We decided to cut loose from our lifestyle as thirtysomething professionals to step out and see the world. We quit our jobs at the end of 2011, sold our stuff, packed our bags, and finally hit the road in May 2012. Our first stop was England! Since then, we've been wandering around Europe for the summer.
You have such great jobs! Why are you quitting? Are you crazy?
We were very grateful for our jobs and enjoyed the people we work with, but the jobs didn't align with our current life dreams. Maybe we're crazy, but we felt like the longer we waited, the harder it would be to take the plunge and try something radically different.
Why are you doing this?
For the sake of adventure and personal development. We want to broaden our horizons and experience new people, places, and cultures. We're excited to see what we find.
How long have you known that you wanted to do this?
It's hard to say. Jim's a lifelong adventurer and Natalie's been dreaming of living overseas for decades!
Why now?
We feel like the stars are aligned and we want to take this opportunity while we have it. We don't have kids or a house, have paid off most of our debts, have money in the bank, and are healthy and ripe for adventure. Most importantly, we want to do it!
Where are you going?
There are a lot of places in the world that we'd like to see. Here's our itinerary for 2012.
How long will you be gone?
There really isn't a time limit. As long as we're willing and able to do so.
Aren't you scared?
Absolutely. We both have moments of anxiety about jumping off the cliff. When we start to panic, we ask ourselves, in a couple of years, which would we regret more: continuing to live as working professionals or taking a risk and trying something new? Then the answer's easy... LET'S GO!
How can you afford it?
This is a really difficult question to answer. We saved up a little money to get started have been living pretty frugally during our travels.We lined up some great housesitting assignments. We've also been exploring our options to work remotely as digital nomads.
Updated September 2012
