About
Welcome to NomadicChick.com! This website chronicles my birth from corporate lackey to full-blown traveler.
My name is Jeannie Mark and I quit my life.
I’m a mid-lifer who was stuck in an unsatisfying desk job and courting a growing resentment towards the North American lifestyle. After swearing to change my life on a file folder, I sold all my earthly possessions and set off in June 2010.
My journey will traverse the banks of the Ganges to the rich romanticism of Paris. My ultimate dream is to combine two pastimes: traveling and writing. Where could I end up? Hopefully a wandering writer and freedom seeker.
What transpires will be eye-opening, precarious and liberating. Read along as I emerge from my caterpillar shell. Because frankly, a dose of the unknown may be just what I need!
How I Got to this Point
It all began at age nineteen. After toiling at a daycare job, I found myself with a healthy bank account. My inner self fantasized about volunteering overseas, tasting exotic foods and experiencing cultural exchange, but external pressures won. Travel to Spain or buy a car? Naturally, I picked the car. First wrong turn complete. Next, I decided post-secondary education was essential because everyone else did it. That’s where I met my partner.
Eleven years later I traded him in for mounting debt and chronic back pain. The North American milestones that are supposed to bring happiness made me miserable. Worst still, my joy for life was sapped. Wake-up call noted — it was time to shut my eyes and jump into the rabbit hole.
The Purpose of this Site
Here I was with a bold idea to abandon my life, the next step was to hit the Internet for inspiration. Many travelogues emboldened my shaky will, but I couldn’t help noticing a scarcity of blogs devoted to someone like me, a single lady on the cusp of forty, ready to leave everything she’s known.
The signals I received were:
“You’re crazy. And too old.”
“Don’t you have a husband, a mortgage, 2.5 children and a job you love??”
“Woman, you are a red alert mid-life crisis!”
This site grew from a desire to motivate myself, as well as others. Hopefully it touches those people who are afraid to take the leap. If you discover this site, feel encouraged — most of all — realize that life long travel is doable at any age!
Travel and lust for life are the elixirs of my soul and I hope you feel that essence after visiting this website. I’m a friendly gal, so please drop by anytime.
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@Stephen Jones – Heyo! I meant to reply to this ages ago, so please forgive my lateness. Travel is something that seems to be a luxury and I guess it is, considering that not everyone on the planet has the means.. the only thing I can tell you is to do what makes you happy and once you do, a change will happen. You will feel rested and satisfied. It’s not always positive 100% of the time, but if you feel a restlessness, it’s never too late to explore it. To NOT do what your heart is telling you, will only bring heartache.. Based on that, hope your family will understand!
“[...]life long travel is doable at any age!”
Well, that’s my viewpoint also! One is never too old to travel. From 2020 I plan to do a RTW trip, lasting about four years at current estimates. But why stop there if I’m able to carry on? Particularly if I’m able to make money from my blog, once I get going. Why 2020? Well, I need to pay off a few debts, save, get fit. I’ll be 50, by that time. But, again, you’re never too old! Only a select few of my friends know, at the moment, that I’m planning to do it. However, none of my family. They’ll just say that I’m too old, that I need to settle down, and think of my retirement!
Anyhow, happy travels!
@Amy McPherson – Aw, cool. Thank you! Nice to meet you again. Think I remember you from the Worldette Facebook Group. Lady, you’re too kind!
Hi there! I have been following you since you did the video interview for Worldette. I want to grow up just like you!!! :) (Just kidding, I am not crazy, really)
Just a quick note to let you know I will be nominating you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. I am still writing up the post, but details will soon be on my blog :)
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