September 4, 2009
I am officially unemployed. By choice. In the worst economy our generation has seen. I don't know, maybe I am crazy. I think some people legitimately think that I have lost it. Yes...I will be giving up this...
For this...
But since when did following your dreams become crazy? What do you call it when you go to school, get your degree, start working immediately after finishing school, work for 40 years, and then retire? Some may call that a pretty crazy way to live life to the fullest.Anyways, my point isn't to knock how people live. Different strokes for different folks. To each his or her own. Whatever floats your boat.
Lately, lot's of people have been telling me how lucky I am to be doing this. It's very true. I am so lucky to be in good health, have few bills, non-massive debt, have a low-rent home to come back to upon my return, parents who may not agree with my decision yet still support me and love me, friends to turn to..I am a very lucky young woman.
But I also feel that more people could do something like this trip (if they desire) by making the necessary sacrifices...working on the weekend (babysitting or dog sitting, I may recommend, which worked for me) to save more money, pay off bills earlier...turn down some fun activities in the name of saving...
It's scary to make the decision to step out of the rat race of advancing your career and trying to obtain all the representations of success: an apartment, a house, a stable and well-paying job, and to some, a significant other, an engagement, marriage, etc. But even now having made the decision to do this trip has made me question all sorts of things...how important is all of that success?
I saw a backpacker laying on the grass in Boston Common today..I saw his big backpack with him, so I walked over and struck up a conversation. It was cool because I told him about my trip, heard about his experience backpacking the U.S. and he was going on about how nice it is to be able to have everything you need in a backpack and to not need so much STUFF. And how nice it is to live day to day.
So, call me crazy...but I'm going to do it!
Melanie...in the grand scheme of things what is a few months out of a whole lifetime? A mere drop in the bucket! Good for you!!!! Like I said, you are my new hero! With your suggestion I am going to scope out a travel buddy to so some girls weekend trips to some of the cities in the US I would like to visit.
ReplyDeleteThat is one big backpack! Ahh can't believe you're going to be living the dream- that's wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteOh man, I remember carrying that damn backpack! You're gonna be in the best shape of your life :) Besides the fact that you won't be eating anywhere near how well you are now! (not because it's SA, but for fund conservation) I'll be following you girl! Have a blast!
ReplyDeleteHey Melanie!! Everything sounds awesome. You must be really exciting that there is only 6 days until you take off. Good luck with everything and take lots of pictures! You should bring in Improper Bostonian magazine and take a pic with it in that cool body of water that is a mirror and submit it to the magazine. Have fun! I will definitely be checking for updates.
ReplyDelete