I’ve been very fortunate to hold a good job since I graduated from college almost 5 years ago. I worked in the Consulting industry doing Finance-related work, and while I can’t say it was “fun,” I can say that I learned a ton and made a lot of friends while I was there. I quit my job today, and I didn’t go searching for a new job.
Instead, I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity to make this blog what I envision it can be, all while traveling a lot more. I feel like I’m at a unique place in my life where I can take a risk like this and not have it come back to haunt me later in life. I’m 26 years old, I’ve been lucky to save a lot of my money over the last 5 years, and I’m in a position where I can keep my expenses very low over at least the next year or so. I also took the GMAT exam a couple of years ago and finally plan to apply to graduate school this fall, just to have it as a sort of back-up (I haven’t decided if I want to go or not). If ever there was a time in my career to try something risky like this, now is that time.
It’s a scary thought to not have a paycheck for the first time in 5 years, but it’s also exciting to see what I’m really made of in terms of putting together something of my own. This website has allowed me to earn some money, and although it’s extremely unpredictable how much I get paid, I’m genuinely excited to give it a try. The thought of being paid for something I used to come home and do for fun anyway is simply too good to pass up right now!
But to be more specific, here’s how I plan to make money to feed myself over the next year:
- Amazon affiliate links – If you click on my Amazon links and buy something, I get a commission. If you’re buying something from Amazon anyway, I’d appreciate the click!
- Credit card affiliate links – Right now I’m only an affiliate of Barclays. I don’t expect to get any other credit card links. If you plan to sign up for a Barclays card, I would appreciate it if you clicked through my links on my Credit Cards page.
- Website ads – I currently display a few ads on the website, and these pay me a small amount of about $20 a month. It used to be more, but Google Adsense shut me down and won’t tell me why. Oh well.
- Award Booking Service – I plan to add this service in the future. Many people have points but don’t know how to redeem them. I can help. I’m still deciding how I want to implement this.
- Mobile App – I’m actually working on a completely unrelated mobile app for iPhone and Android. This will be my first venture into something like this, so I’ll see how it goes. Hopefully you guys will support me with a free download later on when I announce it!
- ??? – There may be other opportunities still awaiting me.
So, that’s that. I’m going to take some time to relax and recharge before ramping up here. In terms of what to expect from Travel Summary going forward, you’ll see me make a lot more posts. I plan to do at least one per day and catch up on all the trip reports I didn’t have a chance to write yet. My goal is to make this website so comprehensive that you rarely, if ever, have to go somewhere else to find information. I’ll continue pointing you in the right direction if someone else writes something useful, but I want to be one of the few blogs you visit regularly.
I’m excited and anxious, and I really feel like this is the right move for me right now. Wish me luck on this new part of my life!
Cheers!
congratulations and good luck with this new focus! how exciting!
Thanks! I’m very excited about this opportunity!
Congrats and good luck! Smart to do this while you’re young with less obligations…
Thanks! Everyone has told me that same exact thing, so I’m finally listening!
I’ve only recently started following you and I love your blog. I’m older than you and with the benefit of hindsight I can assure that you made the RIGHT decision to quit your job, especially since you have some savings. It is rare that you will ever have a moment later in life to do what you want to do, so it’s a good calculated risk. Later in life come long-term relationships or marriage, kids (if you decide to go that route), and for sure more responsibilities that somehow tie you down to a schedule and to a place. So go forth and travel! Do it! You will not have any regrets. As one of your daily readers, I will live vicariously through your travels, since I’m a 40 yr. old mom with a toddler! :o) Also, thanks for pointing out your affiliate link with Amazon… toddlers use up a lot of diapers… lol! Good luck!!
Thanks for the kind words Laura. What you’ve said has been echoed by many people I’ve come in contact with over the last year, all of which encouraged me to venture out and try something like this. I appreciate your support!
Congrats on this move! I’m looking forward to more posts and seeing how things go. I always like the way you deliver information so I’m sure you’ll do well in whatever you do.
Thanks Robert!
Congrats on your next step, and good luck!
Thanks Alex!
Congratulations n good luck
Thanks!
Congrats and best of luck! Looking forward to your future posts.
Thanks! New posts will be coming fast and furiously!
Congrats and best wishes on your choice for the immediate future. I will support you in any way I can, Amazon,etc. Just received Barclay cards but will look at any other cards you may affiliate with.
Thanks so much for the support!
Nice work. Easy steps:
1. Quit job.
2. ?
3. Profit!
Slow down…I need a notepad.
Congrats! 26 is the perfect time to do it. Don’t worry about re-entry…if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that people who DO, thrive. I did it at 27 and took 3 years to travel and finish up my degree along the way. I lean on those days now when I need a mental vacation from the kids!
Awesome! It’s hard to not worry but I’ll do my best!
Kudos to you! Gutsy move but will be a good one. Good luck! I plan to use you services.
Thanks Patricia! I look forward to being able to help you out!
Congratulations! And all the best!
Thanks Daraius!
Hey, dear TS (any better name that I can call you?).
I have been following for a long time and really like your blog which is very informative and straightforward. I actually benefited from your blog a lot.
I will definitely use your link to make a purchase on AMAZON (what else portal can I use?hoho~).
By the way, I recently purchased many AMAZON gift card and think of cashing them out. Do you have any better idea to do it? I am thinking about selling them in my school, but looks like people didn’t quite understand Kindle gift card is same with amazon gift card.
I am in the graduate school as well, so welcome if you got admitted!
Best,
Jesson
Hi Jesson – I go by Omar in my “normal” life (which I’ve kind of protected on this website).
I appreciate any support you can give me! In terms of cashing out Amazon gift cards, it’s not easy to make a direct sale. It might be easier to just buy items from Amazon and re-sell those, but it’s a bit more work.
You remind me the dream is possible… if ones willing to take the risk. Thank you and congratulations on this new journey in your life.
Thank you!
Congrats Omar! That is exciting and wish you all the best on your new venture! Where do you plan on traveling to first?
Thanks! I have a flight to Taipei on Monday, but I’m still deciding whether or not to take it!
Just do it. You won’t regret it. Keep us posted!
Congratulation and wish you all the best! I admire your courage for following your dream while you are young 🙂 I am still putting my time in, but I enjoy what I am doing. Will look forward reading your post daily. Thanks.
Thanks!
Omar! Omar! Omar! Looking forward to you giving us a blog to end all other blogs!
That’s a lot of pressure – I hope I can live up to it!
Congratulations! Wish you all the best 🙂 visiting our part of the world anytime??
Thanks cuz! I don’t have anything planned to come to Singapore but I do want to do KL, so if I do then I’ll definitely stop by!
Congratuations. I visit your blog once in awhile but I will be sure to visit more often to support you.