At a Glance
- Nicholas Sklavos left a finance career and sold his car to travel Asia.
- His TikTok video on Sept. 5, 2025 went viral, earning 7 million views and 28 000 comments.
- He now has 185 000 followers and plans to turn his adventures into a sustainable career.
Introduction
On September 5, 2025, Nicholas Sklavos boarded a plane with a one-way ticket and a dream. After a decade in finance, he sold his car, cut expenses, and began a TikTok-fueled adventure that has inspired hundreds of thousands.
Early Life and Career
Sklavos grew up in New Jersey and spent his early life within the tri-state area. After graduating from Syracuse University in 2022, he accepted a finance and sales role that many would envy. The position offered a comfortable salary, but the environment did not align with his values.
“It was a really good job, but I hated it,” Sklavos told News Of Los Angeles exclusively over Zoom. “The environment just didn’t align with who I am. I felt like I wasn’t adding much value to the world – I was just making money… [It] just wasn’t for me.”
Realization and Decision
For as long as he could remember, Sklavos dreamed of traveling the world. That desire intensified after witnessing friends fall sick and, in some cases, pass away. “I realized we’re all dying,” he said. “And if I didn’t go act on what I wanted to do now, when was I going to do it – when I’m 60 and can’t climb a mountain?”
Preparation and Savings
From that moment, Sklavos quietly prepared to leave. Over two years he saved aggressively, selling his car, cutting expenses, and freeing himself from home obligations. His parents were initially hesitant, but their stance softened once they saw how unhappy he was.
“I came to this belief that if there’s something you’re really passionate about, you don’t need everyone’s opinions or criticism,” he said. “I just wanted to do it. When is there ever going to be a better time than now?”
The TikTok Video and Viral Response
On Sept. 5, 2025, he posted a TikTok video explaining his departure. The clip quickly went viral, amassing 7 million views and 28 000 comments. Users praised his authenticity:
- “Document everything for us,” one user wrote.
- “Go live your best life!!!! We are all rooting for you!!!” another added.
- “I’ve never been more excited for a stranger,” commented someone else.
The overwhelming response gave him validation and motivation. He continued to share his travels, not just as a personal record but to inspire others.
Life on the Road
Over the next year, Sklavos posted regularly on TikTok, building a following of 185 000 people. He shares candid glimpses of solo adventures, unfamiliar cultures, and the challenges of starting over far from home.
“I got messages from people saying they were traveling because of me, following my itinerary and that I inspired them to see the world,” he said. “One guy told me he had a very bleak view of the world before seeing my videos, and now he’d booked a flight to Thailand. That brought me to tears. And a mom from Texas has been messaging me since the first video, saying I’ve touched the world. It’s unbelievable.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Even with hardships-sleeping in hostels for a few dollars a night, dealing with bugs, food poisoning, and an E. coli bout that landed him in the hospital-Sklavos says the experience has been worth it.
“The good far outweighs the bad,” he said. “Traveling isn’t tourism; it’s living in unfamiliar spaces. Yes, there are rough nights and rough moments, but I’ve never regretted quitting my job. I knew this was what I wanted, and I’ve been able to share it with the world.”
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel (per night) | $10-$20 |
| Food | $5-$15 |
| Transport | $20-$50 |
| Health incidents | Variable |
Community Impact
Sklavos’s journey has resonated beyond his followers. He has become a case study in following one’s passion over a conventional career. His TikTok content has sparked conversations about work-life balance and the value of experiential living.
A recent table summarises key milestones:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Graduated from Syracuse University |
| 2025 | Left finance job, sold car, departed for Asia |
| 2025-2026 | Built 185 000 TikTok followers |
Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead, Sklavos plans to continue traveling for at least the next year, possibly two. He hopes to turn his adventures into a sustainable career by hosting group trips, creating travel and food videos, and engaging an ever-growing audience.
He envisions a home base in New York City, where he can explore the city’s renowned food scene while balancing his nomadic lifestyle.
“The goal is never to return to a corporate job,” he says. “I want to keep inspiring people to see the world and take action on their dreams. For me, this isn’t just travel – it’s living fully, every single day.”
Key Takeaways
- A finance career can be left for a dream of travel.
- Viral social media can launch a new life path.
- Passion, not approval, can guide major life changes.
- Sklavos’s journey shows the power of authenticity and community.
