The Freedom Series: Lot Wildiers on Writing Her Way Out of the 9–5
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Words by Lot Wildiers | Edited by Tania from Slower Travels
“It feels like I am finally being me.”
Lot Wildiers didn’t set out to disrupt her life. But somewhere between trying to survive the 9–5 grind and ignoring the quiet call to write, something had to give. The traditional jobs she cycled through felt like placeholders—ways to earn just enough to get by, while her big dream sat waiting in the margins.
She wasn’t chasing influence or Instagram-worthy destinations. She just wanted to write.
And in a half-desperate moment, she googled “writer wanted.” What she found changed everything.
The Search That Sparked a Life
Lot’s search led her to a Dutch travel blog looking for volunteer writers. With no roadmap, no guarantees, and no grand plan, she applied—and got the gig.
“The writing, the photography: it just clicked.”
From that moment, Lot was hooked. Writing and travel finally felt like work that made sense. When the opportunity came to start her own platform, she said yes—even though she had no idea how to run a blog.
She learned everything as she went: from copywriting to camera settings, from SEO to social media. It wasn’t easy. But it felt right.
What Her Life Looks Like Now
Today, Lot runs her travel platform Reisgoesting, writes for online and print media, photographs weddings, and teaches others how to break into the industry. Her days rarely look the same. Sometimes she’s writing quietly for hours. Other times, she’s up before dawn, moving through airports, interviews, and late-night edits with barely a breath between them.
“My days never look the same.”
One week, she’s in full travel mode, and the next, she’s behind the screen with tea and to-do lists. It’s not glamorous all the time—but it’s hers.
Feeling at Home in Her Work
For the first time, Lot feels grounded in what she does. There’s always more to learn, but the difference now is that she wants to know. She’s sharpened fundamental skills—writing, photography, networking—that are portable and powerful.
“I feel at home in what I do.”
She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. But she’s proud of the work she’s built and the tools she’s gathered along the way.
The Cost of Doing What You Love
Despite what people might think, being a travel journalist isn’t all sunset shots and suitcase living. The pace can be brutal.
“I often work 14-hour days, jet lagged and on little sleep and rich restaurant foods.”
When she returns home, she crashes. It takes a day or two of deep rest before she can start editing the work she just created. It’s not a holiday. It’s a hustle.
Pushing Back Against Expectations
Lot has felt the pressure to live a more “normal” life—especially early on. Friends and family didn’t always get it. The assumption was that she was just on holiday and calling it “work.”
Publishing in magazines helped shift that perception. But the questions haven’t disappeared—especially the ones directed at her as a woman.
“People often ask when I’ll start a family, or if my husband likes it that I’m away all the time.”
The implication is clear: a woman’s freedom still comes with caveats. But Lot and her husband have had those conversations. They know their boundaries. They don’t need outside approval.
Defining Her Own Version of Freedom
For Lot, freedom doesn’t mean extravagance. It means covering her bills, doing something she loves—and not lying awake at night worrying about money. She doesn’t need riches. Just enough.
“It is so freeing not to have to worry about the bills.”
She’s happy to save up for big purchases. And she’s even happier to feel aligned in her work every day.
Advice for Those Standing at the Edge
Lot’s message to anyone wanting to shift their life is practical and honest: don’t quit everything all at once. She recommends calculating how much you need to live on and reducing your main job hours where possible while building your new career on the side.
“Yes, it requires a lot of work—but it is worth it.”
She’s also realistic. The pressure of burning through your savings or quitting cold turkey can do more harm than good. Instead, start small. Test your path. Be sensible. And trust that slow and steady can still get you there.
Still Figuring Things Out
Despite everything she’s built, Lot still struggles with social media.
“I suck at social media. And I envy people who can talk effortlessly into their camera without stuttering or looking like a bridge troll.”
She’s also still learning what it means to be an adult—and finds comfort in the idea that no one else really knows either.
“Is there anybody who has an idea what’s going on? No?”
Turns out, figuring things out as you go doesn’t end once you “make it.” It’s just part of the freedom.
Where to Find Lot’s Work
You can follow along with Lot’s journey at:
📍 Website: reisgoesting.be
📷 Socials: @reisgoesting on Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest
🎓 Course: pitchplease.academy – where Lot teaches others how to network their way into travel writing.
The Freedom Series: Life On The Other Side of Should is a storytelling project from Slower Travels, featuring real people redefining what it means to live well.
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