Quitting Your Job To Travel: Is It A Good Idea

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the world suddenly changed. Offices and schools were shut down, forcing students and workers alike to do their work remotely. The drastic changes, combined with the stress brought by the health emergency, affected many people’s plans. Their mental health greatly suffered, too, especially for those separated from their loved ones temporarily or permanently.

Workers adjusted fast, though. Digital nomads became a trend where people travel while still holding a job. Some people, however, decided to join the so-called Great Resignation to have a restart and recalibrate their life plans. Sure, some jobs can be done while traveling the world, but the question remains — is it a good idea to leave the work desk just to fulfill the travel bug?

How’s The Bank?

Traveling for whatever reason is an easy thing to do for people with a steady flow of money. Some people need to work for months just so they can save more money for their travel needs, so lucky are those who can book a flight in a jiffy.

It’s easy to say to quit the job and use the back wages for touring around. The difficulty sets in when the tourist starts to worry about their finances, and reality kicks in that a new job is needed to scratch the travel itch. Expenses abound when traveling, making it the primary consideration when mulling over saying goodbye to a job.

Where To Stay?

A big chunk of travel expenses goes to accommodation. That is, if finding the right spot to stay is not the problem in the first place.

If travelers plan to stay in the same area for a long time, then renting an apartment or a house or finding an inn might be ideal.
Itinerants might bleed more money for their accommodation needs, especially for day travelers.

Hotel stays don’t come cheap, so anyone planning to travel, especially abroad, should have a thick wallet and maybe learn how to become a cheapskate.

Most people who quit their job to travel do it solo because it’s hard to convince even friends to join an extended trip. As a result, they end up being lone travelers. In some way, it’s freeing to be by themselves – no irritating bosses, no annoying workmates. However, building new relationships with strangers along the way can be tiring, too.

“People persons” won’t have a hard time interacting with others, but it's a challenge for first-time travelers. The other side of the coin that tourists should face is that they’ll leave behind the social life they have nurtured through the years. Technology helps with that, but other people might struggle with homesickness, especially abroad.

Ready To Leave Loved Ones?

A full-time tourist’s social life might either suffer or prosper; it’s even challenging for solo travelers. One thing tourists must face is that they will leave behind their families and friends for a long time just so they can fulfill their travel plans.

Being a full-time traveler has its perks: acquiring new experiences, meeting people from all walks of life, and gaining new knowledge.
However, it also has a con: homesickness. Sure, a quick video call might ease the longingness, but nothing compares to a tight hug from a loved one. It’s not always fun to be far away.

Warning: Culture Shock

One other thing full-time solo travelers should expect is the possibility of culture shock. It’s hard to be without the usual support system when embarking on an unpredictable journey.

In another country, a lot of things might happen at the same time, and solutions are not always ready.
The adjustment period might take longer than usual, especially since breaking the work routine is not easy.

Traveling is enlivening until hiccups occur.

Travel Is Fun But Tiring

Traveling is all about relaxation, but that’s not a guarantee for those who tour day by day considering many preparations are needed. The struggle is real when fatigue slowly creeps in; it doubles the pressure when combined with the financial stress.

Quitting a job to travel is not for the weak-hearted. The intense desire to be out there and sheer determination might push tourists to go on and on, but that doesn’t mean they are safe from fatigue. Work is hard, but sometimes, traveling is harder.

Expect Emergencies

Those traveling abroad might be faced with emergencies they cannot easily handle given they are outsiders.

Some emergencies include health woes, insurance dilemmas, and the usual logistical problems. Sure, they might be resolved as quickly as they occurred but is the stress worth it?
Some emergencies might crop up from home, like family problems and nagging issues from the previous job, especially if the resignation is abrupt.

Emergencies are unpredictable, so those leaving the office for good must be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Think Long-Term

It’s possible to earn money while traveling but is quitting a job just to scratch an itch worth it? Full-time travelers surely have a long bucket list, and ticking off each item might eat a big chunk of their time. That, plus the expenses might be overwhelming.

If full-time traveling is all about being carefree and spontaneous, then those who plan to quit their job just to experience its thrill must think thrice. What will happen to the savings? How about the career path? How about building a family? These are just some questions that must be answered.

Why Not Take A Long Break Instead?

Burnout is a serious issue, and everyone — even the most dedicated worker — needs a pause. Resignation is not always the answer if there’s uncertainty in the air. Anyone planning to leave the workplace and be out there needs to ponder: is it practical?

Maybe a talk with the employer might help clear the mind and set the plans. In need of an extended vacation? That can be arranged. How about a sabbatical? The boss might even support it. At the end of the day, it’s about setting the pace, not embracing the "phase."

When Traveling Becomes The Job

To travel is to escape. To travel is to break routines. But what if a worker quits only to realize later on that traveling is slowly becoming the new job? Of course, money is needed to sustain a lifestyle of full-time traveling, but tourists should be wary of not making it a chore.

Even loyal travelers need to pause, so they can avoid the need to earn more to travel further. It's okay to follow the heart when traveling, but as the adage goes, home is where the heart is. It won't hurt to be back there.