Jacqueline Jensen, author of 'Travel Isn't The Answer', discusses the importance of awe and wonder in our lives. She shares tips for living with curiosity, passion, and awe, and redefining the role of work. The podcast also explores the rise of travel as a service industry and the importance of building community in long-term stay programs.
Taking structured sabbaticals can help individuals redefine their relationship with work and prioritize personal growth and well-being.
Living with curiosity and passion in everyday life, regardless of travel, can lead to a more fulfilling and wonder-filled existence.
Deep dives
Importance of Structured Sabbaticals and Embracing Breaks
Taking structured sabbaticals to recover and reset is crucial for overall well-being. It allows for a break from work and provides an opportunity for personal growth and exploration. It's important to embrace the idea of taking time off to focus on other passions, learn new skills, and prioritize mental and physical health. Structured sabbaticals can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, outside of the traditional work-centered mindset.
Finding Wonder and Curiosity Beyond Travel
While travel has its benefits, it's not the only way to cultivate curiosity and wonder. The idea of living with curiosity and passion wherever you are, whether traveling or not, can lead to a more fulfilling life. It's about finding beauty and amazement in the everyday, exploring local music scenes, visiting art museums, and reconnecting with nature. By shifting our perspective and embracing the beauty around us, we can find wonder in any environment.
The Rise of Travel as a Service
The concept of travel as a service has gained popularity, offering convenient solutions for digital nomads and travelers. These programs provide accommodations, co-working spaces, and support for remote work, simplifying the logistics of travel and creating a sense of community. While travel as a service can be beneficial, it's important to consider individual preferences and needs. Some people may find value in such programs, while others may prefer more independent travel experiences.
Building a Calm Company and Prioritizing Work-Life Balance
Creating a calm company involves prioritizing work-life balance and fostering a supportive environment. It means valuing employees as individuals and encouraging a well-rounded lifestyle. By setting boundaries, working in sprints, and promoting calmness, companies can create a healthier and more productive work culture. Embracing the human side of work means putting people's well-being and personal growth at the forefront.
Jacqueline Jensen has been a digital nomad for 3.5 years, living and working globally. It might surprise you to find out then, that she's written a book called "Travel Isn't The Answer." While counter-intuitive, she argues for a return to awe and wonder with what is already around us. She talks about different moments of wonder she has experienced (including a breathtaking view in Montenegro) and different techniques for how people can "Live With a Sense of Curiosity, Passion, and Awe Anywhere and Everywhere" (the subtitle of the book).
Last year, in a planned sabbatical she came face-to-face with the fact that work was the center of her world. While she almost "quit" the sabbatical, she pushed herself to redefine her day and time to claim back some of herself from a sole focus on work. She provides many actionable tips and perspectives that can help people question the role of work in their lives, take steps to increase the amount of awe in their lives and connect with people that matter to them.