Since graduating from AvÐÔ°® Christi College in 2003, Luke has ventured down several professional pathways, including working in the Sports industry while completing his university degree before ‘finding his groove’ as a successful real estate agent in Perth’s southern suburbs. But it was a passion for travelling the world that led to him and his partner Erlyn signing up for a new adventure: Remote Year.

Founded by two friends in the United States, Remote Year is a working travel program that facilitates 12 months of travel for professionals, entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The premise of the program is that participants keep their existing jobs in their home country and embark on a year of world travel, living in 12 countries for one month each. The company arranges an apartment and workspace in each respective city, as well as flights and a series of cultured local events. With approximately 45 other participants in each program from all around the world, the networking and professional development opportunities are invaluable. 

The program is a natural fit for Luke, who has spent most of the last 15 years using annual leave to take shorter holiday trips. He and Erlyn decided that they had an itch that needed to be scratched: ‘We have travelled together extensively but never for more then 2 – 3 weeks. We felt that we needed to get away for an extended period of time but obviously needed to keep working to be able to fund it.’

Speaking from his apartment in Marrakesh, Morocco in November 2018 (month 11 of 12) Luke shared his experiences with AvÐÔ°® Spirit. ‘It has been the experience of a lifetime. Spending a month in each country while still working really gives you a taste of being a local rather than a tourist,’ he said. While travelling alone or as a couple was an option, Luke explained that one of the biggest benefits of the program has been the lifelong friends he and Erlyn have made from within their group.

Asked if he would recommend the program, Luke gave a resounding yes. ‘If there is any possibility that you can shift your current role and work remotely, take it with both hands. I have been involved in more interesting and diverse experiences this year then I have in the last 15 combined – the life experience has been second to none.’

2019 will see Luke and Erlyn return to Perth with a renewed lease on life. ‘I think after 58 flights and over 250 hours on planes, it is time to be back in Perth for a while. It is amazing the path that life takes you. I wasn’t really sure of what I wanted to do post high school and if you’d told me in 2003 that I would be where I am today, I would have never believed it,’ Luke said.

For more information on Remote Year, visit the website
For more information on Luke’s experiences, please feel free to get in touch with Luke via email or social media:

lddawson86@gmail.com

Luke and partner Erwyn in Guatape, Colombia.