How do I finance my travels and other passions

8/16/2017

How do I finance my travels and other passions

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

It is easy to give up on our passions by giving excuses to ourselves

Keeping our passions alive is in itself not easy and over it keeping our pockets ready to chase them is even tougher. I’m a live example of this. It might come as a shock, but I had once given up on my passion only because of my own financial insecurities. Going back to 1997-1998, I had found my first passion in Badminton. I had earned the titles of State Championship and represented myself at Badminton Nationals. My entire life revolved around badminton and I’d never imagined my life without it. Come 1999, my parents had forced me to quit badminton to prepare for my board exams. I didn’t try enough to convince them to let me make a career in Badminton. I spent next 6 years in almost depression. For years I kept blaming them for breaking me down with that decision. Living in Himalayas gave me some “nirvana” if not much. I accepted that it was me who was insecure of my earnings - if I made a career in Badminton and didn't make enough money for my living. It was easier to give up.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

Started spending on my passions (dancing) after I started earning

Taking up computer engineering, getting iob in IT multinationals and living a comfortable life was easy. I joined TCS Ahmedabad for my first job. I was a workaholic and progressed well during the first year. Very soon I was exposed to the other factors of the corporate life which didn’t interest me much. After I was done stocking my wardrobe with the best of the brands, money didn’t affect me much. I wanted to pursue my passions. I didn’t manage to find good players to play badminton with in Ahmedabad. So I picked up my next passion - Dancing (I had done a degree in Katthak in my school days) for my after office hours. I joined the best dance classes in the town and enhanced my dancing skills to Jive, Salsa, Cha cha cha, waltz, hip-hop and Jazz. When most others (earning as good as me) would worry about the fees, I went ahead and paid for it. I was saving on other unnecessary things in life like salons, beauty parlours, fashion handbags, dresses, sandals and make-up. I started swimming again.

Moved to Pune to continue pursuing my passion in sports and adventure

I’d taken my first ever Himalayan trek to Bhrigu Lake (14500 feet) when I was 16 years old, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I didn’t understand how to pursue my passion into adventure with my job, so I took up a job with Infosys and moved to Pune with the idea of trying out adventure activities in the outskirts on the weekends. To my surprise, I found sexy wooden badminton courts right inside Infosys campus. I picked up my racquet again after a gap of 12 long years, and spent all my after office hours on the courts and held the title of "Corporate Badminton Champion of Pune" for all the years I lived in Pune.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

I started taking out time and money for dancing (this time it was Tango with Sandip Soparrkar and Bachata). On the weekends I started exploring the city - the markets, the bars, the spas, the restaurants, the night-life. Very soon I bought my sweetheart i10 on EMI (Infosys had given me a good hike on joining) so that I could start venturing out of town on weekends. Long drives soon turned into road trips.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

I started taking up weekend treks and other adventure activities in the Sahyadris.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

Started traveling to take my passions (trekking and scuba diving) to another level

I switched my job to IBM with little more increment and upgraded my wines from Sula to French wines, trekking in Sahyadris to trekking in Himalayas. The more I trekked in Himalayas, I realised that doing things makes me happier than owning things. I’ve written a separate post on this - How trekking changed my attitude towards life. With this changed attitude, I could save on lot of materialistic luxuries that were once a part of my life and I started saving little more to spend on tougher and costlier mountain expeditions and on my international trips for Scuba Diving. I had to spend a lot on my gears as well.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

Quit my IT career to give myself a chance to make a living out of my passions

I never owned anything big except my car. I never had savings to invest in anything, apart from the yearly Tax saver FDs. I was comfortable managing the best lifestyle I could give to myself. But comfort always made me uncomfortable. Something that constantly kept bothering me was that I wasn’t making any use of my potential at all and that frustrated me. I knew my potential was way beyond my own imagination. And I’d again found my passion - this time it was into Adventures. After working for 9.5 years, I gathered enough courage to quit my job, take a break for a year and figure out if I had enough courage to work towards my passions. The only savings I had when I quit my job were my Tax-Saver FDs that had started maturing and my PF that I’d gathered over the years. I still had the courage to give up most of my belongings, kept only what I really needed that could be packed in my car, so that I could be easily mobile and location independent.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

Lived on my savings and collaborated with Tourism Boards

After quitting my job, I spent the entire year on my savings - went on 1.5 months backpacking and adventure trip to Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia), lived and backpacked in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months, even bought a Macbook Air and high-end trekking shoes. I was consciously and wisely avoiding spending on most of the things I didn't require, and spent only on the basics. I started blogging frequently after I moved to Tirthan Valley. I got invited for a few sponsored trips by tourism boards. For blogging assignments, I did a few sponsored treks with a few trekking companies and got invited to luxury properties for property reviews.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

Freelanced as travel blogger and travel planner

My 1 year break ended in March2017 and I was supposed to start earning from Arpil again (according to my initial plan). But I had made up my mind not to go back to corporate and give myself a chance to make my living though my passion of adventure travel. I panicked a little about my earnings and started freelancing with travel companies for travel writing and blogging assignments, and personalising trips for few interested travellers (this wasn’t easy either. I had even carried my laptop on the Everest Base Camp trek and was working from there on the acclimatisation days). The freelance work started paying 80% of my minimalistic bills and on the side I was constantly working to get into the business side of adventure travel.

RavenousLegs - Solo Travel, Adventure Travel, Sustainable Travel

Made my way to my dream job

It took me 4 more months than my deadline, and eventually I ended up with a dream job. I’m now the Product Manager for SCUBA Diving for Trip360 (new adventure unit of Cox and Kings). Adventure and Travel is now my work!! Getting here was extremely difficult, but I’m happy that I didn’t give up on my second passion because of financial insecurities.

So all of you who were just looking for figures and calculations such as how much percentage of my salary I kept for my passions, how much per year I spent on my travels, and the likes, I know I’ve disappointed you with this post.

But I can proudly say that all of my passions were completely financed by my own self, even while I took care of all my living expenses, took care of myself when I fell sick, cooked/bought my own food, drove myself to everywhere, stood up for myself, made my own decisions, pampered myself with wines - ALL BY MYSELF. AND EVERYTHING CAME WITH A COST!

All I’m trying to convey is that it was never about how much I earned (I’ve compromised a lot on my earnings to give time to my passions) and how much I spent. It was always about my attitude towards my passions and my priorities.
I considered spending on my passions as an investment, which is eventually paying off.

Related Posts:

How Trekking changed my attitude towards life

How scuba diving encouraged me to quit my job

What I did with my life after quitting my job

35 Comments

Author

Namaste! I'm Medhavi Davda.
I travel to Evolve..
In Nature, I confide..
I find my calling in the Himalayas..
In the Oceans, I meditate..

A High-Altitude Trekker & PADI certified SCUBA Diver, I love exploring the heights and depths of the planet with my regular doses of mountains and oceans.

Discovering myself & life through nature, adventures, travels, sports and dance has been an addiction since my existence!

Quite fond of the natural & cultural diversity of India, I've travelled extensively in my own country before exploring international destinations.

I had left my 9+ yrs of career in Software Industry in a quest to make a living out of my passions. I packed my basics in my car (gave away the rest) and lived in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for 16 months. This invaluable time taught me to experience life from a broader perspective.

I'm currently living in Mumbai to work with an Adventure Travel company as a product manager for Scuba Diving. I continue living a minimalistic life.

RavenousLegs on Instagram

Parag Badiani

9/20/2017 02:33:38

Very Inspiring Story, Medhavi. Being a Mithapurian... Proud of You on your achievements. Great Going....

Pankaj Solanki

9/20/2017 02:34:08

That's really inspiring.You tried your hand in almost everything in life sports dance leisure luxury and adventure.Hats of

Pia Becker

9/20/2017 02:34:33

very inspiring story. Glad that you find your dream job in the end.

Priyanka Aggarwal

9/20/2017 02:35:04

Having read your article, I stand completely speechless. It feels extremely optimistic to see that people like you definitely exist in this world. People like you who give first priority to their priorities. I just want to tell you how much I appreciated your clearly written and thought provoking article. I wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

Prerak Mahajan

9/20/2017 02:35:29

Touched ! Seriouly . It took only 5 min for me to read this but it actually contains your whole life.Each word written as an experience here was probabily gathered in hours/days/years .
Keep writting , you never know someone can make a descion after reading this. :)
Btw I am at Infosys , Pune right now where the badminton courts are still pollished in the same manner as they would have used to before :P . Dont mind, Can I connect with you , @email prob ? - Just looking for some good mentors

Ruchira Shukla

9/20/2017 02:35:59

Fabulous post ! Life is nothign if you just work and don't live your passions. Materialistic things don't matter, what matters is expereinces and living life to the fullest. And you are a livign example of that !

Arunabh Chakraborty

9/20/2017 02:36:28

Its really amazing when passion becomes so meaningful in our lives despite living in a world full of materialistic cravings. People like you are inspiring always!

Suruchi Mittal

9/20/2017 02:36:56

I love your passion. You are so multi talented. Amazing. I need to learn so much. You are an inspiration girl.

Ankur Choraria

9/20/2017 02:37:20

Wow .. way to go... Love your passion ....

Yakub Mansuri

9/20/2017 02:37:46

I heard inspiring stories in news... Now I am watching in live.... Glad to see you...

Vikas Singh

9/20/2017 02:38:10

Great inspiring I want to also live in this style

Anshul Kaushik

9/20/2017 02:38:31

Way to go girl. You are an inspiration. I also lived in Tirthan for six months in 2016 but was not aware about you. Hope to meet you someday world is a small place.

Neha Verma

9/20/2017 02:38:54

No, you didn't disappoint me at all..if anything, you inspired me with this post. I can relate to it at many different levels. I am a creative/artistic person. I loved to paint (painting everything around the house I find), I am learning stitching from my mom, and I am slowly turning into an avid traveler and blogger. The only thing - I am still sticking to the day job in IT that I want to quit - for exactly the same reasons that you mentioned. I am really feeling inspired and energized. I will set a goal for myself and work towards my passions so I can live them fully a couple of years down the line

Ritutpal Bordoloi

9/20/2017 02:39:19

...just keep it up....

Palav Herma

9/20/2017 02:39:48

U r self-made Medhavi..knowing u from school days n I still remember u as a girl who was active in sports n was full of life...u r still the same..
Money is secondary thing u have earned n achieved more than that..living your dreams following your passion...Giving 100% n getting 100%...#fearlessmedhavi #superwoman #selfmademedhavi
Proud of u dear

Anirban Ani

9/20/2017 02:40:09

Bravo... Life example of a passion driven lady

Ashish Samani

9/20/2017 02:40:36

Extremely inspiring. Giving courage to follow our dreams. Wondering how you've been best in everything which were not mentioned like you're best in Rangoli, Academics. Best in all areas one can think. Happy to see you successful

Amit Dhar

9/20/2017 02:41:02

You are an inspiration to all. It takes courage to follow your Passions and you have mastered it exceptionally well.You are a perfect example for all those people out there who don't have the courage to do what they really want to achieve in Life. Keep up the spirit and the flame of exploration burining in you.God Bless and Godspeed.

My Unfinished Life

9/20/2017 02:41:24

A very honest write up Medhavi, among the many hyped and misleading ones I have read till date about pursuing passions.. Knowing as I do you ... You haven't left out any hidden points .... Yes it takes a lot to pursue our passions and lives the way we want to, and the beginning is always from taking responsibility of your own life and stop blaming others.

Rahul Bhatia

9/20/2017 02:41:50

Very inspiring and sure if you muster courage other things fall in place!

R Niranjan Das

9/20/2017 02:42:16

Great going. Good luck on your new endeavour.

Jagdeep Singh

9/20/2017 02:42:38

Great..you inspire

Jayant Kale

10/6/2017 01:40:10

Life is not easy, as a traveller I can understand the problems and situations, you go through. Yes, it's not easy, I myself quit several times from travelling and focused on my trading business. It's really your valour, that you can keep it going. May be someday, I will also go toward my passion that is travel new places and explore the world. My best wishes, god protect you always and you get his blessings all time.

Pooja singh

1/8/2018 18:19:05

Your inspirational blog has inspired me and is giving me adrenaline rush right now....your blog has increased my hunger for travelling more....I to meet you so much badly and would like to be a part of your Trip360

Kasturi Narayen

1/9/2018 21:20:43

very inspiring..........would defintely like to meet u in person.

Purvi Kamaliya link

2/9/2018 11:52:18

Your journey is such an inspiration for all those who wish to pursue their passion. Keep going girl.. all the best.

Hemant Korgaonkar

2/22/2018 23:00:46

Chasing your constantly changing dreams and also achieving them...simply extraordinary. All the very best for your eternal journey.

Shrinidhi Hande link

2/23/2018 07:46:21

very inspiring. Best wishes

Rajeev Dobhal

2/27/2018 11:16:58

Very inspiring indeed. It gives me a lot of clarity about what I wish to follow.

ayush bhardwaj

3/17/2018 13:44:24

mam really inspired by you you are amazing

sushmita kapoor link

7/19/2018 10:40:14

Trophy, Adventure, Passion.. Pics says all...........salute u girl...

Neeraj Kumar Bhatt

9/29/2018 17:43:54

Honestly.. Jealous of you.. Wish everyone could be courageous enough to hit so hard for own passions.. Gr8. I keep reading blogs but first time I feel like mentioning something for anyone.. Because feel is all real.. U r real natural person.. And I am extremely fad up of artificial people around ..

Ashutosh Kalshetti

9/18/2019 12:30:08

It was great to read the story, felt really inspiring. Had reduced my passion of roming around and writing blogs sharing personal experience which would help travellers. Will take it on once again serious, Thanks alot for motivation. Would be glad if you can direct me to some writing skill improvement content. Will be glad to receive your reply,
Thanks in advance
Ashutosh
Aspire travel writer.

Jignesh Shaj

1/7/2020 11:25:12

Extremely inspiring. Salute to you & your passion.

Suresh

3/24/2021 13:53:02

Amazing ! No doubt you are full of courage. I read your story now twice . Very inspiring ! God Bless you !

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