A Little Reflection
2009 is almost done, but my journey is about to start. The recession cut short a promotion at work and afforded me time to reflect during this past year.
- Job that pays reasonably well→ check.
- Friends→ check.
- Money to spend on material items→ absolutely.
- Cute apartment→ check.
What more could I ask? Yet, I couldn’t shake a constant empty feeling. I noticed this feeling appeared more ‘on’ than off during the past 5 years. I simply ignored it. Getting over an 11 year relationship can be distracting. The more I analyzed, the more it was clear something was askew in my life. Uh, basically, everything.
The Tipping Point
It was obvious a drastic change needed to happen before I brandished a nail file and threatened my boss with it. Of course! A change of city! In Canada, there are few great cities to live in, I had already exhausted Vancouver, so the next options are Montreal or Toronto. Since Montreal is touted as the Paris of Canada, it seemed like a natural choice.
Going back to school was the next choice since my current career proved unsatisfying. I plotted out universities and tuition fees, scanned places to live, it all sounded exciting, but it dawned on me – am I doing this because I truly want to? I had no idea.
In my younger days I embraced goth/punk culture, which taught me to question what happiness equates to in North America. While my friends worked to pay back student loans, buy houses, get married and have children, I fought a duality. If wanting these things was correct, why did the quest cause me misery? Back pain, undue stress, bouts of depression, debt.
So, What’s Next?
If I need to rethink my life why not expand Montreal into a cross-Canada trip to visit friends? Brilliant. Or how about heading further south into Mexico, Central and South America? Oh yes! I always dreamed of completing a long haul trip, now here’s my chance. While I’m at it, let’s start puttering with that dormant writing career.
The Countdown
I’m giving myself 6 months to hit the road for places yonder. Call it mid-life crisis, flashpacking, whatever pat term fits here. A drastic choice to take, but as I comb over all the decisions in my life this one feels ridiculously right.
Whether travel is the catalyst or not, tell me, what was your tipping point?
“A psychologist visited several hospices and interviewed dying patients. Not one patient said they wished they made more money or spent more time at the office. All of them mentioned regret at not traveling more, connecting with people and cultures, or spending more time with loved ones…”
- Anonymous
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
@My Traveling Lens – Oh dear god, don’t do that! That would be a lot of reading. Heh. Surely you must have better things to do. :)
My dear Jeanie,
Let this comment be proof that I am determined to read all your posts. First one down, and the next two years to go. Ha! You are seriously a talented and engaging writer. I’m excited to catch up with your adventures. :) — Michelle
My latest kick ass post is..Postcards from Friends: 2011 Holiday Season from Around the World
@Jannell – The journey is certainly not over, so hope you do keep reading. :)
This is great! I am soooooo feeling your message here. Looking forward to reading more about your journey. Found you through the Ultimate Train Challenge. Fun stuff.
@Brain -Thanks for reading 2 articles and commenting on both. Nice to know something on this site snags a person more than once. I know exactly what you mean. Somehow, I know there won’t be regret. ;)
Being let go from a job and wanting to do something different than run back into the job market. I thought, hey I watch the Travel Channel alot, I would love to see X and Y and Z. I had the time and opportunity and off I went.
You won’t regret it. Go go go!
UrbanTravelGirl, wow you are a pioneer. The untemplating, life redesign community is humbling me everyday. Thanks for offering a brief tease to your story and I personally look forward to following you. :)
Nomadic Chick, SO glad to have stumbled upon your blog thanks to Travel Blog Exchange! I was so where you are six years ago when at age 35 I decided to quit a “good” job in corporate America and head off to Florence, Italy, to live work/life balance without reading about it in some handbook. While I’m back in the States for now, making that move was the best thing I ever did. It’s completely changed who I am, what I expect and want out of life — and how I want to spend the rest of mine. (Ideally, living somewhere in Europe in a tiny flat!) I’ll eagerly be following your adventures!
Buona fortuna,
UrbanTravelGirl
I can’t lie, I’m envious, but can sense your excitement. I’m probably going to switch to HSBC. Check em’ out.
Love the site. I’m also Canadian and leaving in 12 weeks (March 31st). Have you figured out your banking yet? I’ve been having a hard time finding a bank without incredible international fees.
Keith,
Indeed! And there’s an air of guilt involved with these feelings. I should be grateful for what I have, etc. Don’t know about you, but there’s a sense I was meant to live another life, not the one I’m currently cemented to… feelings that strong are hard to ignore.
Wow, sounds a lot like where I’m at mentally. My wife and I aren’t planning on kids and we make very comfortable salaries, have a house, love to travel. The American dream. But something large and important is missing. Life is lacking substance. The job is a great job, but there’s no longer a sense of personal growth from it. It’s more of a soul grind. I teeter back and forth from excitement at my plan to dread and longing to keep my current, comfortable situation. It’s a great ball of risk and uncertainty coming my way and I’m finding that I’m generally risk-averse.
Adriana, there’s lots to be excited about. Both of us embarking on some life-altering times. :) The route is under construction and will appear as a navigation page. I look forward to reading your travels too!
I´m excited to keep reading about your travels! do you have an itinerary yet? I´m planning a 1 yr RTW trip so I´m curious to know where other travelers are going! ;)
Very well said. Everytime I’ve embarked on a solo trip, I’m renewed and full of ideas. What I hope is to continue that longer than a month!
Excited to find out what your plans will be- you sound like a soul travel sister, so keep writing! Tipping points are necessary & the more ridiculous the better if you’ve lived a life of depraved ” s a n i t y “. I love that travel helps me clear my head- I rediscover myself on neutral ground and being on the road shows me a way to live life- simple & basic.