Stephanie Conway worked in advertising for corporations representing manufacturers like Samsung, Audi, and T-Mobile for years. On the floor, this #girlboss had all of it: economic stability, an enviable Instagram feed, glamorous birthday party invites. But sooner or later, the sleepless nights stuck with her. So, at 28, she stopped her solid profession and decided to switch her desk for a beach and her tea-drinking coworkers for barefoot cohorts.
This digital nomad uses Bali as a domestic base and travels around Southeast Asia with an Instagram feed that shouts #travelgoals. She has created a digital assistant studio, Symphony VA, supporting agencies and marketers, and has returned precious time with outsourcing advertising and administration responsibilities. The purpose? “So they could get returned to doing what they do first-class,” says Conway, who is doing the same with her existence.
Here, Conway tells how she quit the 9-to-5 and reinvented not only her profession but also her life.
Criss-Crossing the Pond: I grew up in the U.K., then at 18, was given time-honored into a college in Los Angeles. After commencement, I cherished the weather and lifestyle so much that I cast a career in advertising and occasions. I spent several years operating in L.A. And living my first-class lifestyle. But a demise in the circle of relatives introduced my lower back to the U.K. I managed to comfy a marketing task in the first week of coming home; however, after dwelling in constant sunshine, the British wintry weather climate slowed me down. I awoke in the darkness to go to paintings, then arrived home because the solar was placing. I felt like a vampire.
Why Not Me? Through my task, I worked on campaigns with pinnacle influencers, securing brand partnership offers and helping them make a ton of cash to journey and be gorgeous. I constantly watched social feeds filled with lovely virtual nomads living their excellent lives on beaches whilst I was caught in an office with unflattering fluorescent lighting fixtures, losing away. I constantly ask myself, “Why can’t I be where they are?”
Daydreams: Whenever I had a terrible day at work, I’d fantasize about Bali starting. Eventually, dwelling in steady darkness pushed me over the edge. So, I started to discover ways to translate my advertising skill set into working freelance for small companies and marketers. This would permit me to maintain a computer lifestyle and travel everywhere I desire.
Taking the Plunge: I knew that humans would strive to speak me out of it, so I failed to inform absolutely everyone I’d cease until I booked my one-way ticket to Bali. From the outside looking in, I was concerned that what I was doing would appear crazy and irrational. I became the most apprehensive about informing my mum, but she’d witnessed the burnout and knew I wasn’t happy.
My Motivation: I moved to Asia because I wanted to be free. I tried to wake up every day in the sunshine. I wanted to live life on my own terms in a network of supportive friends worldwide. I tried to swim in the ocean, attempt to surf, and dive deeper into all aspects of my lifestyle. When you permit yourself to pass societal obstacles, there is extra room to be who you intend to be.
My Travels: Since setting up my company, I have traveled to special nations within Southeast Asia. My favorite is the Indonesian archipelago for its pristine beaches and ease of access to clean coconuts. The low cost of living has allowed me the time and space to develop my corporation authentically and organically.
Finding Community: Traveling around Southeast Asia has taught me plenty about other cultures. I’m continuously overwhelmed by the hospitality and kindness of the local community I meet here. There’s this beautiful community experience that I’ve never experienced before. I’ve begun weekly #girlboss meet-usa to assist fellow virtual nomads in setting goals, keeping one another accountable, and making new buddies.
Risk Taking: When you go away with something as stable as an ordinary paycheck, you are taking a risk. It’s scary, but you must believe in yourself and your capacity to build your emblem. I’ve also discovered to be an affected person, as I’ve realized that it takes tough work to create a symbol while trying to live off my touring and advertising passions.
The Appeal of Travel: Travel seems like magic. You in no way understand where it’s going to take you. This magic has sent me to tremendous locations around the arena and is addictive. But everybody hooked on the identical magic will let you know: When your frame can’t journey, your mind wanders. You can’t always belong in one vicinity — your heart genuinely doesn’t let you.
