• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Professional Hobo

Traveling full-time in a financially sustainable way

  • ABOUT
  • BLOG
  • DESTINATIONS MAP
  • TRAVEL STUFF
  • CONTACT
  • BOOKS/COURSES

Using Serendipity in Travel and Business

Last Updated: August 3, 2020

Using Serendipity in Travel and Business
PinterestFacebookTwitterLinkedIn

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

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.

PinterestFacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Filed Under: Life as a full-time traveler

About the Author: As a former CFP (Certified Financial Planner), Nora Dunn has traveled full-time for over 12 years. Now a celebrated author, speaker, and freelance writer, Nora teaches people how to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way. Read More…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lynn Clare says

    September 2, 2013 at 12:49 pm

    Thanks 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

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      September 3, 2013 at 7:01 am

      Hey 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!

      Reply
  2. Must for Wanderlust says

    September 3, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Great articles thank you for the reading material! 🙂 x

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      September 4, 2013 at 10:26 am

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  3. Gigi says

    September 4, 2013 at 7:51 am

    Love 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.

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      September 4, 2013 at 10:28 am

      Hi 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)!

      Reply
  4. Spanish translator @LatinAbroad says

    September 4, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I’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

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      September 5, 2013 at 10:58 am

      Hey 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…. 😉

      Reply
  5. Annie says

    September 5, 2013 at 11:43 pm

    Hi 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

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      September 6, 2013 at 10:52 am

      Thank 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.

      Reply
  6. Terry says

    September 7, 2013 at 12:39 am

    Loved reading your tips and advice. Working while travelling abroad can be a challenge…but challenge accepted. http://diaryofanordinarytraveller.blogspot.ca/

    Reply
    • theprofessionalhobo says

      September 7, 2013 at 11:23 am

      Hi Terry – You go girl! How long are you on the road for?

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

WELCOME!

This site is part travel tales, and part lifestyle travel tips.

Check out my free Travel Lifestyle Guides to answer all the questions you have about your own travel journey!

I'm Nora Dunn. I traveled the world full-time for 12 years, and I still travel for half the year!
Expert on travel, personal finance (as a former CFP), and lifestyle design.
Adventurer. Eater. Former shaman's apprentice. Always an actor/singer/dancer. Professional speaker. All that. And more…

Get Free Accommodation

how to get free accommodation around the world

Here’s Where I Get Almost All My Clothes:



Use the discount code NORA20 for $20 off orders of $120 or more!

To Maximize Your Free Credit Card Travel Rewards, I Recommend:



buy hats at wholesale price on dhgate for travel

Search

Categories

Before Footer

Nora Dunn The Professional Hobo Featured in Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, MSN Money, Yahoo, Lonely Planet, Wise Bread, Business Insider, and many more

Footer

About This Website

The Professional Hobo is about how to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way, as experienced since 2006 by Nora Dunn, former financial planner and current world traveler/writer.

  • Writing Portfolio & Speaking Credits
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Travel Resources
Copyright © 2009-2020 TheProfessionalHobo.com. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure: In accordance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize links located throughout the content on this site. Additionally, some posts might be sponsored to support this blog. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers. All opinions are my own.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Privacy Policy: While you may rest assured that we at The Professional Hobo are not using your information for evil purposes, here is everything you need to know about our Privacy Policy.