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Have you ever felt that your job is too dull, too suffocating, and you want to drop everything to start a journey to explore the world? Sounds exciting, but not everyone has the courage. We can 'job-hop,' but it's incredibly challenging to quit the job and embark on a 3-year journey across 60 countries like Walter Chang. So, let's see what this guy has after this inspiring journey.
Recently, there's an article titled: 'Why do young people nowadays no longer like to buy houses, buy cars?' It has sparked a lot of interest in the community. It hits the psyche of many young people, and the answer about the importance of experience is quite reasonable. So, the lingering question is: does experience give us the same accumulation as the previous generation? What do we gain from our adventurous youth?
What will these journeys bring us? -Photo: Walter Chang
Walter Chang, much like us, is a pretty average Asian guy. Born in New Jersey, USA, he couldn't escape the impact of the economic downturn upon graduation. Student loans turned the young man into a debtor right after he finished his studies. So, Walter opted for a stable job related to audio-visual technology instead of his initial interest in the film industry.
Taman Sari Water Castle – Yogyakarta, Indonesia. -Photo: Walter Chang
But, you know, doing a job that isn't your passion can get tiresome. Walter felt the same way, and after over 3 years of work, he started feeling exhausted and stuck in everything. The dream of wandering the world started to whisper and grow. That fantasy turned out to be more than a fleeting desire, as this Asian guy was more determined than anyone thought.
Cappadocia, Turkey. -Photo: Walter Chang
To fund his dreams, Walter sold off most of what he had, worked overtime, crashed at friends' places, secretly swam in the river near his workplace, and, of course, many untold stories. Walter shared, 'I did everything to ensure I had money for the journey. When you're motivated, you'll do what it takes to step into the world.'
Arirang Games – Pyongyang, North Korea. -Photo: Walter Chang
The journey began on September 13, 2011, with myriad challenges. Initially, Walter planned a short 3-month trip around Asia to relax, stabilize mentally, and recharge for work. But the more he traveled, the more fascinated he became, accumulating enticing experiences that he couldn't let go of. The journey extended for another 7 months, then a year, 2 years, 3 years. Perhaps even Walter didn't anticipate stepping foot in 60 countries on such an extensive journey.
Namche Bazaar, Nepal. -Photo: Walter Chang
Walter's experiential journey wasn't about checking into fancy hotels, traveling in luxury vehicles, or indulging in extravagant meals. It was about hitchhiking, spending nights at the airport, parks, and camping outdoors.
Kyoto, Japan. -Photo: Walter Chang
The hardships intensified when Walter was robbed in Chile, his camera capturing precious moments on the journey was damaged after falling into water in Uganda. Moreover, he almost faced death when his vehicle overturned in the Namibian desert. These challenges could happen to anyone, but they magnify when embracing a journey full of experiences and trials.
Machu Picchu, Peru. -Photo: Walter Chang
However, the young man encountered many kind souls and strokes of luck on his journey. People along the way took him to their hometowns, bought him food, and offered a place to stay. They became the driving force behind his adventure. Walter recalls, 'In many places, people are very friendly. You just need to pay attention and stay vigilant.'
Uyuni, Bolivia. -Photo: Walter Chang
The journey, longer and more transformative than planned, made Walter embrace the art of not overplanning. While it made things less smooth, it also meant more delightful surprises. He profoundly states, 'I care less about planning, and I think that's one of the best ways. If you constantly look at the pictures, when you get there, you won't be surprised anymore.'
Milford Sound, New Zealand. -Photo: Walter Chang
After 3 years, Walter Chang returns to where he started, sitting in a room to edit and compile the fascinating footage captured throughout the journey. Today, with over 1 million views on YouTube, and spurred by the success of his video and the widespread impact of his story, Walter plans to publish a photo book, documenting his entire epic journey.
Youth is never about standing still. -Photo: Walter Chang
Though over a year has passed since Walter Chang shared his journey, looking at the photos, the recorded footage, it never ceases to ignite the passion for exploration. Perhaps, we may not have the courage like Walter, not the same passion, but we are young, and we can keep going as long as we can.
Iki Oleo – Mytour.vn
Posted by: Duyen Lu
Keywords: Fearless Asian man quits job, embarks on a 3-year journey across 60 countries
