Discovering a love for climbing
Last month I moved to Spain to pursue my passion for climbing.
I discovered climbing and mountaineering whilst travelling in South America. It instantly captured me. A respect for nature and an understanding about the relationship between mind and body. It gave me a new perspective on life.
Returning back to England from my travels turned mountaineering trip, left me a little depressed. I had found something that I loved doing, something I was truly passionate about, and then found myself unable to do it. Being broke I got a job and became part of the London commuter community.
Living in London I always felt like I never had enough. I always wanted more. Yet more never seemed to satisfy. The city high life; expensive meals out, pricier wine, designer clothes, private member clubs. These are not my aspirations. And being a regular at London’s indoor climbing walls and the yearly 2 week climbing trip abroad simply wasn’t cutting it. Living in London was like playing a game that I could never win.
I had to work out a way to be able to follow my dream, and live my life by my own rules. I needed a plan. I sat down and imagined my perfect life and then thought of ways to get there.
Initially I tried saving for another long travelling climbing trip. But going away with fixed funds would mean coming back with no funds. I would be in the same situation as before. I also didn’t see much professional satisfaction from this yo-yo climb-work arrangement. Some climbers live the dirtbag lifestyle but I have too much passion for my craft to be away from it for that long. I would genuinely miss developing. The solution was to work for myself.
Seven months ago I became a freelancer. I have had my fair share of ups and downs, and the occasional scary moment. But it has been worth it. I have learnt and grown as a developer, and now have a handful of really great regular clients. The best part I am no longer tied to one location.
In London I lived for the weekends and dreamt of being on my next climbing holiday. I don’t think like this any more because I am already doing the things I want to be doing. Out here climbing in rural Spain I feel I have already won.
