Man Quits His Job to Become a Full-Time Pokemon Trainer

July 15, 2016

In a story out in New Zealand, a man who aims to become the very best Pokémon trainer (like no one ever was!), decided to quit his job and embark on a 2-month Pokémon-hunting adventure throughout the country.

For Tom Currie, 24, becoming a dedicated Pokémon hunter after Pokémon Go was released last week was a no-brainer.

“I wanted to have an adventure,” Currie told the Guardian.“I have been working for six years and I was desperate for a break. And Pokémon gave me the chance to live that dream.”

His mom, Tania Dobbs has given her full support. “Tom is a very spur-of-the-moment, independent kid, he always has been,” she said. “His nana and I don’t understand the game but I remember him loving it in his childhood. I am just glad he is out enjoying his life and seeing so much of New Zealand. I back him 100%.”

Armed with a backpack containing all Pokemon-hunting necessities (flask with coffee, a rain jacket and packed lunch), Currie has set out touring New Zealand by bus.

Less than a week in his journey, he has already caught 90 of the 151 Pokémon available after travelling to six South Island towns.

“I wanted to have an adventure,” Currie said. “I have been working for six years and I was desperate for a break. And Pokémon gave me the chance to live that dream.”

Currie has been living his dream, finding it both exciting and exhausting. Some hunts could even last until 3 a.m., but he’s not complaining.

“I think the most exciting experience so far was in Sumner, Christchurch, which has become a hot spot for Pokémon hunters,” Currie said.

He also noted how the game has brought together people who would normally just stay home and keep to themselves.

“There were about 100 people there hunting. And some of these people would usually be shut up at home and really reclusive. Hunting for Pokémon is bringing them into the real world. It was such a buzzy atmosphere, when someone spotted a rare Pokémon they would shout out to alert the crowd,” he said.

Currie has made a point to keep his living costs at a minimum during his journey. He doesn’t live in expensive hotels and usually finds himself sleeping in crowded rooms among fellow hunters, or crashing on some friends’ couches.

His unique journey has recently caught the attention of fellow Pokemon fans in New Zealand, with several transport firms even offering him free trips to other parts of the country to capture rare Pokémon.

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