Slow Travel vs. FIRE: Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World
We dive into the intriguing intersection of slow travel and financial independence, retire early (FIRE) lifestyles. We featured three guests with unique perspectives on alternative living.
Guests:
- Isabel Leong, Travel Blogger & SEO Coach at Bel Around The World
- Samuel Goh, Photographer x Farmer
- Jane Tor, Digital marketer and Human design expert
The conversation kicked off with a provocative question: Is the traditional Singaporean dream truly fulfilling? As the guests shared their experiences, a common theme emerged – the pursuit of societal expectations often leads to a sense of emptiness and disconnection.
Jane, the founder of Going Slow, set the stage by explaining the origins of her community:
“We started with six members, and now we have more than 350. Going Slow is really here to normalize mostly three things: taking a sabbatical without shame, pursuing a digital nomad lifestyle, and embracing a slower form of life.”
Her words resonated with many listeners who feel overwhelmed by Singapore’s fast-paced culture.
Sam, a former photographer who now lives on an agroforestry farm, shared his perspective on slow travel:
“I wasn’t travelling to see all of the sights or go to all of the touristy places. I just wanted to live life. I wanted to surf, be close to the ocean, gain some normalcy, find some friends, and build relationships. I think I was just looking for some peace in my life.”
His candid admission highlights a growing desire among young professionals to break free from the rat race and find genuine contentment.
Isabel, a seasoned traveler with 56 countries under her belt, offered insights into the evolution of her journey:
“At some point, I have figured out my preferences, my likes, dislikes, and how I would like my lifestyle to be led. After trying all these different borrowed lives in other people’s shoes and in different countries, it was time for me to slow down and find a lifestyle that I feel content living in.”
Her experience underscores the importance of self-discovery through travel and the eventual desire to settle into a more intentional way of living.
The conversation took an introspective turn as the guests explored the concept of identity and societal expectations. Jane shared a poignant moment from her past:
“At age 25, I earned my first 100,000. And that was a wake-up call because I remember sitting there, not feeling any pride in myself at all. In fact, just worrying, when am I going to earn the next 100,000? I was living the Instagram dream life and going like, what an imposter. I felt so fake because this is not my life.”
This honest reflection sparked a discussion about the pressure to conform to societal norms and the emptiness that can result from achieving prescribed goals.
The podcast highlighted several key takeaways for listeners contemplating a shift towards slow travel or alternative lifestyles:
– Question societal expectations and define personal success on your own terms.
– Embrace the opportunity for self-discovery through travel and new experiences.
– Recognise that identity is fluid and can evolve over time.
– Find balance between financial stability and personal fulfillment.
– Consider the benefits of a slower-paced life, even within a bustling city.
As the conversation wound down, the guests emphasized the importance of creating a life that aligns with one’s values and aspirations, rather than blindly following a predetermined path.
You can check their full interview on Chills, Episode 182 onfor a thought-provoking exploration of alternative lifestyles and the search for meaning in a world obsessed with success. Whether you’re considering a radical life change or simply seeking a fresh perspective, this discussion provides valuable insights and inspiration for those questioning the status quo.
Let us know what you think about this topic, and what do you want to hear next.
You can now be our community contributor and make a pitch to have your favourite personality be on our show.
Join our community group and drop us your insights on this topic.
Let us know what you think of this post