Sharing stories of nomads during the coronavirus pandemic (Vol. 1)

We’ve been reaching out to our nomadic friends to make sure they are safe, healthy and offered them to share their stories on our blog as everyone’s situation is very different, especially when you don’t have a fixed home. Since we’ve received a few of these stories, we decided to publish every Wednesday. (Make sure to sign-up to our newsletter to get these stories are soon as we publish them).

This week we are sharing two stories. The story of James & Emily (currently in Cyprus) and the story of Michelle (currently in Australia). Through their stories, you will learn about how they ended up where they are today, how they are currently handling this pandemic and what’s next for them.

James & Emily 

James & Emily: It’s James & Emily from Rethink the Rat Race. You may remember us from the Nomadic Series article. While [the coronavirus] was starting to grow worldwide, we were traveling in Spain, Malta, France, and Hungary with a short trip back to the US. At the time, we had no idea that every country was going to close their windows and lock their doors. 

Luckily, we are back in Cyprus, where the government is being proactive, as the world is taking the coronavirus seriously. All non-essential businesses are closed and there is a limit to how many people are allowed at one time in the remaining stores. Mercifully, we can still go outside, which we take advantage of to exercise. 

We aren’t concerned about our own health, but we are concerned about Emily’s grandparents as we are living in the apartment behind their house. Both our families are doing well at the moment, and we are doing what we can to keep it that way.

Initially, our plans were to leave Cyprus on April 1 to go back to the US for a few months. These plans included a wedding, two nephews being born, and speaking at a conference. Almost all of these plans have been postponed. We are trying to get our sisters to postpone the births, but that seems to be an uphill battle.

For now, we are going to remain in Cyprus and apply for a long term visa for James as his citizenship likely won’t get approved before his tourist visa expires. We hope all of you are safe and in a country of your choosing during these uncertain times. 

Michelle

Life before the virus

Michelle: I arrived in Auckland in August 2019, following a year of slow travel in the USA. I was working on an event management contract to top up my travel savings, enjoying the work visa-free status of my Australian citizenship there. I was housesitting regularly for my accommodation, while also exploring New Zealand on weekend breaks.

I was eagerly anticipating my next six-month trip from late April 2020 after my work contract ended. I had an award flight booked and a rough itinerary in mind for travel across Canada on a ‘working holiday visa’. I also planned to connect with nomad and blogger friends at USA’s TravelCon and Financial Freedom Summit in May.

Then Covid-19 changed all that

Michelle: The major event I’d been working on commenced in early March – and it soon became apparent it wouldn’t continue through its full three weeks in New Zealand. Each day presented new challenges, as logistics costs escalated, flights were canceled, borders started closing, and mass gatherings were reduced.

With the event unraveling, future housesits canceling and international travel becoming more restricted by the day, I quickly decided to return to Australia with 72 hours’ notice on Saturday 21st March. I changed an existing flight booking from NZ to Australia without fees (though a fare difference applied), in the nick of time before all international Qantas flights were to be grounded a week later.

Positives amidst the chaos

Michelle: My workplace has fortunately allowed me to complete my final contracted month of work remotely, so I continue to be paid despite not being in the office.

I am able to stay at my parents’ house for my 14-day self-isolation, now required for arrivals into Australia. I’ll pay for my room and food, but much cheaper than trying to find a short rental in New Zealand (and risk getting stuck there too).

I now have a forced rest break to reflect on the year and decompress from the busy event contract.

I will be able to spend time with family and friends from my hometown after my quarantine ends.

I have dedicated time to concentrate on building my online and freelance work, outside of an office environment in an employee capacity.

I had 6 months in cash savings for my planned Canada travel, which will stretch further now with my current cheap accommodation.

Being on the path to financial independence, I had been building a share portfolio over time with dividends as passive income – though the significant drop in value recently has been disconcerting. 

I am conscious of other resources available to me, described in Rich and Resilient Living’s post ABCs of Wealth. These other forms of wealth beyond money are Abilities, Belonging and Community – all that we need to get through these times.

Looking ahead

Michelle: For now, I anticipate needing to settle in Australia for at least the next six months. I’m hoping the government here will heed advice to lockdown early and stop the spread of virus asap. 

I’m feeling quite humbled being back in my childhood bedroom in my parents’ house. I’ve essentially been grounded; not being able to leave my room while in self-isolation. This will take some adjustment! However, I appreciate how lucky I am to have this kind of home base to return to in an emergency.

I’m sad I don’t have closure on my time in New Zealand, with more sights I wanted to see and missing goodbyes to friends with my abrupt departure.

My events industry has been devastated by cancellations and job losses, so I’m sensitive to the financial pressure many friends and colleagues are feeling right now.

Overall, I feel like I’m in a good position to be able to wait this out – and also build something new with this downtime available. Stay safe and well, everyone!

Do you want to share your story?

We are living in an unprecedented time and we would love to share your story with our audience and connect with our community. So if you are interested to share your story, please reach out to us. (We created a story outline template if you are looking for guidance about what to discuss).