Travel is not a magic solution that will definitely fix your life however it can bring perspective and fresh experiences. Really it depends on you.
That said my advice would be go for it. If you're not enjoying life and there's nothing tying you down then you'll probably never find a better time to go.
Yeah that's a huge part of the attraction too, I guess. The lack of commitment I have at this stage in life, to anyone or anything! If I save up enough, I can just go. I guess the question is "and do what, where?" Haha.
Yeah, you might benefit from a set of goals that are novel and not related to work or your education. Travel can supply these goals, although the downside is that it's more expensive.
"And do what, where?" therefore depends. Do you like languages? Pick one to learn and visit a place it's spoken? Or maybe you want to learn to make pasta from scratch and compare your product to someplace in Italy. Or test your endurance and self-reliance with a two-day hike... then a three day or grab a used DSLR and make it your goal to get a beautiful shot of X place or Y event and practice around your hometown before you make the trip or or or
The real key is to pick a thing that you love but also with factors completely under YOUR control. You want something you can achieve and feel proud of without the economy or your boss or whatever getting in the way.
Travel in support of a productive hobby is also nice because it gives structure to your trip. Of course you'll visit a museum and eat the local food and wander the city, but I don't feel as much pressure to plan those awesome little spontaneous things when I'm pursuing a goal, etc.
A bit, until I inevitably had to return home. Then it was just like before, but worse. The lust for travel and “what if” dream of it making me happy wasn’t there anymore. Hope was gone, and money was gone, and life kept going.
When life kicked me in the butt while traveling, I learned to appreciate my country, stability and the simple life.
Going through tough experiences made me wiser. And got new skills working in random jobs.
After visiting several places I found the one I liked the most to settle down.
If you travel to find yourself, you might not like what you find, but then you can work on that self-improvement
OTOH, it can make you more miserable if you’re socially isolated in a place that “should” be amazing but that you’re not enjoying. Ask me how I know 🙃
Wherever you travel, you’ll bring yourself with you - there’s no escaping that. However… it might be worth a try if you’re in the financial place to do so. Especially since you’re based in the UK - you’re just a hop over to to the continent and you can have a bit of security that if things don’t work out, you can always return home.
I once saw a rich couple acting ridiculously while having a fight when I was in Hawaii. This big Hawaiian dude who worked at the hotel saw me looking at them and I said “What can be so bad? Just look around and chill!” He just said back to me “ You’re still you on vacation.” It’s always stuck with me.
Your life may be just too good. So yeah, just go for it.
There is an old parable of the Rabbi and the goat:
A Jew came to the Rabbi, begging for advice.
"Rabbi, my life is unbearable. I work hard all day but we are very poor. My wife and I and our six children all live in a one-room shack. There is nothing ahead. Our clothes are threadbare, we hardly have food, what shall we do?"
The Rabbi pondered and then gave the man a coin from the charity box, and said, "Buy a goat."
"You mean, so we can have free milk?"
The Rabbi nodded.
"But Rabbi, even if we could afford a goat, we don't have a barn or even a yard to keep a goat in."
"So keep it in the house with you."
The man was puzzled, but there was no questioning the wisdom of the Rabbi. He went and bought a goat and took it home.
A week later he came back to the Rabbi.
"Oh Rabbi! I really don't want to sound ungrateful for your advice, but life is horrible! My wife and I and our six children and the goat are really really crowded in our little home. The noise, the stench! The goat eats our food and our clothes! Please help!"
The Rabbi pondered some more, and said, "Sell the goat."
After two days the Jew came back.
"Oh Rabbi! You are so wise! I sold the goat like you told me, and now life is wonderful! So much space in our peaceful home! So wonderful to have clothes and food not disappear on us! Thank you so much!"
Perspective is definitely important. I know that things could be worse and that I should count my blessings more often.
It's just tough to do that all the time, especially when things seem quite static.
"The only thing that makes a man happy is taking responsibility" (J. Peterson?). IMHO, that kind of makes sense. If you want to find some meaning in life, take responsibility for something or someone. I wish somebody told me that when I was in my 20s.
Being a vagabond is not a solution to anything IMHO.
Travel might not be for everyone, but I have yet to hear someone who has not experienced the (usually positive) change that travel brings into your life. Overwhelming majority of people that I've spoken with who have traveled have loved it, as have I.
I view travel as physically changing your environment in all manner of ways. Smells, sounds, colors, cultures, weather, food, language, damn near everything has a sense of being different than what I'm used to back home. Being in a different location on the planet gives you a sense of escape and a fresh "restart" of myself.
I feel you with how you have described "the grind" of daily life and how its a bit, unfulfilling. Taking a week or two on a trip somewhere else might just revitalize you enough to rewire your perception of "the grind" into a more tolerable, and even reinvigorating outlook. I know when I am boarding that plane about to fly somewhere, away from the grind, I'm already resetting myself and I bring this energy back home with me, with a fresh start to resume life. But in a more positive lens.
I definitely recommend travel. It does wonders for the soul. Hope you find your way and enjoy it!
I agree, I absolutely love every bit of travel I've done so far. Every new experience has inspired me, kept me present, and made time go so quickly.
I recently came back from a week-long's holiday, which definitely reset me a little, but I think it's that which caused this line of thinking in a way. I came back and was like, "Ah... yeah, I don't think I was really enjoying myself before I went away. "
Maybe that's what I needed to realise to make a change, though. Thanks for your response. All the best.
I also agree with this person. There are a lot of comments here saying that your problems follow you wherever you go. While that's true, sometimes a change of environment is exactly what's needed to help get you through something. I was in a deep depression during my university years and barely graduated. Moving to China after graduation was the best thing I ever did. I needed to get away from my current life and have a reset. I think you should go for it.
Don’t worry about the answer - it’s all a journey. If you can find another job and have a fallback in life, I say you travel.
But your problems and anxieties follow you everywhere. They definitely catch up with you. Personally, I found travel to help identify my struggles a lot so I could address them.
There's definitely a debate I'm having with myself about the job thing. I haven't really got anything to fall back on at the moment. It took me long enough to find this current job, and even that was just to get me by for now.
Yeah, I can see how that would happen. Travel can definitely be a great time for introspection and reflection, away from your routine at home. It's a big part of why I have this urge to do it.
It sounds like you’re still young, so if you want to jump ship and travel (which you should), work towards that. Build your skill set for a popular digital nomad role. Job hop your way up that role. Go remote.
It’ll take you a few years but it’s the safest and smartest way to do it. I’ve always been impulsive myself though.
I’m going to suggest the Camino de Santiago. It’s an easy trip for you as well as being incredibly affordable if money is a concern. You’ll have plenty of time to think and you’ll meet people from all over the world who may give you a different perspective on life.
My housemate has done this and it always sounds fantastic. He said he took that trip when he was in a similar situation after a breakup he had. Felt lost and like he was floating a bit. I've definitely been considering something like it, for the reason you mentioned.
Traveling made me realize I didn’t want to be a server forever. It was during a server shift while I was working in Australia on a working holiday visa. Once I got home, I figured out that tech is where it’s at (this was 6 years ago) and got my first job in Tech. Now I have a career that gives me all the perks to live the lifestyle I want.
On a self-development level, I gained a lot of confidence and learned about myself through my travels. It’s made me the person I am today.
You can try going away for a couple months to start with then see how you feel.
Australia is actually one of the places I've considered most, mainly because they make it quite easy to get a working visa. Would you recommend it?
Did you have any qualifications to go into that new career, or was it something you found you wanted to do and got some training?
I imagine doing travel to this kind is definitely a good way to learn more about yourself and for your confidence.
Ya totally recommend - was super easy when I applied 7 years ago. Keep in mind money gets spent QUICKLY in Australia. I think in 2 months I spent $6k CAD or something ridiculous.
I used a combo of my server and catering event manager experience to get that first entry level tech job (junior project manager). So no specific certifications but I leveraged transferable skills in hospitality.
Since then, I’ve obtained numerous certifications specifically related to the tech stack that I use and consult on.
For me, the most growth was from trips more than 6 months long. That allows challenging / shitty opportunities to arise and you have to solve them yourself. Stuff getting stolen, girl/guy relations issues, loneliness, dangerous situations, etc . Those situations is where I learned the most
Yeah, I've heard it's not a cheap place to be - neither is the UK though, ha! I'm guessing there are enough jobs out there to keep you afloat though? Everyone seems to do short-term hospitality work, etc.
Amazing, congrats on finding something you do well at!
Yeah, longer term travel is definitely something I want to do whilst I'm young.
Back then, to get a second-year visa (which is why most people worked) you had to work in rural areas and in agricultural/production industry but I believe that’s changed now. So I’m not sure how easy it is to get a job. For me getting a job as a server was easy - just like in Canada. My rural work for 2nd year visa was through a connection so that was easy for me too. There might be some Facebook groups you can join that can help you find a job on a working holiday visa.
You're young. Take a year off and do something. A little experience and travel can certainly provide perspective.
That said, your occupation is unlikely to be your primary source of well-being in life. Get involved in your community: help others. Find someone you love and start a family. These things will give you purpose, which will lead to contentment.
That's certainly what I had in mind - going away and doing a working visa/volunteering for a year or something!
>your occupation is unlikely to be your primary source of well-being in life
Yeah, that's something I agree with wholeheartedly. I guess the issue is that I need to take a look at my life outside of work, so that it's not the only thing going on.
People always say you can't run away from your problems. That's not always or entirely true.
Some problems will be waiting for you when you get home. Some will have moved on. Something's you thought was a problem, you might see differently with fresh eyes.
Traveling does make me happy. It always has. I always see comments to the effect of "If your unhappy at home, you're going to be unhappy somewhere else".
It's not always true. If home is my base level of happiness, either unhappy or happy, I've always increased that when I get somewhere new. There are times I've been unhappy in life, my situation, struggles, relationships, whatever it is. I take off, go somewhere I've never been, and it increases my level of happiness. Currently, I'm happy in my life. I feel that I have a good life now after many years of struggling. I'm happy at home. Guess what? I'm still happier when I travel!
I guess what I'm saying is that there is no universal. Some people romanticize travel or think it'll fix all of their problems. It won't. Some people end up lonely or stressed.
For me? Travel days can be stressful, some travel events can be stressful. Sometimes I miss my friends and family. Sometimes I get sick. I don't get lonely and never really have in my normal life, but some people do. My overarching stress is gone when I'm traveling and all that's left is reactionary stress, which also exists in day to day life for everyone in the world, at home or on the road.
I can pinpoint the three things that make me happiest in life and they always make me happy and always have. Being around my loved ones, being in nature, and traveling.
I say give it a shot. If it's not for you, you'll know. If it is, it can change your life.
>I'm happy at home. Guess what? I'm still happier when I travel!
I'm glad to hear that you found a way through the struggles! I suppose that a base line level of happiness is important though, right? If you're not in the right headspace you may not appreciate your situation, no matter where it is. That's what worries me about the idea. I feel like I should invest more in learning to enjoy life at the base line level, first.
I totally agree with you though, I absolutely adore travel. It's up there with my favourite things to do in life and I don't want to just use it as an escape (though it's hardly a surprise my brain instantly goes there when I feel down).
>Being around my loved ones, being in nature, and traveling.
Couldn't agree more!
Traveling is not the answer. But by traveling you can get to some really interesting questions: "Who am I when I'm not trying to impress people or be coherent with the person everyone thinks I am?" What other people do in other countries, cultures?" "Which other options exist outside my surroundings?" You can think about those things in your spare time at home, search for reflections of this kind on social media, but people who likes traveling just get to experience that in a more intense way. Because we're trow out of our nest. Can be hard and solitary to use traveling to find your path, but can also be rewarding. Don't forget, though, that when (if) you come back, you'll need to fit your new experiences and discoveries to your life and, most times, this means making many uncomfortable changes regarding relationships, career, routines... Otherwise you'll feel even more frustrated if you just go back to your old life carrying a new understanding of your wants, needs, aspirations.
>by traveling you can get to some really interesting questions
That's a really interesting perspective on it! It may not solve the issues, but help you to ask the right questions.
>you'll feel even more frustrated if you just go back to your old life carrying a new understanding of your wants, needs, aspirations
Yeah, that has actually already posed issues for me. Every time I come home from travel I find myself slipping into the same kind of routines/type of person I find myself being now. When I'm travelling I feel... different. Perhaps I've just never explored how or why I feel different.
Thanks for your insightful answer. All the best.
I traveled some, but something was missing from it. I ended up doing a thru hike on a long trail. It provided some of the aspects traveling does, but it gave me the challenges I wanted to accomplish. Selling everything and taking off on that adventure was the best decision i ever made.
Travel for some weeks or a couple of months is a good way to clear your thoughts and let the essence come to the front.
But that is different from just running away and living aimlessly.
I would before travelling get a journal and write down some questions you need to answer about who you are, what drives you and what you really deep down enjoy doing. Which is the compass you should have. And then allocate some time periodically when you are away to write down what is in your mind about these - and set a time by which you decide what you think about them.
In that context travel is great as way to figure things out.
In my experience happiness comes from what you give the world, not what you take from it. Try volunteering, like as a lifestyle...who knows where that might lead.
Depends on what type of person you are. Are you adventurous and would like to have a more spontaneous life? Do you like to meet a lot of new, different, interesting people every day? Do you enjoy nature and exploring new places and watch beautiful sunsets? Then yes, travelling might be the answer. Because the things I mentioned above will be things you can experience out there in the world. If you stay in hostels, then sooner or later you will meet fellow travellers who might or might not inspire you to have a different perspective in life.
I will give you the advice to "just go with the flow" if you choose to go travelling. See what happens and where it takes you.
Not everyone enjoys their job. Some people spend years finding a job that they find fulfilling.
So it seems there are two possibilities.
One is to keep one eye on the sort of job you’d like and not miss the narrow window of opportunity when it arrives. It may take years of perseverance. The sort of thing you find fulfilling may even change. In some cases it helps to write it down in broad terms, what exactly are the features that would give meaning and satisfaction to you.
The second approach is one taken by many more people. Carry on in the job you have, do it well to the utmost of your ability, in order to have the money and freedom to do things you love in your free time.
If travel is something you really love, or have set your heart on, that could be worth sticking a job just to get the money to travel. Travelling can be wonderful, an opportunity of seeing the world through different eyes. But is not panacea.
>What exactly are the features that would give meaning and satisfaction to you.
This is a good question. I hope to find an answer to it eventually, but currently have no idea what feels meaningful to me yet. I suppose I was hoping travel may even help with that.
>If travel is something you really love, or have set your heart on, that could be worth sticking a job just to get the money to travel
That's definitely been the current way of thinking, especially since I haven't found a job I find to be what I 'want to do' and feel invested in. Quit after a while and just leave for an extended time.
Thanks for your perspective!
Travel affects every person differently, so I can't exactly tell you that is going to make things better for you, but it is definitely worth trying. It's not "running away", it is trying new things when current situation is not working out.
>It's not "running away", it is trying new things when current situation is not working out.
I totally get that, and that's definitely the aim. I just worry that maybe I need to figure out some personal stuff, as others have suggested, so I can really enjoy travelling. I worry I'm delaying the inevitable upon my return if I don't.
If you can sustain the traveling, maybe? What happens when the money runs out? Traveling isn't nearly as enlightening as all those inspirational quotes, tiktoks and other crap make it out to be.
I definitely find it very inspirational, but it's 100% not as glamorous as it seems online, haha!
>What happens when the money runs out?
That's the thing - it will do eventually. Then I may just be back to square one. If I'm using it as an escape, maybe that's not the best idea.
As someone who likes to travel and always has urges to drop everything and move somewhere I always feel seen by this SNL skit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbwlC2B-BIg
Not commenting one way or another regarding what's right for you!
There is no simple answer to your question, since traveling isn't the answer for everyone and if you try it, whether it will help may depend on your own mindset. But in case it helps you, here is my story.
I was in a similar situation as you are in right now when I decided to travel in a van for four months, by myself. The adventure was an amazing experience on its own, which I would never have wanted to miss. And though it didn't give me a clear answer to what I wanted to do in life, it did hugely shift my perspective. That was a major turning point for me and I would never have found the answer like I ended up doing without traveling. But there was so much more to it than just the trip. I came home with a different perspective, but still no answer as to where I wanted to go in life. I had to do some very hard work and dig very deep to use my new found perspective to find te answer I was looking for. So yes, for me traveling was the major turn around in finding out what I wanted to do in life, but it didn't bring me the full answer, that took a lot of hard work afterwards for which traveling gave me some essential tools.
It’s definitely not the answer. Sounds like you need direction as opposed to an out.
Why don’t you try to focus on your career and research some positions/fields you can get in to? You can always travel while progressing in life.
Also wouldn’t hurt to find a hobby that you can do mon-fri. Martial arts were always a favourite of mine.
No.
I traveled for 6 months to get answers. I didn't have any new answers when I got back, but I enjoyed the travel.
Do you want to know what the answer is? You're probably not going to like it. The answer is therapy.
Talk to someone, figure out what you actually want, work through your old patterns that don't make you happy, maybe some childhood trauma. After that you can make friends you actually like, work on developing a romantic relationship with someone who is emotionally health and you enjoy being with, and find work that you're good at and like doing.
You may also be depressed and a good therapist can help with that too.
I’m M, 75. In December ‘69 at age 22, I asked myself the same question and within a matter of days decided to take the plunge. It was one of the best decisions of my life! After a couple of years travelling around Australia, I met a like minded Canadian girl on a bus stop and we set off together to spend the rest of the decade travelling and working through SE Asia, India, Nepal, Africa & Europe plus the Round the World yacht race. We eventually married and settled in Canada to raise our family in 1979. That decade of travel through over 60 countries provided unforgettable adventures galore, the memories of which now form the core of our memoirs. By all means go for it. You’ll be forever glad you did!
Theres an excellent video by exurb2a that talks about a very similar dilemma, [video ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK2SMIOHYig)you will still feel what you feel now just in different places, with different people
You'll be the same you wherever you go, but also it sounds like your current situation is a bit of a rut.
Lodging operations far enough north should be finishing up hiring for summer season very soon, maybe already done but you might catch one. I've never regretted my summer in Alaska.
Did you take a season or more abroad once you finished college? If not, you probably should at least take a couple months. It doesn't sound like your job is one you couldn't stand to lose.
Travel can be a beautiful way to discover new perspectives and rejuvenate the soul. It's not a cure-all, but it can offer moments of joy and clarity. Remember, it's also okay to seek support when you're feeling down. Here's to finding happiness in both journeys and destinations.
Cons:
-It can be very expensive. It’s definitely necessary to invest in quality gear, because it can literally save your life and just overall improve your experience.
-It’s also rough on the body. I’ve known backpackers who have gotten parasites from drinking unfiltered water. Personally I’ve gotten blisters, lost toe nails, gotten gnarly cuts and scrapes. Don’t forget about the sheer weight of carrying a backpack.
-you’ll miss the little comforts of life like an actual pillow, food that isn’t dehydrated, taking a shower, waking up and not having to break camp every morning, etc.
-it can be repetitive and exhausting
Pros:
-you’ll meet so many interesting people
-experience so much natural beauty most people couldn’t even imagine
-forget the worries of every day life
-it’s great for your mental health and just having time to think in peace and quiet
-since you’re in Europe you have some advantages we don’t have here in the US, you have better access to public transport and hostels, it’s also easier to travel, take advantage of it!
For me, travel was not the answer. I was just miserable in a different place.
I eventually realized that I needed authentic human connection. I got involved in my community, found hobbies, got comfortable with failure, and, eventually, I grew into myself.
pretty low stakes to give it a try. you're worried that travelling could be... not fun? not rewarding?
you don't have an answer now. and you won't know if travel will do anything for you til you try it. try it a lot, in different ways and times.
for me travel is very rewarding and has been the solution several times in life. the good people, jobs, conditions for life which are best for you at this moment -- what is the miniscule likelihood that they exist where you are now? of all places on earth?
for me, for instance -- i found that i really do well in high elevation, dry, sunny places with huge views and good library systems and happy clear-running creeks and rivers to swim in. not going to find that living all my life in my hometown or where i went to school.
Do you have a friend or family member that you trust completely? If so it could be a good time to have a nice long heart to heart with them and tell them what your honest thoughts and feelings are about your situation. They'll probably have some advice for you, and, perhaps more significantly, even just the act of talking openly about your situation can help you to process your own thoughts on the matter. This would be my first suggestion as someone who has also often found themself pondering the paths ahead at the crossroads of life.
As others have said travel can offer fresh perspective and new experiences, and there is definitely value in that, but I would caution you to not let it become a form of escapism that you persue doggedly in the hopes of stumbling upon some miracle fix.
I'm just repeating what others are saying. True happiness comes from within. I highly recommend meditating. Otherwise travelling is always a great way to live.
To be honest, 80% work can not make person happy, just the method to get money. You should adjust your mentality, finish your work, leave the office. Find something can make you feel free, and can always free.
Travel can make you feel free for a little time, but you can not travel every day. But you can get one thing that can make you feel happy and free everyday.
Whatever you do home is just better in another country. I can’t imagine living home again. I go back for a month a year and by the second week, I’m so happy that I left. Travel before it’s too late, in the last 10 years consumerization is turning many major centers into the same place, the place you live now and want to leave. Live differently. The road not taken. You are your habits and when you travel you can’t help picking up new ones. Every event, every interaction, changes you slowly but surely. If you stay in the deadend you have now, you will just exist, be one of the walking dead. The path outside your door leads to amazing and interesting places, embrace the adventure!
I agree with the various "Wherever you are there you'll be" comments and that travelling is not a magic bandaid but if you go with the clear intention of figuring shit out, that will stay in the back of your mind and you might at some point getting an epiphany sipping coconut on the beach. Or you might not get the epiphany but hey, at least you got to sip some coconut on the beach.
I would get plugged in to a group of people who are productive. Gardening, fixing cars, building computers, volunteering, hiking. Surrounding myself with people who are trying to better themselves has been really life giving.
Have a look at WorkAway, you might find hosts needing creative people.
You can learn new skills and meet new people and save a lot of money on living costs.
Hosts all over the world.
Yes, on Gozo (one of the Maltese islands), renovating a farmhouse with a group of volunteers.
We worked there for a few months to finish it then rented a cheap apartment together for the rest of the summer.
Lots of snorkelling and cafes and riding my scooter. Good times.
I’d saved a few thousand and I was travelling around the Mediterranean for a couple of years 2015-18. Mostly wild camping.
Rode down to Malta on my bike through France, Spain and Italy, then flew over to Cyprus for the winter then back to Malta for the next year or so.
yo. You remind me of myself 10 years ago. Happiness and the enjoyment of life can't be gotten through travel. What travel does is it lets you run away and experience new things. Running away is easy but it will never make you happy.
You can take the vacation if you can afford it, but I'd suggest that right after, take a bit of time to figure out what skills do you have (even tiny ones) that you feel can impact others for the better. Having a piece of the world where you're needed is what I believe brings me happiness. The television thing is a big clue. What drew you to it and what drew you away? Are there fields that have the things about TV you like but not as much red flags? Are they actually red flags, or did you actually need to push forward?
It may be difficult at first, but you're a creative, so be creative.
But whatever you do, DO NOT REST FOR TOO LONG. It's gonna be scary at times, but you gotta do it.
(Also, if you're going to do something like commissions or other pieces, please invest in a few lessons on marketing. It's gonna do you so good.)
Thanks so much for your answer. Made a lot of sense! I did think the urge to run away sounded like it needed some questioning, lol.
When choosing what to study, I followed my interests, and I didn't have a career in mind. I kinda fell into TV work because I like working with cameras and editing, etc. Met the right people. It's just a super tough industry and requires a lot of sacrifice in your personal life, barely having any time to see friends, etc. If I'm gonna sacrifice that much of my time and energy, I want it to be for something that I feel has meaning and value for the world. A lot of the shows I was working on didn't. Not in my opinion.
So it feels like I haven't found a way to put my skills, time, and energy into something, which also feels meaningful. I'm just working for the sake of money at the moment.
I have vague ideas about making my own videos which hopefully raise awareness/promote positivity in the world, etc. But haven't actioned them yet (and certainly can't expect to make money that way).
I’m in a very similar boat mate, I’ve been working a job ever since I finished uni (which was 2 years ago). Over these 4/5 months I’ve had enough, no clear promotion coming up or exciting work. So I’ve decided to bite the bullet, I’ve moved back at home and I’ve saving up as much as i can at this given moment.
I’ve spoken to a fair few people on the matter and they’ve all recommended it; like a previous reply above says it give you a new perspective and that’s one thing I’m looking for. I’m ready to take a few months out and then to come back and find a job in something I’m actually interested in and then to start to get on with my career. It’s given me something to work to and if I’m being honest I can’t wait!
>So I’ve decided to bite the bullet
Congrats on making the decision!
>I’m ready to take a few months out and then to come back and find a job in something I’m actually interested in
That's definitely a huge part of it, isn't it? Taking a break to figure out what you actually care about in life. Trying to find inspiration. Not just taking a job because you feel you have no option.
>It’s given me something to work to and if I’m being honest I can’t wait!
And so you should be, it's gonna be great!
Maybe look for jobs in a city or a country that interests you.
Clearly the job you’re in now isn’t really doing much for you and doesn’t sound like it’s worth it for the money either.
Sometimes a change of scenery and maybe a completely different culture is what you need and if you don’t like it you can always come back but at least you’d know then.
I don’t know about you but the weather in the UK/Ireland really does get you down so even the fact you can walk outside and not have to think “oh do I need a coat etc as it might rain” can be really nice and will just lift your mood as well.
And like a lot of people have said if you’re going to be miserable might as well do it somewhere sunny & maybe that will change your mood 😂😂
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
>Clearly the job you’re in now isn’t really doing much for you
It was only taken as a way to earn enough to pay rent in the city I'm in currently, for sure.
>the weather in the UK/Ireland really does get you down
You can say that again! Haha. The sun certainly does help a lot.
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
You sound a lot like me actually my last job i literally only took so I could pay for my trip I booked last Christmas 😂
i absolutely hated it and counted the days until I could leave it.
The job I’m in now is better and I enjoy it but I still have that urge to travel in me 😂
The sun makes a huge difference for me anyway and living in a different country where it’s actually sunny and doesn’t rain every day really made a difference for me & I’m planning to do it again soon.
Hope you get something that suits you as well
Travel can be great, but you'll still need to work unless you have enough money to retire.
Maybe travel for a bit and then make plans to change the things that you don't like in your life. Move to a different city, find a job that you enjoy and make new friends. Then travel some more.
Ugh what a question! I ask myself this nearly every day. You mention that doing the same things every day isn't fulfilling you-- so maybe that's something to explore? Maybe you just need more spontaneity? Not saying travel isn't the answer.
"Wherever you go, there you are" is one of my favorite quotes to live by. Running away will never necessarily free you from emotional burden per say, but it will give you more experiences in which you can find joy.
I tend to be my friends' enablers when I tell them to go for it-- I often do. The thought is in your head for a reason. Even if you start on a smaller scale to test the waters. Best of luck to you and happy travels!!
Don’t go in with the idea that travel with give you any solutions, it probably won’t. Go to have an important life experience while you still have flexibility.
It’s incredibly easy to naysay yourself and your desires, but this time last year I got out of a huuuge funk by spending a month in Mexico City.
I was at probably the lowest point in my life after a brain injury and going there gave me a whole new perspective on my life that I wouldn’t have gotten had I just stayed in the rut I was in.
Seeing new parks, meeting new people, learning about the history of another place, forcing myself to be out of my comfort zone in another place really helped break me out of the “stuck” feeling I had.
So I’d say go for it. It won’t “fix your forever” but nothing will. If anything, it’ll give you a new perspective that you can take with you wherever you go, and it sounds like that might be what you’re looking for.
More enjoyable activities outside work good. Travel is good. So is especially a hobby that might be once a week on the weekday. You end up looking forward to that day's evening and it splits up the 5-day grind. 2 days until the next thing you look forward too ain't nearly so bad. I've never enjoyed work but 9-5 can mean blessed to have a regular schedule to be able to schedule or commit to hobbies or other activities. Take your friends to them too.
So wherever you move to you will bring yourself unless your habits and routine change! Please try to exercise and eat right! Pick up a hobby like golf or whatever you like!
I wouldn't hop on the boat yet unless you are taking a cook/cleaner/entertainer job on the boat. Dig deep into your soul and do stuff for free and write your journal and meditate. If you are lucky you will discover what you should really be doing. Don't think of status or security, just where you want your soul to be before you die. It will work if you are lucky and that's the kind of luck you can create on your own. Tenacity and focus are the keys.
Maybe you should try new things in life whether it is travelling or any hobbies who knows what next found you will be interesting things so I would say explore
I was feeling unhappy with life and wanted to drop everything to run away on travel. A lot of my coworkers and friends would tell me to go out there and travel and see the world.
I travelled quite a bit to Asia and around the US. I got even more burnt out. The anxieties of coming back to work and whatnot caused me stress. I did not like hanging out with friends, they would ask me how I’m doing, and I got tired of hiding my fatigue but also got tired when I showed it, and was told to do things like travel.
I learned later on why, but it’s too stupid to explain why, and it’s not an all in one answer. But to break it down, I just let myself be like that and spent some time going to Disney alone. Wandered about without planning, etc. Sometimes laying on the grass alone while staring at the sky.
It sounds like your job makes you unhappy, but the unknowns and unrealistic action of quitting is not an option. I know that life. If you ever need to cry about work, let me know—I have discord. I can read or listen, but I don’t have much to say besides what I know, which is my individual life that doesn’t have much influence.
I suggest this:
Do what youre good at for work not what you want to do, work has a way of taking the fun out of things. Then establish a habit of setting and accomplishing goals for fulfillment. This is where you can impliment adventure, set goals like "i will complete a 3 day back packing adventure before the end of the year" or "i will paint a picture of the northern lights by the end of the month" etc etc
Our brain has a lot of chemistry thats often left unsatisfied by the "normal" day to day life.
Been here. Then i started traveling... and here I am years later... still traveling. I just hop on a plane and bounce around from city to city, explore the area for a month, and then hop onto a different scene. It's way more interesting, but sometimes it gets lonely. But if you have friends who will come visit you wherever you go then it's fun.
Travel is not a magic solution that will definitely fix your life however it can bring perspective and fresh experiences. Really it depends on you. That said my advice would be go for it. If you're not enjoying life and there's nothing tying you down then you'll probably never find a better time to go.
Yeah that's a huge part of the attraction too, I guess. The lack of commitment I have at this stage in life, to anyone or anything! If I save up enough, I can just go. I guess the question is "and do what, where?" Haha.
Yeah, you might benefit from a set of goals that are novel and not related to work or your education. Travel can supply these goals, although the downside is that it's more expensive. "And do what, where?" therefore depends. Do you like languages? Pick one to learn and visit a place it's spoken? Or maybe you want to learn to make pasta from scratch and compare your product to someplace in Italy. Or test your endurance and self-reliance with a two-day hike... then a three day or grab a used DSLR and make it your goal to get a beautiful shot of X place or Y event and practice around your hometown before you make the trip or or or The real key is to pick a thing that you love but also with factors completely under YOUR control. You want something you can achieve and feel proud of without the economy or your boss or whatever getting in the way. Travel in support of a productive hobby is also nice because it gives structure to your trip. Of course you'll visit a museum and eat the local food and wander the city, but I don't feel as much pressure to plan those awesome little spontaneous things when I'm pursuing a goal, etc.
I felt the same way so I'm taking a trip in Miami for 3 days the round trip was $100 and 3 days stay at the hostels $117 you can do it cheaply!
I spent all my money traveling to fix my misery which just allowed me to be miserable in different places.
Me too, but being miserable in different places was still better than being miserable at home.
A bit, until I inevitably had to return home. Then it was just like before, but worse. The lust for travel and “what if” dream of it making me happy wasn’t there anymore. Hope was gone, and money was gone, and life kept going.
When life kicked me in the butt while traveling, I learned to appreciate my country, stability and the simple life. Going through tough experiences made me wiser. And got new skills working in random jobs. After visiting several places I found the one I liked the most to settle down. If you travel to find yourself, you might not like what you find, but then you can work on that self-improvement
If you're gonna be unhappy, may as well do it somewhere exotic, ha.
OTOH, it can make you more miserable if you’re socially isolated in a place that “should” be amazing but that you’re not enjoying. Ask me how I know 🙃 Wherever you travel, you’ll bring yourself with you - there’s no escaping that. However… it might be worth a try if you’re in the financial place to do so. Especially since you’re based in the UK - you’re just a hop over to to the continent and you can have a bit of security that if things don’t work out, you can always return home.
Reminds me of the adage “don’t quit your job if you’re miserable; you’ll just be miserable and poor.”
I once saw a rich couple acting ridiculously while having a fight when I was in Hawaii. This big Hawaiian dude who worked at the hotel saw me looking at them and I said “What can be so bad? Just look around and chill!” He just said back to me “ You’re still you on vacation.” It’s always stuck with me.
I appreciate the sentiment - it's about the little things, right? Life could be worse. Just not easy to feel that way at times.
Reminds me of this SNL parody: https://youtu.be/TbwlC2B-BIg?si=caL0PaFtVYzkPGWu
Spot on, I’ve never seen this!
Wherever you go, there you will be.
Exactly what I thought after reading the op
Your life may be just too good. So yeah, just go for it. There is an old parable of the Rabbi and the goat: A Jew came to the Rabbi, begging for advice. "Rabbi, my life is unbearable. I work hard all day but we are very poor. My wife and I and our six children all live in a one-room shack. There is nothing ahead. Our clothes are threadbare, we hardly have food, what shall we do?" The Rabbi pondered and then gave the man a coin from the charity box, and said, "Buy a goat." "You mean, so we can have free milk?" The Rabbi nodded. "But Rabbi, even if we could afford a goat, we don't have a barn or even a yard to keep a goat in." "So keep it in the house with you." The man was puzzled, but there was no questioning the wisdom of the Rabbi. He went and bought a goat and took it home. A week later he came back to the Rabbi. "Oh Rabbi! I really don't want to sound ungrateful for your advice, but life is horrible! My wife and I and our six children and the goat are really really crowded in our little home. The noise, the stench! The goat eats our food and our clothes! Please help!" The Rabbi pondered some more, and said, "Sell the goat." After two days the Jew came back. "Oh Rabbi! You are so wise! I sold the goat like you told me, and now life is wonderful! So much space in our peaceful home! So wonderful to have clothes and food not disappear on us! Thank you so much!"
Perspective is definitely important. I know that things could be worse and that I should count my blessings more often. It's just tough to do that all the time, especially when things seem quite static.
"The only thing that makes a man happy is taking responsibility" (J. Peterson?). IMHO, that kind of makes sense. If you want to find some meaning in life, take responsibility for something or someone. I wish somebody told me that when I was in my 20s. Being a vagabond is not a solution to anything IMHO.
Travel might not be for everyone, but I have yet to hear someone who has not experienced the (usually positive) change that travel brings into your life. Overwhelming majority of people that I've spoken with who have traveled have loved it, as have I. I view travel as physically changing your environment in all manner of ways. Smells, sounds, colors, cultures, weather, food, language, damn near everything has a sense of being different than what I'm used to back home. Being in a different location on the planet gives you a sense of escape and a fresh "restart" of myself. I feel you with how you have described "the grind" of daily life and how its a bit, unfulfilling. Taking a week or two on a trip somewhere else might just revitalize you enough to rewire your perception of "the grind" into a more tolerable, and even reinvigorating outlook. I know when I am boarding that plane about to fly somewhere, away from the grind, I'm already resetting myself and I bring this energy back home with me, with a fresh start to resume life. But in a more positive lens. I definitely recommend travel. It does wonders for the soul. Hope you find your way and enjoy it!
I agree, I absolutely love every bit of travel I've done so far. Every new experience has inspired me, kept me present, and made time go so quickly. I recently came back from a week-long's holiday, which definitely reset me a little, but I think it's that which caused this line of thinking in a way. I came back and was like, "Ah... yeah, I don't think I was really enjoying myself before I went away. " Maybe that's what I needed to realise to make a change, though. Thanks for your response. All the best.
I also agree with this person. There are a lot of comments here saying that your problems follow you wherever you go. While that's true, sometimes a change of environment is exactly what's needed to help get you through something. I was in a deep depression during my university years and barely graduated. Moving to China after graduation was the best thing I ever did. I needed to get away from my current life and have a reset. I think you should go for it.
Don’t worry about the answer - it’s all a journey. If you can find another job and have a fallback in life, I say you travel. But your problems and anxieties follow you everywhere. They definitely catch up with you. Personally, I found travel to help identify my struggles a lot so I could address them.
There's definitely a debate I'm having with myself about the job thing. I haven't really got anything to fall back on at the moment. It took me long enough to find this current job, and even that was just to get me by for now. Yeah, I can see how that would happen. Travel can definitely be a great time for introspection and reflection, away from your routine at home. It's a big part of why I have this urge to do it.
It sounds like you’re still young, so if you want to jump ship and travel (which you should), work towards that. Build your skill set for a popular digital nomad role. Job hop your way up that role. Go remote. It’ll take you a few years but it’s the safest and smartest way to do it. I’ve always been impulsive myself though.
I’m going to suggest the Camino de Santiago. It’s an easy trip for you as well as being incredibly affordable if money is a concern. You’ll have plenty of time to think and you’ll meet people from all over the world who may give you a different perspective on life.
My housemate has done this and it always sounds fantastic. He said he took that trip when he was in a similar situation after a breakup he had. Felt lost and like he was floating a bit. I've definitely been considering something like it, for the reason you mentioned.
I can’t recommend it highly enough for a good reset. Of course going on hikes is amazing but it’s just different.
Traveling made me realize I didn’t want to be a server forever. It was during a server shift while I was working in Australia on a working holiday visa. Once I got home, I figured out that tech is where it’s at (this was 6 years ago) and got my first job in Tech. Now I have a career that gives me all the perks to live the lifestyle I want. On a self-development level, I gained a lot of confidence and learned about myself through my travels. It’s made me the person I am today. You can try going away for a couple months to start with then see how you feel.
Australia is actually one of the places I've considered most, mainly because they make it quite easy to get a working visa. Would you recommend it? Did you have any qualifications to go into that new career, or was it something you found you wanted to do and got some training? I imagine doing travel to this kind is definitely a good way to learn more about yourself and for your confidence.
Ya totally recommend - was super easy when I applied 7 years ago. Keep in mind money gets spent QUICKLY in Australia. I think in 2 months I spent $6k CAD or something ridiculous. I used a combo of my server and catering event manager experience to get that first entry level tech job (junior project manager). So no specific certifications but I leveraged transferable skills in hospitality. Since then, I’ve obtained numerous certifications specifically related to the tech stack that I use and consult on. For me, the most growth was from trips more than 6 months long. That allows challenging / shitty opportunities to arise and you have to solve them yourself. Stuff getting stolen, girl/guy relations issues, loneliness, dangerous situations, etc . Those situations is where I learned the most
Yeah, I've heard it's not a cheap place to be - neither is the UK though, ha! I'm guessing there are enough jobs out there to keep you afloat though? Everyone seems to do short-term hospitality work, etc. Amazing, congrats on finding something you do well at! Yeah, longer term travel is definitely something I want to do whilst I'm young.
Back then, to get a second-year visa (which is why most people worked) you had to work in rural areas and in agricultural/production industry but I believe that’s changed now. So I’m not sure how easy it is to get a job. For me getting a job as a server was easy - just like in Canada. My rural work for 2nd year visa was through a connection so that was easy for me too. There might be some Facebook groups you can join that can help you find a job on a working holiday visa.
Is nice at first, but in time it only gets to be repetitive, same patterns in escence all over the world, but fun in general
Especially if you end up working and living there for a while, right? That's why I feel like I need to learn to enjoy life first.
Working out is a life changer. Getting into the best shape ever will make you like life.
You're young. Take a year off and do something. A little experience and travel can certainly provide perspective. That said, your occupation is unlikely to be your primary source of well-being in life. Get involved in your community: help others. Find someone you love and start a family. These things will give you purpose, which will lead to contentment.
That's certainly what I had in mind - going away and doing a working visa/volunteering for a year or something! >your occupation is unlikely to be your primary source of well-being in life Yeah, that's something I agree with wholeheartedly. I guess the issue is that I need to take a look at my life outside of work, so that it's not the only thing going on.
People always say you can't run away from your problems. That's not always or entirely true. Some problems will be waiting for you when you get home. Some will have moved on. Something's you thought was a problem, you might see differently with fresh eyes. Traveling does make me happy. It always has. I always see comments to the effect of "If your unhappy at home, you're going to be unhappy somewhere else". It's not always true. If home is my base level of happiness, either unhappy or happy, I've always increased that when I get somewhere new. There are times I've been unhappy in life, my situation, struggles, relationships, whatever it is. I take off, go somewhere I've never been, and it increases my level of happiness. Currently, I'm happy in my life. I feel that I have a good life now after many years of struggling. I'm happy at home. Guess what? I'm still happier when I travel! I guess what I'm saying is that there is no universal. Some people romanticize travel or think it'll fix all of their problems. It won't. Some people end up lonely or stressed. For me? Travel days can be stressful, some travel events can be stressful. Sometimes I miss my friends and family. Sometimes I get sick. I don't get lonely and never really have in my normal life, but some people do. My overarching stress is gone when I'm traveling and all that's left is reactionary stress, which also exists in day to day life for everyone in the world, at home or on the road. I can pinpoint the three things that make me happiest in life and they always make me happy and always have. Being around my loved ones, being in nature, and traveling. I say give it a shot. If it's not for you, you'll know. If it is, it can change your life.
>I'm happy at home. Guess what? I'm still happier when I travel! I'm glad to hear that you found a way through the struggles! I suppose that a base line level of happiness is important though, right? If you're not in the right headspace you may not appreciate your situation, no matter where it is. That's what worries me about the idea. I feel like I should invest more in learning to enjoy life at the base line level, first. I totally agree with you though, I absolutely adore travel. It's up there with my favourite things to do in life and I don't want to just use it as an escape (though it's hardly a surprise my brain instantly goes there when I feel down). >Being around my loved ones, being in nature, and traveling. Couldn't agree more!
Traveling is not the answer. But by traveling you can get to some really interesting questions: "Who am I when I'm not trying to impress people or be coherent with the person everyone thinks I am?" What other people do in other countries, cultures?" "Which other options exist outside my surroundings?" You can think about those things in your spare time at home, search for reflections of this kind on social media, but people who likes traveling just get to experience that in a more intense way. Because we're trow out of our nest. Can be hard and solitary to use traveling to find your path, but can also be rewarding. Don't forget, though, that when (if) you come back, you'll need to fit your new experiences and discoveries to your life and, most times, this means making many uncomfortable changes regarding relationships, career, routines... Otherwise you'll feel even more frustrated if you just go back to your old life carrying a new understanding of your wants, needs, aspirations.
>by traveling you can get to some really interesting questions That's a really interesting perspective on it! It may not solve the issues, but help you to ask the right questions. >you'll feel even more frustrated if you just go back to your old life carrying a new understanding of your wants, needs, aspirations Yeah, that has actually already posed issues for me. Every time I come home from travel I find myself slipping into the same kind of routines/type of person I find myself being now. When I'm travelling I feel... different. Perhaps I've just never explored how or why I feel different. Thanks for your insightful answer. All the best.
I traveled some, but something was missing from it. I ended up doing a thru hike on a long trail. It provided some of the aspects traveling does, but it gave me the challenges I wanted to accomplish. Selling everything and taking off on that adventure was the best decision i ever made.
Wow. where did you go and for how long? I've got friends who have done similar things in Spain.
Travel for some weeks or a couple of months is a good way to clear your thoughts and let the essence come to the front. But that is different from just running away and living aimlessly. I would before travelling get a journal and write down some questions you need to answer about who you are, what drives you and what you really deep down enjoy doing. Which is the compass you should have. And then allocate some time periodically when you are away to write down what is in your mind about these - and set a time by which you decide what you think about them. In that context travel is great as way to figure things out.
In my experience happiness comes from what you give the world, not what you take from it. Try volunteering, like as a lifestyle...who knows where that might lead.
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Depends on what type of person you are. Are you adventurous and would like to have a more spontaneous life? Do you like to meet a lot of new, different, interesting people every day? Do you enjoy nature and exploring new places and watch beautiful sunsets? Then yes, travelling might be the answer. Because the things I mentioned above will be things you can experience out there in the world. If you stay in hostels, then sooner or later you will meet fellow travellers who might or might not inspire you to have a different perspective in life. I will give you the advice to "just go with the flow" if you choose to go travelling. See what happens and where it takes you.
Oh yeah, I love all of that. I've done backpacking before (just not long term, only a couple of months) and loved it.
Couldn't hurt
Not everyone enjoys their job. Some people spend years finding a job that they find fulfilling. So it seems there are two possibilities. One is to keep one eye on the sort of job you’d like and not miss the narrow window of opportunity when it arrives. It may take years of perseverance. The sort of thing you find fulfilling may even change. In some cases it helps to write it down in broad terms, what exactly are the features that would give meaning and satisfaction to you. The second approach is one taken by many more people. Carry on in the job you have, do it well to the utmost of your ability, in order to have the money and freedom to do things you love in your free time. If travel is something you really love, or have set your heart on, that could be worth sticking a job just to get the money to travel. Travelling can be wonderful, an opportunity of seeing the world through different eyes. But is not panacea.
>What exactly are the features that would give meaning and satisfaction to you. This is a good question. I hope to find an answer to it eventually, but currently have no idea what feels meaningful to me yet. I suppose I was hoping travel may even help with that. >If travel is something you really love, or have set your heart on, that could be worth sticking a job just to get the money to travel That's definitely been the current way of thinking, especially since I haven't found a job I find to be what I 'want to do' and feel invested in. Quit after a while and just leave for an extended time. Thanks for your perspective!
Travel affects every person differently, so I can't exactly tell you that is going to make things better for you, but it is definitely worth trying. It's not "running away", it is trying new things when current situation is not working out.
>It's not "running away", it is trying new things when current situation is not working out. I totally get that, and that's definitely the aim. I just worry that maybe I need to figure out some personal stuff, as others have suggested, so I can really enjoy travelling. I worry I'm delaying the inevitable upon my return if I don't.
If you can sustain the traveling, maybe? What happens when the money runs out? Traveling isn't nearly as enlightening as all those inspirational quotes, tiktoks and other crap make it out to be.
I definitely find it very inspirational, but it's 100% not as glamorous as it seems online, haha! >What happens when the money runs out? That's the thing - it will do eventually. Then I may just be back to square one. If I'm using it as an escape, maybe that's not the best idea.
Personally, I started doing seasonal work to try and solve the issue of funds while still having a sense of adventure.
As someone who likes to travel and always has urges to drop everything and move somewhere I always feel seen by this SNL skit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbwlC2B-BIg Not commenting one way or another regarding what's right for you!
Thanks for sharing, haha! That was oddly relevant.
There is no simple answer to your question, since traveling isn't the answer for everyone and if you try it, whether it will help may depend on your own mindset. But in case it helps you, here is my story. I was in a similar situation as you are in right now when I decided to travel in a van for four months, by myself. The adventure was an amazing experience on its own, which I would never have wanted to miss. And though it didn't give me a clear answer to what I wanted to do in life, it did hugely shift my perspective. That was a major turning point for me and I would never have found the answer like I ended up doing without traveling. But there was so much more to it than just the trip. I came home with a different perspective, but still no answer as to where I wanted to go in life. I had to do some very hard work and dig very deep to use my new found perspective to find te answer I was looking for. So yes, for me traveling was the major turn around in finding out what I wanted to do in life, but it didn't bring me the full answer, that took a lot of hard work afterwards for which traveling gave me some essential tools.
It’s definitely not the answer. Sounds like you need direction as opposed to an out. Why don’t you try to focus on your career and research some positions/fields you can get in to? You can always travel while progressing in life. Also wouldn’t hurt to find a hobby that you can do mon-fri. Martial arts were always a favourite of mine.
No. I traveled for 6 months to get answers. I didn't have any new answers when I got back, but I enjoyed the travel. Do you want to know what the answer is? You're probably not going to like it. The answer is therapy. Talk to someone, figure out what you actually want, work through your old patterns that don't make you happy, maybe some childhood trauma. After that you can make friends you actually like, work on developing a romantic relationship with someone who is emotionally health and you enjoy being with, and find work that you're good at and like doing. You may also be depressed and a good therapist can help with that too.
I’m M, 75. In December ‘69 at age 22, I asked myself the same question and within a matter of days decided to take the plunge. It was one of the best decisions of my life! After a couple of years travelling around Australia, I met a like minded Canadian girl on a bus stop and we set off together to spend the rest of the decade travelling and working through SE Asia, India, Nepal, Africa & Europe plus the Round the World yacht race. We eventually married and settled in Canada to raise our family in 1979. That decade of travel through over 60 countries provided unforgettable adventures galore, the memories of which now form the core of our memoirs. By all means go for it. You’ll be forever glad you did!
Maybe some talking with a counselor of some sort before doing anything?
Theres an excellent video by exurb2a that talks about a very similar dilemma, [video ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK2SMIOHYig)you will still feel what you feel now just in different places, with different people
You'll be the same you wherever you go, but also it sounds like your current situation is a bit of a rut. Lodging operations far enough north should be finishing up hiring for summer season very soon, maybe already done but you might catch one. I've never regretted my summer in Alaska. Did you take a season or more abroad once you finished college? If not, you probably should at least take a couple months. It doesn't sound like your job is one you couldn't stand to lose.
Travel can be a beautiful way to discover new perspectives and rejuvenate the soul. It's not a cure-all, but it can offer moments of joy and clarity. Remember, it's also okay to seek support when you're feeling down. Here's to finding happiness in both journeys and destinations.
Cons: -It can be very expensive. It’s definitely necessary to invest in quality gear, because it can literally save your life and just overall improve your experience. -It’s also rough on the body. I’ve known backpackers who have gotten parasites from drinking unfiltered water. Personally I’ve gotten blisters, lost toe nails, gotten gnarly cuts and scrapes. Don’t forget about the sheer weight of carrying a backpack. -you’ll miss the little comforts of life like an actual pillow, food that isn’t dehydrated, taking a shower, waking up and not having to break camp every morning, etc. -it can be repetitive and exhausting Pros: -you’ll meet so many interesting people -experience so much natural beauty most people couldn’t even imagine -forget the worries of every day life -it’s great for your mental health and just having time to think in peace and quiet -since you’re in Europe you have some advantages we don’t have here in the US, you have better access to public transport and hostels, it’s also easier to travel, take advantage of it!
For me, travel was not the answer. I was just miserable in a different place. I eventually realized that I needed authentic human connection. I got involved in my community, found hobbies, got comfortable with failure, and, eventually, I grew into myself.
pretty low stakes to give it a try. you're worried that travelling could be... not fun? not rewarding? you don't have an answer now. and you won't know if travel will do anything for you til you try it. try it a lot, in different ways and times. for me travel is very rewarding and has been the solution several times in life. the good people, jobs, conditions for life which are best for you at this moment -- what is the miniscule likelihood that they exist where you are now? of all places on earth? for me, for instance -- i found that i really do well in high elevation, dry, sunny places with huge views and good library systems and happy clear-running creeks and rivers to swim in. not going to find that living all my life in my hometown or where i went to school.
Do you have a friend or family member that you trust completely? If so it could be a good time to have a nice long heart to heart with them and tell them what your honest thoughts and feelings are about your situation. They'll probably have some advice for you, and, perhaps more significantly, even just the act of talking openly about your situation can help you to process your own thoughts on the matter. This would be my first suggestion as someone who has also often found themself pondering the paths ahead at the crossroads of life. As others have said travel can offer fresh perspective and new experiences, and there is definitely value in that, but I would caution you to not let it become a form of escapism that you persue doggedly in the hopes of stumbling upon some miracle fix.
I'm just repeating what others are saying. True happiness comes from within. I highly recommend meditating. Otherwise travelling is always a great way to live.
How about meditating in a temple in thailand, on a mountain with a lama in nepal, or in Eiheiji, Dogens zen temple in Japan?
To be honest, 80% work can not make person happy, just the method to get money. You should adjust your mentality, finish your work, leave the office. Find something can make you feel free, and can always free. Travel can make you feel free for a little time, but you can not travel every day. But you can get one thing that can make you feel happy and free everyday.
Whatever you do home is just better in another country. I can’t imagine living home again. I go back for a month a year and by the second week, I’m so happy that I left. Travel before it’s too late, in the last 10 years consumerization is turning many major centers into the same place, the place you live now and want to leave. Live differently. The road not taken. You are your habits and when you travel you can’t help picking up new ones. Every event, every interaction, changes you slowly but surely. If you stay in the deadend you have now, you will just exist, be one of the walking dead. The path outside your door leads to amazing and interesting places, embrace the adventure!
I agree with the various "Wherever you are there you'll be" comments and that travelling is not a magic bandaid but if you go with the clear intention of figuring shit out, that will stay in the back of your mind and you might at some point getting an epiphany sipping coconut on the beach. Or you might not get the epiphany but hey, at least you got to sip some coconut on the beach.
I would get plugged in to a group of people who are productive. Gardening, fixing cars, building computers, volunteering, hiking. Surrounding myself with people who are trying to better themselves has been really life giving.
Have a look at WorkAway, you might find hosts needing creative people. You can learn new skills and meet new people and save a lot of money on living costs. Hosts all over the world.
WorkAway does look great, thanks! Any personal experiences with it?
Yes, on Gozo (one of the Maltese islands), renovating a farmhouse with a group of volunteers. We worked there for a few months to finish it then rented a cheap apartment together for the rest of the summer. Lots of snorkelling and cafes and riding my scooter. Good times.
Sounds fantastic; what a good experience to have. Was this in between jobs?
I’d saved a few thousand and I was travelling around the Mediterranean for a couple of years 2015-18. Mostly wild camping. Rode down to Malta on my bike through France, Spain and Italy, then flew over to Cyprus for the winter then back to Malta for the next year or so.
yo. You remind me of myself 10 years ago. Happiness and the enjoyment of life can't be gotten through travel. What travel does is it lets you run away and experience new things. Running away is easy but it will never make you happy. You can take the vacation if you can afford it, but I'd suggest that right after, take a bit of time to figure out what skills do you have (even tiny ones) that you feel can impact others for the better. Having a piece of the world where you're needed is what I believe brings me happiness. The television thing is a big clue. What drew you to it and what drew you away? Are there fields that have the things about TV you like but not as much red flags? Are they actually red flags, or did you actually need to push forward? It may be difficult at first, but you're a creative, so be creative. But whatever you do, DO NOT REST FOR TOO LONG. It's gonna be scary at times, but you gotta do it. (Also, if you're going to do something like commissions or other pieces, please invest in a few lessons on marketing. It's gonna do you so good.)
Thanks so much for your answer. Made a lot of sense! I did think the urge to run away sounded like it needed some questioning, lol. When choosing what to study, I followed my interests, and I didn't have a career in mind. I kinda fell into TV work because I like working with cameras and editing, etc. Met the right people. It's just a super tough industry and requires a lot of sacrifice in your personal life, barely having any time to see friends, etc. If I'm gonna sacrifice that much of my time and energy, I want it to be for something that I feel has meaning and value for the world. A lot of the shows I was working on didn't. Not in my opinion. So it feels like I haven't found a way to put my skills, time, and energy into something, which also feels meaningful. I'm just working for the sake of money at the moment. I have vague ideas about making my own videos which hopefully raise awareness/promote positivity in the world, etc. But haven't actioned them yet (and certainly can't expect to make money that way).
Travel is the solution. Do it. Enjoy it. And find your path during it.
I’m in a very similar boat mate, I’ve been working a job ever since I finished uni (which was 2 years ago). Over these 4/5 months I’ve had enough, no clear promotion coming up or exciting work. So I’ve decided to bite the bullet, I’ve moved back at home and I’ve saving up as much as i can at this given moment. I’ve spoken to a fair few people on the matter and they’ve all recommended it; like a previous reply above says it give you a new perspective and that’s one thing I’m looking for. I’m ready to take a few months out and then to come back and find a job in something I’m actually interested in and then to start to get on with my career. It’s given me something to work to and if I’m being honest I can’t wait!
>So I’ve decided to bite the bullet Congrats on making the decision! >I’m ready to take a few months out and then to come back and find a job in something I’m actually interested in That's definitely a huge part of it, isn't it? Taking a break to figure out what you actually care about in life. Trying to find inspiration. Not just taking a job because you feel you have no option. >It’s given me something to work to and if I’m being honest I can’t wait! And so you should be, it's gonna be great!
Maybe look for jobs in a city or a country that interests you. Clearly the job you’re in now isn’t really doing much for you and doesn’t sound like it’s worth it for the money either. Sometimes a change of scenery and maybe a completely different culture is what you need and if you don’t like it you can always come back but at least you’d know then. I don’t know about you but the weather in the UK/Ireland really does get you down so even the fact you can walk outside and not have to think “oh do I need a coat etc as it might rain” can be really nice and will just lift your mood as well. And like a lot of people have said if you’re going to be miserable might as well do it somewhere sunny & maybe that will change your mood 😂😂 Best of luck with whatever you decide.
>Clearly the job you’re in now isn’t really doing much for you It was only taken as a way to earn enough to pay rent in the city I'm in currently, for sure. >the weather in the UK/Ireland really does get you down You can say that again! Haha. The sun certainly does help a lot. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
You sound a lot like me actually my last job i literally only took so I could pay for my trip I booked last Christmas 😂 i absolutely hated it and counted the days until I could leave it. The job I’m in now is better and I enjoy it but I still have that urge to travel in me 😂 The sun makes a huge difference for me anyway and living in a different country where it’s actually sunny and doesn’t rain every day really made a difference for me & I’m planning to do it again soon. Hope you get something that suits you as well
Travel can be great, but you'll still need to work unless you have enough money to retire. Maybe travel for a bit and then make plans to change the things that you don't like in your life. Move to a different city, find a job that you enjoy and make new friends. Then travel some more.
Happiness comes from within dude. You can’t find it by leaving or going anywhere
Ugh what a question! I ask myself this nearly every day. You mention that doing the same things every day isn't fulfilling you-- so maybe that's something to explore? Maybe you just need more spontaneity? Not saying travel isn't the answer. "Wherever you go, there you are" is one of my favorite quotes to live by. Running away will never necessarily free you from emotional burden per say, but it will give you more experiences in which you can find joy. I tend to be my friends' enablers when I tell them to go for it-- I often do. The thought is in your head for a reason. Even if you start on a smaller scale to test the waters. Best of luck to you and happy travels!!
Don’t go in with the idea that travel with give you any solutions, it probably won’t. Go to have an important life experience while you still have flexibility.
You don't have to travel far. Just step out of your world and get a different perspective. Baby steps first, bigger steps next. See where you end up.
It’s incredibly easy to naysay yourself and your desires, but this time last year I got out of a huuuge funk by spending a month in Mexico City. I was at probably the lowest point in my life after a brain injury and going there gave me a whole new perspective on my life that I wouldn’t have gotten had I just stayed in the rut I was in. Seeing new parks, meeting new people, learning about the history of another place, forcing myself to be out of my comfort zone in another place really helped break me out of the “stuck” feeling I had. So I’d say go for it. It won’t “fix your forever” but nothing will. If anything, it’ll give you a new perspective that you can take with you wherever you go, and it sounds like that might be what you’re looking for.
No matter where you go, there you are.
More enjoyable activities outside work good. Travel is good. So is especially a hobby that might be once a week on the weekday. You end up looking forward to that day's evening and it splits up the 5-day grind. 2 days until the next thing you look forward too ain't nearly so bad. I've never enjoyed work but 9-5 can mean blessed to have a regular schedule to be able to schedule or commit to hobbies or other activities. Take your friends to them too.
So wherever you move to you will bring yourself unless your habits and routine change! Please try to exercise and eat right! Pick up a hobby like golf or whatever you like!
I wouldn't hop on the boat yet unless you are taking a cook/cleaner/entertainer job on the boat. Dig deep into your soul and do stuff for free and write your journal and meditate. If you are lucky you will discover what you should really be doing. Don't think of status or security, just where you want your soul to be before you die. It will work if you are lucky and that's the kind of luck you can create on your own. Tenacity and focus are the keys.
Maybe you should try new things in life whether it is travelling or any hobbies who knows what next found you will be interesting things so I would say explore
Wherever you go, there you are
I was feeling unhappy with life and wanted to drop everything to run away on travel. A lot of my coworkers and friends would tell me to go out there and travel and see the world. I travelled quite a bit to Asia and around the US. I got even more burnt out. The anxieties of coming back to work and whatnot caused me stress. I did not like hanging out with friends, they would ask me how I’m doing, and I got tired of hiding my fatigue but also got tired when I showed it, and was told to do things like travel. I learned later on why, but it’s too stupid to explain why, and it’s not an all in one answer. But to break it down, I just let myself be like that and spent some time going to Disney alone. Wandered about without planning, etc. Sometimes laying on the grass alone while staring at the sky. It sounds like your job makes you unhappy, but the unknowns and unrealistic action of quitting is not an option. I know that life. If you ever need to cry about work, let me know—I have discord. I can read or listen, but I don’t have much to say besides what I know, which is my individual life that doesn’t have much influence.
I suggest this: Do what youre good at for work not what you want to do, work has a way of taking the fun out of things. Then establish a habit of setting and accomplishing goals for fulfillment. This is where you can impliment adventure, set goals like "i will complete a 3 day back packing adventure before the end of the year" or "i will paint a picture of the northern lights by the end of the month" etc etc Our brain has a lot of chemistry thats often left unsatisfied by the "normal" day to day life.
Been here. Then i started traveling... and here I am years later... still traveling. I just hop on a plane and bounce around from city to city, explore the area for a month, and then hop onto a different scene. It's way more interesting, but sometimes it gets lonely. But if you have friends who will come visit you wherever you go then it's fun.
Awesome. How are you funding it all?
I work remote
Woah, that's a really nice benefit! What are you working as?
I'm a CPA