Starting From Zero
I am not alone.
For some, fame and fortune come easy. For others, like myself, it’s a struggle—no matter what you manifest, believe, or strive for, some of us are simply meant to take the tougher path.
So, what option is one left with?
Go back to a basic life with minimal struggle? I believe struggle finds you in one way or another. Or you can choose to stand back up and fight for what you truly want, even if that path is the hardest one to take.
2024 has been a year that will forever leave its mark on me.
At the beginning of the year, I gained some fame and recognition. It felt like my efforts were finally being acknowledged, like things were finally aligning. But since the end of 2023, I’d been struggling immensely. Mentally, I was exhausted. This year I started prioritizing my mental, emotional, and physical health, a decision that altered the course of my journey.
In Africa, my challenges only grew, eventually pushing me to cut the trip short and return home. By June, after coming back from Ethiopia, I knew I had to make some significant lifestyle changes.
First, I began saying “no”—to people, things, and opportunities that weren’t aligned. I accepted myself, my desires, and vowed to stop running from them. I even decided to give relationships another chance, but this time on my own terms, where I choose what I want.
In July, I headed to Malaysia to apply for a U.S. visa. With 20 days until my appointment, I explored the Borneo Islands. My plan was to get the visa, return to Africa to finish my trip, and then move on to Latin America. But life had other plans.
Three pivotal events:
My visa got rejected, though I did meet someone incredible during this time.
My Instagram account was restricted; my reach tanked, and all my new content seemed invisible.
YouTube videos weren’t performing either.
It felt like the universe was closing doors. So, I pivoted, choosing to skip Africa—it was just too costly—and decided to fly to Vietnam to settle down for a bit and manage my expenses.
Recently on Instagram, I shared how tough it was to choose Vietnam, to stay in one place after years of constant travel. It wasn’t just scary; it felt like confronting everything I’d been running from. I also had to say goodbye to my partner, with no idea if we’d ever meet again. It was heartbreaking.
I wanted to run, to avoid facing my financial reality and hoping that content alone would eventually sustain me. But that was no longer an option. I am responsible—for my life, for my family. So I continue to stay here, in Vietnam, ready to tackle the challenges head-on.
It’s been 10 days here, when things finally started to give me a sense of peace.
But then, today, I woke up to an email from my job saying my contract has ended.
My worst fears were confirmed. I was feeling a bit unsure about this project since a while now, yet I chose to “go with the flow,” and wait till I hit the rock-bottom. Honestly, Idk how ‘go with the flow’ works for anyone. It has never worked for me.
So here I am, left with zero savings and no income.
I realized I’d been so comfortable with this remote job, I’d let security cloud my vision. I never asked for a raise in the last two years. And now I’m jobless, with nothing to show for it.
I could have waited but I decided not to-
I called my partner to ask about our future, and his answer was understandable: he wasn’t sure. I accepted it. I told him to take the time he needed, but for me, I know what I want. And if he isn’t sure, I would rather be alone than be in limbo, waiting for someone else to decide my fate.
Well at least I have peace and clarity with one thing in my life
This year has been nothing like I imagined, filled with a level of adulting I never anticipated. I don’t know my next steps, nor do I have any clear answers. Should I stay here or go home? Find a new job or commit solely to my content? Should I take another role, and if so, what? How can I elevate my content?
But one thing I do know: I’m not going to just sit here.
I have 44,000 people who chose to follow my journey. I have experiences that few others do, stories waiting to be told. And here’s my next mission—let’s prove that remote work isn’t just a game of luck. With grit, resilience, and strategy, we can make it happen, and I want to show you exactly how.
Whether you’re someone who’s just starting out or someone looking to redefine what’s possible, join me on this journey. Let’s build something together. It won’t be easy, but I believe in hard work over luck. Follow along as I try, stumble, and find my way—let’s learn together, and prove it’s possible.
ps: this will be a free newsletter for all, but those who feel like they are capable of supporting my endevours, feel free to UPI: travelwithkittoo@kotak
Paypal: kriti272@gmail.com