This past May, I accidentally spilled that I was looking to make a move, and seriously considering San Francisco. My darling friend Sarahwas even going to let me sleep in her closet until I found a place to live.
My move is going to take me on a *slightly* different path than San Francisco.
Instead, I’m moving to Bali to be the TMBA #9 Intern.
Yep. You read that right.
Bali. Indonesia.#BOOM
Dan, Ian, David and all those other crazy Tropical MBA guys poured over a bunch of applications, Skyped with folks, talked amongst themselves, probably drank a couple beers, and somehow decided at the end of the whole process to offer me a job.
I will have a post with more details and FAQ’s about what this position entails in the next couple weeks. Once my brain has adjusted to the HOLY-HELL-I’M-GOING-TO-BALI-ness of it all. And once we figure out what exactly I’m doing out there.
As my friend Nate (who, PS, just WALKED ACROSS AMERICA and got featured on The Art of Non-Conformity) told me last night…it is impossible to even attempt to know where to start writing about this, let alone doing it coherently. Given any 20 minute period of time my emotions range from belligerently excited to shakingly nervous to ridiculously terrified to walking-on-clouds-filled-with-glee.
I have always been scared to do something like this. And not moved ENOUGH by the internet marketing and e-commerce positions (that are DREAMS for many other people) of the previous TMBA postings to push myself out of the comfortable existence I was living. Even though I had read 4 Hour Work Week and The Art of Non-Conformity, I didn’t feel like I had the guts to do what they had done.
This spring, my life felt like it was falling apart. By mid-summer I was overwhelmed with a feeling that I just couldn’t explain. I wasn’t depressed or exceedingly sad.
I had just lost my sparkle.
Then Dan posted his 9th Tropical MBA Internship.
And I was all like Demi Moore in Indecent Proposal, minus the rolling around in a bed of hundred dollar bills (though that would have been SWEET!)
Not only did I see the job entailing so many things I loved about being online (writing, editing, website and brand development) but I saw the potential for a much bigger opportunity within their organization (content management, online publishing, and brand authority). Plus, the job involved getting relocated to Bali with living expenses for 3 months to get settled with the possibility of extending.
I emailed my SPIRLBFF and said “Oh my god I want this gig so much I think I’m going to throw up!”
Staring at the computer, my mind racing as I started crafting the application essay in my head, I began coming up with every possible reason that I was completely foolish to even entertain the thought of applying.
Let alone doing it.
Eventually I closed the laptop, and walked away.
Damn laptop. It called to me. Like that plant in Little Shop of Horrors.You know, the one who sings and seems all friendly but is actually a blood-sucking alien devoted to the annihilation of the human species?
I was intrigued. But also terrified that I might unleash something that I was completely unprepared to harness.
Night after night, I’d find my way to the Tropical MBA site, and read through the description. I’d leave the tab open, thinking that maybe (just maybe) I’d go back and fill out an application. Never following through.
I talked to my sister, and was like “I’m crazy to not apply for this, right?” She listened dutifully to my concerns and excitement and vision for what I’d want to bring to the position and told me “This is the opportunity of a lifetime and it is perfect for you. It is your dream job. How could you not apply for it?”
I watched for two weeks as countless brilliant people announced that they were applying. People that I frankly thought I had no chance of ever getting the position over. So I kept mulling the application over in my head, but how could I do it? It wasn’t a good time. I had no chance.
It is crazy to wish, or even start. Wishing only wounds the heart. What happens if I fail? What happens if I fall on my face?
I began work editing Joel Runyon’s manifesto for his new ImpossibleHQ site. It was exactly what I needed to hear. “Failure is a part of a the story, but it’s not the whole story. It’s just another obstacle waiting to be overcome.”
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. It was breaking my heart to not even try for it.
Staying small hurt too much.
I spent 9 ½ hours working on that application the day before it was due. I researched their sites. I analyzed their content. I drafted each individual essay answer and then edited them a half dozen times over. By 11:30 PM I was finally ready to record my video, which was a 5 minute mixture of my absolute desire and passion for this position and everything I would bring to the table, explaining why I was the best candidate for them to hire.
In the application I said:
This might not be ‘the perfect time’ for me to apply for a job that I have half-convinced myself was written specifically for me, which exists halfway around the world.
But I do not think I will be able to wake up and look at myself in the mirror tomorrow morning if I don’t.
The whirlwind began. I blew my first Skype call with David and Dan. They say I didn’t totally blow it. I sure as hell know *I* wouldn’t hire me based on that call.
I was 7 minutes late getting on my Skype call with Ian, after breaking about 47 traffic laws in rush hour traffic in Portland. He was awesome to talk to, and knowing it was my last chance, I sold myself like I was tap dancing a cross examination in the musical Chicago.
I nailed it.
Two days later, at 10:29 on Saturday night, I got an email from Dan saying “You have a minute to Skype? EOM”
I had to Google what EOM meant.
He asked me a few more questions. He pointed out (again) that I was way over-qualified for the job they posted. He grilled me to ask if I was SURE I wanted this job and wanted to live in a house with 4 boys (who probably have cooties…thank GOD I’m getting immunizations before I leave!) and wanted to work my little fingers raw.
I asked him if he was offering me a job.
He asked if I wanted it.
I asked him if he was offering me a job.
He laughed and said yes.
Then, fortunately, his internet died for about 3 minutes. Because I was running around my friends’ apartment where I was crashing, squealing and shrieking in tones only audible to the dogs in the neighborhood.
So how am I doing now?
Well, I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.
By the beginning of January I’ll be on my first international flight ever, preparing to live overseas having never lived anywhere other than the state of Maine. I need to get a foreign work visa and a ton of other paperwork. I would like to have a few thousand dollars kicking around “just in case”. I need to get my ass to the gym for 3 hours a day cause I’m gonna be running around in a tank top and shorts all the time (I’m assuming…seems kinda sick hot there!) I need to tan or I will fry up like a little red lobster in the equatorial sun.
When I attempted to find a flight out, I got this message:
Thank you, TripAdvisor, for pointing out that this idea is bat-shit crazy!
It is absolutely flat out stupid for me to do this.
Congratulations!
Bali is… interesting – I think you’ll either love it or hate it, it’ll be a culture shock of epic proportions alright. If you can have an open mind for something completely different from what you have ever experienced before, my money is on you loving it.
If I can get my startup off the ground, I just might see you there, as I’m aiming to relocate just a few hours away by flight (Singapore), IF I can start generating enough business income from my project to qualify for a work visa there.
Thank Wille! I’m pretty excited and very open-minded. I think there are some great adventures to be had, so I can’t wait!
Definitely let me know if you end up in Singapore! Apparently that is where we most commonly lay over to get to Bali from the US. And you are always welcome to come chill in Bali. Would be killer fun!
Let me know how things progress with the possible relo. Would love to see another friendly face around my world there!
This is great news! I know you are going to have a gorgeous time out there next year and I’m so excited you are venturing forth on a great adventure.
Thanks so much PPho!! I’m really excited as well. I’m gonna have to get a better camera to capture all the amazingness that will be around me.
When I opened up a writer’s magazine and saw an ad for an artists’ retreat in a little tiny village in the south of France, it was instinct that told me to write down the address and check it out later. And when I did and saw that I had to actually apply and get accepted, every part of me laughed at myself — there was no way I would get accepted over other, better, more established writers.
Still, every part of my being screamed that I had to write that application essay. I did. I submitted it. Two weeks later, I was accepted. A few months later, I was traveling on my own in a country I adored to stay for a month with complete strangers doing what I loved best. For the homesickness, it was one of the hardest personal experiences of my life. It was also the most rewarding and best memory thus far.
Everyone has their France, I believe…That experience — that life change — that both exhilarates and frightens them. But that’s the best part of it all, both the exhilaration and the fear. That’s what makes it worth it. You have achieved so much already, Elisa, with this acceptance. You’ve already done most of the hard work — listening to yourself and knowing that this is meant to be a part of your life’s course — by submitting that application. Now enjoy it…enjoy the excitement and the wonder and the beauty that YOU made this happen, that life was whispering to you to take a chance and you answered it in a loud, “hell yeah!”
I’m so very proud of you!
Thanks Susan! I’m excited that I took the step forward to apply even though my rational brain thought I was a nut-job for doing it! You are right though…the accomplishment is a huge source of happiness. I’m excited for the rest of the adventure as well.
Here’s hoping I don’t forget where I came from but can absolutely look forward to where I’m going. 😉 Much love dear!
me and some of my friends were joking that Dan only hires dudes. You are the totally most awesome girlydude (I mean that in the best way) to get the position. I’m soooooo happy for you!!! *fistbumps* 😉
Haha, I told Dan in one of our Skype’s that in a room full of guys I was once asked “Elisa, you’re the closest thing we have to a girl, what do you think?”
I think there is already another girl on the team (the designer/developer) but I’ll be much more “out there” in the community and online, cause that is pretty much how I already am!
*fistbumpsback* 😉
OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING!!!
I’m so happy for you. ^__^ I hope you keep us updated on what your time is like in Bali. 😀
Yay!!!
Thanks Tatiana! I’m pretty excited too! I will be documenting the bejeezus out of this…life lessons while traveling the world. What happens when the girl-next-door moves away from next door? Things like that.
Stay tuned!
Whoa, congratulations! This is fantastic. You deserve it.
Just make sure you return to East Coast Portland in time for AONC book tour #2. 🙂
You name the time and place, and I’m there to host!
Thanks for being such a great friend and so supportive Chris – you’re awesome!!
Wow…congratulations! I think you’re the first girl accepted into TropicalMBA…that’s awesome!
I’m a huge fan of your writing style overall…just excellent! With all of the content those guys are putting out I think you’ll be a very welcome addition to the team. I’m really excited for you. This is going to change your life, no doubt about it. There’s going to be BEFORE and AFTER Bali.
I had a chance to meet up with Dan, David, the new intern John, etc. in Puerto Galera Philippines a week ago. Those guys are the real deal…extremely sharp, motivated, etc. They’re building a great team of ex-interns that are picking up clients post-TMBA. (We just hired an ex-TMBA intern yesterday, in fact)
I’m really hoping you find your way over to the Philippines for a meet-up or that I can sneak over to Bali for a bit to meet up with you while you’re there…you’re going to be a rockstar on the TMBA team!
Justin – Thanks so much! I think I’m the first girl “accepted” into the internships, but I’m pretty sure they’ve worked with a few girls over the years.
I’m really excited for me too. 😉 I also think this is a great team to be a part of and I’m just honored to be a part of it. It’s good to know that they are good guys – especially since I’ll be living in a house with a bunch of them for at least a few months!
I hope to make it to the Philippines too! Word on the street is there will be a crazy shindig going down Feb/March for TMBA (not sure where/what) but hopefully we’ll meet up then!
Here’s hoping I live up to the rockstar-ness you predict for the future!
So…who are you screwing in TMBA to get this gig?
Well, I’ve never met any of the TMBA guys. And with Dan & David living in SE Asia and Ian living in California, that would be quite the accomplishment.
If I somehow managed that, don’t you think I’ve earned this gig? What, with defying the laws of physics and time/space continuums and whatnot?
(I wondered how long it would take for someone to come at me with this…)
“Because I was running around my friends’ apartment where I was crashing, squealing and shrieking in tones only audible to the dogs in the neighborhood.”
I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I read that. Haha! That TripAdvisor message is freakin’ classic also, please print and frame it!
Congrats!
Haha, you should have seen me afterwards when I realized I had been doing it! I had a pretty good laugh. 🙂
I DID in fact almost fall out of my chair laughing at that TripAdvisor message. Fortunately saved in electronic posterity right here on for me to look back and chuckle at.
BOOM!
Well done chica. Super proud of you – it’s a great fit. Glad the manifesto was a little bit of an impetus to push you over the edge.
Now get packing!
Thanks for entrusting it to me – I’m excited for you to publish it. It’s a great eBook/manifesto.
I’m working on packing already. Figuring out what I absolutely need and what I can do without. And what to do with each.
I could not have been happier when I read this post! Honestly, I’ve been reading your blog and your tweets and your Facebook’s and been wondering when you’re going to do something crazy… it just seemed like it was boiling on the surface. I’m so excited for you and seriously can’t wait to hear about it!
Congratulations. Your life is about to change big time.
Also, BALI!!!!!!
You, my dear, are a very observant and brilliant lady. It’s been festering for awhile, I just wasn’t sure how/when it was going to manifest itself. I think the Universe was just getting me uncomfortable enough and desperately wanting a change before dropping this opportunity in front of me.
I’m so excited too!!! I can’t even begin to imagine how things are going to change for me. Everyone will hear all about it, since this blog is pretty much all about me and this is going to be a pretty big thing for me for a little while.
SO FREAKING OVER THE MOON HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! Clearly it was time to take our slumber parties international — someone had to do it, and Bali couldn’t be a better location 🙂 I’m so excited to be right there for every single exciting step of this journey. You’ve worked so hard this last year — I cannot think of anyone more deserving, AND the TMBA team is getting a rock-star new addition to the team — they are so lucky to have you!! xoxo times infinity 🙂
Clearly your SPIRLBFF awesomeness was just the loving support I needed to take a major leap. Of course you’ll be there for every exciting step…what would I do if I didn’t talk to you daily?! 😉
And screw international SPIRLs. You are coming to Bali, fuzzy socks and all, and we are going to show these boys how to do a slumber party up RIGHT!
Thank you for the kind words. I’m a pretty lucky girl. I definitely worked my ass off but there are other people just as deserving. I continue being all shocked and humbled awe that they chose me out of the pool. I hope that I live up to “rock star new addition” – I’m going to work my ass off to make sure I do!
Elisa,
I’m one of those guys you beat, so I have every right to feel sour, piss all over the comments section of your blog and basically find out where you live and kill you.
But I have to say, you fucking nailed it and what an application line that was. I have no doubt they picked the best person for the post.
Congratulations, I’m sure you going to make every part of this opportunity count.
If you don’t I’m stepping up!
Will – I appreciate where you are coming from. I’m sure were I on the other side of this blog post, I’d feel similar.
It’s weird to know that there are people pulling for me to do great and amazing things with TMBA and people who are erecting voodooo shrines to my demise. (I’m guessing you have changed camps to the former…really hoping actually…I don’t make a very good voodoo doll…too much hair)
I am going to work my ass off, because I am acutely aware of the fact that there are a number of extremely qualified and brilliant people who could have gotten this job and kicked ass at it as well.
I can’t let those people down. I can’t let myself down.
Damn, this is a lot of pressure! 😉
– That should be “right”
Of which you have every right to kick me in the balls for such a horrific mistake.
Behold the power of the edit (when I’m not accidentally deleting!) 😉
I had a huge smile on my face for you reading this post! Love this quote:
“Staying small hurt too much.”
You are going to love Bali – the Nasi Goreng is awesome, as is the satay… infact the food there is ALL delicious – & congratulations on getting the gig! Maybe I’ll catch you in Bali at some point.
Lewis – Thanks! I had a pretty big smile on my face writing it. In fact, my face hurts I’ve been grinning so much over the past few days. 😉
I used to hear the quote “Your playing small does not serve the world” and I got the grandest implications of that sentiment. However with this particular opportunity, it wasn’t only serving the world. I was slightly concerned my heart would physically break if I didn’t try.
You know how it goes!
I’m excited for Bali – I certainly do hope you make it over to visit! Or that our paths cross somewhere in the Pacific. 🙂
Of course Ron and I are happy for you and extremely jealous. You will be missed by not only me, but Lucy, Aspen, Andy and Zeus.
Damn! Now I need to find another employee. At least you gave me until January….
Awwww, now I’m gonna be all sad thinking that I won’t be hanging out with you and the girls all the time (and Ron, of course, when he ventures out to the office!)
Thank you for being so supportive and happy for me! We’ll find someone awesome to replace me. And I’m only an email/GChat/Skype away. 🙂
Oh my guru that’s freaking fantastic news! Congratulations!
Loved that Trip Advisor message too, seriously 😀
Baliiii!
Right?! It is always good when a website says “Ummm…are you SURE you want to do this?!”
And thanks!!
That is AMAZING. Congratulations, Elisa!!! You’re a role model for all the rest of us LocationRebels. Awesome post too. Cannot wait to read all about Bali!
Wow, thanks so much Sarah! I have been WAY delinquent in the LR forums, but I’m excited to Huddle with folks tomorrow night!
As for role model, I definitely knew that this opportunity would be even more legit and worth it due to Sean’s experience as TMBA Intern #1. So he led the way for awesomeness LONG before I did.
I can’t wait to share all about Bali, so I’m glad people are up for reading!
This morning I cried a little in the shower because I realized that my bestest friend is going literally half way around the world. I could not be happier for you though! You are amazing, talented, beautiful, a girly girl (yes! I said it), and one of my biggest role models 🙂 You will be nothing short of spectacular and an asset to these boys.
I cannot wait to visit you. Tim and I were talking last night how awesome that will be! Did you know they have a monkey garden? Like a garden of monkeys.
You 100% deserve this job and I’m so happy that you applied for it because you deserve nothing less than greatness. Oh! And if you need a tanning partner or a “getting used to tropical beverages” buddy you know where to find me 🙂 LOVE YOU PACO DE TACO!
Paco – I skipped over your comment cause I couldn’t type a decent response as I slogged through. Your bestest friend is going to miss the bejeebus out of you living halfway across the world. I really vote we try to patent this “straw through the planet” concept I keep tossing out to make the journey easier.
As for visiting, abso-fucking-lutely! I was unaware of the monkey garden, but now we will have to check it out.
I’m going to be tanning at the gym since I’m going to be there a LOT getting into Bali shape. As for tropical beverages, we should chat. 😉
Love you like WHOA!
Happy for you Elisa– it sounds like a big step for you, but I would suggest getting a social visa for Indonesia, not a ‘work permit’. ‘Much easier and you can stay for 6 months if you want. You have to get it before you go, and you need an ‘invite’ but it’s easier than it might sound. Virtually all of my friends here in Bali derive at least some income from the Net and usually it’s foreigners who have brick/mortar businesses like restaurants that really have to get a ‘Kitas’. I don’t know the ‘Tropical MBA’ guys, I think they are new here, and I do think their arrangement is cool and interesting but you might just outgrow it and use your whole six months! Good luck to you.
we’ll be coordinating a social visa with Elisa. There will be no “work” happening in Bali!!! 🙂
I was pretty sure of the latter point Dan! —T
Tom – Thanks for the great suggestions! As I noted in my interview, I have never traveled internationally (well, I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Canada but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t count!) So I should probably just refrain from trying to talk about any of that stuff.
Good thing is that I trust Dan and Ian implicitly, I have no doubt whatsoever that they will take care of me with the stuff I don’t know.
I’m pretty sure I won’t outgrow the gig, I am totally in love with every aspect of it. Total word and content geek. I’m comfortable with it. 😀
Congratulations Elisa!! So rad to hear you’ll be joining the TMBA boys (they need some girls to keep them in order). This is a big step and I’m proud of you for summoning up the guts to do it. Dan & Ian are incredible dudes and I think you’ll learn a LOT working with them and their businesses. And Bali is gorgeous. Check out Ubud. Hope we’ll see you there when Emily & I visit Bali again November 28th! 😀
Hey Cody! I’m not sure I’m the best girl to keep them in order. I promised I wouldn’t be worse than the worse of them, but that there would probably be guys who were better at staying in line than me!
I’m super excited to drain every ounce of knowledge and experience I can from Dan and Ian’s brains. So, when they are left zombies in a few months, I guess that will be my fault! And thanks for the kind words…it is a very big step for a small town “girl-next-door” from Maine. But one that I know will be WELL worth it.
So sad that I’ll miss you & Emily! I’m not heading out til the beginning of January, I have a client contract I couldn’t get out of that runs thru late-December. We’ll have to try to cross paths across the islands some other time. 🙂
THE MOST EXCITING EVER! OH MY *GOD*
Haha, thanks love! So, you wanna come visit for a bit? I suppose Jamie probably has Parisian dibs on you, huh?! You could both come play with me. Then it really WOULD be the most exciting ever! 🙂
YES YES YES! So proud of you, Elisa. This is such a good move, can’t wait to read updates. Hopefully our paths cross before you jet off!
Thanks Alan! That day in a Cambridge coffee shop over coffee and croissants I was in the final throes of making the decision that “Yes, this is totally happening”. Didn’t know you were part of history, didja?! 😉
Our paths will obviously cross before I jet, because we’ll make it happen. You can’t shake me that easy!
Congrats again Elisa! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures in the TMBA house. You are a great inspiration to up-and-coming Lifestyle Designers like myself.
John – Wow, thanks! I’m still very much and up-and-coming LD as well. I’m excited to share the journey and adventure. I’m known for sharing the awesome and sexy stuff along with the blah and yucky times, so I hope to give a very real idea it all.
But, it will be hard not to be belligerently happy and giddy working at my dream gig every day in an island paradise. 🙂
Hey Elisa, I just wanted to stop by and wish you luck. I applied too and am super-jealous but it looks like they picked the right person 🙂 I love the park bench description of your approach.
Sure it will be amazing, and I’ll keep my eye out for updates. Hope the preparation goes well!
Aw, thanks Charlie! My approach was involved and a story to say the least – but I have to admit I’m a little lost to “park bench description” – I keep thinking of Forrest Gump which is probably not helping the thought process! 🙂
I’ll be keeping people updated as to what is going on. I write about my life, and this will probably be a * pretty * big part of it!
This is awesome! Congrats!!!!
It’s high time a Lady is moving into the TMBA HQ 🙂
Maybe I’ll even make it to Bali in the time you are there.
Thanks Yamile! I certainly hope that you are able to make it to Bali, I hear members of DC have a standing invite to the house. It would be great to hang out in person instead of over shotty Skype connections. 😉
I’m excited to represent the girl-faction at TMBA HQ, and stoked to work with not only the guys but their designer/developer who is a woman (so I’m not the first or the only one!) She is just a bit (lot) more modest than me.
Finally Dan chooses a girl!!! I’m super stoked for you & your opportunity~~~ Hope to join you soon in the future~~~
Haha, thanks Naomi! The TMBA guys already have a girl on the team who works their design/development, I’m just the first intern that’s been selected. He’s mentioned in the past that not many women have applied, but I think we deluged them this time around. 🙂
Are you looking to apply to a future one or are you going to be visiting Bali (or C: All of the Above)?
Elisa,
It’s a solid decision. I met Dan and the guys while travelling in Bali this summer – they are smart, passionate, driven individuals who get off on surrounding themselves with and connecting similar people, meaning that the creativity and buzz of the whole environment is off the charts. Good call, girl.
Jules (London)
Jules – Yes! That is exactly what I like to hear. I mean, tropical paradise in Bali isn’t anything to shake a stick at, but working in an environment with people like that doing stuff I love? That was probably the best part of this whole gig.
That’s what a good life is all about. Doing what you love and loving what you do. Doing it all with a drink with an umbrella in it from your beach chair, well that’s practically obscene. 😉
Cheers Jules, come back I got a bean bag with your name on it!
Congrats Elisa! Just linked here from the TMBA site and, while I didn’t apply, I think this is certainly an opportunity of a lifetime! If I did apply, I probably would have been in the same position as you – waiting because I didn’t think I could do it, then cramming it in the final day. Best of luck!
By the way, that Trip Advisor graphic is just priceless. I love it.
Joe – Thanks! I think it’s a pretty amazing opportunity as well. Obviously. 😉
Glad to know there is someone else out there who thrives so well under pressure. If I only I didn’t know I put out good work at the 11th hour, I might not be so inclined to let it get to that point.
I love the Trip Advisor graphic as well. I’m half tempted to write to them and be like “Seriously, you need to update your messaging. It is causing hysterical laughter on my site. I’m pretty sure it isn’t in a good way either!”
Very cool! I know Sean Ogle had a great time, so hope you do too. Take lots of pics and videos!
Sam