What Is a Road Trip Nation?

By Alice Nichols

Road Trip Nation is a unique concept that originated in the United States in 2001. It is a multimedia project that aims to inspire people to explore their interests and passions through road trips. The project was founded by three friends, Mike Marriner, Nathan Gebhard, and Brian McAllister, who quit their corporate jobs to embark on a road trip across the country to find their true calling.

What Is Road Trip Nation?

Road Trip Nation is a movement that encourages people to discover their purpose by exploring different careers and lifestyles through interviews and road trips. The project started as a documentary series where the founders traveled around the United States in a green RV (recreational vehicle), interviewing successful individuals from various professions. They aimed to showcase how these people found their passion and built their careers around it.

The interviews are conducted by young adults who are also on a journey of self-discovery. These individuals have either recently graduated or are about to graduate from high school or college, and they are unsure of what career path they want to pursue. The interviews provide them with insights into various professions, helping them identify what resonates with them.

How Does Road Trip Nation Work?

Road Trip Nation has evolved over the years, expanding beyond its documentary series roots. Today, the project offers various resources for individuals looking for career guidance and inspiration.

One of the core components of Road Trip Nation is its online platform that provides access to over 4,000 interviews with professionals from different fields. Users can search for interviews based on keywords related to their interests or browse through different categories.

The website also offers a comprehensive career exploration tool called Roadmap. This tool helps users identify their strengths, interests, and values and matches them with potential careers that align with those traits. It also provides information on education requirements, salary expectations, and job growth projections for each career.

Road Trip Nation also hosts events and workshops aimed at inspiring young adults to explore their passions and build meaningful careers. These events provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and skill-building.

Why Is Road Trip Nation Important?

Road Trip Nation is an important movement because it empowers individuals to take ownership of their career paths. It encourages people to explore their passions and interests, rather than settling for a job that pays the bills.

Moreover, the project provides access to valuable resources that can help individuals make informed decisions about their careers. The interviews with successful professionals offer insights into the realities of different professions that are not always apparent from job descriptions or salary figures.

Road Trip Nation also promotes self-discovery and personal growth. By embarking on a road trip or exploring different careers, individuals can gain a better understanding of themselves and what they want out of life.

Conclusion

Road Trip Nation is a powerful movement that inspires people to explore their passions, discover new career paths, and ultimately find meaning in their lives. Its online platform, events, and workshops provide valuable resources for young adults looking for career guidance and inspiration. Through Road Trip Nation, individuals can embark on their own journey of self-discovery and build meaningful careers around their interests and values.