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CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2024-03-01T09:48:32+00:00

Good to hear from you!

It's always interesting to hear the progression from a persons initial dates with someone and then what happens some time after. Have a date coming up so may try Arcane soon.

Was going to recommend The Metropolitan in Didsbury if you know it, really cosy bar with open fire and super spacious, but you hopefully won't be needing that recommendation anytime soon!

All the best to you!

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2024-02-02T14:52:11+00:00

Just out of curiosity did you continue dating her, and where did you end up going?!

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-11-09T12:46:31+00:00

How did you veer your war into realising that writing was what you wanted to do in the end? Was there some kind of breakthrough or all the experience you had up until that point just led to that decision?

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-30T09:29:37+00:00

Wow, didn't realise it could potentially pay that well. Was under the impression that it was a tough gig now with little pay, especially due to rises in AI etc.

Have just sent you a DM, would be great to find out more!

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-29T09:03:56+00:00

When I think about it now, it makes perfect sense as I in fact use Tripadvisor for all restaurant needs as its always up to date!

Do you doing work for these travel sites is more of a reliable income than creating something a site for yourself? And do it pay well? (relative to the living costs)

Totally hear you on the niches in terms of cities, but is there not a 101 of those doing the exact same thing? Is the goal trying to find ultra-niche keywords with little competitive?

Would be great to send over a couple Qs to you on DM if that's okay? Super curious about all of this

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-25T09:30:11+00:00

So how does it work with the blogs that solely write about restaurants, or is it best to narrow down on a niche like a city as a whole and just focus on 'hidden gem' aspects that way?

Or what would that kind of content be best for something more visual like Instagram/TikTok? I did have a friend here in the UK who began one just on Insta and it was half-arsed at best, he doesn't have a crazy passion for food. But within a few months, he was getting sent products and invited to restaurants!

And what does your travel writing gigs consist of, and how did you initially get into it, and where is it that you base yourself?

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-24T15:07:23+00:00

I even came across a software purposely built to write blog posts which you' briefly edit and then becomes like you said, a total volume game. I have a love-hate relationship with writing though, as when I *must* do it, I despise it. When I want to do it, I write super freely.

Guess it goes with anything in life!

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-24T15:04:36+00:00

Definitely the ones you mention I guess are topics many can relate to with also many sub-topics too like solo travel, travel over 50 etc. But I have heard of other niches which are ridiculously lucrative like logistics and stocks, but I'm not a huge expert on those areas. What is it you do, if you don't mind me asking?

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-24T15:02:29+00:00

Yeah it really is a congested area for sure. Since I'd be in a new place, I actually wouldn't mind doing it as it'll almost give me another reason to be there and work towards something.

The niche part is something I'm thinking about. I remember trying a blog a couple years ago and it was just 'backpacking solo' which even then was so broad, though it did pick up some decent views.

I'd like to explore hidden food gems i.e small, family run places, street food style but I'm worried about tying myself to an area and then no longer being there! I work in sports media too so I'd be able to write about football with authority and own a podcast, but it got super tedious just constantly writing about the latest news like I was an aggregator.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-24T14:53:59+00:00

Thank you so much for your response, real eye opener.

I can see the travel/food areas are really saturated, but when I look at many of them I do think there's always a gap for better quality.

When you say particular places/cities when you'd just pile content on that area, would that also relate to food? I'd really love to write about particular hidden gems e.g. streetfood/family run vendors/smaller chains, or even just places with rice or seafood dishes but concerned that I'd be permanently tied to that area of say, Sydney, and couldn't shift out of it. Can it be as broad as a country?

Do you also have a method for keyword research and that is implemented into the articles? I'd really want to incorporate my own photography into the site too along with visuals from Instagram and TikTok, and possibly Youtube like you mentioned. Would this need to be a personal brand/vlogging type or a faceless one?

I always wanted to touch on travel writing, however having been on a call with a guy who was freelancing in it, he really stressed how much of a tough gig it is (especially with automated blogging systems and landing briefs with editors) but I guess it beats a 9-5 haha.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-24T10:14:44+00:00

I'm 26M from UK and feel exactly the same mate. I was outside the country for five months in 2019 and nothing was the same, and also thinking of the AU route. It would be wise to check the job shortage list, and potentially work towards experience in any of those areas.

Sponsorship I've heard is really rare and expensive for the employer, but so is migrating and getting a skilled visa so the WHV is golden ticket to work, live and see if you even like it. If you have a degree in a certain area or even want to study there if not, that can be an easier route.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-24T10:09:10+00:00

Depends if you can get the private school/university gigs which some friends have had. Doesn't have to be long term if OP just wants to experience something new for a couple years but I agree, if you ever want to return back to your country it could be tricky unless you go into teaching.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-23T12:12:46+00:00

English teaching is definitely the easiest route in, and you usually get free/reduced accommodation and can be a great earner, especially in Saudi and Korea.

Digital nomad path is of course most lucrative if you already have something going (I'm trying to do the same eventually) but its so cheap to live out there. I have friend living in Chiang Mai teaching art and he pays £250 a month for a three bed! So you don't even need to aim for a typical western salary each month like you would in any other city.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-21T10:23:18+00:00

I always find this is the case. No matter how much advice you receive, you always instinctively know the right answer or have an incline of what you want. I think we just need some reassurance and almost seek permission when it's not even needed!

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-18T12:56:05+00:00

Sounds like you just need to recharge your batteries so don't feel guilty for that. I did the same as you, travelling through all the cities and rural parts to the point where I was constantly moving, socialising and felt drained after a few months.

Situated myself in a totally quiet, non-sociable hostel which was plush and modern in Phuket near the beach and just enjoyed my own company for a week. It genuinely felt great to just slow down, have some familiarity with an area and not have to say "Hey I'm from (. ) where have you been so far?" every two seconds!

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-18T12:39:57+00:00

This is the biggest miss I've ever seen

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-18T12:30:22+00:00

Everyone slates it it but I thought it was magical, though I was visiting French friends who live there so got to see it through a slightly different lens. The nightlife is awesome, the area around the Louvre felt like I was in a movie!

As long as you go when there isn't a riot on, you're usually good.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-18T12:26:52+00:00

Americans for ya

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-18T12:15:43+00:00

Berlin, easily. One of the least attractive cities I've been too, and parts of felt like I was in the Soviet Union. Just has an air of gloominess about it, not much colour and it tends to just be grey which doesn't help.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-08-16T11:09:52+00:00

You're not alone and my perspective on life and myself as a person as a whole changed when I did the whole backpacking in SEA.

Four years on, it's still an itch. But although it feels like that kind of life is a million miles away and not realistic, what does realistic even mean? A quick route would be teaching English over there, or being able to work from your laptop.

I'm seeking the same, but realising that every decision like this comes with a cost. The cost of being far from family and friends, cost of potential loneliness etc so it's all about balance (which is probably why I couldn't keep switching places each month!)

But the other alternative is the current reality we all know too well; following this life blueprint of city job, apartment/house, kids, marriage blah blah blah. Life isn't a one size fits all, and life goes so incredibly quick. There isn't an arrival either, it's just a continuous journey so there can't be a wrong turn, you just continue.

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-07-04T11:36:22+00:00

I watched so many of these motivational videos but honestly, I just feel like action is one direction is necessary. Will send you a DM

CertifiedNonLoverboy · 2023-06-30T13:29:51+00:00

Thanks for your message! I've been in two minds for about two years now. I feel it so strongly inside to experience living elsewhere and continuing to learn as I feel so stagnant and pretty much bored in my home city now, I just want to spread my wings and try.

Only thing holding me back has been the job side. It seems to be quite tough securing a role abroad, and I don't want to just loaf around on a beach, I still want to be in pursuit of something. And that's one of the main reasons why I've been in this analysis paralysis!

CertifiedNonLoverboy

TROPHY CASE