Wayne and Sally Schmidt’s journey from corporate life to global nomads proves that reinvention is possible at any age.
At the age of 55, when most people begin thinking about slowing down, Wayne and Sally Schmidt made an unconventional decision. They turned their backs on the comfortable life they had built in Australia, sold their possessions, and set off on an adventure that would redefine the way they lived, an adventure that led them to 92 countries and a flourishing nomadic lifestyle.
With no fixed plans and only two suitcases, they chose to live life as digital nomads. Their decision to abandon the conventional path of retirement for a life of travel, work, and exploration might have seemed reckless to some, but for Wayne and Sally, it was the beginning of a new chapter, a journey that would blend work, adventure, and freedom in a way few have ever experienced.
The Spark of Change: A Life Awakened
Before embarking on their nomadic journey, Wayne and Sally were caught in the daily grind. The weight of the rat race, constant work, endless consumption, and the search for external validation, left them feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. Despite their successes, they realized something was missing.
“It was a matter of asking ourselves, ‘Is this really it? Is this what our lives are supposed to be?’” Wayne recalls. It wasn’t until they returned to Australia in 2017, after an exhausting stint abroad, that they realized it was time for a radical change.
Wayne and Sally weren’t interested in the traditional idea of retirement, relaxing and fading into the background. Instead, they wanted to experience life in a meaningful, impactful way, on their own terms. They had no plans, no specific goals other than a desire for adventure, and a willingness to embrace whatever the world had to offer.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Digital Nomad Shift
The transition from a corporate lifestyle to becoming digital nomads didn’t happen overnight. After selling their house and cars and shedding their material possessions, Wayne and Sally faced several challenges. They were not just changing their environment, they were shifting their entire mindset.
Starting a business while on the move was a huge learning curve. But with perseverance, they carved out a niche. By leveraging their skills in marketing, they began offering consulting services to accounting firms. Their business model allowed them to work only 2.5 days a week, giving them ample time to explore new destinations and soak in the cultures around them.
“The freedom that comes with working remotely is incredible. We don’t just visit new places; we immerse ourselves in them. We don’t rush, we savor every moment,” says Sally.
Their commitment to balance has made all the difference in their journey. By designing a flexible work schedule, Wayne and Sally have been able to escape the fast-paced world they once knew, living with intention and making time for what matters most, experience.
Redefining Retirement: The Mature-Age Nomads
Unlike many younger digital nomads, Wayne and Sally’s journey represents a shift in how we think about retirement. Most people their age are thinking of slowing down and winding down their careers. But instead, Wayne and Sally decided to go full throttle, only with a different type of work and a more fulfilling life on the road.
“We’re proving that age doesn’t have to define what we can or cannot do,” Wayne explains. “It’s about choosing the lifestyle that works for you, regardless of age or expectations.”
Today, their business is thriving, and they’ve turned their passion for travel into a successful consulting operation that continues to grow. While they’ve found financial success, it’s their newfound sense of freedom, adventure, and purpose that they value the most.
Living the Dream: Work Hard, Play Harder
Traveling full-time as digital nomads isn’t just about getting paid to work from exotic locations. For Wayne and Sally, it’s about creating a life of balance, finding joy in each moment and learning from every culture they experience.
Their blog, Travel Dine Stay, chronicles not just their travels, but the lifestyle they’ve built around it. From the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the quiet beauty of the Maldives, Wayne and Sally’s experiences are a reminder that it’s not just about where you go, it’s about how you choose to live while you’re there.
“We work with purpose, but we also play with purpose,” Sally adds. “It’s about living life to the fullest. The world is a canvas, and we’re painting our masterpiece, one country at a time.”
Their story is featured across various prominent media outlets, including Forbes, where they share insights into their unique lifestyle. The couple’s journey has touched the lives of many, showing that it’s possible to create a life that blends career, adventure, and personal fulfillment.
The Future: A Never-Ending Adventure
Wayne and Sally’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to reinvent your life. Their path is one of continuous exploration, of the world, of themselves, and of new ways to live and work. But while their journey continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: their dedication to embracing the freedom that comes with living as digital nomads.
The future holds endless possibilities for them. They’ve seen 92 countries, but they’ve only scratched the surface. Their travels have taken them to some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth, and they know there’s still much more to discover.
For anyone who is looking for a change, Wayne and Sally’s message is clear: Take the leap. Redefine your life. Live with purpose. If they can do it, so can you.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Wayne and Sally’s journey is far from over, and they invite you to join them on the adventure. To learn more about their travels, their business, and the nomadic lifestyle they’ve created, visit Travel Dine Stay. Connect with them on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
If you’re ready to create your own adventure and live life on your terms, Wayne and Sally’s story is proof that it’s possible. Don’t wait for retirement, start living your dream now. Explore. Travel. Dine. Stay.
