FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Self-employed: Suffering from "roadwarrior syndrome"
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 11:19 am
  #1  
ffguy79
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: AA, DL, WN, DL, Frontier, Continental, HH, Hertz Gold
Posts: 25
Self-employed: Suffering from "roadwarrior syndrome"

Background: After years of trying different business ideas, I am now self-employed full-time (1 year+) as a social media producer and consultant. This means that I create, develop, produce, and distribute time-shifted (on-demand) digital media (podcasts, blogs, etc.) for mass consumption (iPods, computers, etc.)

Thanks to my relentless pursuit of success in social media, I've managed to establish my name and work via word-of-mouth and press coverage. This is now leading to introductions and potential work with prospective clients. However, there's a problem: I am suffering from "roadwarrior syndrome".

Previously, I worked as an IT contractor on various projects, and for 2004-2005, a project coordinator for a major healthcare company. I traveled weekly, living out of a suitcase and hotel rooms. I lived for the thrill of flying and random hotels. Weekends were my only time at home, and like a kid at Christmas time, I couldn't wait to go out the following Sunday or Monday.

Everyday, I feel there's a part of my life that's missing. For the past year, I've been evaluating ways to realize a regular travel schedule again as a self-employed person. I miss the networking at airports and on flights, catching the Hertz bus for my car rental, etc. I cannot ignore the withdrawal I'm experiencing these days.

Thus, I am turning to the community for ideas. I know my work in social media will eventually allow me to travel frequently, but I'm looking to do so sooner than later. Because I am focused 100% on extracting an income from the Internet, I am always thinking about new projects to create, so I've considered a travel related blog focused on the airlines, among many things.

Hopefully this "problem" makes sense to some of you. I'm simply seeking a solution which will afford me the best of both worlds -- self-employment and travel.
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