Duncan Milligan
I am really interested in helping people get out and explore the world. Often the obstacle stopping people is not knowing where to start, or the fear of the unknown. I am living proof that any muppet can do this - you don't have to be Ray Mears or an ex-SAS rufty tufty type. The first step is to sit down with a cup of tea or beer and get the map out...
Making a career from adventure
We're very jealous of Duncan. He's done what many dream of and is actually making a career out of adventure. Check out his website and if you have a question, be sure to ask him!
How I can help Esc members
I am really interested in helping people get out and explore the world. Often the obstacle stopping people is not knowing where to start, or the fear of the unknown. I am living proof that any muppet can do this - you don't have to be Ray Mears or an ex-SAS rufty tufty type. The first step is to sit down with a cup of tea or beer and get the map out...
Currently...
Running my own http://www.tourdeforceuk.com" rel="nofollow">company, providing adventure logistics; helping people to create their own bespoke adventure, whether it be a flying car to Tomboctou, or a Land Rover to Oz - the madder the idea, the better. I also work as a tour/production manager for a contemporary circus and work at large-scale music festivals such as Glastonbury, V Festival etc.
From a day-to-day point of view, it is very varied. There might be more that one project on the go at one time. Each one will be at a different stage of development and requires different skills or experience.
Before I escaped...
Before this, I worked as a trip leader for an overland adventure travel company and worked in South America, Asia and Africa. Before that a professional actor, would you believe?!
My moment of truth...
It happened by necessity really. I finished working for the adventure travel company, couldn't face the thought of a 'proper' job and thought about what would be the best way to utilise the skills and experience I had. I couldn't see a company out there doing what I wanted to do, so started my own.
Planning for it...
I didn't. I really am making it up as I go along. It has all happened fairly organically. A project manifests itself and I think "yeah, that sounds like a challenge" and give it a go. It has been a hand-to-mouth existence.
The worst and best bits...
Best moments:
Having many "how did I get here?" moments on projects. Introducing people to new worlds and experiences, watching them revel in it, and getting paid to do it. No two days are the same and it makes for great stories down the pub.
Worst moments:
Writing this at home on a grey Monday afternoon in November, whilst trying to figure out which of the future projects in the pipeline will happen and which will remain a pie in the sky... Meanwhile, the bank balance dwindles!
Best advice...
"An adventure is never an adventure when it's happening. An adventure is physical and emotional discomfort, recollected in tranquility."
Carpe Diem - go for it. But be prepared to downsize your life, not have much money or job security, or not know what you will be doing in a week's time.
The trick is not to think about how much you need to earn to maintain your current life, but to downsize and try to exist on a smaller budget. The less money you need to find each month, the more possibilities become available and the more freedom you have.
Useful resources and information...
It's been word-of-mouth really. A lot of the work I get is through personal recommendation, so I enjoy match-making certain people to certain projects.
As far as I am concerned the future of travel lies with http://www.theadventurists.com" rel="nofollow">these guys.