Most of the people I know online who run websites and make a decent living from it spend their time living in different places all over the world. I guess it’s because I run mostly travel websites so I know other people who do the same and – yep – we all love to travel so it makes sense to be scattered all across the globe. ‘Location independence’ or being ‘digital nomads’ gets talked about a lot in these circles as a major benefit to doing this sort of online work and, while I couldn’t possibly agree more that it’s an amazing benefit, the other big advantage of earning passive income doesn’t seem to get talked about as much.
That’s free time! If you’re able to automate your earnings and rake in some passive income then you’re going to have a lot of free time on your hands. I can spend an obscene amount of time working when I’m really into it but when I’d prefer to take a break from the computer and do my own thing, having the money still coming in is huge. HUGE! It means I can do all of the things I love to do without worrying too much about my next paycheque.
In the past couple of years this has meant spending a bunch of time volunteering with All Hands. This is probably my favourite thing to do in the world and since I spend very little money as a volunteer, it actually makes economic sense to do it for as long as possible. It keeps drawing me back in but in between chasing disasters, I have to find something to do with myself.
Here in Kigali I’ve taken the having free time thing to the extreme and have gone a little crazy in the hobbies department. I still spend a good amount of time working but I’ve also started taking guitar lessons, playing tennis again, attempting to put some permaculture principles to use in our backyard garden, cooking more often, drawing and painting, studying french, and I’ve started back up at the gym. I take long walks, meet friends for lunch, go out to dinner a lot (and review places for my Kigali life site) and head out for drinks on the weekends. Plus I still manage to sneak my afternoon naps in. I love naps.
Earning a passive income means that I have more of what I think is the most valuable resource of all – time. I’m packing a lot into my days but I’m doing things that I love to do and hopefully growing as a person because of it. The guilt part? All of the things I’m doing these days are very me-oriented. Everything, actually. I’m working the self-improvement angle to the extreme and I’m not sure how comfortable I am with that.
It seems like everyone I meet here in Kigali is doing some job aimed at saving the world… or at least at helping Rwanda. Most people here work for one NGO or another on interesting projects. They’re doing work to benefit Rwanda while I’m just living my life and living it here because I love the country so much.
If I were to move to the US or anywhere in Europe I wouldn’t think twice about the whole ‘giving back’ thing, but here I have this strong sense of guilt because I feel like I’m taking so much and not giving anything back. My main problem is that I’m not really so interested in the typical volunteering opportunities that I find here. I don’t want to teach English and I’m not big into kids. I like to shovel and wheelbarrow and build stuff and there’s not a lot of scope for that sort of thing here. A friend’s boyfriend works at a home for street kids. This is something I feel like I could really get behind, but I’m not really sure how I could help. It’s something worth looking into but I can feel myself getting lazy…
What do you guys think? For anyone who’s spent time living in a developing country – did you get involved in good causes or just do your own thing? Have you ever felt guilty about not playing some role in a country with a lot of issues? Do you feel like it’s enough just to live in a place, enjoy it and contribute to their economy by buying things and existing?
I’m not claiming to be some virtuous traveller who does good deeds everywhere I go… far from it. It’s not something that bothered me terribly as I travelled around Asia or lived in Beijing. But here, now, given that I have a lot of time on my hands… the guilts are creeping in.
You should not feel guilty at all. You are contributing to the local economy and you are offering an encouraging and inviting look at life in Rwanda. You are also giving Rwanda dignity by being there for its own sake.
When I was traveling in West Africa last year a lot of people gave me strange looks when I told them I was simply traveling. You’re not peace corps? You’re not a volunteer? You’re not working here?
No, I’m just a traveler and I believe that West Africa can and should be visited for its own sake.
There is a lot of volunteer work that is very important. Disaster relief definitely falls into that category. I would also put volunteer work with the extremely vulnerable (street kids, HIV/AIDS victims, homeless) in this category as well.
But there is also the risk of over-volunteering, of drowning in NGOs, all of which are well intentioned. The long-term effects of volunteers/ngos in some places have been devastating. I have been to so many villages where the locals have come to expect/depend upon volunteers and aid from NGOs.
Malians can build a school. Ghanaians can build a school. You don’t need 20-30 recent college grads from North America or Europe to build a school in a village. When you do this, the motivation for locals to improve their situation often declines.
I have seen some volunteer orgs. and ngos doing incredible work. I think All Hands is solid because they actually make a point to integrate locals and create something sustainable. I think the best NGOs are those that do empowerment work, offering skills and leadership training for locals. Unfortunately, there are so many that don’t follow this model.
My current project (howtodrawcamels.com) is all about showcasing social enterprises and organizations that feature West Africans leading, innovating, and developing solutions to community and social problems. I’m trying to highlight the unsung heroes, the people that are creating sustainable projects, sustainable because they fit the cultural logic and the people behind them are motivated because it’s their community and their country.
Sorry for the long-winded answer. It’s something I feel strongly about after spending a lot of time in a part of the world that sometimes feels like it has more NGOs than people.
If you do volunteer, find a legit org. (something you seem to be good at) and do it cause you want to, not out of guilt. You have nothing to feel guilty about.
Also, while Kagame’s increasingly autocratic tendencies are very troubling, Rwanda is on the up and up in a lot of ways. Been reading a lot of interesting and inspiring stories lately about Rwandan entrepreneurs
Take care,
Phil
I am on a yearlong journey through Latin America. I do feel a tad bit guilty that I haven’t done any volunteering, nor am I trying much (or at all) to find opportunities.
Like you, I don’t like kids and don’t want to teach English. I love my free time traveling, and I know it won’t last forever. I don’t want to spend my time doing something I don’t enjoy. But I like to think that if I did find the right opportunity, I would jump right in.
Something you (slash, we as a well-off society) might consider is starting to create streams of passive income that are wholly intended as streams of donations. In other words – all the money that comes from a particular site is an ongoing donation to one cause, so they can begin to count on that money the way you have – and if you don’t have an attachement to that stream then it’s easier to give away.
If I ever learn how to do the stuff you’re doing then I promise I’ll set up a site to that. In the meantime… back to washing windows
I agree with Phil. You are contributing to the economy by simply being there! Going out to eat, meeting friends for drinks, and even building a website that encourages people to do the same is a huge boost for the area. NGOs don’t always make the areas they go into sustainable. If people don’t or can’t live in that area because there is no way to make a livelihood and there is no economy built on supply and demand, what good is a school building or teachers with no kids to teach?
It’s great that you are living there. Just your talking about it on your blog makes me want to visit or recommend it to other travelers and that’s your contribution! There you go! Now go have some drinks and stop feeling guilty.
Kirsty, don’t feel guilty. You do a lot to help others and you deserve some ‘me’ time. Perhaps part of why you feel guilty is that you are so attached to Kigali and you want to do something to help. Maybe plan to help in the near future, but take a break for a bit. You need to balance out the charity work, otherwise you will drain yourself and possibly lose motivation.
Don’t feel bad at all. It’s great that you are using your free time to work on yourself. Work on yourself before you try and work on others. A house needs a strong foundation or it will crumble. It sounds like your really wanting to do volunteering so once you’ve had enough “me” time you’ll be able to give your all to others. I hope to one day be able to have as much free time to do what I wish as you!
@phil You and I are on the same page, I think, with how we feel about volunteering and NGOs. It often seems like NGO overkill here but that’s a whole other post! But my point was that people here tend to be here with the intention to help others which is refreshing. I do think there’s something to be said for going to developing countries and enjoying them for their own sake, contributing to the economy and not always treating them like charity cases. Good point!
@thetravelchica Actually I have to admit to volunteering for fairly selfish reasons… I do it because it’s a lot of fun and it’s a great way to get a glimpse of the local culture and to get intimately involved in the community. Helping people is a handy side effect. I guess I should take my own advice… don’t volunteer because you feel guilty or like you should. Do it because you want and choose a cause that resonates with you.
@mike That’s a great idea, actually. I guess I do that in a way with my ebook (donating $7 per sale to All Hands) but donating to something smaller here in Kigali would make a lot of sense.
@jerri I didn’t think about how my website or just talking about Kigali regularly is helpful. I’m hoping to use my site to promote some small businesses too so I guess that’s another thing. I also went out last night and bought whiskey and a goat brochette… yay to commerce!
@laptop & kenny Good advice, thanks!
Kirsty,
Love the website and your adventures. You inspire me on a lot of different levels. Thank you.
This is a little off topic but I’m really curious to ask you a question. If this question is really ignorant, please forgive me. Ok…to the point. How do you handle the tax consequences that accompany passive income?
I’m still in the U.S. and just starting to look into the idea of setting up websites and writing about my passion(s). My concern is that any earnings I develop through these endeavors will be heavily taxed.
Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Criticisms? Snide Remarks?
Hey Kirsty, at least you think about doing something for others -there are hundreds in the richest countries who live self-centered lives and are concerned about superficial activities.
Enjoy your life and if you have the chance give away, that’s priceless!
I don’t believe in doing things out of guilt but if I had some spare time and was living in a place where people desperately need some extra help, I’d definitely look into volunteering. And, let’s face it, these days that’s most everywhere in the world. You’ll probably feel closer to the local culture as well. Hope you find a volunteer experience that you find to be rewarding =)
@john I registered as a business in the UK before I left in 2007 so I pay my taxes there. I file a return online in April and pay what I owe at some point before January the next year… all online. I don’t really believe in ‘tax consequences’… I figure if you’re earning enough to have to pay taxes, then you pay them.
True, it’s probably financially smart for me do register in Panama or somewhere and do some tax dodging but that’s not really my thing.
@andrea Ya I think volunteering is an amazing way to get a different look into a culture, especially if you’re able to do it long term. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for something that resonates with me. I’ll think about visiting this boy’s home thing sometime soon.
Kirsty – I totally get where you are coming from. I feel the same way. I also feel guilty sometimes when I use my income for really nice, relaxing vacations. I start thinking about how much food or water one night at a Four Season’s costs and I feel very guilty. I think the fact that you have guilt at all is a good sign. Lots of people just float through life not even stopping to think about things like that. From what I’ve read on your blog so far, it seems like you are a very compassionate person. I think there is a lot of value in serving after disasters, caring about cross-cultural relationships and telling other people about it.
I am also not big into kids – I am more into the environment, building and economic development. Surely there is something you could even start doing on your own that would match your passions and help the community at the same time. Maybe take people along to enjoy some of your personal pursuits – like a workout buddy – or four. Cooking for a busy neighbor or hosting a open dinner night could utilize your culinary talents.
Whatever you do, don’t beat yourself up too much. Life is way to short for that – at least that’s what I am trying to tell myself!
~Jenn
i like that u said “taking so much and not giving anything back” . I hope i can bring that attitude in me .
thanks for writing down your views
The most important is that you get to love what you are doing. If you feel satisfied and contented to give back, then, simply do it. Passion makes people shine.
I never felt guilty because the money I was making was from the West anyway and I was putting money into the local economy.
I know what you mean about feeling guilty as I’ve had those feelings here in Medellin. After 18 months, shouldn’t I have spent at least some time volunteering…in the “help the children” sense of the word?
But then I remind myself why I keep going with Medellin Living — it’s my way of giving back to a city and people that’ve given so much to me. I remember that blogging about the city (and doing everything at my own expense) provides practical information for future visitors and expats.
Plus, it’s helping to raise an entire city’s profile as a tourist/retirement destination. All that, like Working Nomad suggests, helps to pump money into the local economy. It’s a different way of helping, but I still feel like it’s the best way I know how to contribute. I’m in a bad habit of taking this all for granted.
I think you’re doing the same for Kigali and Rwanda by spending so much time there. That alone says a lot considering how much of the world you’ve seen. Also, everyone here knows you volunteer in other places, so try not to feel so guilty that you are taking time in Kigali to help yourself grow!
I’m not going to comment on the feelings of guilt. If you feel guilty, you feel guilty; there’s never anything wrong with those emotions.
I understand what you mean by there being NGO dependence in some cases. There’s a lot of reasons for this and it’s always a tight balance between giving what people need and making them working for it. It’s not always as easy as some people make it out to be to get the local community involved. That takes time and a long-term investment, which is difficult from a donor’s point of view (they want results NOW) and difficult from a financial point of view (the ledger always has to be $0 at the end of the year).
So, I’ll pose the challenge that was posed to me when I had some of the same feelings that you did. Why don’t you start your own CBO/NGO to do the things that you want to do in the way that you want to do them? With the money you are making, it shouldn’t be hard to start one up, no?
@jenn I think I’ve realised that my guilt is probably less associated with not doing something to help, and more with feeling removed from the community. I work alone either hidden away at home or in one of the popular expat cafes (they have free wifi) surrounded by muzungus (foreigners). I don’t think I’m so guilty about doing my part as I think I do ok, I’d just like to feel more connected to Rwanda and less like I could be anywhere in the world.
@WN That’s a very valid point and I certainly spread my money around Kigali! I love that I can afford to not only spend money at restaurants and stuff that are probably owned by well-off members of the community, but also that I’ve been able to support a few small business types like my tennis and guitar teachers. I’m thinking about taking Kinyarwanda (the local language) lessons too with a teacher. That’s something I didn’t really think about before.
@dave It’s interesting having those ‘I should help’ feelings because most people don’t have those feelings for cities they’ve lived in their entire lives and I’m sure there are lots of people in need all over the world. Likewise, how many well off natives of Kigali or Medellin (and there are a lot in Kigali, at least) give back to their own communities? I don’t know but it’s interesting to think about the guilt associated with being a ‘rich’ Westerner in a developing country. I’m really loving working on this website and I’m putting a lot of time and money into making it something really special so I hope it helps raise Kigali’s profile, as you’ve said. We’ll see!
@kyle Ya NGO stuff can be frustrating at times but there’s also a lot of great working being done. I don’t think I’ll ever start an NGO… I actually think that’s part of the problem. People just seeing an opportunity to help and starting something up without any kind of experience or skills in the area. People wouldn’t start a business like this and I don’t think an NGO should be thought of as anything less. It’s about a lot more than the money. At least that’s my take on things. I’d be more likely to find a cause I really love that already exists, offer come financial support and get a little bit involved but leave things up to the experts.
My friend here in Kigali has just started give sex education type talks at a local home for former street boys. There are about 20 kids and she really loves it and I think the lessons she’s giving are huge for these boys as there are some seriously effed up thoughts in this country on sex. I was chatting to our Rwandan friend who works there on Saturday about helping out so I’ll check it out hopefully this week, or on Saturday. They don’t have a website so I can do that and I’m not sure what.
The kids are older but still vulnerable and impressionable and I think it’d be a cool thing to get involved in. My friend and I are both here for the long term as well so it’s not like we’ll be visiting for a couple of weeks and then taking off, which I think is important. Anyways… I’ll keep you posted!
Hello Kirsty,
You may right, i have also sites but my earning is very low , I don’t understand what i have to do to increase my earning?
i really like the pool picture you have put here , luxury life ..:)
Sourish
that is cool that you are taking out time to do some hobbies.. I love that pool too looks relaxing