Three Reasons to Rethink Your Career Path and Live Your Dream Life

Truthfully, when you were asked as a child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was your answer, “A slave to the 9-5?”.

Of course not. As kids, our dreams were big and wild. Astronauts, adventurers, artists, or inventors. But the idea of stability overtook our sense of possibility somewhere along the way. Society told us there was one path to success: get the degree, land the job, and work your way up the ladder. But what if that path doesn’t fit you?

From a young age, I knew I didn’t want to follow the conventional route. My career has been anything but traditional, allowing me to live a life filled with travel, creativity, and freedom.

Here are three reasons to rethink your career and embrace a lifestyle that aligns with your dreams.

1. You were made for more than a 9-5

The biggest misconception about traditional jobs is that they’re the only route to stability. But the truth is that stability comes from adaptability. I didn’t limit myself to one role or industry when I started my career.

At 14, I was babysitting and washing cars. Later, I did promotions work for multiple agencies, launched my businesses in communications and pet sitting, and even guided cycling tours. Each step was a building block that gave me the skills and confidence to keep going.

Your career doesn’t have to fit into a box. Exploring non-linear paths opens opportunities that match your passions and values. Why settle for a life that doesn’t excite you when you could create one that does?

2. Diversifying your income is the key to freedom

Here’s the thing about income: it doesn’t have to come from a single job. I’ve earned money in over 20 ways – from hosting retreats to property investment to freelance writing. This wasn’t just about financial security but creating a life where I could follow my passions and thrive.

For example, I turned my love for travel into a source of income by organising retreats in India and Sri Lanka. I sold digital guides, worked as a coach, and partnered with clients worldwide. When one income stream slowed, another picked up, giving me freedom and flexibility.

If you’ve got a passion or a side hustle, don’t underestimate its potential. Diversifying your income could be the first step to building a life where work and joy coexist.

3. You don’t have to wait until retirement to travel

How many people do you know who dream of travelling the world “someday”? Maybe you’ve said it yourself: “I’ll travel when I’ve saved enough,” or “I’ll see the world when I retire.” But why wait?

I’ve built my career around travel, blending work with exploration to create a lifestyle that feeds my soul. Whether extending a business trip, taking a long weekend to recharge, or working remotely from somewhere new, you can integrate travel into your life.

One of my favourite lessons came from realising that work and travel don’t have to be separate; they can fuel each other, making every day feel more vibrant and fulfilling.

Rethinking your career starts now

Choosing a non-linear career path isn’t about throwing caution to the wind; it’s about designing a life that aligns with your goals and dreams.

If you want a full-time job, that would be great. If you love what you do, great. If you’re happy with the hours you work and the income you get, great. But if you’re not, and you don’t know, you can change it and choose.

Imagine waking up each day excited about what’s ahead – whether working on a passion project, exploring a new city, or simply enjoying the freedom you’ve created. You can have stable, well-paying work – and still have flexibility. I know because I’ve made it happen.

Ask yourself:

• What do I value most in life?
• How can I align my career with my passions?
• What small steps can I take today to start living my dream life?

The life you want is closer than you think.

If you’re ready to take the first step, download my journal prompts and start designing a career path that supports your dreams. Because your dream life isn’t just possible – it’s waiting for you to create it.