Higher Trail: My Path to Purpose-Driven Work

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." – Annie Dillard

For years, I struggled with the idea of traditional work. 

The 9-to-5 grind never seemed to align with the kind of life I wanted ― a life where freedom, creativity, and personal growth were central to everything I did.

When I was in my 20s, I read three books that fundamentally reshaped the way I thought about making a living: Vagabonding by Rolf Potts, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, and Your Money or Your Life by Joseph R. Dominguez and Vicki Robin. 

These writers challenged me to question the status quo and reevaluate what a meaningful life and career could look like. They helped me see that fulfillment doesn’t always come from climbing corporate ladders or following predefined goals, but from building a career rooted in purpose and passion.

Their ideas planted the seed of possibility, showing me that it was okay ― even necessary ― to carve out a path that wasn’t conventional if I wanted to live an authentic, fulfilling life.

I’ve leaned into these ideas over the years, balancing part-time roles and freelance gigs with long-term travel while prioritizing time freedom. But the dream of starting a business and earning a living solely from my creative work has always been there, and now, I finally feel ready to make it happen.

A Little Blog About Big Ideas

Take a look around today, and you’ll see I’m not alone in this thinking. The rise of independent digital work and the creator economy has sparked a broader shift in how people define success. 

The way we work is evolving and more and more of us are embracing the flexibility and autonomy of being freelancers, creators, and solopreneurs. We now have the power to forge our own paths, whether it’s through content creation, offering niche services, or starting a one-person business.

This evolution is at the heart of Higher Trail.

Social media, for all its power to connect and inspire, often moves too fast, prioritizing quick takes and fleeting moments over real reflection. Here, I want to explore the ideas that matter, free from the constant churn of algorithms and the race for engagement.

This blog will focus on three core areas that drive my curiosity and fuel my creativity:

👉 Workstyle

Workstyle is all about empowering creators and solopreneurs to thrive in today’s evolving work landscape. From actionable strategies for growing an audience to reimagining how one-person businesses operate in the tourism and outdoor recreation space; this pillar offers insights and creative inspiration. 

It will also spotlight new tools and strategies you can use to stay ahead of the curve. With AI as an ally, not a replacement, solopreneurs have the ability to work smarter, unlock creativity, and build ventures that reflect their values.

The future belongs to those willing to adapt, innovate, and lean into what’s possible.

👉 Trails

Trails celebrates Pennsylvania’s breathtaking landscapes with scenic hikes and outdoor adventures. From peaceful forested paths to adrenaline-pumping ridge runs, this section highlights the state’s diverse trail offerings, bringing them to life through immersive storytelling and creative content formats.

👉 Profiles

Profiles is dedicated to the stories of people in the community who have found success as creators and solopreneurs. These are people who have taken risks, embraced their passions, and built meaningful ventures that reflect their values and skills.

Through their stories, we’ll explore the diverse paths one-person businesses can take.

These stories will serve as inspiration for anyone wanting to follow a similar path, showing that success doesn’t always require a team or a corporate structure. It’s about determination, creativity, and staying true to your vision.

Through these themes of Workstyle, Trails, and Profiles, I’ll explore the intersection of two growing trends: the booming interest in outdoor recreation and the rise of one-person businesses.

Blaze Your Own Trail

If you’re a solo creator, know that your journey is unique and every step you take brings you closer to building something meaningful. There will be challenges, but each one is an opportunity to grow and refine your path. 

We’re not just riding a wave; we’re reshaping the future of work. And for me, that future is one where passion meets purpose, and freedom is the foundation of everything we do.

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TLDR: Work is evolving ― build a career on your terms.