Realistic Travel

Realistic Travel: Not everyone wants or can quit their 9 to 5 to travel the world

It’s hard not to get caught up in the social media highlight reel, a short video detailing how miserable they were at their 9 to 5, quit one day, packed up their lives, and now they’re living abroad or traveling to obscure places and somehow making a living. While the allure of such a life is undeniable, let's face it – it's not a dream that fits everyone's reality, and that's perfectly fine! We'll explore the practicalities of embracing your corporate soul-sucking job that’s paying your mortgage, contributing to your high-yield savings account or company-matching 401Ks, and carve out time for kick-ass vacations. We'll delve into why it's okay not to drop everything and hit the road, offering useful tips and tricks for weaving travel into your life, even if you have a steady job.

The idea of dropping everything and hitting the road sounds appealing- don’t get me wrong I’m fantasizing about it too. But we have to acknowledge that it's not a one-size-fits-all dream. Some of us need and want a home base to come back to, and some of us enjoy structure but need to get out and spread our wings a bit. 

Sure, the idea of freelancing from a beach in Bali sounds great. But, reality check: not all of us have jobs that allow us to work from anywhere. Some of us have careers that require a physical presence or strict schedules. And not to mention some people find fulfillment in their careers and want to maintain stability, even if it means sacrificing a bit of travel freedom. Embrace your work, and look for ways to integrate travel into your schedule when you can. Even if it's just a long weekend or a week off here and there, you can still satisfy your desire to travel without giving up your job.

Most corporate jobs have an accrual rate where the longer you stay with the company the more time you acquire. It can be challenging to peel away from work when projects are being worked or maybe you lead a team of people and excusing yourself for a week or two gives you anxiety. I speak from experience, that your team will be fine without you, and it’s important to unplug and refresh so you can come back better than ever. And in the off chance that your job guilt's or restricts your time off even though you have plenty, perhaps it’s time to look elsewhere and find a company that values work-life balance a little more. 

Be sure to read my article “Bougie on a Budget” for resources on the best websites to find amazing deals. 

Having a home base can be incredibly comforting. A place to come back to after your adventures, a safe haven filled with all your things. For some, it's where family and friends reside, and that connection is something they treasure. The idea of selling everything and living out of a backpack doesn't appeal to everyone, and that's perfectly fine. Having a home base doesn't mean you're not a true traveler. It means you've found a balance between your love for exploration and your need for stability. And hey, isn't that what life is all about – finding what works for you? Even if a big job quitting adventure is something you have to do, keep that house or apartment and rent it out while you're gone. If you can find someone you know (or don’t but trust them- i.e. background check) you can rent your place out fully furnished. That way everything is right where you left it and your bills are being paid while you explore far-off places with peace of mind. Another option especially for those with animals would be signing up for a house/pet sitting service where someone will stay in your home and care for your animals. 

While adulting can feel overwhelming and limiting there are always options for creating a life or trip that best suits your needs. It might take some creative thinking and planning but it's always doable. 

Budget Travel and working an office job are doable, you don’t have to break the bank on every trip. It's easy to get caught up in the allure of extravagant travel, but you don't need to spend a fortune to have incredible experiences. Try not to feel pressured to always book those five-star hotels, business/first-class flights or fancy dinners out; travel can be found on any budget. Even if you make good money- some of us cheeky devils get a rise out of finding a great deal and traveling in a way that you can expand to multiple trips a year instead of one expensive one. My husband and I are DINKWADs (Dual Income No Kids with A Dog) and we still fly economy, stay at budget hotels, and grocery shop while on vacation to save on meals. This allows us to save plenty for “retirement” and splurge on fun tours or special experiences while we are on vacation. 

Not all of us are part of the generation that can unbox a pair of shoes on YouTube and get a million views (and that's perfectly fine too- am I jealous? Yes, yes, I am.). While some people have found ways to turn their passions into lucrative careers, many of us still rely on our 9 to 5 jobs to pay the bills.

Having a steady job means financial security, which is essential for many aspects of life, including travel. It allows you to plan and save for those epic adventures you've always dreamed of. Plus, who says you can't have a fulfilling career alongside your love for travel? It's about finding balance and making your job or career work for you, not against it.

It’s vital to remember that travel is a personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another. Embrace your unique circumstances and find ways to weave travel into your life in a way that brings you joy and fulfillment.

So, whether you're jet-setting around the world or exploring your own backyard, never let anyone make you feel like you're not a true traveler. Your journey is yours to define, and it's beautiful in its own right. 

Happy travels, wherever your path may lead! 🌍✈️