The Unfulfilling Dream
Shaik Moest, an alumnus of IIT, found himself in what many would consider an idyllic existence in the United States by 2003. He had secured a prominent
position as a Director at First Republic Bank, a role that came with substantial financial rewards and societal prestige. However, despite achieving these markers of success by the age of 38, Moest felt a profound sense of stagnation. For a decade, he perceived his life as a monotonous cycle, continuously pursuing professional milestones and accolades that failed to provide him with genuine inner satisfaction or a sense of purpose. This internal discord eventually led him to re-evaluate his priorities and the trajectory of his life, setting the stage for a significant transformation.
Embarking on Wanderlust
In 2013, after a prolonged period of introspection, Moest made the bold decision to completely alter his life's course. He resigned from his position, divested himself of his home, and embarked on an ambitious solo journey around the world with just a single backpack. For the subsequent eighteen months, he traversed an impressive 35 countries, venturing from the rugged terrains of Russia's landscapes to the ancient, sun-baked expanses of Egypt. This period of solitary exploration was transformative, as he found himself completely unacquainted with anyone, allowing him the unprecedented opportunity to truly discover and understand himself in a way he never had before.
A Nomadic Romance
It was during his extensive travels, while staying in a hostel in Montenegro, a picturesque country in Southeast Europe, that Moest encountered Kathy. She was an Austrian social worker, and their meeting was serendipitous. Their initial conversation, which lasted only about ten minutes, quickly blossomed into an immediate and deep connection. They spent the following ten consecutive days in each other's company, solidifying their bond. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of a shared life built on mutual understanding and a shared passion for exploration, leading to a significant chapter in their lives together.
Family on the Move
The couple, Shaik Moest and Kathy, exchanged vows in 2016 and resolved to continue their unconventional, nomadic lifestyle as a married unit. Their family grew over time, and they now have three children whom they are raising while continuously traveling across various countries. Their approach to education is unique; their children are homeschooled using a curriculum that thoughtfully blends traditional Indian philosophical teachings, including the Vedas and Upanishads, with the standard NCERT educational framework. This blended approach aims to provide a holistic upbringing, grounding the children in rich cultural heritage while equipping them with essential academic knowledge.
A World as Home
Presently, the family orchestrates their lives by residing in various homestays across different global locations, maintaining their nomadic existence. Their financial stability is sustained through shrewd investments made back in India. When reflecting on his departure from a conventional lifestyle, Moest often receives inquiries about whether he misses the perceived 'security' of his former life. His response is typically a serene smile. He views it as an advantageous trade, having exchanged the confines of a 4 BHK (four-bedroom, hall, kitchen) apartment for the vastness of the entire world. The family lives what he describes as a 'king-size' life, rich in experiences and freedom.
