Wayne and Sally Schmidt’s decision to travel the world while running a business reshaped their lives, and their idea of retirement.
For most people, retirement means slowing down, maybe moving to a quiet town, relaxing by the beach, or finally ticking off items on a long-neglected to-do list. But for Wayne and Sally Schmidt, retirement wasn’t about slowing down; it was about living life on their terms, unburdened by the restrictions of conventional thinking. At the age of 55, when most people start planning for a quiet, sedentary life, the Schmidts set out on an extraordinary adventure that took them across the globe and allowed them to build a new business model along the way.
Their journey began with a decision to walk away from everything they knew. They sold their house, cars, and possessions and packed their lives into two suitcases. No plan. No safety net. Just a desire for adventure and a commitment to experience the world like never before. Now, with 92 countries explored, Wayne and Sally have not only redefined what retirement looks like, but they’ve also created a business that allows them to sustain their nomadic lifestyle and inspire others to do the same.
The Turning Point: Breaking Free from the Traditional Life
In 2017, after years of feeling trapped in the cycle of work, consumption, and obligation, Wayne and Sally reached a breaking point. They had worked hard, accumulated material possessions, and followed society’s expectations for success. But they realized that none of that truly brought them joy. The more they worked, the less fulfilled they felt.
“We were living life by someone else’s script,” Wayne recalls. “We had all the trinkets and material things that were supposed to bring happiness, but in the end, they just added more weight and clutter to our lives.”
After returning to their home in Australia, they made the radical decision to leave everything behind. They weren’t sure exactly what the future would hold, but they were certain that it would involve embracing freedom and pursuing what truly made them happy.
And so, they sold their possessions, said goodbye to their traditional lives, and embarked on a journey that would take them across the world, no more working 9-to-5, no more accumulating things, just the promise of living fully.
Creating a Business that Fits Their Lifestyle
Becoming digital nomads wasn’t just about traveling, it was about finding a way to support themselves while maintaining the freedom to explore the world. Their solution came through marketing consulting. Leveraging their skills in business development and marketing, Wayne and Sally created a unique business model that allowed them to work remotely while living the nomadic life they had dreamed of.
Instead of committing to full-time work, they chose a part-time business approach. They offer marketing consulting to ten accounting firms, working only 2.5 days a week. This schedule gave them the flexibility to continue their work while still dedicating most of their time to their travels. With this balance, they’ve managed to enjoy the best of both worlds, building a thriving business while experiencing new cultures, making new memories, and expanding their horizons.
“What we’ve created isn’t just about making money,” says Sally. “It’s about making time for what really matters. The freedom to work less, travel more, and live life on our own terms is what makes this lifestyle so fulfilling.”
A New Vision of Retirement
Wayne and Sally’s story is one of defying traditional expectations of retirement. Instead of settling into the “quiet life,” they decided to live life with vigor, passion, and exploration. They show that you don’t have to wait for retirement to enjoy the freedoms that come with it.
Their decision to travel the world and work part-time is a direct challenge to the idea that retirement means doing less. It’s about doing more of what you love, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and living with intention. At the same time, they’ve built a business that sustains their lifestyle, proving that it’s possible to reinvent your career even later in life.
“We’ve learned that retirement isn’t about stopping, it’s about starting something new,” Wayne says. “It’s about creating a life that feels rich in experiences, not just in material things.”
Wayne and Sally’s story is a powerful example that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, it’s possible to create a life that’s exciting, fulfilling, and aligned with your values.
What Sets Them Apart: The Mature-Age Nomad Movement
What makes Wayne and Sally stand out in the world of digital nomads is their age. While many people think of young, tech-savvy individuals when they hear the term “digital nomad,” Wayne and Sally challenge that narrative. They are mature-age travelers, proving that age is no barrier to living a life of freedom, exploration, and entrepreneurial success.
“We’re not the typical millennial digital nomads,” Wayne explains. “We’ve been around long enough to understand what truly matters. We have the wisdom to know that it’s not about how much stuff you accumulate, but the experiences you gather along the way.”
Their journey represents a shift in how people of all ages view retirement, work, and adventure. They’ve turned the idea of “settling down” on its head, showing that it’s possible to maintain a fulfilling career and travel the world, no matter what age you are.
The Future: Never Stop Exploring
While Wayne and Sally have already visited 92 countries, they’re not ready to stop anytime soon. They continue to pursue new adventures, whether it’s discovering hidden gems in remote countries or immersing themselves in the cultures of bustling cities. For them, the world is still full of untapped opportunities.
Their blog, Travel Dine Stay, continues to document their travels and inspire others to think outside the box. Whether it’s advice on becoming a digital nomad, tips on slow travel, or insights into how to sustain a business while on the move, Wayne and Sally share their experiences to help others live the (un)retirement dream.
“We’ve learned that there’s no final destination, it’s all about the journey,” Sally says. “And we intend to keep traveling for as long as possible.”
Ready to Start Your Own Adventure?
Wayne and Sally’s journey shows that it’s never too late to change your life. If their story has inspired you to break free from the traditional path and live a life filled with adventure, start by exploring what’s possible for you.
Visit Travel Dine Stay to follow their journey, learn more about their business model, and get tips on how to become a digital nomad. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Why wait for retirement to begin living your dream? Like Wayne and Sally, you have the power to create the life you’ve always wanted. The world is waiting. All you need is the courage to take that first step.
