Quit Your Job. The Life You Have Imagined, Awaits.
Ever since I was a small boy, I have desired nothing but to travel the world. Well, that, and frying bacon in the nude. But that particular desire came later, during my awkward teenage years. In any case, my voice finally broke, I cooked some Bacon, and realised there are more than 150 countries that I have yet to see with my own eyes. And, travelling to other countries is a really time-consuming process. So is working full-time. It’s one, or the other. The decision should be easy, right?
Currently, my day-job is managing a contemporary art gallery. World renown, successful, it’s a particularly cool space to spend my days. A cubicle, it certainly isn’t. Our exhibition nights are great. Packed full of interesting people from all walks of life. Young, old, rich, poor. Everybody has a great time. I get paid to ply beautiful people free alcohol, and chat with artists I admire.
In my opinion, it’s the best job I’ve ever had.
But then, there is the whole travel the world thing.
So, today, I quit my job.
A pay check is like crack-cocaine. You get addicted to it. It’s not doing anything especially healthy for you. Even if you hate the crack, you’ll come back for more. Week after week, year after year, decade after decade. You’ll go to work today, you’ll go to work tomorrow. You will put the really important things in life, aside. Again, and again. I did.
I’m not going to tell you to quit your job. You have your own circumstances to deal with – but -I am going to suggest that you figure out if you’re spending your days like they’re going out of fashion. Because, they are.
Things are moving fast now. Really, fast.
I downsized my life, and eliminated all debt. A couple of weeks ago, I set a date for when my “new life” would commence. My life of becoming an epic-location-independent-travelling-forever-digital-nomad-lifestyle-designing-cubicle-abandoning-warrior. If I don’t beat that date, I’ll tell you about it. (update: I beat the date)
In a short amount of time, the journey of my lifetime will commence. Of course, it will start with a flight – I do live on an island after all. I’m easing myself in, and heading to another island-country. The plan is to hang for a bit on my new island, and then move on.
Planning for long-term travel, is unlike any other type of travel planning. With long-term travel, there are no time limits. Honestly, I don’t even have the second destination worked out yet. Hey, I’m working on it. Little travel planning, for a long-term adventure to see the world.
What could possibly go wrong?
Frying bacon in the nude is over rated but congrats on the move. Sounds like your going to have a great time and although it must make you a little nervous about not having a 9-5 I am sure you will do just fine. Look forward to reading all the exploits. Good luck.
You know, I’m really not nervous about not having a job! Maybe reality hasn’t set in, or maybe, this is just a better reality, and subconsciously, my mind knows that everything will be OK. Who knows. All I know, is that you’re right – nude Bacon frying is overrated, and I’ll be looking forward to more comments from the travelling fool.
Hey it’s not 20 August yet!!! How come you’re giving up the job-crack so early? And you may not need hand crafted French cheese knives but you just wait until you’re faced with all those matching chopstick sets in Chiang Mai and every other corner of Asia!!!
Hi Tracey! Yes, it’s not August 20, but once I set my mind to something, I get a little impatient! And you’re right, the last time I took a big journey (25 countries in 26 weeks, a year ago), my problem was trying to resist all the bargains along the way. I even picked up a GIANT antique carpet from Istanbul, so chopsticks are the least of my worries ;)
Well – you’ll have nowhere to store those rugs as long as you don’t pay your storage bill in August! Problem solved!!
haha… Tracey, you are pushing my rug-button! ;) The rugs stay. I’m sure I can find somewhere to store a giant antique Turkish rug… (it’s such a nice rug!)
Awesome! Congrats, mate – can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with your new freedom =) Adventure awaits!!
Thanks! Following along with your life adventures as well… I am a HUGE fan of Norway, it must be one of the best countries on Earth.
Haha. Was around Slovakia, but didn’t get a chance to actually go there. Did go to Slovenia though and loved it.
Slovakia is great! I want to get back there soon(ish)…I haven’t been to Slovenia, would love to go, it’s definitely on “the list”.
Congratulations, Nate! However you do need money for the flights and every thing else for traveling, don’t you? How are you going to fund all of your expenses? I once also had the idea to quit my job and travel the world. But then I realized that I still need that paycheck to buy tickets to my dream destinations. So, a few days ago I decided to quit my old job only to get a new one which suits me better. However I must admit working around the clock 5 days a week is not something that I like doing.
Thanks Bama…I’m with you, 5 days a week really gets in the way, right? ;) Yes, I need money to travel. I’ve been saving, and that will get me on my way. You’ll just have to follow along to see whether or not my “planning” will keep me going. There’s always winning the lottery, as a backup…
PS, I didn’t win the lottery ;)
Hey Nate!
The conventional world would frown on you in shock and embarrassment. But us travellers are not conventional people! I say Congratulations!! What an amazing step to live life unconventionally, because authentic life cannot be lived around the 9-5 grind- it will only pass us by. I am excited to follow your journey here on in! Keep the updates coming!
Wow! Thanks Christina. This is my favourite comment so far. I agree with you – it’s all about being authentic. Authentic to yourself, and your dreams. The 9-5 IS a grind, when your dream is to travel. If being unconventional means taking a few “risks” in life, then so be it. The updates will be coming, and I’m glad to have like-minded people like yourself around this little corner of the internet.
we are all transients.
YES, Kara. Yes we are. (I love these simple, insightful, and to the point comments).
I agree! I definitely don’t see it as a risk, Travel is an investment, in education and passion you can’t get in a classroom or a cubicle. Travel is the only thing we can buy that will make us richer.
Totally. I truly believe, travel is essential.
well written! your job does sound pretty cool. I’ve never been an art curator or anything related to an art museum.. would be pretty awesome! But I’m glad you quit and congrats with your blog too. Good luck in your next chapter.. It’s the best way to travel.. with no plans and no limitations!
Thanks Janet… but I disagree! You you “curate” art, when designing your slick websites. Also, your story is one of total inspiration to me, I wish there were more people like you in this world.
That’s fantastic and congratulations for doing what feels best for you! I shake my head when people tell me I’m “lucky” for doing so much travelling. Not about luck. I’m not rich – it’s just about priorities. I tell them they can do it too and then the excuses come. We need more people like you to inspire and let everyone knows it’s possible.
Thanks Merna – I agree, it’s not “luck”. I would accept that some of it is “good fortune”, but luck has nothing to do with it. I’m not rich either, I just set myself goals, and I don’t give up. I genuinely hope I can inspire others, it really isn’t as hard as some people think. One of my intentions is to show that anything (almost!) is possible when you put your mind to it.
PS – I really like the look of your tours, sounds like you’re doing it right!
sounds like you have a cool job but then again if you have been yearning for a life of travels for a long time i guess you did the right thing to quit your job to pursue your much awaited adventure…
you can always go back to your job i think after your travels :-) my friends and I are always talking about it how others thought that it would be very difficult to get a job again but if you’re competent enough i think there would always be an opportunity…
goodluck Nate :-)
Cheers flip. I agree with you, there are always opportunities, so there’s nothing holding me back now – onwards and upwards!
Congrats! Good for you. No envy on my part – I get it! The pull of travel must be great if you’re giving up handing out free booze! That is a JOB!
Nothing is stopping us. Sure, maybe today we have a few issues we need to resolve, but those will be resolved.
Can’t wait to see what the world brings!
Nice work Nate!
Thanks Justin.. maybe I can take some free booze with me when I leave ;) From reading your site, I know that you “get it”, and together, with other like-minded folks, we are starting to convince more than few people! Same goes – looking forward to reading your adventures. 2012!
Congrats! I’m doing the same, but my 9-5 commitment is through December, which seems oh so far away. But I know it’s not. :)
No, Bob, it’s not so far away. The time will fly on by. Good luck with 2013, sounds like it will be a big one!
Congrats on quitting your job and taking a huge step towards the life you want to live. Looking forward to seeing where you end up!
Yes, it’s a pretty big step Ali, but one that must be taken! I also look forward to seeing where I end up! ;)
I’m so glad I stumbled across your site. I’m looking forward to following your journey. All the best luck :)
Thanks Izy, very kind words. And I look forward to seeing you around!
woo hoo, good luck! I quit my job 13 months ago and never been happier :D
Glad to hear it! Love your website name ;)
Congratulations for taking the leap Nate. That is a decision you’ll NEVER regret. Trust me! I wish you the best of luck on your journey. I’ll be following along. Keep in touch.
Thanks Ryan…look forward to seeing you around.
Inspirational stuff. It’s been 4 months since my semi-nomadic life came to an end, and not a day goes by when I don’t dream about getting out there again. Congratulations to you for doing something that many people will never have the balls to do.
Cheers Paul, it means a lot to me. I enjoy following your adventures, and I know you’re the type of guy to go after exactly what you want. Nate.
Your positivity and enthusiasm are contagious, Nate! I did ‘almost’ the same thing as you in early 2010, leaving the world of copiers & cubicles, and travelling the world instead. I’ve been taking some short-term contract jobs in every part of the globe to replenish the coin purse, and explore the world in between. It works for me, and I am loving it! G’luck with your journey and thanks for taking us all along for the ride!
Safe travels!
Jennifer
Jennifer, I did the same thing while living in London and think that doing short term contracts, beyond the money that they bring in, are also great for perspective. Sometimes the life of a traveller is hard, and it can get you down. You think to yourself “I can’t do this anymore, maybe I should return to ”normality””. You get a contract, and after a month are glad that the bullshit world of the cubicle dweller isn’t yours anymore. Knowing that you’re not a part of the system rejuvenates you, and you leave when your contract is up with renewed vigour for the Yomadic cause.
Thanks Jennifer, that certainly is a great lifestyle, I would be happy to be doing exactly that. You’re getting to see the world, and being paid as well. Win/win!
yo nate, so glad i stumbled on your other site which in turn led me here. will definitely be enjoying & living vicariously through your travels and adventures here. stay safe & godspeed brother.
Royce, I’m glad you found me. You’re a legend in my books, and I hope we catch up for a beer sooner or later, no matter where we both end up. Nate.
Congratulations! I have almost exactly 4 weeks before I get to escape my crack habit/job, and can’t wait. Hopefully I’ll have kicked the habit for good by August!
Thanks, and good luck to you! Four weeks will fly by…
Way to go pilgrim :)
Thanks partner ;)
Nate my mate, would you be willing to reveal what your average monthly budget is?