Nora Williams - From Burnout in Law to 3+ Years of Solo Travel and Living a Life of Freedom
Nora used to be a San Francisco lawyer representing workers facing discrimination by their employers -- her dream job! But a few years into her career, Nora found herself experiencing severe burnout while working 60 to 80-hour weeks. Her dream job had become a real life nightmare impacting her physical and mental health and her relationships.
One day, she reached her breaking point and decided she needed a big change. Nora ended a 5-year relationship, quit her job, and left the country on a one way ticket. What started as a career break turned into 3+ years of solo traveling around the world focusing on "hidden gem" and less-traveled destinations. Her favourites so far have been hiking in the Balkans, exploring archaeological sites in Iraq, and eating her way around Georgia.
Nora even started her own tour company hosting adventurous group trips to bring others along with her. Her life at 30 is unconventional and certainly nowhere near where she imagined she would be, but somehow so much more fulfilling.
In this episode, Nora shares the reality behind leaving a high-pressure legal career, the emotional toll of burnout, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from scratch.
We talk about the unexpected freedom—and challenges—of long-term solo travel, how she navigates uncertainty while constantly on the move, and what it means to create a life outside of traditional expectations.
Listen to this episode to hear how one bold decision changed everything, why solo travel can be both confronting and empowering, and how stepping into the unknown can lead to a life that feels more honest, expansive, and free.
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Show notes
Living a bit of an unconventional life at the moment
Previously working as as workers rights lawyer, based out of San Francisco, California
Hitting a breaking point 3 years ago with her job
Realising she was burn out
Getting out of a long term relationship and quitting her job
Making the decision to book a one way flight out of the USA
Travelling to the less travelled places
Heading off the beaten track - with a focus on outdoor adventures
Why it was an out of character decision
Having a ‘sliding door’ moment
Deciding to follow a different path
Why her dream job tuned out to be a nightmare
How covid changed things for the legal profession
Being able to work remotely from Columbia
Needing to make money
Sharing her travels with her friends and family on instagram
Having a reel go super viral on instagram
Going from 1,200 to over 20,000 people following her!
Starting to connect with brands and being able to monetise her travel blog
Deciding to start her own tour company about 2 years ago
Finding the hidden gem destinations
Trying to keep an open mind and not have strict travel plans
Being invited to explore ancient ruins in Iraq
Hiking in the Balkans
Feeling free in nature
Waymarking on the trails
Using Komoot
Keeping herself fit and healthy while travelling full time
Being sick while travelling
Getting the balance right between travel and adventure and not getting burnt out
The benefits of travelling slower and staying in places for longer
Saying no a lot more now
Doing what you actually what to do
What the rest of the year looks like
Planning to be in Iraq and Syria at the end of the year - but it does depend on what’s happening in the gulf
Spending 2 months in London
Being open to what options become available
Thinking about walking in New Zealand
Going to Skyscanner to find cheap flights
Deciding to overland the length of Chile
The benefits of finding a remote job and how it can open doors for you
How to connect with Nora on Instagram
Advice for other women who want to live an unconventional life
Why the worst thing in life is not being alone
Why the majority of solo travellers are women
A radical act of self-love
Social Media
Website: via-adventure.com
Instagram:
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