Always so interesting to see how my surroundings impact my thoughts/ambitions. I went back to the U.S. for a wedding a few months ago and immediately started browsing real estate listings in my old city, nearly got sucked right back in. Physically living outside of the zone you want to escape is the best shortcut to reaching societal pressure escape velocity.
"All too often, the “shoulds” drown out the sound of our actual desires, and we spend our lives doing what we think adults are supposed to do at the expense of our true callings or deepest passions"
Yes, I loved this post! It's such a good idea to just erase those pesky tasks that have been squatting on our to-do lists, and start fresh every once in a while (especially for those on a career break or for personal projects). Where our energy naturally flows without forcing it is absolutely something worth paying attention to.
YES this turned out so well and I’m so happy you wrote it because it’s something I went through as well. It was difficult to realize I wanted to go on a new path and it does take a lot of energy to break out of that momentum. Such a beautiful feeling when you do though! Great piece!
Well said Michelle! That makes me think of a similar term, "activation energy" — which also fits this metaphor. So glad this resonates with others (both those who have already made a big leap and some who are still on the fence). Your edits and feedback helped me get this one across the finish line, thanks again so much!
Thanks Patrick!! Yeah, I've realized it's a great way to approach the scary/unconventional things in life that we want to pursue. Thanks as always for reading!
It’s actually quite the opposite. Society wants people to prolong their infantilism as much as possible. Popular media pressures people not to settle down and have children but to continue to have fun, party, travel, play video games, watch old cartoons and movies – it’s just an extension of childhood but with adult characteristics. Have you checked the falling birth rates all across the developed world? That, along with many young people’s difficulties breaking into the workforce signals to me that people are trying to escape their world as a “kidult” than the 9-5, white picket fence life.
Interesting counter argument, I can’t say I disagree completely. The current state of the job market, house prices/interest rates and falling birth rates for sure are normalizing those leaving the normal path of adulthood. Though not sure I agree with “kidulting” — why must we stop playing and enjoying life just because we grow older?
This is very accurate. I've thought of my own experience as "Chance Cascades."
As in I took a chance on myself (to quit corporate), then another chance (to not go back), then another (to start writing), then another (to share writing), etc...
until these chances become a cascade where it's just now normal to keep taking more chances.
You write about the stuff I like, Emily. And you do that in a way that is fresh, authentic, and engaging. Now that you've told us about societal pressure escape velocity, I'm expecting you to share with us the rocket boosters you used to escape yourself ;).
Resonated with SO much of what you said! Feel like I’m currently living “leap and the net shall appear” — the way that things have just worked out so easily and frictionless in my transition from normal life to nomadic sabbatical feels like the universe reaffirming that I chose the right path 🙌🏽
Hi fellow Triber! Just subscribed! This piece is really well written...funnily enough, the term "escape velocity" was on my mind this week. I just joined the Tribe, and I was laid off in November, but before that, was simultaneously deep in the conformity hole while also pining for travel. It was easier to leave the gravitational field of corporate America by joining the orbit of another "planet" like Wifi Tribe rather than manufacture my own escape velocity...I'm glad things like Wifi Tribe exists! Can't wait to dive more into your writing...your bootcamp sounds awesome!
"There’s massive upside potential in non-conformity, as it’s actually possible to generate your own luck and serendipity through active, intentional decision-making."
Thanks Matt! I love this line too, especially because it was a sudden realization that came to me as I was writing this piece. It's much easier to take matters into your own hands rather than just sitting around passively waiting/hoping for your life to change/improve.
I love the term "non-linear" life. I've been searching for the right phrase to explain what I mean when I talking about opting out of those traditional paths. Thank you for this essay—and welcome to Substack!
Thanks so much, Lane! It's no surprise that this resonates with many fellow nomads, and I hope there's a lesson in applying that same fearlessness we've acquired from traveling to other areas of our lives 😊
This describes a lot of how I felt before we moved back in 2021. And in some respects I still feel it.
Always so interesting to see how my surroundings impact my thoughts/ambitions. I went back to the U.S. for a wedding a few months ago and immediately started browsing real estate listings in my old city, nearly got sucked right back in. Physically living outside of the zone you want to escape is the best shortcut to reaching societal pressure escape velocity.
im grateful the interest rates have skyrocketed pricing me out hahaha
There was a quote I read earlier, that the physical world has more "bandwidth" than the immaterial world. It seems like this applies here!
Welcome to Substack Emily! I love this line:
"All too often, the “shoulds” drown out the sound of our actual desires, and we spend our lives doing what we think adults are supposed to do at the expense of our true callings or deepest passions"
It reminds me of a post Paul made a few months ago about "Shouldlandia": https://newsletter.pathlesspath.com/p/escape-shouldlandia-255
Yes, I loved this post! It's such a good idea to just erase those pesky tasks that have been squatting on our to-do lists, and start fresh every once in a while (especially for those on a career break or for personal projects). Where our energy naturally flows without forcing it is absolutely something worth paying attention to.
Love this Emily. A lot of what you wrote resonates in many ways with me. Thanks for sharing it!
As a recent full time nomad, that’s still very nervous about the lifestyle transition, it’s comforting to read this and know I’m not alone
YES this turned out so well and I’m so happy you wrote it because it’s something I went through as well. It was difficult to realize I wanted to go on a new path and it does take a lot of energy to break out of that momentum. Such a beautiful feeling when you do though! Great piece!
Well said Michelle! That makes me think of a similar term, "activation energy" — which also fits this metaphor. So glad this resonates with others (both those who have already made a big leap and some who are still on the fence). Your edits and feedback helped me get this one across the finish line, thanks again so much!
Congrats on completing Write of Passage, and a great capstone post! I really like "societal pressure escape velocity" as a mental model.
Thanks Patrick!! Yeah, I've realized it's a great way to approach the scary/unconventional things in life that we want to pursue. Thanks as always for reading!
It’s actually quite the opposite. Society wants people to prolong their infantilism as much as possible. Popular media pressures people not to settle down and have children but to continue to have fun, party, travel, play video games, watch old cartoons and movies – it’s just an extension of childhood but with adult characteristics. Have you checked the falling birth rates all across the developed world? That, along with many young people’s difficulties breaking into the workforce signals to me that people are trying to escape their world as a “kidult” than the 9-5, white picket fence life.
Interesting counter argument, I can’t say I disagree completely. The current state of the job market, house prices/interest rates and falling birth rates for sure are normalizing those leaving the normal path of adulthood. Though not sure I agree with “kidulting” — why must we stop playing and enjoying life just because we grow older?
This is very accurate. I've thought of my own experience as "Chance Cascades."
As in I took a chance on myself (to quit corporate), then another chance (to not go back), then another (to start writing), then another (to share writing), etc...
until these chances become a cascade where it's just now normal to keep taking more chances.
Wow, I love that term. It’s much harder to build a dam against rushing water, so like you I’ve just continued to let things flow 🙂
"So what are we all racing towards?"
This question has been dominating my mind lately. What ARE we racing towards?
It's up to us to figure it out. Sounds like you're well beyond well on your way.
PS - I was in WoP Cohort 10, which is also why I use Substack. :)
Already so glad I made the switch! Thanks Amy :)
You write about the stuff I like, Emily. And you do that in a way that is fresh, authentic, and engaging. Now that you've told us about societal pressure escape velocity, I'm expecting you to share with us the rocket boosters you used to escape yourself ;).
Adding it to my to-write list! Thanks for the kind words Camilo!
Resonated with SO much of what you said! Feel like I’m currently living “leap and the net shall appear” — the way that things have just worked out so easily and frictionless in my transition from normal life to nomadic sabbatical feels like the universe reaffirming that I chose the right path 🙌🏽
Hi fellow Triber! Just subscribed! This piece is really well written...funnily enough, the term "escape velocity" was on my mind this week. I just joined the Tribe, and I was laid off in November, but before that, was simultaneously deep in the conformity hole while also pining for travel. It was easier to leave the gravitational field of corporate America by joining the orbit of another "planet" like Wifi Tribe rather than manufacture my own escape velocity...I'm glad things like Wifi Tribe exists! Can't wait to dive more into your writing...your bootcamp sounds awesome!
Hi Renee! Thanks for the kind words, I hope our paths cross soon! You'll have to let me know if you are planning to do any upcoming chapters :)
Indeed! I'll be in Bulgaria in July. What about you? Also I just read your article on Supernuclear about the Tribe "village"...what an excellent idea.
I’m heading to Spain next week for the entire summer (no upcoming chapters planned for now).
Nice!! Enjoy! Nothing like summer on the Med.
SO good. I love this essay.
"There’s massive upside potential in non-conformity, as it’s actually possible to generate your own luck and serendipity through active, intentional decision-making."
So true. Good stuff Emily!
Thanks Matt! I love this line too, especially because it was a sudden realization that came to me as I was writing this piece. It's much easier to take matters into your own hands rather than just sitting around passively waiting/hoping for your life to change/improve.
🙌
I love the term "non-linear" life. I've been searching for the right phrase to explain what I mean when I talking about opting out of those traditional paths. Thank you for this essay—and welcome to Substack!
Thanks so much, Lane! It's no surprise that this resonates with many fellow nomads, and I hope there's a lesson in applying that same fearlessness we've acquired from traveling to other areas of our lives 😊