For many people quitting a job and heading of round the globe can seem like a very scary thing.
It needn’t be a scary experience, but stepping out of the comfort zone and out of the familiar routine can often seem impossible to some. The cycle of paying bills and spending what you get paid keeps people trapped from ever realising their dream of traveling.
It’s often self inflicted.
From the age of 18 I always wanted to go traveling, or did I? I think I’ve realised now that I liked the idea of going traveling at the time but in reality I really didn’t want it enough.
I probably could have saved money if I really wanted it but I think the fear of unknown places and possible dangers prevented me leaving until I was 26 years old.
For me the realisation that my life for the next 30 plus years could be spent working for someone else staring at a computer screen made me take action.
I wanted to go see things and explore while I was young and open minded, for me retirement comes at the wrong end of life.
Here are 5 reasons to quit your work and go traveling:
1. If I don’t do it now will I ever?
A lot of people say they are going to do something but never do, they put it off for so long it never actually happens.
It often comes down to people’s comfort zones, they step out to a degree but then fall back in. The key is to take action and make it happen, one such way for example is booking your flights.
2.I don’t actually enjoy my job
Many people just go through the motions of life, they work in a job just for the steady income and rarely look elsewhere. Do you actually enjoy getting up in the morning and heading to your job, if the answer if “yes” then you maybe one of the lucky ones.
Going traveling can give you a whole new perspective on life and work, you may decide to come home for a career change. Traveling won’t solve your problems but will be an amazing experience.
3. It’s only fear holding me back
For some the thought of long term world travel is scary. Places far away sound dangerous usually there’s little evidence to back up the irrationally fear.
I remember hearing from people who had been traveling that Cambodia’s capital was dangerous after dark. I spent many evenings out in the city socialising and never saw any trouble at all. It was probably a lot safer than my home town.
Don’t let the fear of the unknown put you off, once you arrive you’ll usually realise it’s not scary or dangerous at all. Just like at home, common sense is the key.
4. There is more to life than this
Do you often think that there must be more to life than getting up and working for someone else? There’s a whole world out there to explore.
Don’t let the world pass you by whilst you stare out of the office window thinking what could have been, do something about it.
5. What am I being paid for?
Life is there to be enjoyed, save that pay packet and get out into the world! Don’t fall into the trap of paying for products and services that you don’t really need because you’ll end up working your life away working for them.
Cut out the wastage and save like a mad man and your travel dreams will come true quicker than you could ever imagine.
See my article Secret Of Successful Saving For Your Trip.
Good post. I had to link to it.
Thanks Justin,I've been checking out your blog, I'll have a really good read of the corporate whore very soon. Keep up the good work.Thanks.
Another reason is it gets harder to leave as more responsibilities stack up — mortgages, kids, etc.I'm glad I finally did it even though I'd delayed since I was 17. You know what it's like, isn't your life so much richer and better? I get a kick out of people much younger than us saying stuff like "oh, it's too late for me." What the!?!Sometimes I even jumpstart them by booking flights with my miles, then going on the first trip with them. After that, they seem to keep traveling and traveling…
Yeah spot on Californiakat, I do think it is much more difficult once you've really put down roots so to speak.
Thanks for your articles. I am entertaining a year in world and appreciate the information and encouragement. I have a fairly established career here, can you suggest any appropriate ways to explain a travel gap in employment history?
Hi Leah,
I think today is much more widespread (taking a gap year) and a lot of employers will actually look at it in a good light. After all it can help you to obtain a "worldly" perspective and to see the bigger picture in many situations.
You may also be able to talk about many positive experiences such as volunteering, leading groups, working with others etc. It shows a willingness to try new things.
There are many positive things you can apply.
These are just a few.
Hope this helps a little.
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
Hi Will,
Thanks for the comment, I think sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and enjoy life!
Antarctica? Wow that is a bit different! What are you working as?
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
It seems like there are a lot more reasons to quit your job than there are to stay!
Myself, I’ve discovered the wonderful world of contract work in Antarctica. I work for 6 months then have 6 months off and enough money to thoroughly enjoy the time off and travel, though I am considering making another serious run at alternative income streams so that I can take even more time off…That’s a bit tough though too because I actually enjoy my job and especially the people who I work with…I guess I get to have my cake and eat it!
Anyhow, I enjoyed the post…and to the commenters who are considering bailing from their jobs – go for it!
Hey Paul,
I’m a diesel mechanic specializing in electric power production with a repertoire of other mechanical skills. There are lots of other jobs available here though – pretty much anything you would need to run any small town (with the exception of police and lawyers). Sometimes the work seems pretty arduous, but the privilege of being here is a HUGE payoff!
Sorry, I guess I’ve taken this a bit off topic….so I’ll close with an on-topic quote:
Thanks Will interesting opportunity you've taken!
Nice quote too!
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMonkey
cool post, life is too short to spend it all stuck in a job everyday waiting for the weekends
I'd planned to go travelling since graduating, but never really 'got around to it'.
Then I was made redundant from my job, so just packed my bags and 3 weeks later went off for a few months around the world on my own, it was without a doubt the best thing i've ever done!!
If you are even thinking about going, just do it! You'll never regret going.
Hi Elle,
I can only echo those thoughts myself! Very true, there is more to life than most people realise… and the most precious thing we have is time.
Most people and myself included (on many occasions) do not always make the most of the time!
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
Paul,
Cheers for the article. Put a few things into perspective for me.
I'm currently working in some graduate job which I was catapulted into. And whilst I feel lucky to be earning money with the way things are, I am burning out with it already.
I think deep down, I am one of those types that constantly states "Next March I'm off around the world!" But deep down, the prospect is pretty scary for whilst there are tons of people I could ask to come with, I know that it'd just involve compromising on experiences that should entirely be my own. I don't mean that to sound selfish, but I'm sure you know what I mean.
Besides the 'Get off your ass and do it' tip, any other pointers for someone looking to go solo?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the comment. I think you kind of state a situation where a lot of people find themselves in, myself included.
Tips for going solo? Hmm I think you just really have to go for it, sometimes people will let you down. If you really want to do it it is worth doing alone. Best thing you can do is to set a date… a reasonable date where you will have saved enough cash by. Then book the flights, then there is no turning back!
Here is an article on going it alone Travel Alone.
I remember a friend of mine who said he was going to go. He bought a lonely planet for each country he was going to, he never left. Has a bookshelf full of brand new guide books… don't be that guy!
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
Four more than I need! 🙂
Hi Paul, nice article,
I'm doing the save like crazy bit and plan on going travelling in march, this piece re-affirmed my wanting to go see the world whilst young and that I'm only working the 9-5 for this trip.
I'm planning on going by myself to do the South East Asia routes and then down to Aus, I was just wondering if you had any advice on how much one should save for such a trip? I'm planning on about 3-4k after I've booked a flight. Any advice would be greatly welcomed.
Take it Easy
Tom
Oh, and I want to be gone for about a year.
Hi Tom,
It very much depends on where you travel and what kind of traveler you are, ie how much you spend.
I'd say for South East Asia 400-500 pounds a month should be more than enough. Australia will sap your funds in comparison, so you may want to look at using you working holiday visa over there or spend more time in Asia.
The 400-500 pound figure is rough and if you really budget and don't spend too much you could probably do it cheaper.
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
I'd love to go…even for a short term, few months!
This is brilliant 🙂 Im 26 and have decided i have to go now or I never will and this artical has reinforced that!! Im planning on getting away Jan 2012 so i'll be taking great advantage of this website between now and then 🙂 x
Hi,
Like many on here I have been thinking of going travelling around the world but my only reserve is that I have a decent job which pays well and i'm just worried about leaving this position and spending all my savings is going to come back and haunt me in a years time when i'll be 29 and pennyless and having to look for a new job which probably won't pay as well. I know that if I was made redundant I would be off in a shot but it's just such a huge risk to quit your job and spend all your money…
Josh
Hi Josh,
Its not an easy decision… I guess you have to weigh up how much you want to travel.
If you are good at your job and skilled it's likely that if you took 4-6 months off to travel you'd be ok. For myself it was the best thing I've ever done…. taking two years out. You have to really want to do it and be in a good financial position to execute it too.
Good luck, hope you make the best decision for you.
Paul
nice post man! retwitted it
You are so right, my husband and myself now in our late late 50's started traveling; though we aren't young we are having the time of our lives. haven't quit our jobs yet. Went down the Mekong this year and met so many great people.
Hi Paul,
Interesting, I have been checking web side…my kid will be done with High School soon and thinking to travel for a while, something I wanted to do when I was young.
I am glad there are lots of people who like to do the same.
i’ve done a bit of travelling but only a month at the most each time.
i’m 36 now with a decent job but still have the urge to go away for a year
have all the usual worries though
not an easy decision i guess haha
I think it is still a hard decision.. for those who can not just quit the job from one day to the other, it can be a solution to start with small travels.. by time it will be easier and easier 🙂
I agree with you so much on this article. I did a lot of travel when I was in the military and I enjoyed the travel. Now I am back here in my home state I have let myself fall into the categories of #2, 4, and 5 in the article. Now there is just a boring routine that I follow each and every year and it has burned me out.
I’m 28 years old and I’m seriously thinking of going traveling whilst I still can. I’m so glad I found this blog because it’s definitely reinforced my decision to go! Most of my questions have been answered. I just need to grab it by the balls and go for it! Money saving starts from this very moment!
Hey Mike! You’ll never regret it!
I left when I was 26 for a couple of years. Now I travel as much as possible but am planning to do some longer term travel in the next year or so. Life needs to be lived! 🙂