Hi, I’m Carryn, the blogger behind Torn Tackies Travel Blog. I’m a fun-loving, adventurous South African who has hit a midlife crisis (or at least what feels like one!)
Work or travel? Or both?!
The past 5 years have been a whirlwind of changes. I made a huge career change in 2017 when I quit my job in marketing management to teach English in Korea.
This opened up a whole new world for me, but not only in terms of travel. It made me re-look at the vision I had for my future.
What do I really want to do?
Every aspect of my life is different to what it was a few years back. Does this make me scared, nervous or anxious?
No!
Actually, the opposite. It has excited, challenged, and driven me to keep learning and exploring.
How it all started
In 2013, right after I completed my Commerce degree, I resigned from my job and took on the notorious yachting world. After 8 months of grueling work and living out of a suitcase, I decided that the fun and games were over as I needed to get my career started back home.
My next 4 years were spent working in the fast-paced, exciting, and stressful marketing world which kept me on my toes, yet never satisfied my urge to travel abroad and start ticking off my ever-growing bucket list.
Moving to Korea and the start of Torn Tackies Travel Blog
Living in Korea changed my perspective on travel.
It wasn’t about doing the popular, touristic activities or going to the best parties. It was about making that connection with the country, with the culture, the food, and the people.
I began to live a minimalist life, and travel in a more authentic way.
I became a better person because of travel.
With that change of mindset, I focussed on self-development and finding my true passion. I did online courses, I read more, I tried my hand at online consulting and virtual assistance. I did things that I never thought were possible – All while teaching little kids and saving every penny I could to travel more.
And I did. After a year of teaching, I saved enough money to travel Asia for 6 months!
With this new outlook on travel, I explored the Philippines and camped on the beach in El Nido, dived with manta rays and sharks in Indonesia, lived with the locals in Sri Lanka, and climbed Island Peak in Nepal.
Then it was over
After living the dream and backpacking Asia for 6 months, reality hit.
The plan was always to go back home and get a “proper job” again – to settle down.
So I did.
I went straight back to the company I had previously worked at and I managed some epic projects with an awesome team of colleagues who had become family over the years.
But my job never fulfilled me. I never had that sense of freedom, of passion for what I was doing. I longed to be back on the road.
Quitting… Again
So I quit and moved to Bali. Living the island life and working remotely was a dream come true. I explored more of Bali and got to see a side of the island far off the tourist track.
But then 6 months later, I moved again. This time, I headed down under to Australia – mate.
Australia is SO different from all the other countries I’ve traveled to or lived in. But I love it. I even started an Australia travel blog, Australia Obsessed, and am slowly ticking off my Australia bucket list.
The Reality
I realize that I’m unsettled, but I also feel that I’m in my happy place when I’m in unfamiliar territory – When I’m exploring cities I’ve never been to before and getting lost trying to figure out how public transport works!
Life experiences and learning from others: I need both of these in order to feel fulfilled.
And now?
My goal is to encourage people to take that leap of faith, buy that ticket and go on an adventure.
It doesn’t have to be a permanent move, but getting out and experiencing a different country changes your outlook on life.
Maybe you love it. Maybe you don’t. But at least you’ll know you tried.
My guides and itineraries show how you can travel on a budget, and where to go to have a unique experience that you’ll never forget!
Reach out to me
If you have any questions about anything, ANYTHING at all, feel free to drop me a message and I’ll gladly assist.
My Favourite Adventures
Here are some of my epic adventures that should be on your travel bucket list!
- Scuba diving at The Great Barrier Reef
- Climbing the Great Wall of China
- Hiking to Everest Base Camp
- Visiting the hot springs in Bajawa, Indonesia
- Learning to surf in Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka
- Seeing Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
- Going completely off the beaten track to Sumba Island in Indonesia
- Experiencing a Jimjilbang in South Korea
Happy travels!