Will taking advantage of the gift of a year off destroy us professionally and leave us more experienced, but worse off?
February 15, 2009 11:41 AM Subscribe
Travel free or just keep hunkering down?
My wife and I have the opportunity to take some time off thanks to a generous benefactor (a relative, part of a wedding gift).
Put simply, we have the option of using a fairly decent budget (about $10k a month) to spend on 6 to 12 months of full time travel.
To pre-answer the obvious, there are no strings attached other than the requirement that we come out the other side a little older, wiser, more worldly and unharmed. We have enough savings to survive a few months of downtime at the end to find work. There is no option to use this money for any other purpose [investment, school, ...] or to even directly access the bulk of the cash prior to just before leaving [the person is quite intent on its use]. We lose the opportunity if we haven't taken off by the end of the year. Beyond that, there are no restrictions other our own fears of the future and the unknown.
I have read the other Ask questions on the "taking a year off" concept but they mostly seem to deal with kids fresh out of school or people early in their careers. This is quite a different situation, as I hope to explain below.
Non-worries -- logistics
We do not own a house or have kids or pets -- our only issue would be sub-letting the lease and putting our stuff in storage. That I can do in a week.
Friends and family -- we are very, very good about keeping in touch with people electronically.
Worries -- the meat
Safety -- if we are in fact entering a sharp and prolonged worldwide recession or depression, one can assume that safety will go down, but how much?
Health care. We will be able to afford COBRA for the duration, but this seems like overkill and is very expensive -- and worse, it runs out in 18 months. What if we get back and it takes me more than that to find a job? We are both in our thirties and relatively healthy. If we do this, what the heck works for international travel? And how expensive is it?
Career -- mine. I am probably at the peak of my career, rather prematurely. I am essentially one of four or five of the most important people on a project critical to the business and recognized as such by an organization of 200+ people (who know me by name and use me as the final authority). I am not exaggerating on this point, please take it on faith. From here out, the only trajectory for my career at my place of work is flat or down. There is no lateral transfer which will maintain my level of authority, access or prestige.
The reality, of course, is that I am in this position due to the last 6 years of extremely hard work and as a result I am burned out and getting more and more bored with my work. With the downturn the opportunity to do interesting or original work is nonexistent, just small improvements and features. Sometime this year, I am going to start looking for an exit: the most palatable option would be to go to a startup and fall back into 100% work mode, which is feels natural to me, hoping for the best but enjoying the experience (this is assuming startups still exist). I desperately need a break but this is throwing it all away.
How badly will this time off reflect on me when it comes time to find a new job? I would expect a serious pay cut if I leave my current position for any reason, new job now or later, but I am OK with that in the small (20% - 25%). Looking at the economy, I worry that we will come back at the worst time imaginable and I could be out of work for an extended time. This is my single biggest concern, significant enough that I've actually had several nightmares about it since the opportunity presented itself.
Career -- wife. My wife's career is doing better than it ever has, but the reality is she makes a tiny fraction of what I do. Realistically, a reboot of her career would be frustrating for her, but doable -- and would not affect us financially. She understands what the impact would be but is OK with the trade if we expect to land on our feet (my career). (I am not trivializing her contribution, just being realistic.)
Financially, we am fortunate (or unfortunate) enough that taking a year (or two) off will not drastically affect our retirement planning (we have a limited amount of savings, but short of hitting the lottery, we're in the same "there is no retirement for the next 30+ years, as of now there is no way I will ever stop working" boat as most everyone else).
Wants -- what we want to get out of this
Other than just the travel experience, I would like to spend some time somewhere learning a foreign language in immersion but have no idea if this is practical or even something that actually works for people. Has anyone done this? How did you separate the decent programs from the fluff?
My wife and I have the opportunity to take some time off thanks to a generous benefactor (a relative, part of a wedding gift).
Put simply, we have the option of using a fairly decent budget (about $10k a month) to spend on 6 to 12 months of full time travel.
To pre-answer the obvious, there are no strings attached other than the requirement that we come out the other side a little older, wiser, more worldly and unharmed. We have enough savings to survive a few months of downtime at the end to find work. There is no option to use this money for any other purpose [investment, school, ...] or to even directly access the bulk of the cash prior to just before leaving [the person is quite intent on its use]. We lose the opportunity if we haven't taken off by the end of the year. Beyond that, there are no restrictions other our own fears of the future and the unknown.
I have read the other Ask questions on the "taking a year off" concept but they mostly seem to deal with kids fresh out of school or people early in their careers. This is quite a different situation, as I hope to explain below.
Non-worries -- logistics
We do not own a house or have kids or pets -- our only issue would be sub-letting the lease and putting our stuff in storage. That I can do in a week.
Friends and family -- we are very, very good about keeping in touch with people electronically.
Worries -- the meat
Safety -- if we are in fact entering a sharp and prolonged worldwide recession or depression, one can assume that safety will go down, but how much?
Health care. We will be able to afford COBRA for the duration, but this seems like overkill and is very expensive -- and worse, it runs out in 18 months. What if we get back and it takes me more than that to find a job? We are both in our thirties and relatively healthy. If we do this, what the heck works for international travel? And how expensive is it?
Career -- mine. I am probably at the peak of my career, rather prematurely. I am essentially one of four or five of the most important people on a project critical to the business and recognized as such by an organization of 200+ people (who know me by name and use me as the final authority). I am not exaggerating on this point, please take it on faith. From here out, the only trajectory for my career at my place of work is flat or down. There is no lateral transfer which will maintain my level of authority, access or prestige.
The reality, of course, is that I am in this position due to the last 6 years of extremely hard work and as a result I am burned out and getting more and more bored with my work. With the downturn the opportunity to do interesting or original work is nonexistent, just small improvements and features. Sometime this year, I am going to start looking for an exit: the most palatable option would be to go to a startup and fall back into 100% work mode, which is feels natural to me, hoping for the best but enjoying the experience (this is assuming startups still exist). I desperately need a break but this is throwing it all away.
How badly will this time off reflect on me when it comes time to find a new job? I would expect a serious pay cut if I leave my current position for any reason, new job now or later, but I am OK with that in the small (20% - 25%). Looking at the economy, I worry that we will come back at the worst time imaginable and I could be out of work for an extended time. This is my single biggest concern, significant enough that I've actually had several nightmares about it since the opportunity presented itself.
Career -- wife. My wife's career is doing better than it ever has, but the reality is she makes a tiny fraction of what I do. Realistically, a reboot of her career would be frustrating for her, but doable -- and would not affect us financially. She understands what the impact would be but is OK with the trade if we expect to land on our feet (my career). (I am not trivializing her contribution, just being realistic.)
Financially, we am fortunate (or unfortunate) enough that taking a year (or two) off will not drastically affect our retirement planning (we have a limited amount of savings, but short of hitting the lottery, we're in the same "there is no retirement for the next 30+ years, as of now there is no way I will ever stop working" boat as most everyone else).
Wants -- what we want to get out of this
Other than just the travel experience, I would like to spend some time somewhere learning a foreign language in immersion but have no idea if this is practical or even something that actually works for people. Has anyone done this? How did you separate the decent programs from the fluff?
You're overthinking this.
You only get one chance at life. Go.
posted by killdevil at 11:57 AM on February 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
You only get one chance at life. Go.
posted by killdevil at 11:57 AM on February 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
You'll never look back and wish you hadn't of taken that trip. But I can promise you that, if you don't take it, one day you'll be sitting around your house full of junk and other things weighing you down and be sad that you didn't do it when you had the chance.
posted by nitsuj at 11:59 AM on February 15, 2009 [9 favorites]
posted by nitsuj at 11:59 AM on February 15, 2009 [9 favorites]
I'd be happy to solve your problem for you by taking the money and traveling with it myself.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:59 AM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:59 AM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
GO.
posted by toxic at 12:00 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by toxic at 12:00 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
First off, you can travel the world for WAY less than 10,000 a month and get more out of it than if you spent that much. There's a difference between being a traveler and a tourist. Spending money doesn't necessarily equal best or most life changing travel experience.
But as someone who's very career oriented and has also been to over 25 countries, I can tell you this... TRAVEL. You will never, ever, ever regret it. If anything it will make you better at your jobs and better at being a citizen of the world. The insights you will gain from seeing the world will make you better communicators with the people you meet who are from other places, and you will become far more knowledgable, interesting and empathetic people.
You will never, ever, ever sit on your deathbed and say "I wish I'd worked for a year instead of traveling the world." Trust me on this. Don't be idiots. EXPLORE THIS AMAZING WORLD. Or I'll have to slap you.
posted by miss lynnster at 12:00 PM on February 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
But as someone who's very career oriented and has also been to over 25 countries, I can tell you this... TRAVEL. You will never, ever, ever regret it. If anything it will make you better at your jobs and better at being a citizen of the world. The insights you will gain from seeing the world will make you better communicators with the people you meet who are from other places, and you will become far more knowledgable, interesting and empathetic people.
You will never, ever, ever sit on your deathbed and say "I wish I'd worked for a year instead of traveling the world." Trust me on this. Don't be idiots. EXPLORE THIS AMAZING WORLD. Or I'll have to slap you.
posted by miss lynnster at 12:00 PM on February 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
This question is so easy even /b/ knows the answer.
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 12:00 PM on February 15, 2009 [6 favorites]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim at 12:00 PM on February 15, 2009 [6 favorites]
No kids? No mortgage? $10k a month?! Are you kidding? I'd be off like a shot. Careers come and go, and you sound totally in a rut work-wise. You can have more than one career in a lifetime, and if you're that hard-working you'll make it work in whatever arena when you get back. Or the pair of you will find your own private Idaho somewhere where the world you're from barely registers. If you are pretty risk-averse just plan for six months. Call it a sabbatical. Then go for the full twelve if you're out there enjoying yourselves. Come home if not.
Check there are really no strings...including when you get back...and go. Have an amazing time!
posted by freya_lamb at 12:02 PM on February 15, 2009
Check there are really no strings...including when you get back...and go. Have an amazing time!
posted by freya_lamb at 12:02 PM on February 15, 2009
People think highly of those who live interesting lives. Changing focus and lifestyles for a year is a great opportunity both from an experience standpoint and an aura standpoint. This is also an opportunity for you to write, code, come up with a great idea for what you want to do next or learn something that will enhance your job perspectives. You will probably never have a chance like this again until retirement, and it will only enhance your prospects for your next job (what better than a well rested, well rounded employee?).
Having picked up with the wife and started all over in another place simply for reasons of quality of life has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Hardly a day goes by where I don't think about how fortunate I am, where I am and how much I'll miss this situation years down the road if it changes.
You should also not discount talking to your work about a sabbatical. The opportunity you have is one that most people can be sympathetic about, and if they really value you, they'll find a place for you when you come back a year from now.
posted by furtive at 12:08 PM on February 15, 2009
Having picked up with the wife and started all over in another place simply for reasons of quality of life has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. Hardly a day goes by where I don't think about how fortunate I am, where I am and how much I'll miss this situation years down the road if it changes.
You should also not discount talking to your work about a sabbatical. The opportunity you have is one that most people can be sympathetic about, and if they really value you, they'll find a place for you when you come back a year from now.
posted by furtive at 12:08 PM on February 15, 2009
What are you waiting for? Do it!
You may be looking at a pay cut due to your time off, but also consider that your experiences abroad can also make you a more valuable employee, especially if you're interested in learning another language while you're at it. You may not be able to come back to the same position you have now, but you may well end up with something even more fulfilling as a result of your travels.
And even if you play it safe, you never know what the future holds. For all you know, you could be laid off tomorrow. Take this amazing gift you've been offered and see the world!
posted by tomatofruit at 12:12 PM on February 15, 2009
You may be looking at a pay cut due to your time off, but also consider that your experiences abroad can also make you a more valuable employee, especially if you're interested in learning another language while you're at it. You may not be able to come back to the same position you have now, but you may well end up with something even more fulfilling as a result of your travels.
And even if you play it safe, you never know what the future holds. For all you know, you could be laid off tomorrow. Take this amazing gift you've been offered and see the world!
posted by tomatofruit at 12:12 PM on February 15, 2009
I am also very career oriented and I say: do it do it do it.
It's not unheard of for professionals to take a sabbatical after six to seven years of work. That is how you should refer to this when talking to your current employers and future ones. This is an excellent idea if you would prefer to be in a 100 percent work mode but want to recharge first.
Many of your worries can be alleviated by taking six months rather than a year, although I bet you will wish you had taken the full year if you do this.
If it's possible, don't burn any of your bridges. Inform your employers well in advance and let them know that you would like to spend the next couple of months making sure everything your successors will need to know is documented. (Of course this doesn't follow if your employers are the sorts of idiots who fire anyone who announces an intention to quit.)
posted by grouse at 12:12 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
It's not unheard of for professionals to take a sabbatical after six to seven years of work. That is how you should refer to this when talking to your current employers and future ones. This is an excellent idea if you would prefer to be in a 100 percent work mode but want to recharge first.
Many of your worries can be alleviated by taking six months rather than a year, although I bet you will wish you had taken the full year if you do this.
If it's possible, don't burn any of your bridges. Inform your employers well in advance and let them know that you would like to spend the next couple of months making sure everything your successors will need to know is documented. (Of course this doesn't follow if your employers are the sorts of idiots who fire anyone who announces an intention to quit.)
posted by grouse at 12:12 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
Holy hell that's a lot of money for travel. Even in New York, San Francisco and Tokyo I have a hard time spending over $7K a month to live beyond comfortably.
The answers to all of your questions depend almost entirely on where you want to travel. Even a continent or hemisphere of interest would help. The health and safety issues of, say back woods Africa are different than Northern Europe.
For me it would clearly be a "In 5 or 10 years I'll completely regret not doing this" thing. However it doesn't really sound like you want to travel that badly. Many people if offered this chance would gush about what they're going to see, the cultures they'll experience, the foods they'll taste, the wonders of the world they'll see first hand. You.... maybe want to learn a foreign language? I think you might be better off staying at work. And there's nothing wrong with that, some people just don't like to travel.
If you decide to go, do it in such a way that it can enrich your jobs when you return. Since I have no idea what your job is I can't help there, but just about every job can be done better by having a little international experience. If you're that well thought of you can probably return to it with a standing ovation in a year.
posted by Ookseer at 12:13 PM on February 15, 2009
The answers to all of your questions depend almost entirely on where you want to travel. Even a continent or hemisphere of interest would help. The health and safety issues of, say back woods Africa are different than Northern Europe.
For me it would clearly be a "In 5 or 10 years I'll completely regret not doing this" thing. However it doesn't really sound like you want to travel that badly. Many people if offered this chance would gush about what they're going to see, the cultures they'll experience, the foods they'll taste, the wonders of the world they'll see first hand. You.... maybe want to learn a foreign language? I think you might be better off staying at work. And there's nothing wrong with that, some people just don't like to travel.
If you decide to go, do it in such a way that it can enrich your jobs when you return. Since I have no idea what your job is I can't help there, but just about every job can be done better by having a little international experience. If you're that well thought of you can probably return to it with a standing ovation in a year.
posted by Ookseer at 12:13 PM on February 15, 2009
BTW, I totally understand where this question is coming from. This kind of adventure is overwhelming and scary when you first anticipate it. Don't think about it. Just jump first and look back later.
I find that there's an emotional process to long-term travel... kinda like the stages of death.
Prior to taking the trip:
1) "Hey! That sounds amazing!"
2) "Wow, is this something we really can do?"
3) "This is stupid. This is a stupid idea. We can't do this."
4) "What are we doing?"
5) "Oh my God. We're doing this... ummm... oh my God."
During the trip:
1) "Oh my God. We're actually here. I can't believe this."
2) "Wow. I feel like we're totally goofing off. If we were home, we'd be doing ___ right now."
3) "Huh. I can't believe we're still here!"
4) "Shouldn't we be going home? There's probably stuff we should be doing."
5) "Okay, screw home. This is where we're supposed to be. Nothing is better than this."
6) "I miss my bed."
7) "I love this place. The people are really cool."
8) "The nice couple we met on the train has invited us to join them for dinner at that restaurant we passed yesterday, let's go! It looks amazing!"
9) "What do you want to do today? I'm tired. Let's just sit around and do nothing for a few days. Okay?"
10) "I miss my bed."
11) "I love this bed."
12) "Okay, I think I've had enough of this place. Where are we going to explore next!? Next adventure! Let's go!"
A lot of those moods will come and go and then when it's time to come home you'll either be really ready to be in your own bed or you'll be in shock that the adventure is over. Either way, you'll have packed more memories in each day of travel than you'd ever have expected. And when you get home, this is how you'll be greeted: "Oh wow! Hi! Has it been a year already? Feels like you just left!" And you'll ask people what you missed and usually they'll respond, "Oh, nothing really. Same old thing here."
There are a few other things I can guarantee:
1) If you want obstacles to block your decision to do this, they will. If you focus on them, they'll seem impossible. But you're your main obstacle. If you want to do this, it'll work out fine.
2) You and your traveling partner will see sides of yourselves and eachother that you've never seen before, and may not even have known existed. Long term travel is actually work sometimes. Just like life, there will be highs and lows and static moments. But there is no comparison to traveling with someone to get to know them. It can be an amazing, intense, relationship changing experience. You will both have your good and bad days... sometimes on different days and sometimes simultaneously. Don't take those bad days seriously, but treasure the good ones for an eternity. Support eachother as you go through them, and leave eachother alone when you need space. Traveling together there will be times where you get sick of the other person's face and that's totally normal. It's absolutely not personal, so know that in advance.
3) When you come back you will be a different person. You will either embrace your life or have different goals. Either way you will have a very new, fresh perspective on yourself, life, and the world. Trust me on this. There will be a distinct difference for you between "before" and an "after." It won't make life simpler, but it's 100% a good thing.
GO GO GO GO GO. Dammit.
posted by miss lynnster at 12:22 PM on February 15, 2009 [8 favorites]
I find that there's an emotional process to long-term travel... kinda like the stages of death.
Prior to taking the trip:
1) "Hey! That sounds amazing!"
2) "Wow, is this something we really can do?"
3) "This is stupid. This is a stupid idea. We can't do this."
4) "What are we doing?"
5) "Oh my God. We're doing this... ummm... oh my God."
During the trip:
1) "Oh my God. We're actually here. I can't believe this."
2) "Wow. I feel like we're totally goofing off. If we were home, we'd be doing ___ right now."
3) "Huh. I can't believe we're still here!"
4) "Shouldn't we be going home? There's probably stuff we should be doing."
5) "Okay, screw home. This is where we're supposed to be. Nothing is better than this."
6) "I miss my bed."
7) "I love this place. The people are really cool."
8) "The nice couple we met on the train has invited us to join them for dinner at that restaurant we passed yesterday, let's go! It looks amazing!"
9) "What do you want to do today? I'm tired. Let's just sit around and do nothing for a few days. Okay?"
10) "I miss my bed."
11) "I love this bed."
12) "Okay, I think I've had enough of this place. Where are we going to explore next!? Next adventure! Let's go!"
A lot of those moods will come and go and then when it's time to come home you'll either be really ready to be in your own bed or you'll be in shock that the adventure is over. Either way, you'll have packed more memories in each day of travel than you'd ever have expected. And when you get home, this is how you'll be greeted: "Oh wow! Hi! Has it been a year already? Feels like you just left!" And you'll ask people what you missed and usually they'll respond, "Oh, nothing really. Same old thing here."
There are a few other things I can guarantee:
1) If you want obstacles to block your decision to do this, they will. If you focus on them, they'll seem impossible. But you're your main obstacle. If you want to do this, it'll work out fine.
2) You and your traveling partner will see sides of yourselves and eachother that you've never seen before, and may not even have known existed. Long term travel is actually work sometimes. Just like life, there will be highs and lows and static moments. But there is no comparison to traveling with someone to get to know them. It can be an amazing, intense, relationship changing experience. You will both have your good and bad days... sometimes on different days and sometimes simultaneously. Don't take those bad days seriously, but treasure the good ones for an eternity. Support eachother as you go through them, and leave eachother alone when you need space. Traveling together there will be times where you get sick of the other person's face and that's totally normal. It's absolutely not personal, so know that in advance.
3) When you come back you will be a different person. You will either embrace your life or have different goals. Either way you will have a very new, fresh perspective on yourself, life, and the world. Trust me on this. There will be a distinct difference for you between "before" and an "after." It won't make life simpler, but it's 100% a good thing.
GO GO GO GO GO. Dammit.
posted by miss lynnster at 12:22 PM on February 15, 2009 [8 favorites]
I am burned out and getting more and more bored with my work. With the downturn the opportunity to do interesting or original work is nonexistent, just small improvements and features. Sometime this year, I am going to start looking for an exit: the most palatable option would be to go to a startup and fall back into 100% work mode,
- You're looking to leave your job within the time frame of this offer anyway (give or take the time it would have taken you to find something new)
- You're planning to take a pay cut anyway, right?
- You're burned out and need inspiration and fresh energy for the next thing
I couldn't understand the decision not to go. It just sounds like fear of the unknown. It's not "throwing it all away," it's "resting on your laurels, taking a break after a huge success, and preparing to take on the next big project." People will likely see that with respect.
posted by salvia at 12:22 PM on February 15, 2009
- You're looking to leave your job within the time frame of this offer anyway (give or take the time it would have taken you to find something new)
- You're planning to take a pay cut anyway, right?
- You're burned out and need inspiration and fresh energy for the next thing
I couldn't understand the decision not to go. It just sounds like fear of the unknown. It's not "throwing it all away," it's "resting on your laurels, taking a break after a huge success, and preparing to take on the next big project." People will likely see that with respect.
posted by salvia at 12:22 PM on February 15, 2009
I don't know what's more unbelievable: that somewhere on this green earth lives a Dickensian benefactor who drops metric tons of money upon a young couple with the bidding to go see the world, constituting the bestest ending ever to a fairytale: [After wedding, BRIDE and GROOM are then GIFTED with MOUNTAINS OF GOLD to TRAVEL WORLD with NO STRINGS ATTACHED]
... Or the fact that you are even discussing this on Metafilter rather than sitting on a plane to Laos while your wife practice her Isan vowel tones. Thank your fairy godmother and come back to us in a few weeks when you're deciding on a rafting trip down the Mekong. Sheesh.
posted by zoomorphic at 12:22 PM on February 15, 2009 [15 favorites]
... Or the fact that you are even discussing this on Metafilter rather than sitting on a plane to Laos while your wife practice her Isan vowel tones. Thank your fairy godmother and come back to us in a few weeks when you're deciding on a rafting trip down the Mekong. Sheesh.
posted by zoomorphic at 12:22 PM on February 15, 2009 [15 favorites]
You have no way of predicting your job situation in a year. Hell, none of us do. GO!!! This is an awesome opportunity, I would be beyond thrilled if I had this.
posted by fshgrl at 12:38 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by fshgrl at 12:38 PM on February 15, 2009
And also: the fact that you're even considering not doing this shows that you really need to. You're locked into a rut and you need to get out. You only live once.
posted by fshgrl at 12:39 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by fshgrl at 12:39 PM on February 15, 2009
Nthing everyone here. In my mid thirties i travelled for 1k a month!!!! Do it and do it now - make the most of your time because its the one thing you will never get back.
CDM
posted by Country Dick Montana at 12:39 PM on February 15, 2009
CDM
posted by Country Dick Montana at 12:39 PM on February 15, 2009
Go.
Imagine you are on your deathbed many decades from now and you are thinking back on 2009. Will you say "boy I am glad I went to the office every day!" or will you say "wow, what a trip that was".
Also - can you arrange for a year's leave of absence at work? When you are that valuable to a project, you have the leverage do this - they would be better off without you for a year, rather than forever.
Go.
posted by seawallrunner at 1:03 PM on February 15, 2009
Imagine you are on your deathbed many decades from now and you are thinking back on 2009. Will you say "boy I am glad I went to the office every day!" or will you say "wow, what a trip that was".
Also - can you arrange for a year's leave of absence at work? When you are that valuable to a project, you have the leverage do this - they would be better off without you for a year, rather than forever.
Go.
posted by seawallrunner at 1:03 PM on February 15, 2009
Go for it.
posted by hardcore taters at 1:09 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by hardcore taters at 1:09 PM on February 15, 2009
First off, you can travel the world for WAY less than 10,000 a month and get more out of it than if you spent that much.
Spending $10,000 a month will put up a huge wall between yourself and what you came to see. Live closer to the ground. You will have much better stories camping in Irish fields and staying a raucous hostel in Auckland than if you stay in a Sheraton every night, which you can probably do in your hometown.
And,as everyone else says, GO.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 1:16 PM on February 15, 2009 [2 favorites]
Spending $10,000 a month will put up a huge wall between yourself and what you came to see. Live closer to the ground. You will have much better stories camping in Irish fields and staying a raucous hostel in Auckland than if you stay in a Sheraton every night, which you can probably do in your hometown.
And,as everyone else says, GO.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 1:16 PM on February 15, 2009 [2 favorites]
Personally, I recommend five years on $2,000 a month.
posted by aquafortis at 1:20 PM on February 15, 2009 [9 favorites]
posted by aquafortis at 1:20 PM on February 15, 2009 [9 favorites]
As everyone else is saying, $10,000 per month is a HUGE amount of money. Do it. You will be the better for it.
posted by kdar at 1:22 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by kdar at 1:22 PM on February 15, 2009
Do a MetaFilter World Tour. Please come and visit me in Sofia.
posted by Meatbomb at 1:37 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by Meatbomb at 1:37 PM on February 15, 2009
My cousin and his wife sold their house to finance and spend a year driving around North America on their motorcycles. When they got home they had to get an apartment for a while until they could afford a new house, while getting back into their careers and such. They were not youths by a long stretch. My cousin was in his late forties, I think, and his wife is older. They have no regrets at all.
Dooo eeet.
posted by sandraregina at 1:48 PM on February 15, 2009
Dooo eeet.
posted by sandraregina at 1:48 PM on February 15, 2009
Spend half as much and save the rest. That gives you a nice little nest egg to start the next chapter with.
posted by ottereroticist at 2:40 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by ottereroticist at 2:40 PM on February 15, 2009
ottereroticist: "There is no option to use this money for any other purpose [investment, school, ...] or to even directly access the bulk of the cash prior to just before leaving [the person is quite intent on its use]."
posted by grouse at 3:02 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by grouse at 3:02 PM on February 15, 2009
Listen, you have no idea what's going to happen in the 12 months of travel. You could decide you want to be in a different line of work, you may decide to stay permanently in one of the places you visit, you may decide that you don't want to do anything but travel and decide to make this your life. Or you very well might take your 12 months, travel, and then come home and work your way back into "normal" life.
Either way, please don't let work hold you back. I guarantee that you'll regret it.
And if you thought you'd get any answer other than "Go! Go! Sweet christ, GO!" then you don't really know what the people here are like, do ya? :)
Also, GO GO SWEET CHRIST GO.
Oh, and I agree, 10K a month is almost *too much* to travel well with, and kind of takes away from the point. If you must spend the money on this adventure, I'd suggest traveling modestly most of the time, but then one weekend a month, stay in the fanciest hotel you can find and live the high life. Spa treatments, meals that would otherwise be out of reach, whatever. For two days. Then the rest of the month, go back to "normal."
posted by AlisonM at 3:24 PM on February 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
Either way, please don't let work hold you back. I guarantee that you'll regret it.
And if you thought you'd get any answer other than "Go! Go! Sweet christ, GO!" then you don't really know what the people here are like, do ya? :)
Also, GO GO SWEET CHRIST GO.
Oh, and I agree, 10K a month is almost *too much* to travel well with, and kind of takes away from the point. If you must spend the money on this adventure, I'd suggest traveling modestly most of the time, but then one weekend a month, stay in the fanciest hotel you can find and live the high life. Spa treatments, meals that would otherwise be out of reach, whatever. For two days. Then the rest of the month, go back to "normal."
posted by AlisonM at 3:24 PM on February 15, 2009 [3 favorites]
Man, I'd get married if I had a benefactor like that. And I'm gay! Get outta here, go travel!
If it makes you feel any better about your careers, you might want to consider that one or any of the places you travel to might be somewhere to return to later and beef up your CV with international experience, particularly if you've run into ruts where you are and there's somewhere else where either of you might be able to get better experience that might get you further when you eventually return home. Soak up everything everywhere, and in the back of your mind keep open that you might like to come back to live for a few years. What a great way to sample your options!
posted by springbound at 3:28 PM on February 15, 2009
If it makes you feel any better about your careers, you might want to consider that one or any of the places you travel to might be somewhere to return to later and beef up your CV with international experience, particularly if you've run into ruts where you are and there's somewhere else where either of you might be able to get better experience that might get you further when you eventually return home. Soak up everything everywhere, and in the back of your mind keep open that you might like to come back to live for a few years. What a great way to sample your options!
posted by springbound at 3:28 PM on February 15, 2009
Spend 2k a month to experience the real culture of each destination and give away 1k to an orphanage in every village you visit.
posted by any major dude at 3:56 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by any major dude at 3:56 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
GO.
This is it, the "once in a lifetime opportunity" that people talk about but the rare few actually receive. Don't pass it up.
posted by emd3737 at 4:08 PM on February 15, 2009
This is it, the "once in a lifetime opportunity" that people talk about but the rare few actually receive. Don't pass it up.
posted by emd3737 at 4:08 PM on February 15, 2009
I waited until I got 5 years into my career to leave and travel the world. I had the money a year or two in advance but quitting my job was a big step, I understand where you're coming from. You will never have this easy of a time getting away. It's never a good time, but it will even be worse once you have kids, a dog, house, etc.
I know it's scary but as soon as you're on the road for a week or so you will find it so much easier and wonder why you ever worried. I've been on two around the world trips for a total of about 21 months for about $30k usd. Take a look at this family who did it with four kids in school. The dad an executive position and put his career on hold. They're nice people and I bet they could offer some advice if you shot them an email. If you're overwhelmed by the possibilites of where to go or what to do shoot me a mefi mail and ill give you some ideas.
posted by Bunglegirl at 4:33 PM on February 15, 2009
I know it's scary but as soon as you're on the road for a week or so you will find it so much easier and wonder why you ever worried. I've been on two around the world trips for a total of about 21 months for about $30k usd. Take a look at this family who did it with four kids in school. The dad an executive position and put his career on hold. They're nice people and I bet they could offer some advice if you shot them an email. If you're overwhelmed by the possibilites of where to go or what to do shoot me a mefi mail and ill give you some ideas.
posted by Bunglegirl at 4:33 PM on February 15, 2009
Rent/buy and watch "A Map For Saturday" - its about a guy who quits his high paying job as a TV producer in NYC to travel the world for a year. OK so its focused on backpacking as a single guy but it might give you a vibe for what its like to travel for a year.
posted by Admira at 4:39 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by Admira at 4:39 PM on February 15, 2009
Also, be sure to read Europe Through The Back Door* just to get an idea of how to be a traveler vs. a tourist. It's a good introduction. Had I not read it right before taking my first trip in 1989, I can't even imagine that I would've become so hooked on travel. I would've missed out on a lot and been a lot more stressed out. That book really prepared me for what to expect, how to prepare and how to handle myself when I'd never been overseas before in my life. It was a lifesaver.
*Please don't become one of those Rick Steves groupies though... his tips are great, but use them to forge your own path. Nowadays there are a gazillion Rick Steves stalkers traveling the world, his books in hand, all trying to check into the same hotels and do the same things. Which kinda defeats the whole concept of back door traveling.
posted by miss lynnster at 5:17 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
*Please don't become one of those Rick Steves groupies though... his tips are great, but use them to forge your own path. Nowadays there are a gazillion Rick Steves stalkers traveling the world, his books in hand, all trying to check into the same hotels and do the same things. Which kinda defeats the whole concept of back door traveling.
posted by miss lynnster at 5:17 PM on February 15, 2009 [1 favorite]
One or both of your companies may allow you to take a leave of absence unpaid, so you can return to your original position.
Regardless, this is a golden opportunity. Go.
posted by Simon Barclay at 6:12 PM on February 15, 2009
Regardless, this is a golden opportunity. Go.
posted by Simon Barclay at 6:12 PM on February 15, 2009
You're still here? Go on, get, go!!! I would give my left nut for this opportunity.
posted by barc0001 at 6:31 PM on February 15, 2009
posted by barc0001 at 6:31 PM on February 15, 2009
Just popping in to say that traveling to learn a foreign language is not unimaginative or boring, as Ookseer implies, and also that just because you can't imagine how amazing such an experience will be does not mean that you should favor work (at a well paying but dead-end job that you're going to leave anyway?!) over getting out and seeing the world.
If you're interested in learning another language, start learning it ahead of time. Learn something that a huge swath of the world knows - Spanish and Arabic spring to mind. Spanish is much MUCH easier. Other options abound, language-wise. If you like the obscure, spending just a bit of time learning Albanian or the language of a similarly obscure place could be fun and provide you an experience very few people have. Maybe your wife could learn one language and you another. Or you could both learn the same foreign language and then maintain it and, if you have kids, raise them bilingual! Also, learning a language gives you a special insight into the culture of a place and is an instant icebreaker.
If given a year and unsure how to spend it qualitatively, my advice is to spend time ahead of the trip thinking about what makes you happy - nature, art, music, cooking, sports? Then figure out where you can find interesting new expressions of those things. Also, mix together highly touristic activities with time spent just living somewhere and putting some roots down - make lifelong friends in a distant place. Assuming you enjoy meeting new people, focus on meeting fellow travelers as well as locals.
Regarding personal safety, I'm not sure I understand why this is an issue. Research where you're going ahead of time. If crime is rampant or war is brewing, and you want to avoid the risk, don't go. Otherwise, you're probably about as safe there as at home - except that you won't have a natives' sense of which alleys are dangerous and which aren't. So you just have to be a bit more cautious than otherwise, and follow the advice of people in the country who tell you which parts of town to avoid - and barring that stay in well lit areas.
Oh, and GO.
posted by lorrer at 6:35 PM on February 15, 2009
If you're interested in learning another language, start learning it ahead of time. Learn something that a huge swath of the world knows - Spanish and Arabic spring to mind. Spanish is much MUCH easier. Other options abound, language-wise. If you like the obscure, spending just a bit of time learning Albanian or the language of a similarly obscure place could be fun and provide you an experience very few people have. Maybe your wife could learn one language and you another. Or you could both learn the same foreign language and then maintain it and, if you have kids, raise them bilingual! Also, learning a language gives you a special insight into the culture of a place and is an instant icebreaker.
If given a year and unsure how to spend it qualitatively, my advice is to spend time ahead of the trip thinking about what makes you happy - nature, art, music, cooking, sports? Then figure out where you can find interesting new expressions of those things. Also, mix together highly touristic activities with time spent just living somewhere and putting some roots down - make lifelong friends in a distant place. Assuming you enjoy meeting new people, focus on meeting fellow travelers as well as locals.
Regarding personal safety, I'm not sure I understand why this is an issue. Research where you're going ahead of time. If crime is rampant or war is brewing, and you want to avoid the risk, don't go. Otherwise, you're probably about as safe there as at home - except that you won't have a natives' sense of which alleys are dangerous and which aren't. So you just have to be a bit more cautious than otherwise, and follow the advice of people in the country who tell you which parts of town to avoid - and barring that stay in well lit areas.
Oh, and GO.
posted by lorrer at 6:35 PM on February 15, 2009
Actually, I find that I feel safer traveling overseas than I do in America much of the time. People are insanely hospitable and warm in other countries... you'll be shocked at how giving and wonderful they are. I traveled alone or with another woman in Egypt, Turkey, Europe, and Southeast Asia and had great experiences. That said, I'm not a fan of Mexico, but I grew up a half hour away from it so I probably know way too much about its dark side.
Ooooh, and to reward the people you leave behind, let them travel with you by doing a travel blog. I used Travel Pod for mine and people *LOVED* it. They followed my path and lived vicariously through my stories and photos. The site is especially great because of the mapping function that really helps people see exactly where you are. And from personal experience I can tell you that it's a great thing to have when you're feeling homesick... I remember sitting there in a computer cafe in Athens, I'd had a really awful day and was feeling physically and emotionally horrible, and I sat there with a coffee and a piece of baklava reading comments from my friends... and it just fixed my loneliness instantly. It really helped me to remember why I was traveling and to stop feeling sorry for myself. It's good to have those ties and get fixes of home when you need them while your on the road. You'll need them sometimes, trust me. And then other times you'll wonder how you could ever go back.
A travel blog would also be a REALLY great way to reward your benefactor... they'd probably LOVE it and it would be a great way to show them what they've been investing in.
posted by miss lynnster at 7:03 PM on February 15, 2009
Ooooh, and to reward the people you leave behind, let them travel with you by doing a travel blog. I used Travel Pod for mine and people *LOVED* it. They followed my path and lived vicariously through my stories and photos. The site is especially great because of the mapping function that really helps people see exactly where you are. And from personal experience I can tell you that it's a great thing to have when you're feeling homesick... I remember sitting there in a computer cafe in Athens, I'd had a really awful day and was feeling physically and emotionally horrible, and I sat there with a coffee and a piece of baklava reading comments from my friends... and it just fixed my loneliness instantly. It really helped me to remember why I was traveling and to stop feeling sorry for myself. It's good to have those ties and get fixes of home when you need them while your on the road. You'll need them sometimes, trust me. And then other times you'll wonder how you could ever go back.
A travel blog would also be a REALLY great way to reward your benefactor... they'd probably LOVE it and it would be a great way to show them what they've been investing in.
posted by miss lynnster at 7:03 PM on February 15, 2009
Definitely do it, you'll never regret it.
Speaking of your professional concerns, I've actually done this twice, without the benefit of having a fairy godmother. In fact, right now I'm in the midst of having taken a year off to learn Chinese (in China). I left a pretty decent, high-paying job in my field to do this, but already, it is
the best thing I've ever done.
(I did a lot of research beforehand to check out what would work for me, and in the end I chose a unversity program--registering directly with the university because it was so much cheaper than going through a middleman. Research what kind of foreign language immersion program would work for you, for most places there are already a lot of people who have gone through the program and are more than willing to share their perspective.)
I agree with miss lynster that I have felt safer travelling overseas than living in America.
By the way, you can get expatriate or travel health insurance that if I recall correctly, should be much cheaper than COBRA. The only caveat to it is that you won't be able to use it in the United States.
posted by so much modern time at 12:28 AM on February 16, 2009
Speaking of your professional concerns, I've actually done this twice, without the benefit of having a fairy godmother. In fact, right now I'm in the midst of having taken a year off to learn Chinese (in China). I left a pretty decent, high-paying job in my field to do this, but already, it is
the best thing I've ever done.
(I did a lot of research beforehand to check out what would work for me, and in the end I chose a unversity program--registering directly with the university because it was so much cheaper than going through a middleman. Research what kind of foreign language immersion program would work for you, for most places there are already a lot of people who have gone through the program and are more than willing to share their perspective.)
I agree with miss lynster that I have felt safer travelling overseas than living in America.
By the way, you can get expatriate or travel health insurance that if I recall correctly, should be much cheaper than COBRA. The only caveat to it is that you won't be able to use it in the United States.
posted by so much modern time at 12:28 AM on February 16, 2009
One thing that you ought to consider if you haven't is having some planned events. There are so many international volunteer opportunities that require you to pay your way. You could look into doctors without borders. You could WWOOF. You could work in an ashram. I think just endless travel without some purpose and limitations on my time and movement might make me a little insane. If I knew that I was going to WWOOF for three weeks in Italy then I could really look forward to some tourist time-off to recharge. Plus, a lot of volunteer opportunities cover room and board thus saving money and extending your trip. Really? 10k/month? You could never come home! And then people would hate you. But, who cares?!
posted by amanda at 8:20 AM on February 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by amanda at 8:20 AM on February 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
Nthing GO. GO GO GO GO GO. The money is absolutely wonderful, but what really matters is the experience. Seriously, I'd kill to be in your position - and I'm already living a dream life by some standards (traveling Korea and teaching English with few worries about money like those back in the states right now). Worry less about when you get back - and think about IF you get back. Unless there's some condition that says you must come back to the US, once you're out the doors are wide open. The legalities are (of course) important to keep track of, but depending on your skillset you may not have any problems finding jobs in other countries. If it's simply a year away from the familiar, then so be it - you'll still be richer, wiser, and more worldly than you could possibly be otherwise.
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:01 AM on February 16, 2009
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:01 AM on February 16, 2009
You should not worry about this reflecting badly on you. First of all, people who look down on you for this are insane, most likely miserable human beings who don't want anyone to be happy. Second of all, nothing reflects worse on you then being unhappy in a job. If that is even remotely possible, you should move on. You might become one of those miserable people!
posted by Gor-ella at 12:55 PM on February 16, 2009
posted by Gor-ella at 12:55 PM on February 16, 2009
Do you need one more person to say "go"?!
I'm seconding ricochet biscuit's advice to spend less and live/travel closer to the ground. Learning a new language expanded the way I think of/see things - very much worth doing. Moving-about travel is good; spending an extended period (weeks, months) in one place is good. Try both. Brainstorm a few goals to go after but remain flexible.
Seize the day! And the next, and the next...
posted by jaruwaan at 1:50 PM on February 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
I'm seconding ricochet biscuit's advice to spend less and live/travel closer to the ground. Learning a new language expanded the way I think of/see things - very much worth doing. Moving-about travel is good; spending an extended period (weeks, months) in one place is good. Try both. Brainstorm a few goals to go after but remain flexible.
Seize the day! And the next, and the next...
posted by jaruwaan at 1:50 PM on February 16, 2009 [1 favorite]
Let me get this straight. You can't use this money for anything else but travel and you're planning on leaving your job/taking a pay cut anyways. And you're worried future employers will look down on you for faffing about instead of envying you the opportunity. That more than anything says you need this more than you realize.
GOOOOOO.
And now a word of advice. If you plan on traveling through places where the medical facilities aren't as good, you may wish to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Your current insurance may provide this already, but don't presume they do, or that they will cover medical expenses incurred outside your home country.
posted by calistasm at 7:32 PM on February 16, 2009
GOOOOOO.
And now a word of advice. If you plan on traveling through places where the medical facilities aren't as good, you may wish to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Your current insurance may provide this already, but don't presume they do, or that they will cover medical expenses incurred outside your home country.
posted by calistasm at 7:32 PM on February 16, 2009
On the health insurance front a couple of things to watch out for:
1. Make sure your COBRA policy covers you outside of the US for as long as you might be gone. Mine would have only covered me for 90 days outside the US before being invalid. I've talked to other travelers in other states that didn't have this problem so YMMV. There are regular insurance policies that cover expats, business travelers etc. that will probably be in-between the cost of a travel policy and your COBRA.
2. If you have pre-existing conditions keeping an insurance policy that provides continuation of coverage is important (many travel policies don't qualify).
3. If you go with a regular policy make sure you are covered for evacuation and repatriation of remains. If not you can buy a separate policy for that. You shouldn't need it but if you do it will set you back tens of thousands of dollars without it.
4. Don't let this scare you out of going. Go!
posted by Bunglegirl at 1:31 PM on February 17, 2009
1. Make sure your COBRA policy covers you outside of the US for as long as you might be gone. Mine would have only covered me for 90 days outside the US before being invalid. I've talked to other travelers in other states that didn't have this problem so YMMV. There are regular insurance policies that cover expats, business travelers etc. that will probably be in-between the cost of a travel policy and your COBRA.
2. If you have pre-existing conditions keeping an insurance policy that provides continuation of coverage is important (many travel policies don't qualify).
3. If you go with a regular policy make sure you are covered for evacuation and repatriation of remains. If not you can buy a separate policy for that. You shouldn't need it but if you do it will set you back tens of thousands of dollars without it.
4. Don't let this scare you out of going. Go!
posted by Bunglegirl at 1:31 PM on February 17, 2009
I recommend reading the "trip round the world" journals of Heidi and Jon Connal. They did a trip like you describe. Sadly, the tragedy they experienced shortly after returning home only reinforces the reason of why we all should grab opportunities when they arise.
I am envious of this gift you've been given. Go. Go now.
posted by Wilberto at 2:10 PM on February 17, 2009
I am envious of this gift you've been given. Go. Go now.
posted by Wilberto at 2:10 PM on February 17, 2009
My husband and I quit our jobs in our late twenties, took our savings, and traveled for six months. When we came back we started entirely new, creative careers. We never regretted it, and we are mainly frugal, conservative types. We are now in our sixties, downsized, sold our house two years ago, and are living overseas on a longer sabbatical on far less money than what you have at your disposal. Both our "timeout" experiences have been like being able to fly--incredibly freeing, rich, beautiful, deep. . . a dream, this round especially.
Misslynster, up above, has it just about right--the good and the sometimes-not-so-good. Travel involves decision making every day with your partner, so work out a system for dealing with that. Maybe do a mix of staying in a couple places for longer periods, adding a volunteer leg, and moving around if that suits you.
Save half that money so you have a cushion when you come back. You can buy temporary health insurance for your time overseas. It's not expensive. If you can, convert your current job-related insurance to a Health Savings Account in the U.S. The premiums are low, then you'll still be insured when you get back. Look up the expat sites--there are lots--for the specifics of how to do this. The bad part, right now, is the the dollar is tanking again big time.
But just go already! Bon voyage.
posted by Elsie at 11:32 AM on March 21, 2009
Misslynster, up above, has it just about right--the good and the sometimes-not-so-good. Travel involves decision making every day with your partner, so work out a system for dealing with that. Maybe do a mix of staying in a couple places for longer periods, adding a volunteer leg, and moving around if that suits you.
Save half that money so you have a cushion when you come back. You can buy temporary health insurance for your time overseas. It's not expensive. If you can, convert your current job-related insurance to a Health Savings Account in the U.S. The premiums are low, then you'll still be insured when you get back. Look up the expat sites--there are lots--for the specifics of how to do this. The bad part, right now, is the the dollar is tanking again big time.
But just go already! Bon voyage.
posted by Elsie at 11:32 AM on March 21, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
Do it.
posted by dunkadunc at 11:56 AM on February 15, 2009