The Truth About WHY I Quit my Job

I've been a full time Content Creator for a whole year now. Here's the truth of why I quit my day job a year ago.

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My Riding Gear:

My Favorite Motorcycle Camping Equipment

The New 2020 Wolfman Luggage Line

My Camera Equipment on this Trip
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[jenniferbradshaw]

Blimey - you have had a tough time … I am so pleased to hear that you have had the support needed to keep doing the thing and that your health has improved!
I look forward to your videos - you have inspired a 54 year woman in the uk do get their full bike license and experience the thrill of riding! Thank you! Stay safe!

[chrispiatt]

The buck stops with the executive and C-suite folks at REI. They mismanaged the entire process by putting in place a flawed rigid policy and botched the subsequent move to a new verification vendor. Regardless of the some aspects of the culture at REI, they are, after all, a huge corporation with leadership that is clearly disconnected from their "most important asset", their employees, as is the case with most large organizations.

[edwardhughes]

I was in Portland waiting for my bike to be serviced / fixed in Beaverton, to re-commence my RTW and ended up buying a new tent from you in REI - it was certainly a nice boost to see someone who's videos I have followed. (I got so frustrated with my old tunnel tent, and ended up giving it to a guy working at a hostel in Vladivostok!). All that paperwork shenanigans is ridiculous for what should be automatic when there are health issues involved. I wish you all the best with your endeavours and I really value and enjoy your content. Keep going and all the best.

[brucemckelvy]

I put a Mitshubishi Mini Split unit in my garage. My only regret is that I did not do it 25 years sooner. I now have full control of the temp both summer and winter. My garage door is insulated and I can air condition my garage down to 62 degrees when it is 98 outside and can heat it to 62 when it is 10 degrees outside. I just love it and get so much more work done in the garage now as I an work comfortably year round.

[fixbuildplay]

Good for you!! I am glad you are well!! If you do not spend a ton of time in your garage a propane heater is sufficient, yet if your in the garage as much as I am you will want a more permanent solution. Ironically, I may have something next week you may be interested in. I also insulated my garage door which was pretty simple. I wish you all the best and ride safe!

[Siggyroka]

Just found your channel a few weeks ago and love it, having ridden and raced motorcycles for 50 years, I learn something new every time I watch yours.

[SCWMoto]

The best bit of kit you can take with you on trips or anywhere is your health. Makes great trips epic trips. Jobs come and go. Im so glad you took care of Amanda cause there is only one of those. Keep doin’ the thing.

[MotoPhotoAdventures]

I am so proud of you Amanda! Way to stand up for your health!!!!

[roger]

Not quite the “happily ever after” story I was expecting to hear from you Amanda. The old saying about when one door in life is closed, another opens is true. We are all the better for you stepping through and joining us, laughing with us and traveling with us. What ever your past life was that included REI is a good memory. That being said look what you’ve accomplished since then. Simply put “YOU ROCK GIRL”. You give inspiration to thousands to “Get out and do the thing”. Not only that, you lead the way. You host events, and actually show us how it is possible to enjoy life on two wheels. You are obviously the better for it (save one broken arm and a scrape or two). I look forward to viewing your travels well into the future. Thank you for all you do and for the decision to quit retail and establishing yourself as one of the leading women bikers on youtube..

Answer to question: Unfortunatly my garage heater is a heavy jacket, boots and gloves…(official Massachusetts winter gear)

[rolandpope]

So sorry to hear about your problems but pleased you have put your health first. I look forward to your videos, you are a true inspiration.

[bikes]

Hi Amanda, to answer your question at the end, I have insulated my garage door with plastic wrapped poly-styrene board, typically used to insulate a foundation. I bought two 4x8 sheets and it was WAY cheaper than buying a kit. a sharp knife, measuring tape, straight edge and some aluminium tape is all you need! I then added a 1500w radiant heater and life is good in the garage now :) Keep healthy!

[DavidSkelhon]

I found that the double reflective bubble wrap type insulation works well on the inside of garage doors. You can tape and staple it into place. If you have a 240 V socket in your garage, you could use a wall or ceiling mounted heater. I found one for $100 and it puts out 5 kW. I had to source a plug and cord which was a few more $ but it is a cheap and effective solution. It is also fairly quiet. Good luck with your channel!

[LindsayDaly]

So crazy you're almost at 30K, it's so incredibly well-deserved, I'm so excited for you!! I'm sorry to hear about the dreaded leave of absence paperwork. My boyfriend has a lot of heath issues and he's constantly making calls to insurance, doctors, etc. It's practically a full time job in itself! So I vicariously understand the nightmare. Glad you're feeling better and that it's all behind you now – and so much is ahead of you!

[markchristianson]

Good on you health comes first all the best on your new chapter have fun !

[UtahKodiak]

I'm so glad to hear your health is doing well and you are happy with your job situation. Taking care of yourself is job #1! As for garage heat, definitely absolutely without doubt do the garage door insulation kit if all you have is a bare uninsulated door. It made such a huge difference to my Utah townhome (very cold in winter!) that I didn't have to put a heater in the garage, just open the door to the house when working in the garage to let some warm house air in.

[TheFalcro]

I am definitely glad that you did this. I have watched you since you had just finished The Pilgrimage. Watching your channel grow and you develop into a producer has been a pleasure.Many of your followers have not met you in person like I had the honor and opportunity to at RMR6. This shows your transparency in all of this, (Riding, videography, etc.) YOu not only tell why you quit but how and the circumstance around it. You will always have a special place in my heart because you were the primary reason I tried to go back to riding (FTA and Dork in the Road too) and to be clear I was successful. I can assure anyone that doubts, you are seeing the real Amanda. She is humble, puts up no pretense and is as genuine as she appears to be in this video. Thanks Amanda this world needs more like you.

[sunielpatil]

Best wishes!! Get well soon and good that you prioritized health..

[wereeves]

Hang in there & take care of yourself! For me garage - I use a Mr.Heater Buddy heater; It's portable and can use the 1lb propane bottles or connect to a standar 20lb propane tank with the hose they sell. I have a 2 car garage for a shop that is insulated and finished (drywall) and an insulated garage door. The Buddy heater will take the chill off enough to be confortable (Michigan winters).

[davidslate]

Thanks for the honesty. It's my 2nd favorite thing about you/your channel. I did notice that your garage looks clean.

[robertlewis]

Great story. It allows people to realize the challenge of going YouTube full time. I hope you’re feeling better now. It also explains how you know so much about the camping gear you detail to those of us watching. Keep it up.