Badges (3)
Profile information
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Description
Hello! I'm Johan. I was born in Norway and lived there until I was 19. At 19, I got a football (soccer) scholarship at a university in the United States. After 4 years I graduated and took a job in finance in New York City. For the next 10 years or so, I worked in finance roles in both New York and London — long days starting at 8:30 in the morning and often stretching until midnight or longer, all focused on earning as much money as possible.
Eventually, I realized that happiness wasn't about spending all my time at work chasing money. True happiness, for me, came from spending quality time with people I care about and doing things I genuinely enjoy. So I made the decision to quit, step away from that high-pressure world, and try to start my own business instead. It took me 5 years of hard and lots of mistakes and failures before I made it work. But I now have an online business that’s been up and running for a few years and doing fine. This has given me the freedom to live a much more balanced and fulfilling life.
Today, I enjoy a peaceful, quiet existence on the beautiful island of Menorca in Spain — surrounded by nature, the sea, and a strong sense of community. I get to breathe clean air and go for walks in beautiful nature.
One thing that brings me a lot of joy these days is volunteering at the local dog shelter here on Menorca. I spend time helping care for the animals — taking them out for walks and playing with them. There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing a shy or anxious dog slowly open up, and start trusting people again. I also love supporting their path to new homes and every time one finds a loving family, it feels like a small victory — and it reminds me how much a little patience, kindness, and presence can change a life (both the dog's and the new caretaker). It's grounding, heartwarming work that keeps me connected to the island community.
Another thing I have started doing over the last few years, is to try to reconnect with people from my past — old classmates, former colleagues, friends, and even childhood buddies. Restarting those relationships has been incredibly fun and rewarding, and we have had a lot of fun Zoom and Whatsapp calls.
I'm excited about Workaway because I want to meet kind-hearted people, learn new hands-on skills (especially around sustainable living, gardening, animals, or simple homestead projects), and contribute my energy and help wherever needed. I'm reliable, easy-going, respectful, and always happy to pitch in — whether it's farm work, animal care, building tasks, or just sharing good conversations and laughter over a meal.
Looking forward to connecting and creating some meaningful experiences together! 🌿🐾 -
Interests
Technology
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Pets
Self development
Farming
Charity work
Plant care
Books
Gardening
Cooking & food
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Team sports
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Adventure sports -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Norwegian: Fluent -
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Being an elderly companion
Some knowledge of:
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Babysitting and creative play
Light maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Teaching
House & pet sitting
Able to teach about:
Languages
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More details about your skills
Animal care: I volunteer regularly at the local dog shelter on Menorca, where I care for abandoned dogs. I enjoy building trust with animals, helping them socialize, and supporting their adoption process. I'm comfortable with dogs of all sizes and personalities and love the rewarding feeling of caring for them.
Gardening & vegetable growing: I maintain my own vegetable garden here on Menorca, growing a variety of crops organically. I'm familiar with planting, watering, weeding, composting, soil preparation, and harvesting. I'm eager to learn more about permaculture, companion planting, or sustainable techniques from hosts.
Reforestation & environmental restoration: I participated in reforestation projects in Gran Canaria, helping plant native trees and support habitat recovery efforts in arid or fire-affected areas. It was hands-on work involving digging, planting seedlings, watering young trees, and learning about ecosystem regeneration in challenging island environments — an experience that deepened my passion for restoring nature and working outdoors.
General maintenance & handyman work: I worked two summers as a caretaker/janitor in Norway, handling building upkeep, minor repairs, cleaning, painting, and ensuring facilities ran smoothly. I also helped my father renovate our family home over several years — tasks included painting, basic carpentry, tiling, electrical basics, plumbing fixes, and general DIY improvements.
Teamwork, discipline & practical skills: I completed one year of mandatory military service in Norway, which taught me structure, teamwork under pressure, following instructions precisely, physical endurance, and basic outdoor/survival skills.
Entrepreneurship & online business: I've started and run my own online business for several years after leaving a corporate finance career. I'm comfortable with digital tools, project management, marketing basics, problem-solving independently, and organizing tasks efficiently — skills that help me stay reliable and proactive as a volunteer.
I'm a quick learner, physically fit, and always happy to pitch in wherever needed — whether it's manual labor, creative projects, or supporting the host's daily routine. Looking forward to bringing these skills to your project! -
Age
48
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What else ...
On a more playful note, I have what I jokingly call an "addiction": chess! I love playing a game or two (or three...) every single day — whether online, against friends, or even solving puzzles. It's incredibly fun, endlessly challenging, and keeps my mind sharp in the best way possible. No matter how many games I play, there's always something new to discover.
Another little secret project I've been quietly pursuing over the last few years is trying to live to 150 (or more!). I know it sounds ambitious, but it motivates me to prioritize health and balance every day. I exercise consistently — these days, I play padel (the fast-growing racket sport that's huge here on Menorca) several times a week, practice yoga for flexibility and calm, and go on a long hike at least once a week to explore the island's stunning trails (the Camí de Cavalls is a favorite!). -
Some more information
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Smoker
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Driver's licence
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Allergies
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Special dietary requirements
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