How I can afford to travel - dsc07361
Lifestyle

How I Can Afford to Travel

My story is not your typical freelancer-type travelista. My story revolves around my family and the decision I made to stay with them instead of living on my own.

Some people might find it strange that I am still living with my family at this stage of my life. Although it isn’t much of a bother when you live in the province, the thought of staying with your parents still might seem unconventional to some.

Truth be told, I tried working a regular job after I graduated from college. But the possibility of traveling for weeks or more while taking that position was rather thin. So instead, I decided to resign and join the family for a vacation abroad.

This incident happened twice in my lifetime. Apparently, you can take some time off or request a paid leave in a regular job, but traveling with worries I might miss a day at work was not a good idea for me It just stressed me out. So, partly due to mom’s insisting, and partly on my own decision, I decided to quit that job again to stay at home.

Finding a job that will keep me at home was another dilemma that I faced. Back at that time, freelancing and a home-based job were still in their infancy stage here in the Philippines, so it was difficult getting a credible job online.

Then I stumbled upon an ad that says they offer a ‘Work at Home’ system only to find out that it was a multi-level marketing business. This incident opened me to the world of MLM companies – which helped a bit to support my wants.

Thankfully now, there are tons of online jobs and freelancing opportunities readily available. Being a digital nomad has finally allowed me not to feel guilty about never taking on that regular 9 to 5 job.

Living with the family has its benefits. You get a free meal, and free lodging – in exchange for home cleaning tasks. Aside from that, I was able to travel with them whenever my family feels like it.

Now, the real reason why my family could afford to travel so much is because of my dad’s day job. He is currently a pilot for a large airline company here in the Philippines. With that, he gets priority incentives for fares on selected flights here and abroad. Aside from that, his salary is enough to take us everywhere we want to – of course, still on a budget!

My decision to quit jobs has been quite an adventure. I was able to go to so many places with my family – an experience most single individuals, like me, cannot do all the time. Most of them are busy working for themselves and for their respective families.

Some might think that I should be living on my own now, making my own choices in life, and taking travel-risk on my own. I could do that too if I have chosen to. But staying with my family allowed me to learn so much more compared to having a regular job. I was able to learn basic skills in sewing and discovered many nerdy hobbies that I never knew existed, like jewelry making. I was also able to establish a business that I’ve already passed on to my relatives. And, I was able to learn blogging on an in-depth level. Aside from that, I still have the freedom to make my own choices when it comes to my personal wants and desires.

My choice to stay my with family stems from the old adage that life is short – my parents’ lives are short. If ever I get married and have kids of my own, I don’t want to look back and regret the moments I never spent with them – the travels, especially. Life goes on anyway, and I’d rather enjoy the moments  I have with them rather than forever miss the opportunity of doing so.

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How I can afford to travel
How I can afford to travel - dsc07361
How I can afford to travel
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How I can afford to travel
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How I can afford to travel

I am Jena, an experienced content creator, who is passionate about travel, health and wellness, and fashion. I'm an avid traveler and digital nomad, who loves to craft and sew and who has some IT background. I aspire to help others with 'no niche' online find their voice and just express themselves. 

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