Life-Changing Decision
If you’re tired of the daily grind, you might relate to Brian Trautman’s story. A former software engineer who worked long hours at companies like Microsoft, Trautman found that the most enjoyable part of his day was his bus ride to and from work. This realization led him to make a life-changing decision in 2008 during one of his commutes.
A New Home at Sea
Trautman embarked on a journey after saving diligently for two years and selling all his possessions, including a townhouse in Redmond, Washington, for a two-year sabbatical at sea. He purchased the 53-foot sailboat SV Delos for $398,000, with a down payment of $81,000. This boat with three cabins and two bathrooms became his home at sea.
An Entrepreneurial Turn
In New Zealand in 2011, Trautman met Karin, who later became his wife. Together, they started filming their adventures and launched the YouTube channel Sailing SV Delos, which eventually became their main source of income. Their daughter Sierra was born and enriched her early experiences with nature through their life at sea.
The Reality of Life at Sea
The SV Delos is described as a compact version of a modern home, with the challenges of marine life reflected in their kitchen equipped with essential appliances. Their grocery shopping trips can cost around $500, with additional monthly expenses for maintenance and utilities as reported by CNBC Make It.
Transformative Journey
Trautman’s journey has taken him to over 45 countries, covering 70,000 ocean miles. His priorities have been reshaped by this experience, reinforcing the value of time spent with loved ones. With Sierra now four years old, the family is considering staying in French Polynesia for a year and potentially relocating to Sweden for her upbringing.
Hot Take: Reinventing Priorities
Brian Trautman’s journey from a busy software engineer to a sailor traveling the world has transformed his priorities. From valuing time spent with friends and family to reshaping his view on what’s important in life, this journey has had a profound impact on him.
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