Jonathan Thiang in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas.Jonathan Thiang
While Jonathan Thiang, 39, has always enjoyed travelling, about a decade ago, he decided to formally commit to spending 1-2 months abroad every year.
Mr. Thiang has worked as a multimedia video producer in the creative services department at Toronto’s Humber Polytechnic for the past 10 years, but his commitment to his career is matched by his passion for journeying to places that are off the beaten path.
He has motorcycled across India, sailed a dangerous sea in the Philippines and been robbed at gunpoint in Rio de Janeiro. This past year alone, he began the year in Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel; hiked the GR20, a 180-kilometre trail in Corsica, France; spent the summer with family in Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands and hiked a loop around Andorra.
In this series, Reimagining Wealth, we explore the evolving definition of wealth in today’s world. Mr. Thiang spoke about how his time away from work boosts his well-being and helps him live with gratitude:
Why do you like to travel so much?
In a lot of ways, travelling is the thing that I do to make sure that I’m happy. People always say, make sure you are taking care of your well-being.
You like to go to places that are different – where there is poverty, unrest. Is that what interests you? You don’t want to go to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre like everyone else does?
Oh no, I love the Louvre. But there is no challenge to booking a flight to Paris and going to the Louvre. If you are going to do the GR20 in Corsica, you are going to hurt yourself if you don’t prepare. I’m at the point now [where] I’ve had so much outback experience in hiking that I know I can book a trip within six months and probably be fine to get a good result out of a trek, but that’s coming out of a lot of work, a lot of buildup.
Those are the sort of trips I’m looking for. When you have a destination [that is] a challenge, the ‘trip’ begins beforehand. You get to enjoy it even before you leave. You have this goal that you are working toward, and [it’s] very fulfilling because you arrive with a real purpose.
A view along the Dry Stone Route (GR221) hiking trail in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca, Spain.Jonathan Thiang
What has this kind of travel taught you?
Travelling in [places like] India and Ecuador, you certainly see widespread poverty. It’s a sad thing, but it is one of those things that has helped me have a better appreciation for how lucky I am.
It’s also taught me to be forceful. One of the challenges is you are far from home. There isn’t too much help. You’re at the mercy of other people a little bit [so] you learn to be street smart. The more you travel, that just comes with the territory.
How many countries have you visited?
29 countries so far, but with many repeat visits to Italy, Israel, Spain, France, Argentina and the Netherlands.
Some of the things you have done are extremely risky – such as sailing in the same body of water in the Philippines (near Palawan) where two Canadians were kidnapped and killed in 2016. How do you try to ensure your safety and that of your spouse, who sometimes comes with you?
I do research on the security situation. I purchase evacuation insurance. I’ve always wanted to go to the Democratic Republic of Congo but it’s not something I’m going to do unless there’s some way to get the sort of protection that is required.
Mr. Thiang in Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel.Jonathan Thiang
Do you ever encounter pushback at work for all the travelling you do? Or are your co-workers/managers understanding and supportive of all this travel?
I understand that other people in their professions can’t do anywhere near as much travelling as I do. [But] for me, it is really important. It’s high priority. I always try, by the end of February, to communicate with [my employer] my travel plans for the next 12 to 14 months. I guard that time. I do everything in my power to make sure [it happens].
My associate director is really supportive. Some of my other colleagues love how much I travel. It’s something I share in common with some of their family members. So usually, it’s a net positive.
Is this work-life balance for you? For others, it’s going to the spa or getting a massage.
I’ll tell you why this does qualify as work-life balance: I’m not next to my computer. Often, I can’t even get service.
Once I get on that plane, don’t even bother sending that e-mail. I can’t reply. The tether that connects you to work, it’s gone.