Life as a Not-So-Digital Nomad
Two years ago I thought I would become a health professional. Then my life drastically changed.
I was living in North Carolina after recently moving back home from New York. My funds were drastically exhausted and I was re-evaluating what I wanted to do with my life. Can you think of a more daunting question? My original plan after college was to go to Optometry School, but after graduating I decided I needed a gap year… or two. After being in NYC for a while and struggling financially the entire time, I decided it was time to put my Biology degree to use and study for the OAT (similar to the MCAT) then head to school for four more years. I ended up pursuing this and being accepted in my top choice of school.
The waiting period began in April until the following August when school started and I decided to pick up some work at a local music venue. I had been in a band when I was younger and always loved working behind the scenes in music. After working as a runner for a few shows, I passed my info on to a tour manager that I got along with — in case he ever needed extra help on the road. Shortly thereafter I was called and asked if I wanted to be a Production Assistant for this band. Having no other qualifying technical experience in the music world — and wanting to travel — I said yes! This was the beginning of my nomad life.
My very first tour was with a well known band on Warped Tour. I was lucky have a bunk on a tour bus (instead of a van), and to have all my meals covered with catering. I wasn’t getting paid much, but my rent was non-existent as I had moved back with my family. The road was incredible, I love music as much as I love travelling and was able to see some of my favorite bands in new venues across the country every day! PA work isn’t glamorous, but hey, it’s better than working any job under fluorescent lighting for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Following my first tour I was invited on to this particular bands next tour, which happened to be a world tour. I. Was. So. Excited. I called my school and asked very politely for a deferment. They obliged, and within the next few months I was travelling to London, Germany, and the Netherlands. All while being paid for it. The dream!
Skimming through half a year on and off the road, I was passed down the position as Tour Manager after being mentored by their previous, well experienced TM. I tour managed the band for a festival in London, and this past year’s Warped Tour.
To sum up my career choices — or lack there of — I decided not to go back to school. It’s not for everyone. Currently, I am pursuing tour manager life and am gaining new connections every day. In my downtime I am teaching myself to code and am on the road (punny right?) to becoming a slightly-more-digital nomad.
I hope this offers some insight to those hoping to change up their work lifestyles. It is possible to travel and make money, you just have to look in the right places. For me, a large part of it was chance — I happened to meet an awesome TM that took me under his wing — but it also takes putting your best effort into everything you do. Fun work isn’t always glamorous, and glamorous work isn’t always fun.
June is based in Portland, OR. She started writing about her travels and experiences in 2018 and hopes to educate and entice her fellow readers into stepping out of their own neighborhood more often.
