August was an odd month for me. When faced with challenges (as I was, many times this past month), a solution dripping with serendipity usually revealed itself if I remained patient and calm.
Two examples come to mind:
Losing – to Win – in Business
First was the dissolution of a writing gig/contract that I had come to rely on as a (somewhat) passive and consistent form of income for years now.
When I received the awful email with the contract news, the idea of losing a chunk of my income disturbed me, and I peered into the dark side of the feast-or-famine existence that is freelancing.
But I didn’t do anything.
I didn’t respond to the email in anger, nor did I make any decisions right away. I felt there was more to the picture yet to be revealed.
And there was. The deal that was offered as a contract buyout was amended to give me a reasonable chunk of change in exchange for losing my income, and what’s more – because I didn’t burn any bridges, they negotiated to keep me on as a writer – and have even referred me extra work.
In the meantime, three other editors serendipitously contacted me asking me to write for them. (One of them is Flight Network, for whom I’m now their Travel Hacking Columnist). The second (with TripCentral.ca) was for a series of articles over a few months. I even turned down the third offer (despite an incredibly high pay rate), as I instead chose loyalty to one of my other columns and publications, since there was a vague conflict of interest. (I don’t care how much I am getting paid; if the circumstances under which I am being paid to write don’t feel right, I can’t/won’t produce).
So what started out as some terrible news at first, ended up being a gift of inspiration in acquiring new writing opportunities, and shifting around the old to work out even better overall. This has created a ripple effect throughout my entire business; I’ve switched into a new gear and am amidst a number of big projects (TBA).
Ask, and the Plane Ticket Shall Come
The second example of serendipity happened over three days.
Day One: I realized my three month tourist visa for Grenada was going to expire in a month. Although I could extend it on the island, I’d rather travel and return. I’ve managed to get off the island before my visa expired every time thus far; I’m eager to continue the trend.
Day Two: I received an email from a soon-to-be-announced angel. They offered me a free trip (through a number of soon-to-be-announced destinations) that will be just what the doctor ordered. I’ll even receive compensation for my time, and it’s a great opportunity to explore a whole new element of points-based travel (a valuable technique for financially sustainable travel).
Day Three: I had a conversation with the soon-to-be-announced angels, and the gig was confirmed. Here’s the kicker: My departure date is the exact date that my visa for Grenada expires.
(cue Twilight Zone music)
Serendipity, and Bad Luck – er, Good Luck
All this reminds me of an old proverb I wrote about ages ago: Good Luck, Bad Luck, Who Can Tell. You never know what’s behind that stroke of good or bad luck you’ve just been dealt. Remaining calm and patient can reveal a larger picture, an often with it, unanticipated opportunities.
Lynn Clare says
September 2, 2013 at 12:49 pmThanks so much for the great article on Serendipity! I also have learned to wait and see what the larger picture will reveal – it’s not always easy, but always worth it!
All the best to you and your travels!
Lynn
theprofessionalhobo says
September 3, 2013 at 7:01 amHey Lynn,
If there’s anything I’ve learned in the aftermath of surviving a major accident, it’s patience. I may still not be very graceful at it, but I’m aware of the gifts hidden within for those who are patient.
Glad you enjoyed the article!
Must for Wanderlust says
September 3, 2013 at 1:41 pmGreat articles thank you for the reading material! 🙂 x
theprofessionalhobo says
September 4, 2013 at 10:26 amThanks for reading!
Gigi says
September 4, 2013 at 7:51 amLove this, Nora. Such a good reminder – and so very true. I just had a similar month, where everything seems to be shifting, but even all the “losses” are really just taking me down a new (and likely wonderful) path.
theprofessionalhobo says
September 4, 2013 at 10:28 amHi Gigi – It’s all about keeping your eyes and ears open, and trusting in the process, I think. Glad you’re moving and shaking (in a good way)!
Spanish translator @LatinAbroad says
September 4, 2013 at 4:00 pmI’m going through an eerily similar situation. I applied for a position to travel around the world for 6 months and get $50,000 back in April — but didn’t even make it to the top 10.
but just last month though? Found out there’s a BIGGER job, involving volunteering AND traveling the world for an entire year, plus $100,000 salary:
!! I wouldn’t have been able to even apply for this 2nd opportunity if I would have gotten the first one.
Doesn’t mean I will win this (your votes will help me tremendously by the way!), but it sure taught me that I must be patient and wait for life to unfold, as someone up there is blessing me and Angels will come to my life when the time is right 🙂
CANNOT wait to see where you’re going and what your new amazing gig is, by the way! You are an amazing individual, one of my role models, and I truly hope I get to meet you someday. I’m currently Puerto Rico, not too far from you, perhaps that could be soon? 😉
-Maria Alexandra
theprofessionalhobo says
September 5, 2013 at 10:58 amHey Maria!
Yeah – there are some awesome competitions going around…I saw this one too…you’ve got my vote! 🙂
And thanks for the kind words! I recently referred somebody to you who was asking about working as a translator abroad.
Good luck with the competition, and happy travels! As for when/where we’ll meet…my guess is as good as yours…. 😉
Annie says
September 5, 2013 at 11:43 pmHi Nora,
Thank you once again for your inspirational article on Serendipity….
……. TRUST the PROCESS…..answers will come…always
On another note….you, Nora.. inspire me, in/on so many diverse avenues..
Thank you..xo
theprofessionalhobo says
September 6, 2013 at 10:52 amThank YOU, Annie! Your kind words mean a lot to me; striking a chord with my writing/words is the greatest outcome I can hope for.
Terry says
September 7, 2013 at 12:39 amLoved reading your tips and advice. Working while travelling abroad can be a challenge…but challenge accepted. http://diaryofanordinarytraveller.blogspot.ca/
theprofessionalhobo says
September 7, 2013 at 11:23 amHi Terry – You go girl! How long are you on the road for?