This post was last updated on 2024 April 11
This is a guest post by Mitch Glass of Project Untethered.
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I’m sure you’ve dreamed about it…
Packing your bags, buying a one-way flight, traveling from destination to destination – wherever you want, whenever you want. It’s a wanderluster’s fantasy.
There’s just one problem: that pesky job of yours.
Quitting your job to travel can feel like cutting off your life support. It’s scary. The thing is, sometimes we blow up that fear bigger than it needs to be and use it as an excuse to stay in our comfort bubble.
Well, today I’m going to pop that bubble.
Here are 5 reasons why quitting your job to travel is NOT as scary as it seems. And how – if you can overcome your fear – there’s infinite opportunity waiting for you on the other side.
1. You’re Not Alone
Chances are, most people in your social circle would call you crazy for quitting your job to travel the world. “What about your career? Your responsibilities? Your future?”
When you’re surrounded by nay-sayers, your dream can feel impossible. However, there are LOTS of people who have already done exactly what you want to do.
You won’t be the first person to quit your job. And when you do, it’s easy to connect with (and get advice from) others who have gone before you. These are the people you need to be talking to.
In addition to connecting with other full-time travelers, you can also squash your fears by reading inspiring traveler case studies and quotes about exploring the world.
2. You Can Keep Earning Money
If you’re like most people, one of the biggest concerns you have is losing your steady paycheck and sucking your savings account dry when you quit your job to travel. After all, you gotta pay the bills somehow!
The good news is, you don’t have to rely on savings to travel the world. There are TONS of travel jobs you can do to earn money on the road.
From remote work, to freelancing, to teaching English, to volunteering… no matter what your skillset, there is a travel job out there for you (even if you have zero experience).
Or, if mixing work and travel doesn’t sound like your thing, there are also tricks to slash your travel costs (and even ways to travel for free!).
3. Nothing Is Permanent
What if you make the wrong choice?
What if you quit your job to travel, only to realize shortly after that long-term travel isn’t for you?
Easy. Just find a new job and go back to your old life. After all, you landed a job before, and you can do it again.
In life, we often (mistakenly) assume all decisions are final. In reality, life is an experiment. We are constantly trying new things. If we like them, we continue. If we don’t, we change paths – and it’s totally ok.
Same goes for leaving your safety net to travel the world.
Remember: You’re in control of your life, and you can change paths whenever you see fit.
4. You’ll Find Hidden Opportunities
That said, chances are you won’t want to go back to your “old” life.
See, when you build up the courage to leave your comfort zone, you’ll quickly realize there were TONS of new and exciting opportunities waiting for you on the other side. Opportunities you never would have dreamed of from the inside the box.
Before travel, I was set to start a doctoral program in Physical Therapy. From inside the box, this seemed like the best path for me. When I ditched my program, bought a one-way ticket, and stepped into the unknown—it was like someone flipped the switch and the lights turned on.
SO. MANY. NEW. PATHS.
I’m now married to a Colombian, work online, and invest in Colombian real estate. Never in my wildest dreams could I have conjured up such a magical life for myself.
My life did a complete 180, and it all started with my decision to quit my job to travel.
5. You’ve Done Hard Things Before
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want you to think I’m downplaying what’s at stake here. It’s a big decision, for sure. And big decisions can be scary.
But let’s take a sec to rewind history. I want you to take a good hard look at your life.
I’m willing to bet you’ve made big, scary decisions before. Moving to new cities, changing career paths, starting (or ending) relationships…
I’m also willing to bet there have been times where you’ve stepped up to the plate, done something really hard, and surprised yourself at what you’re capable of.
Guess what that proves? You DO have what it takes to quit your job to travel.
Don’t sell yourself short.
What’s Holding You Back?
So, my question to you is…
What’s holding you back?
Is it a legitimate fear (of something that cannot be reversed)? Or is it just an excuse disguised as a fear?
I’m not saying everyone should quit their job to travel the world. There ARE valid concerns, and it’s NOT for everyone.
But if you truly have an adventurous heart…
If you dream of seeing the world…
And if you’re bored of the same old routine…
It’s time to put those fears under the magnifying glass.
