Escape Artist Q&A: Matt Long of Land Lopers
Photos courtesy of Matt Long
This column, “Escape Artist,” is a series about folks who have escaped. More importantly, this biweekly column is for those thinking about trading in their 9-to-5, leg-shackled-to-the-desk existences to forge their own way. The brave outliers featured in this collection of interviews are the digital nomads, online entrepreneurs and lifestyle trendsetters who decided it was time to say to hell with the humdrum and grab life by the roots.
Travel writer and photographer Matt Long runs Land Lopers, an experiential luxury travel blog that shares tips about where to go, what to see and how to experience adventure travel. Long has traveled to more than 70 countries and all seven continents. In 2016, Long is focusing on new destinations and experiences.
Paste Travel The “escape the 9-to-5” mentality seems to be popular now. What are your impressions?
Matt Long The concept is definitely gaining ground, but I don’t think many people know how to make it work. I especially see it in younger professionals who, understandably, don’t necessarily want to be in the traditional workplace. The tricky part isn’t leaving a traditional 9-to-5 career — the hard part is replacing it.
PT What was the “aha” moment that sparked ongoing travel for you?
ML To be clear, I’m not a nomad. I have a house, partner, three dogs and a fairly normal life with the exception that I am location independent and travel a lot. I’ve always had a love affair with travel and have looked for a way to make it a big part of my life. I lost sight of that when I first entered the workplace, and my site was a way to rebalance my priorities.
PT How does your life now compare to before, as you put it, as a “cubicle dweller”?
ML I definitely work harder now than I ever have before, but I’ve never been happier doing it. It’s a combination of pursuing a career that I truly love and being my own boss. Being successful in this weird world is about being an entrepreneur, and that means a lot of hard work — but fulfilling work.