Someone messaged us the other day asking us to share how we mustered up the courage to leave our lives behind. To quit my job to travel, and to see the world full time. When it’s said like that, I must admit I have to take a step back and realise that what we did was actually pretty brave.
The truth is, George and I are two very different people, but we consider this a good thing! We balance each other out. I am very type A. I like a plan, a system, I like to know where I will be in 5 years…. even though that’s impossible! George on the other hand, is super relaxed. He lives in the moment and doesn’t worry, or stress about the small stuff. So…. I put some structure into his life and he grounds me in reality and keeps me calm. Thus… a perfect match!
For Some Its Easy, For Others Its Hard
So, for George, leaving home was not as difficult as it was for me. He was working at his dads company and had flexibility with his job. On the other hand, I was working a corporate sales job in Los Angeles, with fewer days off and a less flexible schedule. So, when it came time to finally cut the ties, you could say I was a nervous wreck.
You see, in my head, all I had worked up to in college was to get that perfect job and make my parents proud. All I wanted, was to show them that the money that went into my education was for a good cause. I wanted to prove that I was going to make something of myself. The truth is, I wasn’t happy. I felt like I was just going through the motions of what, ‘I was supposed to do,’ but not what I truly wanted to do. Not to mention I was in a two year, serious, long distance relationship with someone who I really wanted to be with!
The World Trip
When we started discussing this idea of a world trip, I finally had something to look forward to. I think setting our sights on the possibility of finding a temporary solution to ending our long distance was exciting, and it kept us pushing towards something. We also both truly loved to travel and wanted to get out of our comfort zone and try new things. We put the trip in our calendar and just kept working/saving until that date came.
When the time came, I knew I was going to have to have two important life conversations with two people I loved, and admired very much. My best friend and roommate Kate, and my boss Aaron.
I had been living in Los Angeles with my best friend Kate for nearly 2 years. We have been friends since diapers and this was our first time living together in a big city! Looking back on it, I do wish I spent more time going out and spending money on fun activities with her, but she understood that I was extremely frugal for a reason…my trip. Since she is my best friend, I made sure to tell her this ‘plan’ as soon as I knew.
We had open discussions and I made sure to be extremely transparent regarding the timing of it all. I knew that leaving required a move not only for me, but her as well. I tried to be respectful and helpful during the entire process. Even though it was hard to tell her I wanted to leave, she is one of my best friends and I knew she would be supportive.
Now Its Time
Now let me tell you a little story of this one time where I nearly crapped my pants…. A story where I reluctantly had to put on my ‘big girl pants’ and buck up… haha but no in all seriousness, I had quit jobs before, this wasn’t my first rodeo. But, try quitting a job where you truly were happy, respected your boss, and loved all of your co-workers. Sometimes it’s easier to just say peace out bye, when its something you hate, but I didn’t. I will never forget the day I knew I had to give my two weeks notice. I tried to hint to my boss throughout the day that I, ‘needed to talk,’ however, meeting after meeting arose and it kept getting pushed back further and further.
When I tell you have never shaken so bad in my life, I am not exaggerating. My heart was beating a million miles a minute, but I knew I had to do it. Thankfully, he was supportive and completely understood. I think all my built up fear was around the fact that I didn’t want to let him down. He knew me well enough, 2 years in, to know that my passions didn’t lie behind a desk and he respected that. He respected the fact that i quit my job to travel.
I think what really scared me the most, was the fear of the unknown. What kept consuming me was that I honestly did not know what the future would hold for both myself and George. I didn’t know if I was making a huge mistake, to quit my job to travel, that had me pretty set up for life. I didn’t and still don’t know how it may impact my ability to find work when I get home… and that’s some scary stuff!
Being Brave
So I guess, ya…. I was brave and I am brave for taking a ‘permanent out of office.’ However, what I can say is this. I have never been this happy traveling the world with my best friend. Not a day goes by where I look back and regret my decision. Do I still sometimes think and stress about my future…of course, I am only human. However, I do think that pursuing my passions and pushing myself to experience new cultures, only adds to my character in the long run. After all, I’m only 24, I have my whole life ahead of me to sweat the small stuff!
So thats how i quit my job to travel, for more blogs on life and general travel guides
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