Online Lives: Stephen Palmer's blogs connect Irish people around the world
Two of Stephen Palmer’s three blogs are used to connect Irish people around the world.
“I have a blog for Irish people moving to Australia (irisharoundoz.com), a blog to connect Irish around the world (irisharoundtheworld.com) and a couple travel blog (sunsettravellers.com),” he said.
32-year-old Stephen, who is from Glanmire, Co Cork, has been a full-time blogger for the past four years. He runs Sunset Travellers with his partner, Sabrina. He moved from Ireland to Perth five years ago.
“I quit my job in sales in October 2014 and have been travelling the world and blogging ever since.”
Stephen says blogging has given him the life he always wanted.
“Without it there is no way I could ever live the life I wanted, which is basically life on my terms.
“I’ve always dreamed about living this lifestyle since I was about 18. I tried many things in the past and had many failures. Blogging has given me a chance to live a life with no boundaries.”
He enjoys the flexibility of blogging as a career.
“I work where I want and when I want. I also love the potential of it. Working in a nine-to-five job means my hourly rate is limited, but with a blog, the only limit is the work I put in. I’ve even had a day where I made €3,000 in one day with one viral article. It was a day I won’t forget.”
Stephen says he has encountered many challenges along the way.
“It has been years of struggle, doubt and overcoming obstacles in my way.
“But really it is through this that growth happens and you learn from your mistakes.
I think it’s easy to take criticism badly when you are starting out and give up. You are going to suck at anything new you start, so don’t go looking for feedback straight away. Learn, do and keep going.
Successful blogging takes a lot of time and hard work, Stephen says, but the reward is worth it.
“There is no magic secret to making money online or being successful. It takes time and work. If it doesn’t happen straight away, keep going and when you think you will never make it, keep going.”
Stephen, who says he uses social media “all the time” now has over 200,000 Facebook followers for his blogs.
He says his next step is to write a book about his experiences.
“I am currently working on a book sharing all my life lessons and experiences as a digital nomad over the past four years.”
