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Pokemon Go (yes, we know, it seems like it’s all anyone can talk about at the minute) has been getting people into some pretty crazy situations, hasn’t it? You know, players in the US falling off cliffs, a woman finding a dead body, strangers kayaking together into the ocean to capture gyms…
But Tom Currie’s story is up there with the craziest – the 24-year-old, from New Zealand, decided to quit his full-time job as a barista and bartender at a busy restaurant north of Auckland to become a dedicated Pokemon hunter and travel round the country instead.
And Tom probably has zero regrets about his decision to catch Pokemon full time – especially because he has since been emailed by a US company called Gamer Sensei about a possible job opportunity.
Tom said: “As far as I know they sign you up with them and then people who want to learn about and get good at a game (they do more than just Pokemon) can hire you for an hourly rate to come and coach them.”
And that’s not all.
“There’s a possible documentary in the works as well,” adds Tom. “I’ve been approached by three different producers, including one from America. I am definitely keen to do that!”
But Tom says he will only look at these offers more seriously once his current Pokemon adventure is wrapped up.
Tom Currie – Follow me on Instagram for daily Pokémon… | Facebook
Because, to be fair, Tom is doing rather well with his trip all over the country in the heart of the New Zealand winter – he has caught more than 1,100 Pokemon so far, or 93/151 in his Pokedex. “I have caught Pokemon in Charleston, Greymouth, Nelson, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch and I will head to Dunedin tomorrow to do some hunting!” he says.
It’s led to Tom’s mates – who are mostly all Pokemon trainers too – being pretty envious of his situation. However, you can’t help but wonder what his family thought about him ditching his job in Auckland.
But Tom says: “They know I am a free spirit and support me all the way when it comes to me chasing my dreams! Dad said he always knew I’d be famous, which made me laugh. Mum says she backs me 100%.”
The thing is, Pokemon Go seems to be kinda splitting the population – it seems like you’re either totally obsessed and walking longer routes home from work in the hope you’ll find Pikachu or you’re wondering why on earth grown adults are behaving like this. But a lot of people, like Tom, have always been a fan of the game.
Tom Currie – Last night in Christchurch a group of friends… | Facebook
“I have played a few of Nintendo’s previous Pokemon games but never got into them as much as I have gotten into Pokemon Go,” he says. “I loved watching the anime when I was younger too, I have definitely always been a fan.
“I remember having little Pokemon toys in primary school and I loved to go with my friends and play different Pokemon games during lunch break. I never had a Nintendo as my family never had a lot of money to throw on things like that but when I got older and independent I remember I did get a Nintendo and play a couple of the games.”
We asked Tom if he’d got himself into any risky situations from trying to catch Pokemon and he said: “I follow the warning that is shown to every player when the game opens about being aware of your surroundings. This is super important and paramount to both your safety and enjoyment on the game.
“While I have not had any mishaps yet I urge players to check before crossing roads and to absolutely avoid playing the game while driving a motor vehicle.
“I have my friend who has decided to join me on my adventure as well and he doesn’t play Pokemon Go so he can keep an eye on me.”
When Rapidash comes to see you at the beach!
Throughout his travels, fans have been taking photos with Tom and he says “being called a hero has been quite bizarre”. Because, of course, Tom is far from being the only person taking the game so seriously.
“At every PokeStop hot spot I am enjoying talking to other players about the game, sharing tips and hunting together for a bit,” he explains.
“I’ve seen a few people more than once and once you start knowing the people you can just kind of join their group as if you are a part of the family. There is a huge Pokemon community out there and so far they have all been delightful.”
A lot of people may be wondering how it’s been possible, so Tom explained how he’s affording his Pokemon adventure.
Tom Currie – Nineteen: Such a wonderful morning! I’ve had… | Facebook
While he says his family are like his closest friends, he said: “I moved out of home seven years ago and have lived in different places and completely independent of family as they don’t have a lot of money. I’m totally self-financed, even though I set off without a lot of money.
“I had a little bit of money from work after investing most of it in a new little business I’m starting up called Pass It On. I am living well within my means, I can buy food, a coffee in the mornings and accommodation in areas where I don’t know any people.
“I have read so many stories about people quitting their job and travelling for next to nothing so I decided to just have faith and trust that I’ll be alright, and so far I have been more than okay.”
You’ve got to applaud the guy – because, of course, there’s really no guarantee that quitting your job will turn out as well as it seems to have done. But we have a feeling that, thanks to Tom, there’s now a few people sat at their desks thinking they’d do a pretty good job themselves as a full-time Pokemon hunter … what a time to be alive.
