Julian Nevin

Not everyone follows a traditional path, and from a young age, I knew I wanted something different. I didn’t grow up with financial privilege or an easy route to success—I worked for every opportunity, every paycheck, and every bit of experience that shaped who I am today. My journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of freedom. Looking back, every odd job, every setback, and every bold decision led me to where I am today—living life on my own terms.

The Early Hustle (Ages 13-16)

I started working at 13 with a morning paper round, waking up at 6 AM, delivering newspapers before school for just £20 a week. After a year, I realised I could increase my earnings by taking on a weekend paper round, adding another £25 for two days of work. Even at that young age, I was figuring out how to maximise my income while balancing school.

Not long after, I began working at my aunt and uncle’s fishmongers, spending Saturdays from 7 AM to 1 PM learning about hard work, customer service, and discipline. On some Sundays, I would even work as a golf caddy, earning extra money wherever I could. These jobs weren’t glamorous, but they taught me work ethic, consistency, and the value of self-sufficiency—lessons that would stay with me for life.

Expanding My Skills (Ages 16-21)

At 16, I was finally legally allowed to work more formally, and I jumped at the opportunity. My first real job was at Chessington World of Adventures, where I worked a six-month season. At the same time, I did cash-in-hand labouring work, learning how to use tools and understand building structures from my friends’ dads.

During this time, I also worked at Argos in Epsom as a Christmas temp. Later, while studying Photography at Guildford College, I was offered a team leader role at Argos Leatherhead, thanks to a former manager who saw my potential. When the customer service manager went on maternity leave, I stepped up to take her position, proving my ability to lead teams, manage customers, and handle high-pressure environments. Eventually, my boss was promoted to a bigger store and took me along as the official customer service manager at one of the largest Argos stores in the country. At the time, I was the youngest person in the entire business to hold that role.

Burnout and Seeking Purpose (Ages 21-23)

Despite climbing the ladder fast, I wasn’t happy. At 21, I started experiencing burnout and depression, though at the time, I didn’t even understand what mental health was. I just knew I wasn’t fulfilled. So, I left my corporate role and went into labouring full-time, working with my stepdad, a bricklayer, and expanding my knowledge of the building industry.

Even though I was learning new skills, I still felt stuck. I knew I wanted more from life, but I didn’t know what direction to take.

The Life-Changing Year of Travel (Ages 23-24)

At 23, I made a bold decision—I spent six months working two jobs, saving up enough money to travel the world. My days started at 6 AM with a labouring job, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I would work a second job until 10-11 PM. I was exhausted, but I had a goal: to see the world.

That year, I travelled through 13 countries, and it changed everything. I realised that freedom, experiences, and self-discovery mattered more to me than money or status. I didn’t want to live in the UK forever. I wanted to be my own boss, live on my own terms, and have the flexibility to work from anywhere. I just didn’t know how to make it happen yet.

Blending Passion with Work (Ages 24-30)

When I returned, I joined an international school portrait photography company, which allowed me to travel across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The pay was great, and it fulfilled my love for travel, but instead of saving, I invested my earnings into experiencing life.

At the same time, I worked as a freelance event manager, leading projects for brands like Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Google, Santander, and HP Technology. These experiences refined my skills in leadership, organisation, and problem-solving, allowing me to work across different industries.

The Turning Point: A New Vision for Life (Ages 30-Present)

After years of travelling, working across different fields, and experimenting with different careers, I finally found clarity. I didn’t need a single career path—I needed freedom, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

I realised I had a unique ability to adapt, problem-solve, and think outside the box. I had built a diverse skill set in business, marketing, photography, content creation, leadership, and sales. People started approaching me with business ideas, seeking partnerships and advice—and that’s when it clicked: I had the experience and mindset to build something of my own.

Now, living in Thailand, I focus on creating content, building my brand, and helping others embrace a life of freedom and exploration. Through my YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, I share my journey—not just the highlights, but the realities of living abroad, working independently, and redefining success.

Lessons from the Journey

Looking back, my path has been anything but conventional. But every job, every struggle, and every risk has shaped me into the person I am today.

Here are the key traits and skills I’ve developed along the way:

• Resilience – From early mornings on my paper round to working two jobs to fund my travels, I learned how to push through challenges.

• Adaptability – I’ve worked in multiple industries, from retail and real estate to event management and content creation. Each transition required me to learn, adapt, and evolve.

• Courage – Leaving stable jobs, travelling the world alone, and choosing an unconventional life takes boldness and self-belief.

• Independence – I never relied on anyone to create opportunities for me. Every job, every move, every decision was mine.

• Creativity – Whether through photography, storytelling, or content creation, I found ways to turn passion into work.

• Problem-Solving – Managing events for global brands, working in customer service, and leading teams all taught me how to think on my feet and make strategic decisions.

Final Thoughts: Building a Life on My Terms

Success, to me, has never been about money or job titles. It’s about freedom, flexibility, and the ability to wake up every day excited about what I’m creating.

I didn’t follow the traditional route, and I have no regrets. I’ve built my life through experience, experimentation, and the courage to take risks. Now, my focus is on inspiring others to break free from the conventional mould and design a life that aligns with their dreams.

If my story proves anything, it’s that you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need the willingness to try, the resilience to keep going, and the belief that a different kind of life is possible.