Hi everyone, my name is Todd Wassel and I have a confession, I’m not a personal finance blogger. I’m actually what most people would like to call irresponsible. In 1999 I packed up a few bags and left home, left the US and started my continuing journey around the world. My family thought it was a phase, they pleaded with me to come home, others wondered when I would get grow up and get a real job. Flash forward 12 years and I’m still on the road, I have grown up (depending on who you talk to), and I have a real job…kind of.
I guess I’m a lifestyle and travel blogger, but to be honest I’m not sure those labels fit me any better than the “it’s a phase” or “he’ll get a real job” labels fit me a decade ago. Although according to my website I’m in the business of Lifestyle Strategies, Travel and Adventures. But what does this mean on a practical level from a blogging perspective? After all, I achieved my current lifestyle without my blog. What does my blog add to my current lifestyle and where do I go from here? Let’s see how I got here in the first place and then maybe we can piece together where I’m headed next.Yes, you’re about to get my whole life in under 400 words…
Japan
When I left home I headed straight for Japan, where I thought I’d fill in my time thinking about what I’d be when I grow up with a little bit of adventure. I worked and lived in Japan for over 5 years before a growing discontent forced me to leave and pursue my real passion. The problem was that I had no idea what that passion was. Undaunted by the not knowing I applied and got into graduate school for International Relations.
Back to the Library
I spent one and half years back in the US, studying, trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up (sound familiar). It was actually one of the best times of my life. Over 200 like minded students from all over the world gathered in one place to debate politics, sound smart and then welcome the sunrise with beers and salsa…almost every single day. The joy, the passion for experiencing life was a common thread that run through us all. But all things come to an end and the powers that be (my bank account) forced me to graduate.
More years on the Road
Graduate school led me to San Francisco where I worked for a governance NGO focused on Asia. Two days before my contract expired my boss called me and asked if I wanted to extend. “Of Course”. The catch was that I had to be on a plane to East Timor in 2 days to run a peacebuilding project there. The country had just devolved into mass violence with the police and military killing each other and youth gangs roaming the capital. My response was simple, “where’s my ticket.” I dropped one bag and got on the plane, remembering at the last moment to call my parents and tell them I was moving to East Timor. They are very understanding parents.
After six months dodging bullets I met a girl and long story short we ended up in Sri Lanka during the civil war. She worked for the United Nations and I worked for a human rights organization helping the Internally Displaced Persons. Three years later, we got married, and had to leave Sri Lanka for visa reasons. This landed us in Kosovo. We both took jobs with the UN. She is in Japan (you can read about our first hand experience with the earthquake here), I will join her in a few months for the birth of our first child, and then we will jump to another crisis area, another post conflict zone, another country and another adventure.
Didn’t you say you had a Blog
I really enjoyed Jeff’s write up on Lifestyle Blogging because it goes to the heart of my own blog Todd’s Wanderings. What I have learned about my lifestyle and what I want to be when I grow up is simply that I want freedom. I want the freedom to pursue whatever it is that I’m passionate about at any particular moment. I want to continue working in the conflict resolution and peacebuilding sector, but I also need some financial stability as my family grows. This wandering life can be hard and there needs to be a way to even out the ups and downs of project work.
Just like Jeff, my blog and my lifestyle advice is simply to live the life that allows you be the happiest. For me this is the ability to live anywhere, take any job that interests me, and have the freedom to stop something when it no longer makes me happy (fill in evil yelling bosses, cubicals, corrupt government officials, writing banal top ten lists about places I have never been etc).
My Blog Blueprint for Never Growing Up
I have already achieved a lifestyle that I love, jobs that I adore, and an ability to get work anywhere in the world (where guns are firing that is). What more could this selfish man want? Now I’m focused on bring together my love of writing with my love of exploring. Todd’s Wanderings is where my life meets the world, it’s the unifying theory of who I am. I live my life and I write about it (this is what I want to tell people I do for work).
My blog is the cornerstone of my next stage of professional development and one of three pillars I am developing to provide even more location independence than I have now. The ultimate goal will be to have a life where my family and I can live anywhere in the world for 8 months of the year, and then spend the other 4 months with friends and family in Japan and the US. Oh, and a house with a large rough wooden table from which I can work and look at the ocean :) Mojitos and beer NOT optional.
My plan is based on 3 pillars. The First Pillar is to continue working in the development field and take advantage of traveling and living abroad on someone else’s dime to feed the next two pillars. The Second Pillar is my Blog where I will build up a dedicated readership and earn money from the blog through monetization, selling my own products and stories, and eventually publishing books. The Third Pillar is an army of smaller destination websites from the places I love that take advantage of the knowledge I gain from traveling but don’t require the contestant updating of a blog and personal branding. You can see the first part of this third pillar take shape over at Things to Do in Tokyo.
And here’s my last secret….I’m actually very financially responsible, I just don’t talk about it much. To live this type of life, pay off student debt, save for retirement, save for a house, and eventually college for the kids you better bet I have my ducks in order…but that might be another blog entirely :)
I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you much better and thanks for making the end…mom.
Looking to learn how to start your own profitable website? Check out my step-by-step guide on how to start a blog. It’s one of the best things I did in 2009 to help earn extra money and break free from Corporate America!
Sam, we really need to be able to edit after we hit submit for consideration :) This one made it by my editor somehow. Sorry for all the spelling mistakes and that last sentence is “thanks for making it to the end…” :) I’m going to blame this one on Northern Kosovo…
Loved your story Todd! I believe everyone should travel as far as possible! Gives you a different meaning to life – how matter how different we all are, inside we all are just the same!
You have a fascinating blog Todd! And that picture is awesome! Is that New Zealand?
Thanks :) The picture is actually from Southern Kosovo in a remote area called Dragash. I’m writing a hiking guide to the area for the Municipality and the sheep got really excited by me :)
That is a lovely picture!
Awesome story, Todd! I wish you all the best in your travels and whatever life brings you next!
I read stories like yours Todd, and I find myself wishing that I had the freedom you do to travel the world. Then, I remember that I don’t fly well, and am a better tourist than a native… ;) Thanks for sharing, good luck, and congratulations on the baby!
Ah, well there is always ship travel :) But I’m happy that my travel porn is compelling to those who don’t necessarily want the same life as me. I was actually a voracious personal finance blog reader when I was sorting my fiances out a few years back. Now I’ve got my emergency fund, no credit card debt, am snowballing my student loans, saving for retirement etc etc. I still like the reading about this stuff which is why I’m glad Sam has made a space for us lifestyle bloggers here as well.
Well, we’re glad to have you. With over 100 members and challengers, the added variety in content is very welcome. Plus, it adds a great dimensionality to the group with such varying points of view.
Great post todd! It’s great to hear from another lifestyle blogger from the yakezie, and I think your 3 pillars strategy is an awesome idea – traveling on someone else’s dime is always a good thing. I do wish you talked a bit more about finances though – having stable finances is key to freedom (which allows people to live like you do) and not feel trapped by excessive debt or possessions!
Enjoy your travels!
Hey Jeff, thanks, it’s great to be here in Yakezie and high time I got to know everyone better (I’m blushing now….honest). I’m happy to talk more in-depth about my financial strategy. I have actually be thinking of doing a guest post on this if it fits into anyone’s publishing plans. Getting “bad” debt free and creating a plan was the best thing I ever did. Possessions were never my problem as by nature I use things until they break. My last pair of hiking boots lasted me 11 years :) And yes, they hurt like hell…
Would love to learn more about your financial strategies in an upcoming “Member Article” right here on Yakezie.com!
Would be happy to do it here on Yakezie!
Nice to meet you Todd! Love your story. Sounds like you live a really adventurous life, one that I can’t really imagine having since I have two kids. Someday, once the kiddos are out of the house, I’d love to travel with my wife…but not to war zones:)
Hi Steve, nice to meet you as well. Since we are expecting our first child in June it will be interesting to see how our traveling life changes. Last year I was in about 18 countries, but I don’t think I can keep that up :) I think war zones are out of the question now, unless we are alone on consultancies, but post-conflict are nice and family friendly…right?
Hey Todd, I’m a big fan even though I’ve been spotty about stopping by. :)
Great story, I would love to do that someday, but the Mrs. likes stability so…. Maybe when we both quit our full time gig, we can move around a bit.
Thanks, and stop by whenever you like! I know reading blogs is a full time job in and of itself :) The funny thing is that my wife also loves stability, I just think our tolerance for instability if larger than others. For example we are both ending our contracts in June just as our son is born. It’s scary to be unemployed with a child on the way, but past experience shows we will get something, somewhere in the world. We just need to be patient. If you ever want to visit Kosovo we would be happy to show you two around :)
excellent blog post. I am with you on this 100% Todd. using money to live the kind of life “I” want is what I am all about. congratulations as well
Hi Sunil, thanks. Yeah, for me money is a tool and not the end game. Of course I would always like more of it.
Hi Todd, I feel like I know you (and really like you)! Wonderful story. I’m inspired and appreciate the details of your adventurous life!
Thanks for the kind words Barb!
Awesome story Todd! It sure does look like you have found that fine balance between life, finance, lifestyle and family.
Thanks, I’m trying. With the blogging, or actually the 3 pillars, I’m hoping to keep the balance healthy :) I just don’t have the personality type to do something I don’t love.
Todd, love the lifestyle and am very jealous….I did the not-work related travelling thing for 6 months in college (to Europe) and 2 months after (cross-country) and are some of my fondest memories… My work related travel was still fun, but it’s not quite the same thing without the freedom to do whatever….but,I don’t know if I could handle the war-zone aspect though, very admirable!
Yes, the non work related travel is the best…for a time. I find that I always start up one project or another because it is what I’m interested in. I joke that I’m actually in retirement at the moment because I’m doing exactly what I’d be doing if I was retired (just without the stress of worrying about a paycheck). Oh, and war zone wise, it’s not like I’m in the military so I’m no where near the active fighting. Still dangerous at times, with some bombs here and there, or gang violence spill over, but not as crazy as it sounds.We are nice and save in Kosovo as the moment.
Amazing story and life. Perhaps you should make a movie one day. So many adventures to tell, I’m sure. Keep up the great work helping your fellow man at your job and your writing. Continued success and safe travel!
Thanks! I think I would have to exaggerate heavily for a movie about me to be interesting :) I am writing my first book on hiking a 900 mile Japanese pilgrimage (twice). If I can’t get it published traditionally, I’m hoping my blog(s) will be the main platform to sell it myself.
Great job Todd! I have enjoyed your blog thus far. I lived in Japan for several months, and have made several trips back since…that is where I met my husband (he’s an American). Man do we love that country!
Is your blog providing steady income yet? I would love to see you weather out the project work better, especially with the little one on the way!
Hi Amanda, we love Japan too :) Well, I’m supposed to say that as my wife is from Tokyo! We have constant fights about me loving the countryside and her loving the city. Opposites attract I guess.
Sorry, forgot to answer the last question. I’m not at a sustainable income yet. I’m earning an average of 1,000 a month at the moment but my goal is to build that up to over 5,000. But I’m not sure that will be possible without releasing my own products. At the moment, I invest the money that comes in into my blog and business. I’m still growing my audience and while I get over 12,000 readers a month I really want to get much much higher.
Wow…I have some friends that did that and I can never fathom myself taking a leap like you did! Great to hear your story!
Thanks. I guess it gets easier the farther you go. I have only worked in the US for 3 months since college so it is actually easier for me to get jobs abroad, or work for myself as a consultant.
That is one interesting life you’ve got there! Traveling to far-away countries and dodging bullets…. maybe you should write up a scrip for a move based on your life! Awesome stuff!
Ah, well the day to day is not as exciting as it seems in a 1000 word blog post…but I hope it interesting enough to keep people coming back for more :) Thanks for the encouragement!
No problem. I’ll definitely be stopping by your site from time to time! :)
Great story Todd! Your life is one interesting adventure after another. I would say that your blog is aptly named.
Thanks for the nice words and encouragement.
Excellent post Todd. That’s awesome you have so much freedom and have seen so many places. Love your pic with the sheep in the background. I’d love to wander through green fields with grazing sheep some day, looks so relaxing. Congrats on your wife’s pregnancy! June’s not too far away so you must be getting really excited. Best of luck!
Thanks, and yes June is not far away now! We are very excited. Come to Dragash, Kosovo and you can get all the peaceful green fields you want! I have been joking with the Municipality lately that we should give them a tag line “Like New Zealand…only closer” :)
I loved hearing your story! Thanks for sharing, and congrats on the new addition!
Thanks LaTisha, we are very happy and excited.
Cool story, thanks for sharing. Living the life you want, while being financially responsible, is what it’s all about.
Yup, it took a while for me to figure the money thing out. Luckily I was ahead of the game realizing that debt and especially credit card debt was toxic to my dreams.
I always wondered why there aren’t more lifestyle-like blogs based in the US? It is a huge place with the freedom to visit the 48 connecting states pretty easily…thoughts?
Well, for me the US is really expensive so its easier to be a full time blogger based abroad. That being said, there are a lot of travel bloggers crisscrossing the US or just staying in their hometowns and writing about them. Whether they can be considered “lifestyle” bloggers I guess is another debate. Also, I think that you would be surprised at how many travel bloggers are actually living in the US and just writing about old travels or ones found on the internet :)
Hi Todd – I’m glad you finally got around to writing your Member Post! It’s good to hear your story, and I’d love to learn more about how you manage your finance and make online income traveling abroad.
I’ve always believed that travel bloggers could especially find the Yakezie Network beneficial b/c there are a lot of revenue opportunities if one follows our internal leads. I’m considering doing a 3-6 month sabbatical myself one of these days soon, and would love to live the lifestyle blogging life for that bit at least.
Best, Sam
Hey Sam, yes it did take me a long time to get this post up! I’m looking forward to getting help on the monetization stuff. The travel blogging world is still trying to figure out how, or if it is even possible, to earn sustainable income from our blogs. I’d love to share my strategies on earning so far and what my strategies are. But I am in most cases still at the beginning of my strategy of creating a personal brand to leverage later on.
Great to hear your about your background. Look forward to hearing more-stay safe!
What an exciting approach to life. I really enjoy reading lifestyle blogs because some of us just can’t seem to make it out of the state we live in so must live vicariously through others! Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for the support. I’m happy to let anyone live vicariously through my site :)
Awesome story Todd! I am jealous about your adventures. May be if I do it all year, I might start missing my home :) But we do want to travel a lot and volunteer. 3-6 months a year sabbatical would be ideal. Looking forward to reading more of your travels and your monetization strategies.
Hi Suba, yes you do start to miss home. but with my wife I feel like we have a home wherever we are. I’m looking for a 4 month sabbatical FROM traveling :)
What a fascinating life! Thanks for sharing. Lifestyle blogs are some of my favorite sites on the web.
Thanks and I’m glad you liked it.
There are so many days I dream about selling everything I own and just traveling! Congrats on living your dream!
Thanks Mrs Money. It can be done and is not as difficult as people like to think. Like most things in life it just takes the first step and then making the next one.
Great story, and incredible lifestyle! Although it does sounds a bit stressful at times!
I think in many ways, I think you have the ultimate lifestyle! I would love to travel the world and see how other cultures live!
I really do want to go to Japan and other asian countries someday! I hope I make it somehow…
I’m going to go check out Jeff’s post now, you piqued my interest!
Thanks. It can get a bit stressful at times, but I do like a little stress in my life, or rather I like challenging situations. Japan, and Asia in general are wonderful and I can’t recommend traveling there more.
Wow, very cool story, super jealous! I’ve been to Japan once, very cool country! Keep living the dream brotha!
Thanks Jon!
“live the life that allows you be the happiest” So true. It’s only taking that first step that’s the hardest but from experience I know that often times letting go of the familiar allows you to grab onto something better!
I totally agree. Once you take that first step you are exposed to more opportunities. As long as you have your head up to see them things take care of themselves.
P.S. Thanks for the inspiring story!
[…] Todd from Todd’s Wanderings Introduction Post […]
Todd, wonderful introduction post! I love to travel, but living in another country is more adventure than I would probably like. Thanks for letting us live it vicariously.
Hi Kay, living in another culture does take getting used to, but you’d be amazed at how quickly you adapt. Thanks for the support :)
Hey Todd, I’ve followed some of your wanderings and your campaign to raise money for Japan. I love to live vicariously through people like you. When you write you help to take some of to those far away places with you. Keep wandering, and I hope that you never grow up.
Hi Sandy, thanks for the nice words and for following the Blog4Japan campaign.
Welcome Todd! So great to read your story. I love your passion for travel. I too am a bit of a globe trotter. Just got back from spending a month in SE Asia. Wow was it awesome. Welcome to the network and thanks for sharing your journey with us.
That’s one heck of an adventure, Todd! Good to see you in the group! I have not had such interesting travels, myself, but I love to get the opportunity to experience them vicariously through others. I don’t think your life has been selfish at all if you give the rest of us an opportunity to share in your experiences. :)
Great story, Todd! Those adventures sounds fun and exciting! Thanks for sharing.