So you want to quit your job and go travel? You want to escape the paralyzing constraints of the 9-5 world, but you’re worried about the ‘what if’ scenarios. What if I can’t get another job? What if it all goes wrong? What if I regret it?
Well how about I give you one more ‘what if’ to consider. What if you sit on your butt your whole life, too scared to make the changes you want, and then you wind up regretting the opportunities you should have jumped at? For me it’s that what if that makes my decision a little easier as I prepare to quit my job for the third time to go off traveling again.
I’m not here to convince you, but if you do want a little more convincing here’s a couple of extra reasons!
You’ll Get Another Job
Yes you may have worked hard to get your last job, so it sucks to quit, but it’s totally possible for you to do it all again. Jobs might be hard to come by, especially if you’re building up a career, but you might even experience something on your travels that leads you in a new career direction. If you’ve got to start again, at least do it with no regrets and some kick ass stories to tell.
Work Overseas and Travel at the Same Time
If you’re still worried about re-securing a job at home, and you don’t have quite enough money to travel long-term, why not look for work overseas? Education, health care, construction, hospitality, banking… every country around the world has jobs in these professions. Some countries more, some countries less. Working overseas is also a fun way to gain a new perspective on your career. It shows you areas of your job that you might not have dealt with back home, and it makes you even more skilled upon your return… if you do!
Gain Valuable Life Experience
Now more than ever the world is interconnected through sport, art, politics, economics, business, among many other areas. Spending time overseas and experiencing the world tells potential employers a lot about your life skills. Determination, resilience and cultural tolerance, just to name a few. Just think, if an employer asked a question like “tell me about a time you accomplished something difficult”, crack out that one time you hiked solo through Central America with nothing but a backpack, some broken Spanish and a gutful of adventure. See if they’re not impressed!
Life is Short
Now this isn’t meant to be a pessimistic view, but in the broad scheme of things it’s undeniable. Life has gone on for millions of years without us, and is likely to go on for millions of years after we die. Why not make the most of this short time we have! If it’s something you want to do… do it!
Ask For Leave
One last resort. Your job might love you so much that they put your position on temporary hold. Some jobs can do this easier than others, and some jobs might just take you back once you’ve returned anyway. Always remember to leave your current job on good terms; you never know when you might be back knocking on their door.
So there you go, it’s time to quit your job and go travel! And if I haven’t convinced you yet… send me a message and I’ll keep trying! We’re headed to Thailand in February 2015, and you’re always welcome to join us!
