Random Traveller #65 with Adam Pervez from the Happiness Plunge

Welcome to round 65 of ‘Meet a Random Traveller’. The series dedicated to bring attention to fantastic people all around the world doing their thing.

Random Traveller 65

Adam at the Presidential Palace Mexico City

Who are you?
I’m Adam Pervez, the guy behind HappinessPlunge.com. I’m 29-years-old and hail from Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

I start my story in 2004, fresh off a college trip to Egypt that permanently infected me with the travel bug. I graduated with a degree in electrical and computer engineering. My first job was working on offshore oil rigs in the Persian Gulf basically helping to make the environment a bit worse every day. I traveled extensively though and then headed to Spain to get an MBA in international business. My dream was to work/live in Scandinavia in renewable energy, and I realized it by working in Denmark for a wind power company.

But then I realized it was a dream drafted in the realm of very narrow thinking. I had to start over.

What’s the deal?
My blog, Happiness Plunge, shares my thoughts on happiness and I serve as the case study for what I advocate.

Once I realized I wasn’t really living my dream in Denmark, I had to start from scratch. I figured out what my passions are, what my goals in life are, what my ideal life would be, etc. I put everything in a blender, blended, and then stared at the glass containing my real dream.

I call my blog the Happiness Plunge because when you do what I advocate, you dig deep into who you are as a person. You redesign your life to whatever extent is necessary so you live a life in-line with your passions, goals, and sense of self.

Macaw Mountain Bird Park in Honduras

Deciding to drink that blend of passions, goals, and idyllic life, there’s no going back. It’s jumping off a cliff with no bungee or parachute – just an untested, unproven device strapped to your back that should allow you to fly.

On my blog, lately it’s been more about my travels and the stories I come across on the road. My passions are traveling, helping others, learning, teaching, and writing. I volunteer each place I travel to with the goal/hope of leaving it a bit better than how I found it. I’ve already done what I call hit-and-run travelling where you give yourself three days to run around a city/country to take pictures of all the monuments and visit the museums. Now I travel slowly and go off the beaten path to really learn about the culture and way of life.

What has been the favourite moment of your trip so far?
Isn’t this like asking a parent which child is his or her favorite? 🙂

Each place has been special in its own way. But if I have to pick a favorite moment during the trip, I’ll pick something that happened in Guatemala City.

I arrived in this dangerous city on a chicken bus about an hour before it got dark. The bus dropped me off in the middle of nowhere. I asked a guy sitting nearby what the deal was and how to get to the center. I didn’t understand his Spanish very well, but his hands told me at least how to get started in walking toward the bus station.

After explaining, he asked me if I would prefer if he took me there. During our walk he said he lived in New York and Guatemala City is far more dangerous. I should take care, especially if I have my gigantic backpack on.

The bus station was a solid 15-minutes away that included scaling a hill using tree roots as a ladder. Not easy for me with my backpack, but certainly not easy for this 50-something man!

We arrived at the bus station and he refused all my attempts to reward him financially. He sacrificed 30 minutes (15 minutes there with me, 15 minutes back alone to where we started) to ensure I had a safe and nice start to my visit in his city. Priceless.

And, in part, this was my favorite moment because two days later I was robbed in Guatemala City. But the robber didn’t get away with any of my belongings. You’ll have to read my article about getting robbed in Guatemala City for that serious, but very funny story.. 🙂

Adam Volunteering at a Dog Shelter in Mexico

What is the one main thing that you didn’t expect when you gave up your job to start travelling and is there anything you miss from your old life?
Apart from never having enough time due to volunteering and the fact that blogging takes so much time, I’d say the openness and warm reception I’ve received everywhere I’ve gone.

Each place I volunteer has a different story. Sometimes I live on-site (recently in a cooperative’s store and an NGO’s office). Sometimes I couchsurf with a person or family. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to being welcomed into peoples’ homes and becoming part of the family. The trust is instant and the bond is strong from the start. And walking a mile in their shoes has been wonderful. I’m eternally grateful for all the kindness that’s been showered upon me so far.

Though I miss free time from my old life, I’d say I kind of miss “stability.” A friend of mine asked me for the address I’ll be at one month in advance so she could send me something by mail. I didn’t know which country I’d be in one month from then, let alone an address. My old life was very organized and structured. My new life isn’t, thankfully. I’m finally learning how to let go and be flexible. As I type I am totally throwing away my plans in Nicaragua because things don’t feel right and my gut is telling me to leave. In my old life I never listened to my gut. Apparently spontaneity can be learned! 🙂

With the rock star and rock seller at the co-op in Honduras

What’s Next?
I have so many friends from my MBA who got what they wanted upon graduation – more money, more responsibility, and more prestigious titles. But that came with a side dish of misery and unhappiness.

In the long-run I want to help people see that living a life built upon their passions is a sustainable path toward happiness. I don’t advocate my lifestyle. It’s perfect for me and only me. My goal is to help others figure out their perfect life.

I’d like to write books, speak to students (especially MBA students since I’ve been in their shoes and they already have experience in the rat race), and maybe work one-on-one with people to help them realize their full potential. I believe if everyone in the world were living a life based on his or her passions, the world would be a much better place.

A big thanks to Adam for taking part, great to have you.

Be sure to check them out:
Blog: Happiness Plunge
Twitter:@HappinessPlunge
Facebook:/HappinessPlunge

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