On Friday I worked my last day in an office for the foreseeable future.
I quit my job to travel.
Again.
Five years ago I started working as a sales representative in an office outside of Philadelphia. I’d spent the previous four months drinking cappuccini and wandering the cobbled streets of Rome as an au pair. Transitioning from a carefree life of wandering Europe to answering sales inquiries at a call center was nothing short of my worst nightmare. Nine months later, unhappy with my stationery life, I quit my job moved to Korea to teach English and save money for a backpacking trip around Southeast Asia. About six months into what ended up being a two year stint in the country, I wrote a post about what initially spurred my decision to quit my job and travel.
Three months ago, after nearly four years of living abroad and traveling, I started working at a digital advertising agency. It was the start of something I thought I really wanted: a stable career in social media and content marketing and a place to call home. Soon, though, I began to feel stifled. Routine had a firm grip around my neck, slowly strangling my creativity and passion.
I didn’t hate my job, but I found myself crying on the drive to work or at lunch. I had all 13 vacation days for 2015 planned out two months before the year even started, with no leeway for being sick. For eight hours a day my desk was my captor, forcing me to sit and type the things it wanted.
My captor, though, couldn’t stop me from dreaming. And at that desk, and through those dreams, I realized I needed to create the life I wanted to live. That all the things I’d written about three years ago were still true.
I couldn’t spend the next nearly 40 years, save for two weeks a year, in shackles.
Millennials are often called lazy or entitled because we don’t that life, we don’t want to sit in an office and toil away day after day. We don’t want to answer phones and make copies and spend everyday wishing it was the weekend. Our grandparents and our parents worked long and hard, often at jobs they hated, so they could have a better life. To achieve the American dream. We are expected to follow suit. To put on our business casual clothes and spent 40ish hours a week in an office. To fully book our weekends with hikes, brunches, nights out, errands, and all the things we don’t have time to do during the week. To maybe take a week of vacation so we can spend 5 days on the beach of some all inclusive resort in the Caribbean. To think about cruising around Europe or driving around the US in an RV once we retire and have time.
But for me that is not life.
I’m not living for the weekend.
I’m not waiting for the future.
Everyday won’t be a vacation. I didn’t quit my job for a life of poolside daiquiris and lighthearted beach reads. I quit my job to travel, yes, but also to pursue a career that is both flexible and interesting to me. I will spend my days blogging. I will edit photos and do research and conduct interviews. I’ll also be working as a freelance writer and digital marketing consultant.
The difference, though, between that and the life before?
I can pick and choose clients. I can set my own hours. I can be location independent.
I quit my job to travel for freedom.
I quit my job to travel for happiness.
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Great post! Exactly what I felt. I’m just about to start a new way of life and this post sums up every reason why I want to leave the ‘real world’ behind!
Lauren recently posted..A Breath of Fresh Air
I’m glad you can relate. Good luck with your life way of life
Very inspiring read! I left my stable job in June to move to Belgium. Since then, I’ve been travelling and studying the language (apart from an ill-fated 5 week stint as an au pair). The whole time I have been wrestling with whether I want to get another full-time job or embark on a more adventurous life. I just got offered a job yesterday, so we’ll see how it goes. I figured I needed another regular office job before I really decide whether I want to cast that lifestyle aside. Who knows, I might be writing a post just like this one in a few months.
I’m impressed with your ability to make this decision – fear of the unknown holds so many people (including me, sometimes) back. All the best with your new direction!
Melanie recently posted..Sometimes, Learning Another Language Sucks
I think taking it is a good idea! I thought that’s what I wanted and realized it wasn’t. I don’t think I’d have had the motivation to really do this if I hadn’t gone back into an office. It’s always good to test the waters. Maybe you’ll love your job! Good luck to you, Melanie.
Very lovely post
I understand your pain all too well! Where will you be traveling to?
Alex recently posted..Paris Guide: Where to Shop
Thanks Alex! I’m starting off in Europe for the summer (Italy, England, Iceland) and then hopefully back to Asia in the fall.
How exciting! Having traveled and lived abroad for some years now, I don’t think I could ever work 9-5 in an office again. Having to live by someone else’s rules and schedule would be too frustrating. I hope this new path works out for you!
Heather recently posted..Kutna Hora and its Church of Bones
It was definitely very frustrating, but also eye opening for what I want, which I’m thankful for. Thanks Heather!
Good for you, Amanda! I understand so well what you were going through, how painful it is once the glow of being home wears off and the sinking realization that you are stuck somewhere you don’t want to be begins to sink in. One of the things we have struggled with most since being back is justifying our desires for something more from our life to those around us. They can’t understand why we don’t want to start a family and tie ourselves down to a suffocating mortgage and how we can be so happy with so little. They think we are poor and pity us, but what they don’t understand is that for all the things we don’t have, when we travel and carve out the life that is right for us, we do have happiness. And really, why would you want to spend the bulk of your life going without that?
I know that the road to location independence isn’t easy and requires a lot of hard work (the last seven months has certainly taught me that’s true!), but I also know it’s worth it. Good luck to you; I’m rooting for you!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted..Back to Basics in Bologna
Thanks Steph! I’m sure it must be like ten times more difficult when you’re married and people REALLY expect mortgages and kids and things like that. It is definitely hard to go down a different path. I’ve been called selfish by more than one family member, but I agree, happiness is key.
Nice! Good luck! Good for you for moving towards what will bring you life and inspiration! Life’s definitely too short to be doing a job you dislike or holds you back from your dreams.
Sara @ SimplySaraTravel recently posted..All Hype or Just Right? Krakow, Poland
Thanks Sara. I agree completely.
I totally feel you, Amanda. I hope to be joining you on the road soon. I feel the same way on the way to work sometimes, and I’m hoping a year of traveling will help me cultivate at least an idea of a career that will make me happy! Congrats and good luck!
Rachel recently posted..Cooking Classes Oaxaca with AgustÃn
Thanks Rachel! I think traveling can both make you more confused and more certain about things and I hope it brings you some clarity on what you want from life
Best of luck to you, Amanda and this new adventure! If you make it to Australia look me up
Hayley Simpson recently posted..The Best Of San Diego via Instagram
Thanks Hayley! I don’t think Australia will be on the 2015 radar, but most likely 2016. If you’re still around I will take you up!
Awesome, congrats! But…but…WHERE ARE YOU GOING??? (want to come to China?)
Edna recently posted..Life in Shanghai: December
Thanks Edna! You’ve convinced me to come to China.
(It was really hard, I’m sure.)
Hey, congratulations. Admitting something isn’t working is tough enough, and changing things up without certainty of the future is SO scary. Here’s to all the good times, and the bad times (seriously, I know the feels – if you ever need to freak out, I’m your girl) ahead. Gooooo Amanda!!
Lindsey recently posted..Pretty as a Parisian Picture
Thanks Lindsey! It is definitely scary, but I guess I kind of thrive off that in a way! And I also know a lot about the feels lol.
Good for you! There are times now when I find myself thinking if I wouldn’t prefer a “traditional” office job, with my weekends free and a set, stable income. But then I realise that that is so far from what I want and what has made me happy the last few years, that it would make me miserable. It’s so nice to see people carving out a new, albeit scary, future for themselves but I’m sure it’ll be exciting, wherever it takes you!
Julia recently posted..Best Makeup Palettes for Travel
Thanks Julia! I thought I wanted a stable income and traditional job and then like you realized it wasn’t actually for me. The blogosphere has been such a great support system for me. Seeing that other people have carved out career paths for themselves is so great.
Hey! Nice post
I had those same feelings about my job when we left for 14 months of travel. Now we are back, and at first it was great. But we are finding it harder and harder to stay put. We will see where and how we end up, but if there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that I will never again be miserable about where I am in life, if I can help it one bit. That is probably the biggest thing I took away from our travels. Keep up the good work on your blog!
Jenia from HTL recently posted..Hoi An Tailor Shop Guide – Part I
I think that’s a great mindset to have! Do what makes you happy and don’t stay miserable.
Great post! I’m trying to stay put after over three years of travelling, but it’s so, so difficult! I need to save some money and take off again, very, very soon!
Christine | The Traveloguer recently posted..Alternative Berlin – Street Art Tour & Graffiti Workshop
It really is so, so, so hard. I thought I could do it but failed massively. Good luck saving!
well done.
and all the power to you.
if you are ever in dc, while we are still here, feel free to stop by!
Sergey recently posted..Hoi An Tailor Shop Guide – Part I
Thanks Sergey!
I’m glad you made the move that was the best for you! We all want different things from our lives, and I can’t imagine how hard it is to turn away from what everyone expects and find your own path. Can’t wait to read about your next adventures
Gabby recently posted..I Ate: Campo
Thanks Gabby! And you are right, we all want different things and I completely respect other people’s desires to have careers and a family and all that and I hope that was clear!
Congratulation and Good Luck! I recently wrote something similar about how it feels to be a Millennial caught up in the “American Dream”. Can’t wait to see where you are headed and how everything plays out for you. One thing I know for certain is that when you trust your gut you will always end up in the right place!
Miquel recently posted..Life is Not Always Linear
Thanks Miquel! I agree. Things usually work out the way they are supposed to
I love this. I have tried to go back but every time I am dragged away
Happy travels!
sally munt recently posted..Eat, Pray, LOVE Ubud – Naughty monkeys and volcano treks.
It’s too hard to stay! Thanks Sally!
Good for you! Living for the weekend should be nobody’s cup of tea (although I guess it’s good it’s some people’s),. Can’t wait to hear where you are headed! and of course let me know if it’s Munich
Alex, Speaking Denglish recently posted..MY THOUGHTS ON THE EXCUSE “I DON’T HAVE TIME”
I might actually end up in the Munich area for a few days this summer. If so, I will definitely let you know!
I love this!!! I’m actually quitting my business in 7 months and traveling as much and as long, as I can! I know the feeling of being trapped in daily mediocrity, so kudos for being brave!!!
Jenna Clark recently posted..24 Hours in Bangkok
Thanks Jenna! And food for you! Good luck with your trip!
You’re amazing, girl. Amazing for being brave enough to do what you want to do and not let anyone dictate to you how you should live your life. I know what you mean about being suffocated though. The 11 months I spent back in the UK in 2013 nearly killed me. My job was all about travel but it was so mundane, and I cried going to work and on my lunch breaks every day. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do and I can’t wait to see where your new life takes you.
Ceri recently posted..4 Koreanisms I Keep Confusing Americans With
You are too! I’m sorry you had such a rough go. Being home and hating it is so hard because there’s always a part of you, or me at least, that feels like you shouldn’t hate it. Even though you don’t love Korea I’m happy you were able to leave that behind.
Totally agree! If we have the chance, guts, and of cours desire to travel, then it is def best to do it now! Who knows what is around the corner! It’s good that you have found a way to make money while you are travelling too. Well done you!
Yes! You never know what tomorrow will bring, or if there will be a tomorrow. Gotta do it now
Girl yessssss! I totally relate to everything you said and our stories are very similar. In fact, I am probably on the verge of making a very similar decision by the end of the year. I have to save though, I never want to experience the “starting over” and taking whatever job pays the bills route ever again!
Francesca @onegrloneworld recently posted..Your Guide for the Perfect Day Trip to Santa Barbara!
Oh, awesome! Good luck with the decision and saving! That’s the reason I’m not already on the road. I need a few months at home to gain steady work and have some money in the bank. Hope to see you out on the road someday
You made an excellent decision! You have to live the life that makes you happy, I support that 100%. Can’t wait to see where it takes you! Good luck and happy travels! xx
Leah of The Mochilera Diaries recently posted..Why I Travel
Thanks Leah! The decision was definitely made possible because of reading about people like yourself who’ve chosen a different kind of path.
Good for you! Good luck with everything.
I quit my job 2 years ago. I am now teaching English in Thailand, but would really like to be a full time writer.
Jo (The Blonde) recently posted..Thai culture – things you won’t find in your travel guides
Thanks Jo! Good luck becoming freelance!
I am one year into a settling back into a 9 to 5 job and it is horrible. I spent a year traveling and loved it! I went to 19 countries and was truly inspired by the people I met and the things I saw. I am sitting here wondering how did I end up back at a desk worrying that the 10 days of vacation is not nearly enough! I am working on getting web development projects as a free lancer. I can whip up a web based rails app in no time and am hoping I can make a decent income on web developing and social media marketing so I too can quit my job again!
I really hope you can get your freelancing career off the ground! I feel like the people who are web developers and graphic designers can usually find clients, so I wish you the best of luck. 9 to 5s are AWFUL.