Is my Jiminy Cricket stronger then reality? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Nicene · 04-08-2004, 08:28 AM

Ok, here it is. Im taking the big plung to go to Europe this Summer June and July. I have two good jobs right now. I work for the university I attend ($8 an hour, and can schedule around my classes). And I dj. The company I DJ for is already pissed im leaving during prime wedding season (im 24 btw, male). And my boss at the University told me I could leave for a month, but two months, i would come back to find my job replaced with someone else. So options are A: go to Europe for a month, one week I would have to come back for my buddies wedding, and then travel back over for a final week to only fly back. or B: go over for 2 months, still come back for my buddies wedding, but then return for the final 5 weeks of my European experience. If I only go for June, I will be there for 3 weeks but have my job at the university still, and Can DJ some weddings making more $$$, but if I go for 2 months, Ill come back to being broke. I guess I can afford (barely) to loose my job at the university, but all common sense tells me to only go for a month, but my conciious is telling me (along with my travel mates, and my parents) to go for two months, cause a trip like this is only once in a life time, and in 10 years, ill look back and be pissed i didnt go for 2 months. I can find another $8 university job, but all signs point to only go over for a month. I guess im at the crossroads basically. What makes more sense to do, and what I want to do. A little outside advice would be helpfull I guess.

thanx

**worldwidemike** · 04-08-2004, 10:31 AM

Wow, toughie. The boss and friend's wedding are really putting the squeeze on you.

Why do you think this is a "once in a lifetime" chance? Is it possible to take another semester or quarter off in the future and go again? Then, you might not be missing the "wedding season." Of course, DJ-ing is hardly a long-term, career that requires you to work FOR someone. I'll bet a significant number of DJs work for themselves, so who's your boss fooling by trying to use his scheduling problems to affect your life?

I'd be tempted to tell them all to take a hike and go for as long as you want to go. However, it is your life, and you know more about how you want to live it. For example, I'm not able to take those long trips anymore, and have to be content with a week or so here and there. But my airline job lets me travel, so being tied to it has a bonus effect of letting me travel more.

worldwidemike

**joanofarc** · 04-08-2004, 10:35 AM

just make sure not to settle for "once in a lifetime" if you don't want to.

**tecia** · 04-08-2004, 06:41 PM

hey Nicene!!! So only you can answer this but you can always find a job!! I'm also going for two months and my mom asked me what i would do if my job would not let me go and i smiled and said quite!!! I love my job by the way and they are letting me go!!

Yes you can always find another university job and being a dj is always there. Your friend will understand your not in the wedding right? If your parents even want you to go that is awesome!!!
So if you got all that i think you should just so it

but who am i to say anything!!!
so when are you going and where?
if you are around for either June 20 stonehenge summer solstice.
or the run of the bulls July 7 let me know some of us are going to try to meet!!
Good luck with you decision wish you luck

pm me if you want to know more about the meets

**zylah** · 04-09-2004, 03:12 AM

I always thought the the American college summer holiday were quite long, and that way you could go for a month now, and then next year maybe do a bit longer trip, when you have more idea on how you like travelling.
You can always try and study for a semester or so abroad.

**worldwidemike** · 04-11-2004, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by zylah@Apr 9 2004, 10:12 AM
You can always try and study for a semester or so abroad.

Now, there's a good suggestion! Good thinking, Zylah.

worldwidemike

wonderbird22 · 04-22-2004, 05:01 AM

Hi Nicene,
Like the others i think you may be being a little hasty with the 'once in a life time' stuff.
I have always stood by the rule 'Live to work not work to live'. You have the rest of your life to get a good job and be where you are now but you may not always have the freedom to do what you want to do. I say go for it!
Who knows you might get the travel bug and only ever go home to make money for the next trip.
Debs

wanderingwaterman · 05-25-2004, 10:16 PM

Nicene...Just read what my sig says...Live life...work can come later, but when you're old and grey, and the young ones ask what you did with your life..."I dj'd" is that the answer? feck no! "I Lived Life!" Thats what you want to shout and inspire with! Do it bro, follow your heart and soul!