Time to quit my job and travel?

[Moiser]

I'm considering leaving my job, to take at least 12 months out to travel... it's something I've wanted to do for a long time, and, I now have enough experience with my career that this break is practical.

But...

I currently work a 2 weeks on, 3 weeks off rotation and earn good money. I've spent the last twelve months travelling during my time off, and originally planned to spend 2014 in the much the same way. I managed to get a lot done during 2013, but, I didn't really feel submerged in the lifestyle, it almost felt like I was just holidaying a lot.

I have a house I rent out and have the savings to fund the trip, but, I doubt there would be much left at the end. The way the industry is at the minute, I shouldn't struggle to find work on my return, I even considered applying for a working visa in Australia, after I finish up traveling.

But...

I'd be leaving a good job, in the sense that's it's a walk in the park, and I get three weeks off, the more common rotation being two weeks on and two weeks off. It would also mean I would have to be a lot less flexible in regards, to travel and activities, currently if there's something I want to do, I'm in the position where I can just do it, for example I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro last year.


Any advice, or, opinions appreciated.

[Farmer]

2 weeks on and 3 weeks off sounds absolutely amazing! Would love to have that kind of flexability to travel.


I understand the desire to completely submerge into a new place, or a number of new places, but it sounds like you've already got a pretty awesome set-up for traveling, while keeping your finances up.

TO each their own, but that just sounds like a pretty great set-up.

[Bachelor]

I think the grass is always greener...

Personally I would spend my three weeks looking for a kick arse place to live, Biarritz? and then go from there, I traveled...it's OK but I would rather live by a beach and be a tourist and go and visit when I felt the urge. Plus that way you keep what sounds like a kick ass job, it is not like the places you want to see are going anywhere.

But that is just my view on it.

P.s If you go traveling then there is always the time before traveling and then the time traveling then the time after, where as if you are going places when ever you want then you are simply living an awesome lifestyle. Either way I am a bit jealous!

[Ice]

agree ... 2 weeks on 3 weeks off is awesome - something I'd love to have... so already have a good thing going


Although... is this 1 year off traveling something you want to do and will regret if not?


one life to live


Any way you can request 1 yr leave of absence and get back? Or, any other practical ways of making this happen without losing all job security?

[Honey Badger]

Mate,

If you are in a position to leave your job for a year, and it is something you are drawn to, it's worth a shot. Most people will look at your set-up with envy, but that is our reality, not yours. Our wants and desires are unique to us and if something in you is pulling you to a year of freedom and adventure, listen to it. The industry you are in has an ageing workforce and is frequently reported to be looking for thousands of new workers. It's still a gamble, but the deck is stacked in your favour at this time.

While your lifestyle offers you great opportunities with the 2 weeks on, 3 off. It is still a lifestyle of sprints and resets. A marathon is a different discipline with different rewards. The accumulation of income is an important facet of life, but it is only one of many. In the same way that people are drawn to the military, healthcare etc in absence of greater income, but require these environments to provide other emotional nourishment... your environment can offers you the financial resources to find your fulfilment in a year of travel. If you feel drawn to this... you owe it to your 20 odd years of existing in a materialist society that prizes wealth and stability over experience and fulfilment. Lack of structured employment is not the great demon and reckless action that has been drilled into us over the years, these negatives are largely illusory.

If self-improvement, discovery, pick-up etc is one of your goals with this travel, there is a tried and tested practice of aspiring and accomplished puas who takes months, years off at a time in order to indulge and immerse in the lifestyle. You can trust in this process. Hopefully you will nourish yourself and find some fulfilment in your year, maybe you won't... but it's only one year out of many. Listen to yourself and remember that whatever you do, when faced with change, your mind is programmed to be cautious and the negatives are going to be vastly over inflated in comparison to the positives.

[Evolve]

Yeah man, great problem to have here. Either option is pretty fucking cool


I think you've got a great set up, but clearly something in you wants to break free for a year and go adventure or you wouldn't even be asking this question. So i'd say follow whatever feels right for you man


I imagine you've got some strong qualifications for the job you have now, and can't imagine you'd have a hard time finding work on your return, but you'd know more about that than me



I think this is a case of following what feels right brother

[Cinema]

Given what you said, take the year off, you'll never regret it.

Just make sure you make it to the US so I can come along for a leg of the journey.

[thelocal]

that rotation is amazing!

realistically it would be hard to find that rotation in the future starting out with a new company.

Questions:

How can you keep this job and still feel submerged in the lifestyle?

What can you do to change the way you feel?

Agree with ice,anyway you can secure this job and take a leave?

or any where you can transfer to?

[Cupid]

Read Vagabonding

12 months getting to know 1 country is awesome-

Can use it to learn another language

And even gain experiences to add to your work experience

Ie. 2 months I spent in London studying the NHS and US healthcare- gives me a leg up on lots of med school applicants

[Valmont]

Think about the goals from now you want for the rest of you're life - you're to do list etc. ignore what you wanted before unless it was the same. Then go for it. You're in a great position. Go for what you WANT.