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I’m not sure when the realization actually hit me, but at some point in the last week, I couldn’t help but think to myself “holy crap, I’m actually moving to Thailand”.I don’t know if it was finalizing the visa, or getting my plane ticket purchased, but after over a year of trying to work towards a new lifestyle, it is finally happening.
How awesome is that?I can now write in peace knowing that I am not, in fact, a hypocrite.I don’t have to read travel blog after travel blog, lusting after exotic locations that people like Nomadic Matt experience on a daily basis; now I’m one of those people!
I realize that since announcing the move, I haven’t really talked a whole lot about what I actually intend to do while I am traveling.Well, part of the reason for this, is because up until recently, I really didn’t know what I was going to be doing!
After My Last Day, I received an email from Dan of the Tropical MBA.It basically just stated that he was stoked about what I was doing, and mentioned that I might be interested in an internship he was putting on.I checked out the site, and realized, “wow, I am perfect for this.”
Essentially the Tropical MBA is a paid internship, where Dan will be teaching me everything he knows on topics ranging from SEO to PPC marketing techniques to where the best food is in Manila.I will be working with him to try and leverage our skills and increase sales for his company.
Now, you might be thinking, how is that any different than a normal job?Well, a normal job, doesn’t allow you to be backpacking through SE Asia while you are doing it; I would know, I tried!
I decided early on that whether I got the internship or not, I needed to do something, so I figured I would move to Thailand regardless of what happened with the internship; everything else has just kind of fallen into place.
I think the coolest part about the whole experience is that Dan is looking to travel just as much as I am.We both recognize that as long as the work gets done, it doesn’t matter where you are.So to be able to take the opportunity to explore a various parts of SE Asia, and get a little money for it, is basically the best situation I could have asked for.
Since I made the decision to move, I have obviously been doing a lot of research about what to expect while living in Thailand, and I have been amazed to see how many people in our online community are either there currently, or have spent significant amounts of time there.
With that said,here are a few links I have recently stumbled upon from people who have spent some time in the region:
Jonny from The Life Thing, might be one my new favorite writers.I think his posts more than any other have really gotten me excited for the adventure that is to come.I am a little bummed that I won’t be meeting him in person since he has recently headed back to England, but if my trip is even half as good as his was, 2010 is gonna be a good year! Check out: Three Months in the Life of a Traveling Entpreneur and Memories of a Lifestyle Designer’s First Time.
Cody Mckibben, who I have written about before in “Cody Mckibben is the Man”, is kind of the resident Thailand expert in my book.He has been living there for over a year, and has been a tremendous resource to me as I try and figure out what to expect upon arrival.Check out: What I Hope to Learn in Thailand.
Neil from Nomadic Neil, has been a commenter here for as long as I can remember, and has recently arrived in Koh Lanta.I hadn’t been to his blog in awhile, and didn’t even realize he had already left for his trip.However, now that I know, I am excited to see where his adventure will lead him and meet up at some point. Check out: Starting Work in Koh Lanta.
Josh Sager, is a Location 180 reader, who sent me an awesome email with some tips and things to look out for when I arrive. His blog is devoted to his quest to learn the Thai language, and he does a great job of bringing us along for the ride. I’ll admit, I probably haven’t spent as much time learning pieces of the language as I should, but his is blog isn’t a bad place to start. Check out: Learning Thai (My Story).
If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out my email updates and RSS Feed. Last time I checked, I was about 30 subscribers away from hitting 500, so I would love your help to make it happen by the end of the year!
Sean Ogle
Sean Ogle is the Founder of Location Rebel where he has spent the last 12+ years teaching people how to build online businesses that give them the freedom to do more of the things they like to do in life. When he's not in the coffee shops of Portland, or the beaches of Bali, he's probably sneaking into some other high-class establishment where he most certainly doesn't belong.Join over 40,000 people who have taken our 6 part freelance writing course. Sign up below and let’s do this together.
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20 comments on "Holy Crap, I’m Actually Moving to Thailand"
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Sean, that’s awesome man! I’m super-psyched for you and can’t wait to hear about your travels! Sounds like the time will be well-spent on a professional level, too, so you’ve got the best of both worlds going on.
Well played, my friend, well played.
Wow congrats! make sure you keep us posted
I’m so impressed and so jealous! I’ve enjoyed reading about the way you’ve gotten to this point, and the fact that you declared yourself and are about to follow through on this seemingly risky adventure are great inspiration for others contemplating making a leap. Looking forward to reading about your next steps.
That paid internship is quite a sweet deal. Congrats on getting to do that! All that great information you will learn can then be applied to your own ventures.
Sweet, there is chance we could meet up too. I’m heading to Cambodia/Thailand in a week for 3 weeks.
There have been some really inspirational posts in the last week, I think I’m going to have to share them all.
@Dan That’d be awesome! Keep me posted on your schedule, I get in to Bangkok on the 7th.
@Nate Yeah, I am stoked about it. Essentially I am getting paid to learn all of the skills that I wish I had, while getting to travel. Can’t really ask for anything better than that.
@Ami I appreciate the comment! I remember six months ago when I was looking at all of these other people that were inspiring to me. It is kind of weird to be in the opposite role now, but very exciting!
@Anthony I definitely will!
@Colin I have always been kind of a lucky guy, and that hasn’t changed with this latest endeavor. I am looking forward to making my own stories, rather than just being jealous of yours!
The biggest step is buying the plane ticket and you can check that off! (You’ve bought the plane ticket, right?)There are very few places as welcoming as Thailand and your positive outlook will carry you forward towards your goals. Looking forward to your initial impressions of this new stage of your life!
It’s going to be such a killer experience, Sean. Just don’t forget to keep us posted on 180!!!!!
Sounds like a great opportunity Sean.
Cool opportunity, I know for me it would be beneficial to have something productive to do, otherwise I’d find a way to have way too much fun traveling!
Sean,
Thanks so much for the link. I’m really excited for you. The internship sounds awesome as well. Don’t worry TOO much about learning the language, you will pick it up. Just make sure to learn the tones as you learn the words – you can be saying “lesbian” when you mean to say “good.” Many farang will tell you not to worry about tones in the beginning. Don’t listen to them! It will save you a lot of trouble in the long-run.
If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of visa did you get that gives you an extended stay?
And when you are ready to start heading down south, email me and I can give you a few places to check out off the beaten path. And if you are still there when I go back next year I’m taking you out for a beer and interviewing your for my blog! 🙂
Bravo Sean! I’m looking forward to returning to Thailand for the first time in 9 years. If I remember correctly, there is some fun to be had there. Although, I’m not sure if I can remember correctly.
See you soon!
Mate, as you know, just returned back from 3 months out there and I can safely say that you are going to have the most amazing time of your life. Period.
Wow, Sean. Tropical MBA looks INCREDIBLE… congrats!! That’s amazing that you are getting the paid internship. Thanks for teaching me that when you work hard, focus on your goals, and make yourself publicly accountable, things fall into place.
That is awesome on so many levels! The Tropical MBA sounds like it is a perfect fit for you right now. You will learn a lot and have income and do it from all over Asia. How great to have that opportunity! I look forward to reading more about your experiences with that and exploring Asia. You are going to have such an amazing time!
Ooh! Tropical MBA!
I caught wind of Dan and this internship a month or so ago, so I’m stoked to hear that you and him will be working together! Wow – and it looks like you’ll be meeting some other fine people too.
Congrats on the internship.
Alan
Sounds like some big time fun Sean! Make sure you and Tropical don’t fight, and have a good time!
Monetize and conquer!
Sean, congrats, that’s great to hear that you’ll be working with Dan on the internship! And of course, still looking forward to you coming out here to Thailand. I actaully literally just got back from where your feature photo was taken on the beach in Railay, Krabi. Spending 3 weeks vacation from the city and Christmas on the beach! 🙂
Sean,
I think things are falling into place because you are doing the right thing. The Universe is giving you a leg up as a show of support!
Such an exciting time!
Take Care,
Jill
Congrats. I was in your shoes not too long ago. It will be an amazing adventure for sure. I’ve been here in Thailand for almost 6 months. I love it, and the cost of living really makes it a great place for LD types building a future. If you make it up to northern Thailand / Chiang Mai, I’d love to connect. I’ll also be heading down to visit in Bangkok in a few weeks.