When I built my first 7-figure business, I thought I’d made it.
But behind the numbers, I’d lost the very thing I was chasing — freedom.
In this episode, recorded from a rainy car park in Salerno, Italy, I share why I’ve fallen in love with what I call micro hustles. Small, simple income streams you can run from anywhere without losing your freedom (or your sanity).
You’ll hear the story of my first million-dollar Amazon business, what went wrong when it grew too big, and how I’m doing things completely differently this time with my new travel card brand, This Big World.
If you’ve ever dreamed of earning from something you enjoy but don’t want another full-time job, this episode will show you how to start small, stay free, and build confidence as you go.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why “going big” can actually steal your freedom.
The difference between a business that runs you and one that supports your lifestyle.
What a micro hustle really is (and how it can change your life).
Real examples — from travel challenge cards to print-on-demand jigsaw puzzles.
The five-minute framework to find your own small, simple idea.
Why confidence grows faster when you start small and learn in public.
Key Takeaway
Freedom doesn’t come from scaling up, it comes from simplifying.
A small, intentional business you actually enjoy can fund your adventures, protect your peace, and remind you that success doesn’t have to mean stress.
Time-Stamped Guide
00:00 Welcome from Salerno, Italy + the truth about chasing “big” success
02:00 The Amazon story — from one product to burnout
04:00 What I’m doing differently this time with This Big World
05:00 Defining a micro hustle and why it matters for freedom after 50
06:10 Why small wins beat big stress — low risk, fast feedback, full control
09:00 Real examples: my friend’s jigsaw shop + how we’re building it simply
11:00 How to find your own micro hustle idea (step-by-step)
12:40 This week’s challenge: pick one idea and launch a mini version in 30 days
13:10 Closing thoughts + next steps
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Start the Right Side Hustle Course – A short, practical guide to help you choose the right idea and model for your lifestyle.
Why I Don’t Recommend Driving the Amalfi Coast (and other Italian travel mistakes) – This week’s travel story from our Italy adventures.
Join the 50+ Nomad Club
If you’re ready to start building your dream lifestyle, whether that’s travelling full-time, living part-year overseas, or creating more freedom at home, you’ll love The 50+ Nomad Club.
Inside, you’ll get practical strategies, inspiration, and a supportive community of like-minded adventurers who believe adventure never retires.
Download My Free Guide
📖 How to Become a Digital Nomad in Your 50s & Beyond
This practical guide will help you map out your portable income, choose the right business model for you, and start planning your first nomadic leap with confidence.
Join the Conversation
What’s your version of a micro hustle?
Share your idea, your first step, or what small project you’d love to start this month.
Loved this episode? The biggest compliment you could give me, would be to share it, restack it or send it to someone else who would love it! Thank you so much! 🙏
