A few weeks ago, a headhunter reached out to me. It was the first time I got a compelling job offer. Most messages I'm getting are irrelevant and spammy. But this time the offer was for a company that I had applied for in the past.

I got intrigued, thinking that a positive introduction via a professional recruiter could help me get the job. So I set my mind on it. Starting with an early call at 5AM to match his local time zone. Indeed, his recommendation allowed me to go through next stages. The employer's complex questionnaire required in-depth research, but I passed it as well. Then, there was an online aptitude and English proficiency test. Finally, it led me to the video interview.

During the call I was a bit nervous, but I did showcase the extent of my work experience. Still, I noticed my interviewees' deflation. I was good enough to get to this point. Yet my cases were not sufficiently advanced, so I was rejected.

Feeling let down was my initial reaction.

Then, it was washed away with relief. Yes, the salary was attractive, but the job would require working on the weekends and fitting into big company politics.

The Realization

In the 20 years of my career, I always defaulted to freedom. In the sense of autonomy over how I work, where I work, and how I schedule my tasks. This empowers me. As it allows me to learn on the job. Both about myself and about the work.

At the age of 16, I participated in a survival youth camp. I enjoyed it so much that the next year I became an intern at Kompas, the tour operator that organized these camps. The same year I received my first form of income by publishing video game reviews in PSX Extreme, cult Polish paper magazine. Soon after, I started developing my first WordPress sites. Over time, I advanced to leading groups as a tour manager, kept publishing writing on my blog, and built websites for international customers.

This recent rejection was essential for my realization. I want to grow Nerd on Tour to get more freedom and work opportunities. Not by signing a limiting contract, but by helping fellow digital nomads on their journey.

These signs help me see that I'm on the right path:

  1. My writing is reaching hundreds of thousands of people.
  2. This reach converts into more followers and newsletter subscribers.
  3. Subsequently, these connections lead to 1-on-1 conversations where I learn about common digital nomad challenges and can offer my advice.

Therefore, I'm setting my mind on delivering more value to fellow nomads. As this virtuous cycle allows me to offer direct assistance and plan future digital products that best address your concerns.

Regarding that, if you have any questions, schedule your video call. I'm glad to help.