Nora Williams - From Burnout in Law to 3+ Years of Solo Travel and Living a Life of Freedom

Nora used to be a San Francisco lawyer representing workers facing discrimination by their employers -- her dream job! But a few years into her career, Nora found herself experiencing severe burnout while working 60 to 80-hour weeks. Her dream job had become a real life nightmare impacting her physical and mental health and her relationships.

One day, she reached her breaking point and decided she needed a big change. Nora ended a 5-year relationship, quit her job, and left the country on a one way ticket. What started as a career break turned into 3+ years of solo traveling around the world focusing on "hidden gem" and less-traveled destinations. Her favourites so far have been hiking in the Balkans, exploring archaeological sites in Iraq, and eating her way around Georgia. 

Nora even started her own tour company hosting adventurous group trips to bring others along with her. Her life at 30 is unconventional and certainly nowhere near where she imagined she would be, but somehow so much more fulfilling.

In this episode, Nora shares the reality behind leaving a high-pressure legal career, the emotional toll of burnout, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from scratch.

We talk about the unexpected freedom—and challenges—of long-term solo travel, how she navigates uncertainty while constantly on the move, and what it means to create a life outside of traditional expectations.

Listen to this episode to hear how one bold decision changed everything, why solo travel can be both confronting and empowering, and how stepping into the unknown can lead to a life that feels more honest, expansive, and free.

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Show notes

• Living a bit of an unconventional life at the moment 
• Previously working as as workers rights lawyer, based out of San Francisco, California
• Hitting a breaking point 3 years ago with her job
• Realising she was burn out
• Getting out of a long term relationship and quitting her job 
• Making the decision to book a one way flight out of the USA
• Travelling to the less travelled places 
• Heading off the beaten track - with a focus on outdoor adventures 
• Why it was an out of character decision 
• Having a 'sliding door' moment 
• Deciding to follow a different path
• Why her dream job tuned out to be a nightmare 
• How covid changed things for the legal profession
• Being able to work remotely from Columbia 
• Needing to make money 
• Sharing her travels with her friends and