest Thing You Can Do
7 Years As A Digital Nomad

So it’s been seven years now, since I quit my last job.
This was me in my cubicle, looking real suave.

I quit the next day, left that good job behind.
Dreams of traveling the world, and working online.

People thought I was crazy, all starry-eyed.
You’ll regret it they said, it’s career suicide.

You’re so irresponsible, taking the risk.
Come back to the real world, tsk tsk tsk.

Seven years later, I pause and think back.
Were the naysayers right? Did I take the wrong track?

Let me reflect for a minute, recall memories.
From these years self-employed and being overseas.

I moved to Spain for a summer, learned Español.
Spent three days in Venezuela, some of my stuff got stole.

I went 44 months around the world without a flight.
Found dead insects in Asia, took a few bites.

I crossed the Pacific on a massive big freighter.
Saw the sun setting as we crossed the equator.

I hitchhiked through Europe with all of my stuff.
Had my life threatened in Guatemala but called that man’s bluff.

I raised money for charity, did myself proud.
Gave a big talk, in front of a crowd.

I swam in the Amazon and fished for piranhas.
Went to Machu Picchu and saw a few llamas.

I jumped out of plane with a stranger on my back.
Exercised and ate right and got a six-pack.

I sang in the street, spoke on radio.
Got stuck in Romania, on account of the snow.

I overcame shyness and dated some beauties.
Finally found love like you see in the movies.

Two times I broke, into an abandoned skyscraper.
And once spent an afternoon in a volcanic crater.

I wandered the streets of Tehran late at night.
Couldn’t use the ATMs there but it turned out alright.

I got up early to see temples in Kathmandu.
Had some difficulty there actually… liquid number two.

India was crazy, overwhelmed me completely.
Scored a free cruise there, not so discreetly.

I saw a big elephant, chained to a little log.
Lived in Hong Kong, went for a jog.

I sailed for five days, saw paradise.
Sat in a cave, got some advice.

I did some surfing, got my name in the paper.
Was dock blocked in Busan, tried again later.

I visited the pyramids, near Mexico City.
Got kicked out of there actually, for taking the mickey.

I rode motorcycles in three different countries.
Lived near a temple covered in monkeys.

I trekked through the jungle, felt so alive.
Went down to Rio, gave himself a high five.

I tried stand-up comedy and got a few laughs.
Self-published two books and countless paragraphs.

I spent a year in Amsterdam just coz I could.
Earned $5k in one day, that felt pretty good.

I got naked in public, like you see here.
Passed through China, where they looked at me queer.

I jumped off a bridge just for the thrill.
Experienced the World Cup, live from Brazil.

I made so many friends, I can’t even count.
Tracked income and expenses, every amount.

I saw dolphins in the ocean, fed deer in Japan.
Once kissed a woman, who was probably a man.

I took classes in Thailand, learned how to fight.
Explored wild beaches, under moonlight.

I sat often in silence, in loads of old churches.
Couldn’t breathe in Bolivia, got help from the nurses.

I spent three days on a train, saw epic landscapes.
Learned some Parkour, the art of escape.

I quit drinking alcohol, went to Moscow.
Danced sober with strangers, let myself go.

I did carnival, in Las Palmas GC.
And I did Mardi Gras, where my job used to be.

I’ve had all these experiences, these past seven years.
So many good laughs, and the occasional few tears.

So how’s my life been, since quitting my job?
Would I ever go back, to that nine-to-five slog?
Each day like the last, like Murray’s groundhog?

Well I’ll tell you this much, and don’t you forget.
The naysayers were wrong, right from the outset.
Cause I’ve collected many memories, and nare a regret.

And for those of you wondering, should you quit your job too.
I’m not saying you should, but I’ll say this much to you:
You have to take chances, for your dreams to come true.
Cause taking no risks, is the riskiest thing you can do.

About The Author
Niall Doherty – Founder and Lead Editor of eBiz Facts Born and raised in Ireland, Niall has been making a living from his laptop since quitting his office job in 2010. He's fond of basketball, once spent 44 months traveling around the world without flying, and has been featured in such publications as The Irish Times and Huffington Post. Read more...

5 thoughts on “7 Years As A Digital Nomad”

  1. Niall Ive Been following you from the moment i first came across you. You remind me so much of myself in my younger days. So happy i mentioned to you about the BKK skyscraper. I love that photo of you jumping off lol.
    Keep going for many years to come.

    Reply

Leave a Comment