Hello, and welcome to VERY LOST.
I’m
, and in March 2023 — after a layoff from Amazon — I decided to start traveling the world. I didn’t have a plan or know where I wanted to go, I just felt VERY LOST. Today, I’m still traveling, and during my sabbatical I’ve traveled to 4 continents, 20+ countries (for a lifetime total of 50+ countries), and 100+ cities.I write about the places that shape my understanding of how we work, learn, and interact. Sometimes, I’ll share more about the destinations that truly amazed me.
I hope my writing gives you a place to get lost and wander, too.
If you’re interested in learning more about how I got here, check out my interview with
on her publication, Freedom Focus.Essays
I share about two thoughtful essays per month about places, cultures, or travel. Some of my favorites have been:
Courage Without Fear — how an unfortunate trek in the Himalayas helped redefine my ideas of bravery
Victory to the Masses — on my ancestral homeland and the values I take with me
Ayahuasca — my attempts at enlightenment in the Amazon rainforest, and what I got instead
The majority of my work — some of my favorite essays — are free.
However, I am so grateful to readers that choose to become patrons of my writing. Here is what I’ll offer to those who want to support VERY LOST with a paid plan.
Monthly ($6/month)
Access to paywalled essays, which may explore more sensitive topics
Access to my Trip Reports series (coming out of my drafts soon) — my personal notes from various destinations, featuring both obsessive research and on-the-ground tips from backpackers and locals
Annual ($59/year — 17% cheaper)
Everything included in a monthly subscription
A “thank you” postcard sent from somewhere (!) in the world
1 x 30-minute session with me to help you think though travel, sabbaticals, or anything else (limited time offer)
Founding Member ($149/year)
Everything included in an annual subscription
1 x 30-minute session with me to help you think though travel, sabbaticals, or anything else, as well as notes after our call and a way to stay in touch
Ongoing, direct line of support to me for advice on travel and sabbaticals, as someone who has traveled to 50+ countries (and is on sabbatical!)
If becoming a patron is out of your budget right now but you still want to support me, you can refer my publication to other wanderers. I’ll share some of the paid perks with you as a thank you.
Refer 3 friends for a 1 month comp
Refer 6 friends for a 3 month comp
Refer 15 friends for a 6 month comp + annual perks
If you’re a free or paid subscriber, you can always send me an email at verylost@substack.com.
However you choose to follow along, thanks for getting lost with me. I’m glad you’re here, and excited about where we’ll go together.
—Zefan