Working 40 hours per week isn’t pleasant. Working 60+ hours, even less so. So I quit my music teaching job. I left the family business. Mum wonders who she can blame for my rebellion. I told her Tim Ferris and his first edition of The 4-Hour Work Week. She’s reading it as I write this.
I’ve read a lot of ‘wealth creation’ books. I was part owner in seven properties, on my way to the dream of early retirement. I played gigs on the weekends. I was working so many hours I would wake up with such little sleep some mornings, my day would start in tears. Something had to give.
Fiona, rang me from work one day, telling me she’d bought The 4-Hour Work Week with a discount Borders voucher that had landed in her inbox. She said it sounded interesting. Once at home, I read it from cover to cover – three times. I engaged the expertise of a lifestyle coach. Then I quit my job and sold my share in the properties. Finally, I felt like I had the right information, I felt empowered. My dream felt possible.
Playing at Secret Garden, Vietnam.
For the past twelve months I have dedicated myself to my true passion – performing and writing music. I have played in Australia, India and now Vietnam. Next will be the Philippines. I have released five of my original songs online, with five more to come.
Playing for the children at the local orphanage.
At the same time as quitting my ‘real job’ as a singing teacher, I employed a Virtual Assistant through elance.com. Vipul is based in India and is worth his weight in gold. While I perform in Vietnam, he is looking for my next gig in the Philippines. While I develop a new line of merchandise for my website, he is sourcing distributors. Brilliant. I really can be in two places at once.
Playing at Kyra, India.
So now, I wake up every morning, well rested and energized for the day ahead. All day every day I am creating. Making music, making JadeMonster plush toys, bags, tees. I can go to the beach any time I want.
Beach view, Kovalam.
Living currently in Hoi An, Vietnam, my weekly cost of living is reduced to $80 per week . Yes, I live in a hotel (no cleaning or bed making), eat at vegan restaurants (no cooking) and ride my rented bike (no maintenance costs) for $80 per week. As long as I earn $80 per week, I can sleep, eat and get around. Any more than that and I’m saving, traveling, shopping or re-investing back into my music and merchandise products.
Sunday. Vietnamese coffee. Beach.
My New Way to Work is now far less complicated, almost entirely stress-free and 100% enjoyable.
Come and join me!
jade@jadeleonard.com
www.jadeleonard.com
www.jademonster.net
Tags: Borders, elance.com, Fiona Jones, Hoi An, JadeMonster, lifestyle coach, New Way to Work, online songs, The 4-Hour Work Week, Tim Ferris, Vietnam, Vitrual Assistant
November 25th, 2009 at 2:04 am
PS – this is my submission for The New Way to Work contest through elance.com. If you can share my post in every way with everyone you know, I will be forever grateful!
Jx
November 26th, 2009 at 2:10 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by LifeinBalanceinfo, Fiona Jones. Fiona Jones said: http://www.jadeleonard.com/blog/?p=50 Check out Jadey's blog entry for @elance about her #new_way_to_work! Get inspired! #crushit [...]
November 26th, 2009 at 5:30 am
hey Jade, this is a REALLY amazing story. OMG! Didn’t realise you were living in ‘Nam! That’s super cool! i wanna do an interview with you soon… cheers! Barb
November 26th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Sounds like you’ve got it all worked out. Aaahhh ! What a life !
November 27th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Hey Barb! Thanks so much for checking out my blog. Yep, been in Vietnam for the past 2 or 3 months, I’ve lost count now, was in India for 3 months before that playing at a restaurant in Bangalore. Now off to the Philippines, then WHO KNOWS!! Love to do an interview, you know where to find me.
Chris! Yes we are indeed living the good life, charmed we are! Give Tezzy a big squeeze from both of us, missing you both.
Jxx
November 28th, 2009 at 1:44 am
Hey who’s your VA? how much is he?
I think I already told you I share your passion for this book!
I’m up to $250 p/w passive income with my cleaning
Do you always make enough to cover your expenses? is your money invested in bank now?
You’re doing it!
I’m hoping to hit the road August next year..
November 28th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Jade, I really like your story. Best of luck in the Elance Contest. Congratulations on achieving a lifestyle that you love! It’s good to connect with other people who are truly embracing this movement.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:06 am
How inspiring you are Jadey! Maybe you can teach me how to outsource my migraines! Love you and love traveling with you. Love, Your Vagabond – Fiona xo
November 29th, 2009 at 10:17 am
It sounds like you have discovered a path to a life that is more like a virtual vacation, free the daily stress and drain that accompanies most lives. Well done Jade! You’ve got me thinking…
November 29th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Jade, looks like an interesting way to live.
might just have to check that out myself.
Take care chiccy’s.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Hey Jade
so enjoyed reading your story. Very inspiring. You are amazing!
peace and blessings
Carmen
November 29th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
sounds too good to be true! but it’s working for you! keep on blissing XXX
November 29th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Hey Jade,
!
Andy and I are jealous. You are a true inspiration and we are sooooo tempted to join you! As Andy would say…you are well jammy
Big love from the UK,
Lisa & Andy xxxx
November 29th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Hi Jadey, really enjoying following your adventures as well as the wonderful style in which you are writing the blog. Keeps me coming back for more.
Lots of love and hugs to you both
Ann
November 29th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
What a fascinating piece. How one’s life changes eh?
November 29th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
You inspire me, Jade Leonard!
What an amazing story. Keep doing your incredible work. I am so proud to know you!!!
LG xo
November 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Jade you’re a smart woman…what an awesome way to live!
November 29th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Hi there Ms Jade, oh how you have come so far since you have left us back here to fend for ourselves. What a lifestyle you have with your site creating a picture in my mind . Enjoy your pursuit of happiness.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Hey Jade, it is wonderful to hear about your new lifestyle, good on you for making this happen.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
What an amazing, adventurous life you are leading! Thank you for sharing your adventures, and doing what I have only dreamed of doing.
November 29th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
This is so inspiring. I want to do it too!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Love reading about your internal and external journey – your writing gives me much food for thought and inspiration
November 29th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Jade your are a very inspiring person
November 29th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Dear Jade,
Very inspiring – look forward to hearing your mum’s response to Tim Ferris’ book!
II hope your blog reaches people and makes them question the routine we get stuck in and the expectations traditional societies put upon us. Congrats for taking these challenges on board setting an example of a truly alternative lifestyle. You seem to have successfully balanced earning an income, doing what you love and making a positive global difference through being ethical and charitable.
I wish you all the best for continuing your life’s work. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Looking forward to the next post……
Yours,
Jeremy
November 29th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thanks for your blog. I enjoyed reading it and found it very informative and interesting. You are an inspiration!! cheers
November 29th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Loving the blogs Jadey! Rock on!
Anna
November 29th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
It takes an enormous amount of courage and determination to take a critical look at oneself and make such a significant shift in thinking and direction in life. Enormously inspiring and a seed to a new direction…. Congratulations and keep enjoying the journey!
November 29th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Hi Jade, It sounds like you have found enlightenment in both spirit and a practical sense. You are in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Your story challenges us all to ask why we suffer in our mundane, high stressed ways.
Go for it.
Rob F
November 29th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Sounds like a dream. How life should be !
November 29th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Keep living the dream Jade & Fi xoxo
November 29th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Very interested in the virtual assistant. What a great idea – it’s tough leading a creative life solo. Might check out that book, too. Can never have enough inspiration.
<3
November 29th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Fantastic stuff, well done. I love it. Dean xxx
November 29th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
So cool, my dear! Great to read your inspirational thoughts and observations. The 4-hour work week sounds like something to give ms overworked Marilo! I don’t get the orpahanage thing either!
Your blog reminds me of Joseph Campbell’s great words: ‘Follow your bliss.”
We love that you are both doing that!
Love Jen, Mari and Felix
November 29th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Hi Jade,
Great to hear you are having such a lovely and fulfilling life. It sounds so wonderful, allowing the mind and body to relax and enjoy life without so many pressures.
November 29th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Jade, after knowing you for many years and knowing you so deeply it is so humbling to see you enjoying the essence of life. Your creative spirit has set sail on a beautiful journey that gives me such hope as a healer in transition toward a new life.
The magic of your words is a harmony of a deep soulful blues tune with an expansive horizon.
Your continuing development is delicious and inspiring and your cheeky wit with the radiance of your sparkle is being felt around the world. Look your now in Vietnam and your there with your Mum and you are complete in a wholeness of respect for your life, your Mum’s life and you have a mighty woman walking beside you.
Thank You for your honest and clear writing with such honesty and integrity.
If ones believes in their vision with the passion of a pride of lions then your hearts desire WILL come true.
Shalom
Loz
November 29th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
This is really brilliant. I’m almost inspired enough to throw it all in and move to Nepal to write a novel! Don’t ever stop sharing the magic with us desk-jockeys and cubicle slaves!
November 29th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Brillant Jade.You are an inspiration to us whove not gone the road.Cudios and God bless.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Simply AMAZING!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Jade, you rock girl! I love getting lost in your adventures, it relaxes me, releasing the tension and opens my mind to a whole world of thought & possibilities. Keep on shining and sharing your positive light with all you encounter ~ you’re certainly doing your bit to make the planet a nicer place for us all to enjoy. Love Always.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Jade, you are infectious with the way you pursue your worldly tasks & explorations. I hope you will always continue along this path and continue to open people’s eyes to a world of living for the benefit of others. In turn you have achieved the greatest gift of all which is freedom and peace. You make us all realise that the secret of life is simply living.
Keep shining your light, you sparkling star ☆
November 30th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Dear Jade
Sounds amazing and so right for you. The pressure gone…what a utopian dream!
November 30th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Amazing courage and determination. I wish I had what you have, just do it and living your dream. Enjoy and live your life to the fullest, you never know what is around the corner.
November 30th, 2009 at 4:21 am
What a fascinating journey you are on Jade, in both senses. Your reflections and candor are a joy to read and ponder. Earlier this year you and Fi showed me the meaning of pride which I’d never really understood or felt before, and once again through this blog you’ve shown me a new perspective. I hope you continue to enjoy and share your travels and life’s adventure!
J xx
November 30th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Loved it Jade.
November 30th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Loved it Jade!!!
November 30th, 2009 at 6:08 am
go Jade go! Life is for livinng your dreams girl! Your so special hunXXXX
December 1st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
WOW!! What a truly overwhelming response to my blog! Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement and love. If nothing else comes of this comp, I know I have a wonderful amount of support for fabulous people! I will keep you all posted on the outcome of the comp and the continued adventures of my life.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Hi Jade,
Fabulous entry and great blog all round. Makes us “keep the dream alive”!! Good on you for having the convictions to make it happen. Well done to the both of you.
Elise xo.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
works for me
December 4th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Good on you for having the guts to go for it! Congrats to you both on finding a Great way to live.
December 9th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Wishing I could come over Jade! Very inspiring. Can’t wait to read more.
LM xxx
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:38 pm
wow, how interesting. look us up if you are in melbourne. I’ve been thinking about this kind of thing for a while now and my ‘real’ job and ‘all-consuming’ job is the same as yours. thanks!