Eating a Slice of Humble Pie. Sunsetting The Tipsy Traveler (For Now)

After a summer break to focus on a wealth of content and consulting projects, it's become clear that I need to find the time where I can. The Tipsy Traveler is first on the chopping block.

A personal reflection and thanks

I hope you’ve all eaten and drunk well this summer. After going on a summer break from this personal platform to focus on a variety of consulting and content projects, in addition to chipping away at my book, I’ve arrived at the conclusion that there’s just not enough time in my days at the moment. And, as such, I’m forced to part ways with this newsletter as it approaches its one year anniversary.

Summertime spritzin’

Honestly, it wasn’t an easy decision. I hate dropping things that I’ve started. I even structured what the re-launch of this newsletter would look like and wrote a couple newsletters that were ready to publish. But then, to avoid having to take another break in the future, I asked myself, “what role does this newsletter play in my work life?” And “is beneficial to what I’m building for myself?”

To answer the first question: The Tipsy Traveler was and is, essentially, just a creative outlet to write about stories that I wanted to tell, whenever I wanted to tell them. It’s a freedom that I don’t have as a freelance writer, constantly having pitches shot down for stories that I’m passionate about (one of the tough parts of the job). This newsletter was a space to share personal tidbits and knowledge, as well as practicing writing in the first person, which I don’t have the opportunity to do very often.

As for the second question, while I am so grateful for the near-400 people who’ve actively subscribed to read my ramblings, especially those who’ve financially supported this labor of love, I don’t believe that The Tipsy Traveler is adding significant value to my work life. Could it if I gave it more time? Possibly. But I’m approaching a key phase of my career that demands my undivided attention in order to make sure I build something that has longevity.

I turn 30 next month. To most people, 30 years old seems young—and in many ways it is, particularly in terms of life expectancy—but in my professional world it’s not.

I consider a hallmark of youth as having a lack of responsibilities, both personally and professionally. That is far from the case for me at the moment. As my wife and I talk about family planning, and as my work blossoms into something that is likely going to require a team of people as opposed to an individual, my near future will be focused on planning, building and structuring my life holistically while I still have the time to do so. While it’s always possible to build something for yourself later in life, it’s more difficult because of ageism (an unfortunate truth), family responsibilities (if you have one) and competition with a younger generation who will inevitably be chomping at the bit to make their mark in the industry as well. It’s sink or swim, fam. And as a born and bred hustler, I don’t sink.

Once I commit to a project like this, I’m always all in. So backing out is humbling to say the least. A lot has changed since I started The Tipsy Traveler last September in 2022. I didn’t expect a book deal to come my way in January, and the opportunity to pitch another book concept when I file my manuscript in November; nor did I expect my day-to-day work to evolve in the way that it has, balancing a mix of consulting in many capacities, education seminars, content development and so on. But it has, and I need to focus my energy and limited resources towards my immediate and long term future. Because, as I’m sure some of my older subscribers are well aware, you blink and time flies by.

Should you like to keep up with my work and what I’m up to, please follow me on Instagram if you don’t already as I share most things there. It’s been tons of fun sharing my personal stories with whomever cared to read, and I hope to reignite this newsletter in the future once, if ever, my pace of life slows down.

In the meantime, I’m always here should you need bar and restaurant recommendations around the world, just DM me on Instagram. Thanks so much for subscribing, and be sure to read my published work for PUNCH, Food & Wine, Eater, Evening Standard and so on if you need to get your dose of my ramblings.

Goodbye for now, and stay tipsy, y’all.

xx

Tyler