Jonny Blair from Dont Stop Living

I grew up in the town of Bangor in Northern Ireland but since leaving a decade ago, I have managed to travel, work and live around the world, visiting all 7 continents and over 70 countries in the process. These journeys are what makes me tick. Every day should be different. Life is an adventure. I live a lifestyle of travel and want to encourage you to do it too! Which, you can, easily! Hopefully my stories and tips on this website can inspire you to get out there and see the world too.

In the past I have worked in bars, boats, offices, farms, theatres, shops and schools, and for companies such as Apple, Tesco and Tiger Beer. I have also studied in England, China, Australia and Uruguay. I have a degree in Public Relations and am a Published Author. My travel timeline is a useful page on where I have travelled, lived, worked and studied in the last decade.

I want to see the whole world, and I want YOU to join me on my journey if not in person, at least through this website. I write about places I go, people I meet, jobs I’ve had, buses I’ve missed, beers I’ve drank, adventures I’ve experienced and anything else that takes my fancy. A lifestyle of travel means I’m always on the move, even when I have a settled job!

I hope to provide important travel tips, essential advice, endless stories and light hearted humour based on my experiences on this sphere we find ourselves on. I will give you a first hand account, an honest guide to travelling the world.

I asked Jonny a few questions…

How “exactly” do your make money to “fund” your lifestyle/travels ?

I like to believe I’m a pretty hard working lad. Any job will suit me and I’ll give anything a try. I won’t go hungry and I don’t do lazy. I often have multiple jobs running at the same time to fund my ongoing adventures. I work in bulk to travel in bulk. Before I left Northern Ireland I was merely working in my local butchery 6 days a week with a couple of side projects (delivering phone books and producing a football fanzine). After moving to England I started working in bars and shops, as many hours as I could while also studying. I also sold ice cream and worked on car ferries, often getting no rest between jobs. I’ve also worked on countless farms, mostly in Australia and working 12 hour days to bring in the money, I even had a stint of milking cows on my mate’s farm in Colombia. I’ve recently been teaching English, working in bars and as a host for events in Hong Kong. I work hard to travel hard. These days, I’m earning money through my travels by planning itineraries for websites, giving advice to new travellers and gaining sponsorship and advertising through my website, Don’t Stop Living. My advice to others is just work hard, get multiple jobs at the same time, don’t waste money on luxuries (My most expensive possession is my laptop, my biggest is my backpack!) and don’t be fussy about what job you do.

If you can change anything about your lifestyle decision, what would it be ?

I wouldn’t change anything about it as I live a lifestyle of travel and I love it, but I don’t see my family, friends and football teams as much as I should. I’m hoping to work less in the future, and concentrate on my online revenue options so that I can spend more time with my family and friends. I’d like to be completely location independent at some point in the next few years. I love football and I miss watching Glentoran, Bournemouth and Northern Ireland matches!

What does success mean to you ?

Success to me is being satisfied with yourself. I believe you work hard to get what you deserve in life. And I’ve had so many jobs and worked my ass off for years, sometimes with no reward. That’s all paying off now and my success is that I can live the lifestyle I want. Success is being satisfied with your life. A guy in China who owns his own shoe shop is successful. A billion pound computer company owner is successful. A lady who cleans toilets and has a proud family is successful. A travelling Northern Irishman with friends, family and income is successful.

What makes you happy the most ?

The obvious answer is travel. But that’s a bit too selfish, so I should really say the four “F”s – family, friends, food and football. Backpacking with my girlfriend and enjoying special moments with her is something really amazing. Seeing my family. Eating Northern Irish food. Having a beer down the pub with my mates. Being with my friends. Watching the football. They all make me happy.