Disenchanted with the corporate world, an individual decides to part ways with his job, liquidates his 401(k), and sets sail on a voyage of independence. Now, he's a popular figure on TikTok.

Setting Sail Aboard 'Phoenix': One Man's Exhilarating Life Transformation

Disenchanted with the corporate world, an individual decides to part ways with his job, liquidates his 401(k), and sets sail on a voyage of independence. Now, he's a popular figure on TikTok.

Oliver Widger, otherwise known on TikTok as @sailing_with_phoenix, shares his incredible journey with Fox News Digital, as he leaves everything behind to sail across the Pacific Ocean, chasing his dreams and transforming his life.

EXTREME JOURNEY: Current location more than 600 nautical miles off the Californian coast, 29-year-old Oliver Widger recreates himself, accompanied by his loyal feline friend, Phoenix, and a sailboat.

"Haven't been this busy since I first embarked on this sail. It's been a colossal race against time," Widger admitted to Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview.

"If you were to revisit my early TikTok posts, you'd find a different individual. That person already quit, albeit he was still far from the person I am today," Widger pondered. "I've undergone such a profound transformation — I'm practically unrecognizable. It's been over a year since I last recognized myself."

Attaining millions of followers daily, Widger shares his once-in-a-lifetime voyage from the Oregon coast to Hawaii, accompanied by his cat Phoenix.

RECESSION RECIPES VIDEOS CAUSING A STIR ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Almost a year ago, Widger made a bold move, parting ways with his 11-year career with a tire company, liquidating his 401(k), and selling everything he owned, with the sole intention of purchasing a sailboat and setting sail on an epic quest. He yearned to break free from the mundane tasks of corporate America, and a reoccurring neck injury served as a catalyst for his long-standing aspiration.

Oliver Widger skyrocketed to TikTok fame only two weeks ago, as he set sail from Oregon to Hawaii at the tender age of 29. (FOXBusiness/TikTok/@sailing_with_phoenix)

"I face the possibility of becoming paralyzed due to Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a condition that involves a fusion of my cervical vertebrae and missing disks. My doctor compared my spine to that of an 115-year-old," Widger explained. "Hearing that really shook me to my core."

"Once I managed to dismiss money as an equation and embraced the notion of being indifferent towards it, everything fell into place," he said. "I've made every potentially ill-advised financial decision imaginable. I emptied my 401(k). I effectively paid for this voyage using credit cards, with no clear plan as to how I'd repay it, but it all worked out."

He purchased a circa 1990s sailboat and has called it home for the past year, refining his sailing skills before venturing onto the open sea. As of today, Widger is 13 days into his journey, with hopes of reaching Hawaii by May 25.

"I was utterly clueless about sailing, maintaining a boat, and social media when I began this journey. I neglected every aspect of my life and focused solely on these skills, subsisting on a diet of rice and beans to save money," he mused. "I went viral on the very same day I set sail, which has resulted in an absolutely wild past nine days. I mean, I'm crossing an ocean simultaneously with going viral!"

Widger's family and friends have stood by him since he made the sailing decision, and his TikTok followers around the world are now offering their support too. Widger created a GoFundMe with a goal of $10,000 to pay off his debt, but has surpassed the $30,000 mark in donations today. Strangers have even take it upon themselves to track his progress on a daily basis.

"It's a remarkable display of the digital era's American Dream."

"I'd expected to still be in debt after reaching Hawaii and to spend several months to a year working there to repay my debt... So now all I need to do is make it to Hawaii!" he said.

"I'm overjoyed to share some positive vibes with the world," Widger continued. "I've seen people connect with my journey and draw strength and inspiration from it. I think many people feel trapped, and they find hope in it because they see it's possible."

Widger braces for the remainder of his voyage following a broken rudder during a violent ocean storm. Widger shared his experience, likening it to "the most violent event" he's ever endured, as his sailboat faced waves as colossal as "a two-story building."

"I'm in the middle of the ocean, and I've got no room to rest — my guard must always be up," Widger commented. "The ocean is merciless. There's something moving and terrifying about it at the same time."

"My vessel's rudder failed at the worst possible time. I was being thrown from one side of the boat to the other constantly during the storm, but I can't afford to show weakness. I've got no choice but to adapt," Widger concluded. "There's no time for worry — I've got to keep pushing forward."

"The ocean is keeping me on edge."

WATCH ON TIKTOK

When he arrives in Hawaii, Widger is most eager to take a shower, do laundry, and indulge in a burger with a refreshing beer, but for now, he's relishing his "modern-day American dream."

"Everything I thought was impossible before, everything I did, seemed unattainable. It's like I broke all the rules. You don't need to be the smartest guy in the world, nor do you need to have everything figured out — chasing your dreams is achievable. Believe it or not, it truly is possible. Even if you doubt yourself, it's possible."

1. Oliver Widger, in his voyage from the Oregon coast to Hawaii, has transformed his lifestyle drastically, abandoning a 13-year career in corporate America and liquidating his savings to fund his adventure travel.
2. Despite the financial risks, such as building up debt on credit cards, Widger has managed to surpass his initial $10,000 GoFundMe goal, raising over $30,000 from sympathetic strangers to help pay off his debt.
3. In addition to personal growth and career development, Widger has also found time for education-and-self-development during his travel, evolving from a less ambitious individual to a beacon of inspiration for others seeking to break free from their mundane lives.
4. Upon reaching Hawaii, Widger looks forward to indulging in simple pleasures like a shower, doing laundry, and enjoying a burger with a beer, before setting his sights on further adventure travel and continuing his journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Read also: