Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel the world while building a career that allows you to live on your own terms? Jannis Riebschläger has been doing just that for over a decade. In a recent interview, he shared his journey of becoming a digital nomad, turning his passion for travel into a thriving career, and helping others do the same.
Starting Young with Big Dreams
Jannis’s story begins at the age of 18, when he founded his first company, fueled by a desire to travel and explore the world. Even as a high school student, he had been dreaming of a life of adventure. He spent his teenage years planning for the future, drafting his first business plan at just 15.
After launching a travel blog and hiking across the Alps, Jannis landed his first sponsorships. This success led to the publication of his travel books, which became bestsellers in Germany. Though he loved storytelling, Jannis soon realized that writing wasn’t his true calling. Instead, he pivoted to filmmaking and produced his first travel movie, which was screened in cinemas across Germany. From there, his career in filmmaking took off, and he’s been traveling the world, producing videos for major international brands like Igloo, eBay, and TUI Cruises.
Life as a Digital Nomad
Today, Jannis’s life is anything but conventional. Whether he’s traveling across Europe in a camper van with his girlfriend or spending winters in Southeast Asia, his work allows him the freedom to explore new places and cultures.
A typical day for Jannis might involve waking up in nature, working for a few hours from his laptop, and then spending the afternoon enjoying the local area—whether it's hiking, water sports, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. His lifestyle is the perfect balance between work and play, with each day offering something new.
Teaching Others to Follow Their Passion
In addition to his own creative work, Jannis has made it his mission to help others turn their skills into revenue streams. Through his workshops and courses, he teaches filmmaking and helps creatives build sustainable businesses around their craft. His filmmaking academy, which he launched two years ago, offers a three-month program where students learn both the technical aspects of filmmaking and how to grow a business around it.
The program includes weekly group calls, where participants get feedback on their work and support from their peers. Jannis also hosts community events, including upcoming trips to Tuscany and Thailand, where students can work on projects together in beautiful locations.
Challenges and Successes
Of course, being a digital nomad isn’t without its challenges. Jannis spoke about the constant balancing act between work and travel, acknowledging that it can be difficult to find time to enjoy the places he visits while still delivering high-quality work for his clients. However, he’s learned that the key to success is knowing when to focus on work and when to step back and savor the moment.
Over the past decade, Jannis has grown both personally and professionally, building multiple streams of income that allow him to maintain his nomadic lifestyle. His success is proof that with determination and a willingness to adapt, it’s possible to create a life that blends passion, work, and freedom.
Advice for Aspiring Creatives
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Jannis’s advice is simple: Master your craft. He believes that the first step to success is investing in your skills. Whether through formal courses or self-taught methods like YouTube tutorials, the key is to become confident in what you can offer.
When it comes to gear, Jannis stresses that you don’t need the latest equipment to start. He began his career using just an iPhone and a GoPro, gradually reinvesting in better tools as his projects grew. He also encourages aspiring filmmakers to reach out to potential clients early on, even offering free work to build a portfolio. This, he says, will help you gain trust and eventually lead to paid gigs and retainer clients.
Living the Blueprint
Jannis Riebschläger has turned his love for travel and creativity into a fulfilling and sustainable career, all while helping others do the same. His journey serves as a blueprint for anyone looking to break free from the conventional 9-to-5 and craft a life that truly aligns with their passions.
If you’ve ever dreamt of traveling the world while pursuing your creative passions, Jannis’s story proves that it’s not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Through hard work, adaptability, and a dedication to continuous learning, you can build a life that you love—just like Jannis did.
Watch the full episode here.
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