Unemployed and happy
Most of you won't know it, but I've quit my job to travel long-term. I've been traveling for over 8 months now and have gone through ups and downs, experienced something that all long-term travelers know: travel depression or, less dramatic, a weariness of sorts. A lack of energy and interest to go out and sightsee. That was around month 6. I am back in full swing now, slowly burning up all my savings. My future is unclear since I don't have a job to return to.
I do however have a bank loan which many people (will) find irresponsible of me that in spite of being in debt, I chose an uncertain future and quit a job that not only paid well but which I, essentially - highs and lows notwithstanding - loved. To be perfectly honest, the loan is sort of slowly paying itself since the apartment I bought it with is rented out and the rent almost covers my monthly rates.
My family thinks I'm crazy and wants me to come home. The idea of returning is scary. I don't know if I can ever fit into the life that I had before. It wasn't a bad life, not by a longshot. But I feel like the shape of me has changed and I couldn't fit the mould anymore. What's more: I don't want to.
I am happy. Even not knowing where I'll be next month, next week, or even tomorrow - I wish I could continue like this for as long I wanted. Eventually money will become an issue, I know that and I don't like to think about it. I'm a bit afraid of the moment when that happens.
But despite everything, I wouldn't change a thing; wouldn't do anything different. I don't regret any of the decisions I made. I've seen lots of amazing places, found new homes, met fantastic people. Met some assholes too. The world is not only sunshine and daisies, unfortunately. But it feels like I'm really living now. Instead of merely existing, albeit in a very comfortable fashion. This feels right.
Want to follow me in pictures? Click here to go to the gallery.
I do however have a bank loan which many people (will) find irresponsible of me that in spite of being in debt, I chose an uncertain future and quit a job that not only paid well but which I, essentially - highs and lows notwithstanding - loved. To be perfectly honest, the loan is sort of slowly paying itself since the apartment I bought it with is rented out and the rent almost covers my monthly rates.
My family thinks I'm crazy and wants me to come home. The idea of returning is scary. I don't know if I can ever fit into the life that I had before. It wasn't a bad life, not by a longshot. But I feel like the shape of me has changed and I couldn't fit the mould anymore. What's more: I don't want to.
I am happy. Even not knowing where I'll be next month, next week, or even tomorrow - I wish I could continue like this for as long I wanted. Eventually money will become an issue, I know that and I don't like to think about it. I'm a bit afraid of the moment when that happens.
But despite everything, I wouldn't change a thing; wouldn't do anything different. I don't regret any of the decisions I made. I've seen lots of amazing places, found new homes, met fantastic people. Met some assholes too. The world is not only sunshine and daisies, unfortunately. But it feels like I'm really living now. Instead of merely existing, albeit in a very comfortable fashion. This feels right.
Want to follow me in pictures? Click here to go to the gallery.