The Escape Journals

Quitting The Job

The leap from routine into uncertainty, and what it feels like to choose a different life.

Featured Stories

Out of the Golden Handcuffs

Jenna

Working a 9-5 job in the government was something I never thought I’d be doing, but it wasn’t a typical government job. I got to travel and work with victims as part of my role. It was stimulating because it was in my field, and I thoroughly enjoyed helping people. It constantly changed as we traveled to different places, worked with different people, and faced different outcomes.

A year before I left, I knew I needed a change but had no idea how badly I needed to leave both the job and the city I was living in. It had become a situation where I was just surviving each day (my empathy tank was never recharged), but I didn’t realize how draining it had become. Some close friends and my mom said things, but I had to come to the realization myself. Due to the nature of the traumatic cases I worked on and the lack of support from my supervisor and others in higher positions, I reached a point where I knew I needed a break. I needed time to reconnect with who I am, reflect, process the trauma I’d experienced while working with victims in Canada’s North, and fulfill the need to feel free.

I started applying for different jobs, looking into doing my master’s, and gathering information about living in different cities. But none of the opportunities panned out or paid enough to make ends meet. That’s when I began thinking about traveling and applying for a working holiday visa. Due to various reasons, it was difficult to secure a one-year visa, so I opted for a six-month working holiday visa in Spain. I didn’t know exactly how much time I would need, but I knew I wanted to complete the Camino del Norte (one of the Caminos de Santiago). I just wanted to feel free, reflect, and process everything I had dealt with—not just from my job but from my life in general (loss of family members, failed relationships, etc.).

The decision to finally leave my job and my city lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, but it also brought up a mix of emotions. I was excited to travel, as it has always brought me joy, a sense of adventure, independence, and inner peace. But it was also terrifying to think that I was essentially homeless and jobless, with nothing to come back to. Many people told me I was crazy for leaving a government job with benefits and a pension. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but that’s the whole point, right? That’s why I travel—to challenge myself, to learn about myself, others, and new cultures.

People often say that government jobs are the “golden handcuffs,” with good pay, benefits, and a pension, which leads many to settle. But I’ve never liked the feeling of being stuck, and through many experiences, I’ve learned that if you don’t like a situation, you need to change it. The golden handcuffs couldn’t—and didn’t—hold me back from making a positive change in my life. No matter how great the pay, benefits, or pension, you have to be true to yourself.

My advice is to recognize that commitments and responsibilities will always be there, but travel opportunities won’t—and neither will your time. Time is precious. Life changes constantly, and there are always obstacles, so take advantage of the time you have. As much as it may push you out of your comfort zone, take that worry and fear and channel it into all the benefits that travel can bring. If you need a break or a pause to regroup and figure out who you are or what your passion is, that’s totally okay. Sometimes we get complacent, settle, and fall into the same old routines, which can make us lose sight of who we truly are and what we want out of this crazy life we live.

Burning Brightly, Not Out

Josh

I love my job—mostly for the people I’ve met along the way. I enjoy making things and working with my hands, but it’s not something I want to do forever. Still, it was a job I was willing to do for 12 hours a day, six days a week, to save enough money to just take off to the other side of the world.

Sure, we all need a break from our jobs, but the thought of doing mine for the next 40 years, only looking forward to an annual two-week holiday, is terrifying—and dull. I’d have spent 75+ years on this wonderful planet, and what would I have done with my flame of existence? Just sputtered and died out? No way. I intend to burn brightly before I go.

Honestly, leaving was incredibly easy, as if I’d been ready to do it for a long time. I’d tell anyone looking to take that first step to just book it. Book the cheapest ticket to wherever you want to go, even if it’s months in advance. Once it’s done, it’s done. That gives you time to get your affairs in order, so everything will be taken care of while you’re away and will still be there if you return. And if you don’t intend to come back, make preparations for that too. Money can be earned again, but once time is spent, you can’t get it back.

So, research the place you’re thinking of visiting. Is it affordable to get there? Does it have sights that interest you? Are there activities you’d love to be a part of? A community you’d like to join? A band you’d like to see? A sports team? A food experience? If so, make it happen. Hostels are cheap and everywhere. Airbnb, house-sharing, couch surfing, and the like offer different ways to travel on any budget.

Sixty-Hour Weeks, Then Uluru

Sarah

For me, leaving my job and hometown was exactly what I needed for my sanity and self-development. Prior to traveling, I barely left my hometown and even worked there after college. I was putting in over 60 hours a week, constantly stressed, trying to get promotions and move up. When I saw everyone else progressing while I stayed in the same position—and even injured myself at work—it became clear that it was time to go. I was ready to leave, and to be honest, if I had had the funds and the courage years earlier, I would have left sooner.

That said, I do love my family, and my coworkers were some of my best friends. I also had a very strong church community, so leaving them was a challenge. However, no one was surprised when I left—it was just a matter of time. For me, it was easy to let go of everything; otherwise, I would have stayed.

A Career as a Human Being

Ludvig

I never worked in an office, sitting still. Instead, I worked and educated myself around sports, and I was blessed to have many meaningful interactions with others. Still, it wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped. There were aspects I loved, like being part of someone else’s growth through coaching, but there were also parts that didn’t sit well with me. For a long time, I felt something was missing, but I just couldn’t pinpoint what it was. I started trying different things—music, amateur acting, and more—but I kept feeling more and more dragged down and worn out. I kept thinking, "If I just keep putting in more effort, it will be okay, right?"

I’d say I knew for about six to eight months before I left that I wanted to make a change—not so much that I needed a break, but that something inside of me was burning for more. I knew I had a passion within me, and I had to do something to reignite it. At the time, I was working as a personal trainer and had finally reached a good enough financial situation to start saving money. But even then, it didn’t feel right.

When the opportunity to travel and live in another country came up, it was bittersweet. It felt sad to leave what I had built, but that sadness was overshadowed by an incredible sense of relief and freedom when I made the choice to leave. There are so many careers we can build for others in different companies, but the only career I will truly remember and savor is my own career as a human being.

I don’t regret the time and effort I put into my "career" before traveling. Those choices will always be a part of me, having shaped who I am and who I want to become.

Three Weeks to Feel Alive Again

Lydia

To me, it was just a three-week vacation, so it didn’t change my life in the sense that I didn’t have to make the choice to quit my job. I love my job, and being on vacation made me realize that. As much as I didn’t want to leave Hawaii, I didn’t mind going back home. In fact, I actually missed my job a little. That’s when I realized I’m in the right place, career-wise.

Most of my close friends have kids now, and it felt really good to feel like I was in the right place while I was traveling. Not that I’m not happy to be back home, but after a seven-year relationship, I needed to find myself again and feel good about where I am in life (which, honestly, is nowhere near what I would have imagined five months ago!).

So, I think I did need a break—not necessarily from work, but from life in general, to come back feeling alive again.

My advice would be to just go for it. Don’t wait until you feel like you need a break to keep moving forward. You’ll definitely learn something about yourself. It might not be life-changing, but it could be the missing piece to a bigger picture you didn’t even know existed—a part of you that will help you become the best version of yourself.

Book It, Then Work Backwards

Kel

If people are looking to travel but feel like things are getting in the way, I always remind myself of this: my family and friends are just a call or FaceTime away. If I ever need to go back, I can. I make new friends while traveling, and some people even create new families. When it comes to jobs, if you have a good one, I understand it’s hard to leave. See if you can make a deal to travel for six months and come back later. If you’re not happy with your job... what are you doing? Book a damn ticket already and get out of there! It’s really not hard to find another job while traveling, and you might even find something you prefer.

There are definitely things I appreciate about the 9-to-5 setup—the routine, the wages, and if you enjoy the work and the people you work with, it doesn’t faze you. But my dream isn’t to spend my life working in that kind of situation. My reason for traveling and taking holidays is never just to take a break from work (although that’s a welcome and necessary benefit). For me, work is currently the means to achieving my goal of exploring the world. While I can find passion in my work, the role I have isn’t my true passion. Before my most recent trip, a nine-week adventure, I could feel myself mentally tapping out, just going through the motions, with no desire to be there. Now that I’m back, although I’m struggling with the sadness of no longer traveling, I do feel reinvigorated to be in my position again.

Leaving my job was the best feeling. As soon as I left, it completely left my mind, thank God. It was only in the last few days of my trip, when I was preparing to return to reality, that thoughts of my workplace even entered my mind. As for leaving my family and friends, I definitely missed them while I was overseas, especially during the harder times. It’s easy to forget how integral those emotional support networks are when we’re constantly surrounded by them. Surprisingly, I didn’t miss Australia—I didn’t feel homesick at all. The only things I missed were my loved ones and my comfy bed.

The best advice I can give is: choose a destination, book the tickets in advance, and then work backwards. I knew almost a year in advance that I was going to Colombia, but it wasn’t until I booked the tickets that I started doing the research on destinations, accommodation, activities, hikes, sightseeing, the culture, the people, traditions, etc. I love planning this way because that finite time between booking the ticket and actually leaving is filled with planning, learning, and researching—all of which get me even more excited and prepared for my journey. It surprised me how easily I overcame so many hurdles while traveling through Colombia, many of which had to do with language and my limited comprehension of Spanish. Like many people, I learn best by doing.

Probably the second-best piece of advice I could give is: stop overthinking. Your insecurities, fears, and preconceptions will paralyze you, and one day, you’ll look back and regret all the opportunities you turned down. Get out of your own way and don’t sabotage the experience of a lifetime.

Time Doesn’t Come Back

Carola

I loved my job. It was really hard to leave it and my colleagues. I was lucky to have a fantastic group of co-workers; it felt like a work-family. I’m still in touch with them today, and some have become very close friends. I didn’t leave because I needed a break, but because I finally wanted to make this travel dream of mine come true. The timing was right, so I took the leap. I was passionate about my work and sometimes miss it, but now I can’t see myself going back to that same lifestyle. Maybe one day, but not for now.

Of course, it was hard to leave my family, friends, apartment, and all the comforts of my “safe zone,” but I knew they’d be there, and I could always come home. Leaving behind comfortable habits is always tough, but I was too excited about finally making this dream happen to let any real doubts form.

If anything, I only questioned if I’d chosen the right countries to visit because there was (and still is) so much I wanted to see. I booked my main flights about every four weeks, already knowing it wouldn’t be enough time to fit in everything I wanted. That’s why I only booked flights for the first four months and left the rest open for flexibility in planning. Best decision I ever made!

I understand that leaving the familiar—our circle, our safety—is scary, but it’s so worth it. And remember, you can always “abort mission” if you realize it’s not for you. If you’re taking a sabbatical, you have a fabulous setup to come back to. If you quit your job, hey! You landed one before, you can do it again. And always remember: money comes back, but time doesn’t!

Out of the Suit, Into the Search

Thomas

I studied for five years to get a law degree and ended up working in a bank, wearing a suit in which I looked ridiculous. A full-time job? Stimulation? I didn’t get that chance. Some people do and don’t need more than that. As long as they’re happy and bring happiness to others, I genuinely wish them the very best from my heart.

But for me, until I found something I was passionate about—both in work and in life—I was just stuck in this gigantic, blurry nonsense, trying to figure out who I was and searching for my passion.

I always knew what wasn’t for me. It just took some time to do something about it. I believe that people who let their commitments and “responsibilities” keep them from traveling may not have that same drive inside them. It’s sad to think that a whole part of themselves remains unfulfilled or even unexplored. Because ultimately, it comes down to becoming the best version of yourself.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re part of the majority who are fortunate enough to have the ability to make a choice—the choice to step out of your comfort zone in search of whatever you think travel might bring. The choice to pause, maybe for half a year, the path that your family and surroundings have naturally drawn for you since you were little, sitting in a high chair. Eventually, you reach an age where you can see things clearly enough to make that choice.

So, choose. If you choose to stick with your career or responsibilities (which, let’s be honest, we mostly create for ourselves), that’s fine. Just don’t look down on people who seem to be restlessly searching. Otherwise, you’re not only in the “sad chicken” category but also slipping into the “frustrated” type.

If you choose to step out of your comfort zone to discover the person you are outside of it (and I mean yourself as much as the people you’ll meet), then do it wholeheartedly. Don’t look back or dwell on what you’re missing at home.

If you’re looking for more advice on where to start, I have a ton to share. But I’ve learned over time that most of us read advice without really applying it, unless we already know it’s true. Which just goes to show that you have to experience it all for yourself—there’s simply no other way.

But if you really want some tips: surround yourself with people who act how you aspire to act.

Hold your head high and proud, and speak up when you feel lost, hurt, or uncertain. Keeping things bottled up only eats away at you, and people see it regardless.

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Nicaragua to Peru, Scared and Going

Alanna

After graduating from the University of Florida, I first took a five-week trip to Hawaii by myself. After that, I returned to South Florida and took a full-time marketing job. I was excited to start working a "real" job, and I learned so much doing it. It was stimulating for me. I was constantly writing for various companies, planning events, learning about social media and different marketing techniques, and it was creative as well. But like many things, there came a point when I was ready for something new. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I had kept in touch with someone I had met in Hawaii who really wanted to travel with me. He wanted to travel to Central and South America. At that point in my life, I didn’t feel comfortable traveling to those places alone, but the opportunity presented itself, and I ended up taking it.

After about a year of working that initial marketing job, I left to take a four-month trip from Nicaragua to Peru. It was scary, but exciting too! Any big decision like this will be scary, but that’s what makes it so important. I was dating a Colombian guy before I left on my trip, and he was sure something bad was going to happen to me in South America. My parents were nervous too. But I had made up my mind—I was going, and there was no stopping me. Ultimately, my family and friends supported me in my decision. Leaving your comfort zone can be hard, but it’s so unbelievably rewarding.

I am a different person today than I was years ago, and I attribute so much of my growth to my travels and pushing myself outside of what felt comfortable. My advice to anyone who wants to travel is to just do it. That nagging feeling inside you can’t be shut out. The more you try to quiet it, the more it will keep coming back. And you will regret not listening to it. Start small. Take baby steps outside your comfort zone. Your comfort zone will grow. There will ALWAYS be things that scare you, but if you feel that you HAVE to do something, no matter how much it scares you, you HAVE to do it!

Trading Rank for the Unknown

Carter

The sense of responsibility and commitment in the military pushed me to expand my horizons. My adventurous side couldn’t resist the pull to escape the regimented life I’d known for so long. Isn’t the thrill of the unknown the pinnacle of every childhood dream? For me, there was no other path to take. I realized that if I didn’t break free from the monotony, I’d go stir-crazy.

I found a kindred spirit in my college friend Grant, who also felt that military life, though valuable, had a repetitive nature that needed breaking from time to time. This doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it—I wouldn’t have stayed if I weren’t passionate about what I do. But I believe that no matter what path you choose, you eventually need to step out of the familiar and explore the world.

The best advice I can give for anyone leaving behind their home, job, friends, and family is this: Don’t look back. Read that again. Repeat it a few more times for emphasis. When you return from your adventures, I promise life at home will still be waiting. Your dog will still be peeing on the carpet. Your favorite shows will still be there to binge. Karen from HR will still be sending company emails full of memes you don’t care about. Life goes on. My only regret is that I didn’t leave sooner.

My time traveling was blissful. From the sunny coasts of Australia and New Zealand to the timeless streets of London and Barcelona, I soaked up every detail. If you’re wondering how you’re supposed to suddenly feel comfortable in the unfamiliar, don’t worry—experience is the best teacher. In time, you’ll adjust, and believe it or not, you’ll thrive in the unknown.

It’s a bit like learning to ride a bike. You take off the training wheels and prepare for a few spills. If you’re not ready to dive in all at once, start small. Explore parts of your city you’ve never seen before. Take on new experiences to build your confidence. Consider short trips to nearby cities before venturing abroad. The goal is to push your comfort level gradually, so that before long, you’re a person of confidence and culture (the charisma will come in time).

If you’re like me and prefer trial by fire, then by all means, book a ticket to an exotic destination, find a like-minded travel partner, and jump in. I recommend the second approach—the less you prepare, the more intriguing the journey.

Two Years of Saving for One Flight

Elisabeth

I wasn’t happy with my work life. I loved my job as an early childcare worker, but I couldn’t imagine doing the same thing my whole life. I needed variety. I thought about just changing workplaces and working in different areas, but after considering that, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted right now. I craved adventure, experiences that weren’t part of the everyday routine. I wanted to be a happier version of myself, to live a fulfilled life. I always knew I wanted a family someday, but I didn’t know how I could achieve all these goals.

After two years of planning, I finally saved up enough money and booked the flight. I was so excited to go to Australia; I could hardly think about anything else. I felt a little sad to leave, but even more thrilled about what lay ahead. Leaving my job wasn’t too difficult—I was really dissatisfied with the work environment and all the stressful situations we had to handle. Sometimes, it felt like those struggles were the main focus of life.

Packing, though, was challenging because I loved all my clothes! I spent over two weeks packing, each day removing one more item. It was hard to decide what I’d need since everyone’s needs are different.

Even if you have commitments and responsibilities in your life, I’d always recommend taking a big trip to learn about yourself. You are the creator of your own life, and no one can give you that time back. I think it’s good to try as many different things as you can, especially when you’re young. But everyone’s journey is unique. You have nothing to lose and so much to see.

The First Fall Without School

Anonymous

I went traveling after I graduated from university and had just finished working a summer job, so I was fortunate enough to have nothing holding me down. I needed a break from the routine of student life; it was the first fall since I was five years old that I wouldn’t be going to school! I really loved school, but I knew I needed to get out before I got stuck in a new job. I know how easy it is for life’s commitments to tie you down, and that’s why I made sure to take at least one good trip when I was young. Not that I think it’s a rule to travel young—I believe that at any point in your life, you can make your dream trip come true if you really want to. The feeling I got from leaving everything behind was an incredible experience, and I can’t imagine a time when I felt more free.

Aligning Life With Passion

Lauren

I wasn’t working a 9-5 before I left home, but I was in university. About a year before I left to travel, I had a realization: I was finally starting to see what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to start my own business, travel the world, explore photography and videography, and create some form of online income that would allow me to support myself from anywhere.

I realized I was passionate about natural healing, not the Western medicine practices that were being taught in my pharmacy school classes. I knew that in order to find happiness, I needed to align my actions—and my life, in general—with what I was truly passionate about.

So, I dropped out of school, started an online course in Holistic Nutrition, and made plans to travel the world. Once I made these changes and began aligning my life with my passions, I finally started to feel alive.

Seven Years of Sales, Then Go

Max

I worked in sales for around seven years before I went traveling, and I never felt complete. Commission-based jobs just pushed me to work myself into the ground for little reward, while my boss did half the work and earned five times more. Hourly jobs made me feel lazy, as there was no reward for using my skills. I loved the sales aspect but hated the people I had to work with, which is why I needed a break to really figure out what I wanted to do. I just wish I had realized sooner and gone traveling earlier.

Leaving was actually pretty easy for me. I knew everyone would still be in the same jobs and the same houses when I got back—until it came time to say goodbye. That’s when I struggled for a couple of hours.

My best advice? Keep good communication with those who want to stay in touch, but you don’t need to talk to everyone to know they’re your friends. A couple of my best friends, I’ve probably only spoken to three times in two years, but I know we still love each other; we’re just living our lives.

So, my advice is simple: do it. Go. And if you really hate it, you can always come home. Just make sure you always leave yourself enough money to return, just in case things really hit the fan. And get good travel insurance—you won’t need it until you need it.

Off the Blueprint

Katie

There’s a blueprint we’re ingrained with at a young age, but not all of us are meant to follow it.

In college, I had the opportunity to travel and see what else was out there. I studied apparel design, and after graduation, I landed an internship at a highly sought-after streetwear company in NYC. Right before I started, I took a trip to Kaua’i with my brothers and a group of friends. It was summer in NYC, and the magic of that trip gave me the energy to grind it out until October, when I visited family in Utah. That trip changed things. Something told me I was ready for a change, and it catapulted me into quitting my job, moving out of NYC, and heading to Park City, UT, for the winter to ski. My dream is to start my own lifestyle brand, and I saw this as an opportunity to keep learning as much as I could about the ski industry. After the snow melted, I decided to move to Maui, HI, for the summer (which led me to meeting the lovely Brandon Willoughby).

When you leave what you’re used to, you never know what it will bring you. My best advice is to trust your gut. If something tells you to go, then go. There will always be a part of you wondering, “What if?” It will bring you more growth than you can imagine, so go.

Leaving at Eighteen

Connor

Working a full-time job gives you perspective on how you actually want to spend your life. I liked making money and being able to support my financial needs, but I realized my mental state definitely declined while working full-time at 18. I wasn’t passionate about my job before I left, and I always knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do. My family doesn’t come from money, and I needed that job to pay for my expenses. But leaving it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. It allowed me to learn more about who I am through the experiences I gained from traveling.

I can say that yes, stability is comforting, but if I can offer any advice to those considering travel while holding down a full-time job, it’s this: even though it can be scary, you will discover what truly matters to you and learn more about yourself than you think. Down the road, that could lead to a better job, one that’s more suited to who you truly are.

A Deep Breath Away From Paris

Emilie

I love my job, but it was particularly stressful, and I was considering a career change. I wanted to experience something different, take a deep breath, and gain a new perspective on my life. Quitting my job wasn’t hard—leaving friends and family was tougher, but even that wasn’t too difficult. Especially because I knew I could stay in touch thanks to technology: Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and social media. Instagram became a way to share my adventures with friends, and a few told me they enjoyed following my stories. That made me so proud and happy!

My advice to people who want to travel but feel they can’t because of commitments and responsibilities is: everything is possible. Or as Obama said, “Yes, you can.” Sometimes our biggest barrier is ourselves. Of course, it’s frightening to leave your comfort zone, and yes, you need money, but with planning and resourcefulness, you can make it happen.

From a Cubicle in Paradise to Europe

Anthony

I worked as an archaeologist in Hawaii for three years. It was a cushy job with great benefits and plenty of opportunities to work outside in beautiful Oahu. Like any other job, however, the majority of my time was spent in a cubicle in front of a computer. After a little more than two years, I decided to apply to an Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in Europe. I was accepted and received a scholarship to live and study in Portugal, Greece, and Italy for two years. Once I knew I had been accepted, the decision was a no-brainer. Of course, it was scary leaving an amazing place I had called home for so long and a job that treated me well. There were so many logistical nightmares to iron out as I planned to relocate my life literally across the globe. But it was a change I knew I needed to make, and I am still grateful every day that I did.

Asking for the Time Off

Min

I’ve only had a full-time job once, and I was fired within six months after being transparent about the red tape within the company. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an environment where you could speak up without facing consequences. It was a blessing in disguise: I took some time off and was able to do some traveling. After that, work took me to both domestic and international places, which sparked my travel obsession. When I came back, I took a leap of faith and started freelancing—and I haven’t looked back since.

I don’t think I could ever work a full-time job if they didn’t offer unlimited vacation days or allow me to leave when I mentally need to. Too often, I see people with unlimited vacation days who don’t take them. There’s even a study showing that people with unlimited vacation days take fewer days off than those with the standard two weeks in US jobs, because they psychologically guilt themselves into not taking time off.

I’m still passionate about my work, and it’s evolved into something I truly enjoy. There’s also a lot of relief in taking 100% responsibility for both the successes and failures when you work for yourself. In today’s world, you have to fight for what you want—or at the very least, ask for it. I would rather take a pay cut than have less than the vacation policy I want. More than that, I strongly recommend always negotiating.

You can still have a full-time job and find a way to travel if you enjoy the stability. If you’re a valuable asset to the company, then you have the tools to argue for your personal time. There’s always room to get closer to what you want. Don’t be afraid to say things like, “If you’re only giving me two weeks, then I want no blackout dates and a continuous 14 days off with no phone access,” or “I want four weeks if I hit this goal.”

Building Work Around the Wandering

Justin

I wouldn’t say I’m very traditional when it comes to the 9-to-5 thing. I’ve had my fair share of "jobs." I’ve been a banker, door-to-door salesman, carpenter, and worn a handful of other hats, but I’ve always felt most comfortable in the realm of entrepreneurship. That’s actually been a big part of my life and travel journey, helping me find the right fit for myself.

I was in a long-distance relationship for a little over three years, and during that time, I needed work that allowed me to take off for months at a time to be with my girlfriend. Most employers aren’t really down with that. But that’s fine with me. Since then, I’ve been on the hunt for work that can fulfill me and still let me enjoy a travel-rich lifestyle where I get to make all the decisions.

Over the last year and a half, I’ve really examined that part of my life, brainstorming ideas with friends and colleagues, and studying the field I’m moving into. Now, I’m on the cusp of starting my own business, and just like traveling, I feel that same excitement about the unknown and exhilaration about the challenge ahead. Ironically, I realize that I probably won’t be able to travel as much as I have in the last decade while my business is in its growth stage. But I look forward to the hard work paying off, so I can expand my travels—even incorporating them into my business to some degree.

Work That Moves With You

Krista

After college, I only applied to jobs that had a travel component or were travel-oriented. Honestly, I didn’t even consider anything that wasn’t related to travel. Luckily for me, I was able to land a job in New York City with Marriott and Starwood Hotels on their global sales team. This job was my introduction to the travel industry, and I’m incredibly thankful it helped kickstart my career and allowed me to travel.

Currently, I’m working at KAYAK.com, having relocated from Connecticut to London, UK. Not only do I use KAYAK for all of my travel needs, but I also work here! From the start, I was clear with my company that I wanted to move abroad and travel as much as possible with the company. This is by far the best job I’ve ever had. KAYAK is making a big impact in the travel industry, while still maintaining a “start-up vibe” with great employee perks. I’ve had the chance to travel for work, and the company even paid for my relocation to the London office.

For me, I love my job. I don’t mind the 9-to-5, Monday through Friday, because the rewards are so high and incredibly stimulating. At this point in my life, I have zero complaints. However, I can understand why some people might not enjoy this lifestyle, especially if their career is in a field they don’t have a personal interest in. But because I was relocated with a lot of support from my company, I’ve been able to have a comfort zone in an otherwise uncomfortable environment.

You don’t have to choose between travel and work—you can make both happen. For me, it all started with taking the leap and not settling for a job outside my interests. I knew that if I could land a job in travel, eventually I’d be able to combine work and play. You can work, love your job, and travel. I highly encourage taking gap years or time off to push you in the right direction and clear your mind from societal pressures, so you can think for yourself. This is your journey. You can be as conventional or unconventional as you want to be. We only have one life—start now and make it what you want.

Don’t Wait, Don’t Hesitate

Sian

To be fair, I left pretty much as soon as I finished university, so I hadn’t experienced the 9-to-5 yet. While in Australia, I worked as a restaurant manager, which obviously involved shift work. I did this for four years, but I eventually reached a point where I actually craved evenings and weekends off! That’s when I decided to stop traveling and move back home—I wanted more structure in my life as I was getting older.

Now that I’m in a 9-to-5, though, I do wish I were back in the sunshine, enjoying a more relaxed life. My advice would be: don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Just quit and go. The worst-case scenario is that you don’t like it, and you come back home to what you’ve always known. Be brave, take a risk, and I assure you—you won’t be disappointed!

Five Thousand Dollars and Australia

Zach

I left for Australia with $5,000, planning to stay for three months, thinking that would be plenty to live comfortably. It was, and it wasn’t. I chose to travel a lot within Australia while I was there, and with flight costs, accommodation, and excursions, I quickly realized that the money was fading fast. If I had stayed in one place, I think $5,000 would have been more than enough.

Simple Jobs, Full Lives

Benthe

I think traveling made me refuse to get stuck in a 9-5 job. I just don’t feel ready for that yet. I first realized this in Barcelona. I lived there for four months when I was 18 and worked at a bike rental shop. My coworkers came from all over the world, but they all had one thing in common: they had finished university, were highly educated, but realized they wouldn’t be happy working in a 9-5 office job, so they moved abroad. They found that life in Barcelona was exactly what they needed.

One coworker told me once: "Back home, people just work a lot to finance their nice cars and big apartments, and they go on holiday once a year. In Barcelona, we have simple jobs, live in small apartments, and don’t have cars, but we’re living a very happy life—eating out in pubs, going to the beach or the park after work, and surrounding ourselves with like-minded, creative people." It’s a very relaxed lifestyle, and that’s exactly what I experienced living there.

So, for anyone stuck in a 9-5 job, I recommend traveling for a few months to figure out what you really want in life. Maybe you’ll realize you’re just very happy living the way you did. Or maybe you’ll realize you want to live a completely different life.

Write Down Your Why

Mahta

I HATE working full-time (although we all have to do it if we want stability and to provide for ourselves and others). While I love what I do, there are times when I hate it too. Still, I see the great results I get for my patients, which keeps me energized and motivated to keep going. However, now that I work full-time and am working toward opening my own practice, there’s little to no room to travel like I used to.

I never had to choose between my job, traveling, or taking a break because I never let myself make that choice. Right after high school, I went to college, and right after college, I pursued my doctorate. Many people take breaks in between, but I didn’t. I decided to get my doctorate in Florida, which was very hard for my parents back in Virginia, but I knew that if I wanted to fulfill my own dreams and goals, I had to leave my comfort zone and start fresh in a different state.

A piece of advice I would give someone is to make a list of why you want to go, and the reasons why you shouldn’t. If the reasons to go outnumber the reasons not to, then you’ve got the motivation you need to push toward your goal!

A Gardener’s Paycheck, a Big Journey

Simon

If you’re sure you want to travel, just take a job and earn enough money to have a good budget. I took a job as a gardener and received a good paycheck. I always knew that after my big journeys, I wanted to focus on education.

Coming Home With Fresh Eyes

Grace

I love what I do, but I think we all need a break to recharge. Traveling is such a great way to gain a fresh perspective on life, and it can make you want to completely change the way you live. Taking the time to leave, see the world, and feel that sense of freedom is so important, and I believe everyone should make it a priority. It’ll have you coming back with a fresh outlook and a new appreciation for home.

Time or an Excuse

Maguie

I think that everyone needs to decide for themselves when it is the right time to leave. For me, it was always clear. It feels like the urge to see places just lies in my blood. But I also think that everyone CAN find the right time to leave. If you really want to do it, go. If you find too many excuses, you obviously don’t really want it. Either you will find time or you will find an excuse.

Closer to Actually Living

Joshua

I’m still a student, so I’ve never worked full-time. I don’t see it as a break from life, but more as getting closer to actually living my life.

In my opinion, life is not about commitment and security, but about having extraordinary experiences and feeling things intensely—both the "good" and the "bad."

Remarkable Escape Stories