In 2014, I turned down several opportunities to leave Jamaica, travel, and see the world. After saying no to what might have been an amazing experience in Australia, and then Germany, and then London… I promised myself that for 2015, my New Years’ Resolution was to take risks.
Adventures and Misadventures
This decision catapulted me into the adventure of a lifetime. I became more involved in charities and volunteer work in Jamaica and met travellers from around the world who inspired me to chase my dreams.
In June 2015, I quit my corporate job in payroll. I also gave up my apartment, adopted my pets out to family and friends, and packed my life into three suitcases and a laptop bag.
After a month of being a nomad in Jamaica, I came to America for my routine summer vacation. That trip took me through Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia.
Four years later—I’m still here! I’ve now been to 24 of America’s 50 states and 8 countries.
My Career
Like everyone else, my triumphs have been sprinkled with my own fair share of failure and frustration. Even so, each step has taken me closer and closer to my goals. I turned my hobby into a thriving business and published my debut novel on Halloween in 2018.
The Adventure Continues
If you think this is the part where I tell you I’ve settled down to regular adult life—think again. I’m RVing in the desert Southwest with my cat, in the middle of a global pandemic.
This blog documents my adventures and all the lessons I’ve learned as a Jamaican expatriate in America. Stick around for the tales of trials and triumphs.
You won’t be disappointed.
My folks once decided to travel. They bought an Air Stream, and traveled many places. Later they found a home, and settled.
I’m sure they enjoyed the journey 🙂
My hope is that I’ll also find somewhere worth settling, but I don’t want a traditional house. I’ll have to find somewhere that lets me build what I have in mind. 😅
I’m inspired by your commitment to your culture honestly…
Thank you! ☺️ I’m a social sciences grad so a part of it is just ingrained in me, I think. Picking it apart and trying to understand it better.
This is fascinating…✌
I wish there are many others like you who could understand something from another view of perspective…🤔
I think there are a lot of us out there. Maybe just not all are writers. 😅
Oh… I see🤔
Nothing before it’s time. You waited ruminated then too the plunge with your eyes open. 4 years later and you have accomplished and are moving on. Celebrate!
Thank you! I’ve been taking small steps and making my way along. 🙂
enjoyed reading this post.
lovely blog! 😉🌼
Thank you!
Hey Alex – did you quit your job in June 2019 or June 2015? Check out paragraph 3.
Good eye! I didn’t even notice that. I had changed it recently. 🙂
Updated. Thanks again!
It’s really beautiful!
Thank you! Not sure what you’re referring to though. Do you mean the video?
Yes, the video is really amazing!
Glad you like it. Jamaica is beautiful 🙂
Yes it is! My son watch jamaican,s movies a lot, but we are living far here in Oregon Bandon. It’s a small town!
Haha, I find Jamaican movies don’t usually portray us very well.
Yeah, that’s true! I was reading your story about traveling it’s really amazing! For you traveling is in the blood!!! My niece who is in her last year college in Uganda and she doing journalism, she has similar interests like you, i hope one time I will bring her here and fulfill her dream too. Thank you for taking your time to write back to me!
Thank you! Travelling and exploring in general has been a part of my upbringing, so it would be tough to get rid of that as an adult. All the best to you and your niece!!
Thank you so much for the wishes! I wish you the best too!!!
Thanks, I wish you the best too!
Which airline did you travel to Jamaica on. ? Im in the same situation
Hi there! Sorry to hear you’re in the same situation. I flew on Spirit but it shouldn’t make a difference. Book your flight and assert your rights when you get there. Make sure you have an ID that is up-to-date though, like a driver’s license.