My Job VS. Europe ? ? ? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Carlos1797 · 03-19-2007, 06:21 PM

HI! This is my very first thread! ( joined today actually 19-3). Im actually going through one of those times where I really dont know what to do with my life! Maybe you guys can give me a hand. As soon as I got out of school, I went to college...graduated and started working RIGHT AWAY! I have worked NON STOP since summer 2003. I am really considering quiting my job (I have a good position in a brokerage house) and going to Europe for about 2 months.Im 25, and thinking about going from mid September to mid November.
I know I can definately get a similar job when I get back, but you know there is always that feeling of uncertainty....I would love to hear opinions from you guys.

Mando todo a la MIERDA??? O me quedo Trabajando como un Burro por el resto de mi vida?????? Translation: Should i say: "F&?!*# IT!" and leave to Europe or should I stay working and be sour all my life...???

**freespiritz** · 03-19-2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlos1797

I know I can definately get a similar job when I get back, but you know there is always that feeling of uncertainty....I would love to hear opinions from you guys.

If you can definitely get a similar job upon return, and you know you're going to be sour for your whole life if you don't go...you've answered your own question! Get out there and see the world! There are people here who have made the same decision to let it all go, and they found great and sometimes unexpected ways to start up careers again.

I say quit and travel for a year.

Good luck. And welcome to the boards!

**DC_Jessica** · 03-19-2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freespiritz

I say quit and travel for a year.

EXACTAMUNDO!!! As I was reading it, that's exactly what I thought. What?! Only two months?!? Take advantage of a break while you can. When you take tiny breaks from work because you don't feel like "spoiling" yourself, what will end up happening (in my experience/opinion) is that you feel refreshed for approximately 1-2 months (maybe slightly more) then you get itchy for travel, but because it's taken a while to settle in that you weren't satisfied with your jaunt, you'll have already settled down again. If you actually need to quit to do this trip, go CRAZY!

We all support you here! And welcome!!

Inside · 03-19-2007, 07:11 PM

Mate, i was in a similiar situation. I finished School and went straight to Uni, working partime jobs through both. Then when i finshed Uni i went straight into looking for a job, with the intention of travelling a few years down the track.

Then sitting in the middle of a interview i realised that i didn't want this, id be putting in a half*rsed effort at all my interviews and what i really wanted was to see the world before i got locked down.

Since i made the decision its like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, im now heading to Europe in May and couldn't be happier

Inside · 03-19-2007, 07:12 PM

Oh im also going for a year, i figure if im gonna go over i may as well do it right

**joe7f** · 03-19-2007, 07:54 PM

Save up enough money to travel for 3 months (you can always go back early) then talk to your work and ask them if you can take a leave of absense. If not, quit or offer yourself up if there is a round of layoffs (I plan on doing that if the opportunity presents itself) and use your severence to pay/help pay for your trip.

--Joey

**lost in texas** · 03-19-2007, 08:36 PM

I agree with Joey, I would definitely save the money and have everything ready to go before you quit. If you decide to go that route, try to make as graceful an exit as possible from the old job. If you leave on good terms you'll be more likely to work for the same company again, or at least get a positive reference once you're back in the job market.

I'd also stay a little longer if you're going to give up the job anyway. Unless you've already got a mortgage, child support, or something to hold you back, just enjoy the time away and chill for a while.

**Brookers13** · 03-19-2007, 08:50 PM

You never know...my work let me have 2 months off this summer....i just took a leave of absence and BAM off to europe i went

**patchouli Lover** · 03-19-2007, 09:21 PM

Hey Welcome!

I agree with freespiritz and Jessica! Take the time and go! Better to do that than to be sour and spend time thinking "What would have happened...." I know when I get older I don't want to look back and regret what I didn't do. But if you do feel uneasy see if your job will give you a leave of absence. If not then save up enough money to take your trip and to have some sort of cushion for when you get back. Who knows maybe you'll find that your current career path ins't what you truely want. Or not.

I also agree that you should go for more than a few months.

Oh not sure if your a reader but two really good books that talk about taking time off from the "corporate" world are:

"The Way of the Wanderer"
"Honeymoon with my Brother"

Good luck and keep us updated on your decision

**Canadian Bacon** · 03-19-2007, 09:27 PM

Go to EUROPE! you can always get a job after!

Everything has its time - travel is for the young.

**kiwichick** · 03-19-2007, 11:44 PM

Definately go!!if the american (?) workforce is anything like in NZ it is likely to become increasingly "portfolio" workers, the skills you've gained will help you move upwards and onwards in a new company, so its almost in you interest to shift jobs over time! whilst the fact you've travelled can be exploited as " maturity, motivation, cultural understanding, independance" lol yup thats my HR/org. psyc perspective!ya got the rest of ya life to "get a real job"!

kameleen · 03-20-2007, 01:11 AM

I quit my career-type job and travelled for 7 months in Europe last year. It was the best thing I've ever done. Now I'm kind of addicted to travel and can't see myself settling for a long time. That might kind of scare you but seven months on the road kinda changes your perspective.

**raoulduke** · 03-20-2007, 01:24 AM

Welcome to TPunk

The way i see it you'll regret not travelling much more than leaving your job.

Get out there and see the world.

**marc873** · 03-20-2007, 03:59 AM

Are you still here? No job is worth more than life experience. Europe for several months will change you permanently

**Delaney** · 03-20-2007, 10:02 AM

I agree, definitely quit the job and travel. I am working up the courage to put in my 2 week notice next week!

**patchouli Lover** · 03-20-2007, 11:25 AM

Reading over everyone's replies I definitely think you are on the wrong website if you want support to keep your job....:D

Carlos1797 · 03-20-2007, 03:27 PM

Thanks to all for your support!! I am really thinking about it and will probably end up doing it. I want to save up all year and go from Mid September to around the end of November. Here is the ITINERARY:

MADRID
BARCELONA
ST. TROPEZ --FRENCH RIVIERA
PARIS
MILAN
VENEZIA
FIRENZE
ROMA
NAPLES --- AMALFI Coast
CORFU---GREEK ISLES

If time and money permits:
PRAGUE and ZAGREB (CROATIA)

Will see what happens...I will definately keep you guys posted...
Ive already read all websites regarding budget travel and everything. In your opinion is there any other place you guys would recommend visiting...keep in mind this is my first time...I have a freind that told me that its better to stay longer in a few places than stay 2 days in alot of places...what do you think??

**joe7f** · 03-20-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlos1797

Thanks to all for your support!! I am really thinking about it and will probably end up doing it. I want to save up all year and go from Mid September to around the end of November. Here is the ITINERARY:
[...]
I have a freind that told me that its better to stay longer in a few places than stay 2 days in alot of places...what do you think??

First, your friend is right on (I would prefer to spend 3 days everywhere with 4-5 days in bigger cities). Second, what kind of stuff do you want to see in Europe?

--Joey

**Esterina** · 03-21-2007, 10:36 AM

Welcome on travelpunk.com !

I don't think you'll find anyone here to tell you to keep your job !

I too will say that risk taking is important. You'll grow in wisdom and knowledge by travelling the world, your mind will open up wide, which are all assets for the rest of your life, including your professional life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian Bacon

Everything has its time - travel is for the young.

Not only for the young. I started travelling for real at 35. It was only then that I had time, money, and guts at the same time, and left twice, 3 months in Central Europe and 6 months in Asia. I mean, I had visited France and Germany before, but the "real adventure" the long term travel, I did between 35 and 37. I'll say that to travel when you already have life experience is even better because you have a different perspective of life.

I'd say travel is for the young at hearts, and traveling keeps young !

To your itinerary question : the longer you stay at a place, the cheaper it will be. You can bargain a room in hotels (but I doubt about hostels) - especially since you'll be there in the off season- if you stay a few days.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 03-21-2007, 11:05 AM

^I agree with what everyone said above. If you will not harm your career, go for it, and make sure you take as much time as you can.

Quote:

I'll say that to travel when you already have life experience is even better because you have a different perspective of life.

I'd say travel is for the young at hearts, and traveling keeps young !