45 and want to travel, am I irresponsible ?
Replies: 24 - Last Post: Dec 4, 2012 11:06 AM Last Post By: BacHien
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45 and want to travel, am I irresponsible ?
Hi all, I'm a newbie to the site and need some advice. I recently lost my job after 25 years. It wasn't making me happy and I felt I was wasting my life away. I'm 45 now with no children and last year I sold my house, so I've a bit of money in the bank. I'd really love to do some travelling, although a part of me says I should be out there looking for a job and making an honest living, which also seems to be the reaction from some quarters when I suggest going off travelling for a year or so. Has. Anybody else felt like they're being irresponsible by going off travelling? I'm planning on going maybe out towards Asia , I'm very nervous about it as I've never done solo travel before, but something in my heart says I should face my nerves and do it while I have the chance! Finding a new job is going to be very difficult but am I right to feel this way? I guess I just need someone to tell me I'm not going to make a big mistake and that I won't regret my decision, anybody?1
For what is worth my advice is go. The only word of caution I have is to set yourself a reasonable budget for the area you are going to and put a reasonable amount of the money from your house into a bank account etc that you cannot access easily which will give you start up funds and a financial cushion for your return. Also ensure that you have adequate travel insurance and any contributions to retirement funds are maintained - again so that while you are away having fun - you are not compromising your long term future. It's getting that balance right that is the mark of a successful traveller.While travel isn't for everyone you have everything to gain and nothing to lose in the situation you are in.
Enjoy.
4
Sage advice from ohwell. The secret is to do a bit of planning first. Do your research on where to go and how much you can afford to spend first, and make sure you have that financial cushion when you return.You mention that you've recently lost your job after 25 years so even the idea of finding a new job must be daunting. Before you go do some research into the sort of work you will be looking for when you return. To assist, I'd recommend reading john bolles 'what color is your parachute', a great guide to job hunting that I use here in Australia ( I'm in the career development field), even though it's a USA publication.
Travelling is a life changing experience. Good luck!
5
I agree with the others.Go, but have some realistic plans for your return. I resigned from an excellent job when I was 40 to work on a local salary in a developing country for two years, which ended up being four. They have been some of the best years of my life, and I made some lasting friends. However, I knew I would be employable when I returned home.6
Just do it. As they say, you don't get to the end of your life and wish you'd worked more.After my kids were all grown up, at 54, I set off on my first solo backpacking trip to SEA and I haven't stopped since. I have no regrets as they've been the best years of my life.
My mum and dad planned to travel extensively on his retirement, but he dropped dead of a heart attack at 51 and never got to experience the world.
Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
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yes, absolutely go now. Some good advice above regarding budget, financial buffer for when you get back, and good travel insurance.What we hadn't thought of when we were younger is that medical issues can come along when you are older that make it harder to go to some places so you need to take advantage of the time you have while you are young and healthy and able to do anything you want. Apart from the medical issues, some aspects of travel do get a bit harder as you get older - sleeping sitting up all night, squatting over toilets, carrying luggage, sitting on the ground, amount of pills you have to carry, just to name a few!
The jealousy or alternatively disbelief is just one thing to get used to, but for all the naysayers, there will be plenty of people on the road who will support and encourage you.
Enjoy the journey.
8
It took a suicide attempt for this Texan to decide to find HIS way. That was 1962. We yanks don't have "the only way to live."*see profile. I didn't run away to join the circus. I went down to the sea in ships. To see the world, like my lifelong dream.
People aren't sinners or evil, if they don't join the family brand of church either. :) Most of the selfless help I've recieved was from professed athiests.
Like they always answered my thanks for help, in 1960's Australia, We're all in this together. One hand washes the other."
A waiter in Malaga answered my,"Why do you let beggars inside to work the tables?"
"Hey. It could be me."
Follow your own star. Stereotypes and paradigms are bogus.
See you on the road.
This Texan has lived in many cities. But I chose Seville.
I fit in here, better that at "home."
11
"shadowfax007 has apparently 'flown the coop'. Strange, after only 3 postingsand the other 2 not accessible."
Yes, noticed that too, always suspicious of those around here who've an
affinity for the 007 add-on for some reason. If it's really a troll I guess it's
better than a real life home improvement scam at your front door.
Actually, the tip off was that the op's question is really quite asinine coming
from a supposed 'adult'.
12
Okay you judgemental lot - give the person some leeway. Not everyone has a computer at home, not everyone is articulate or confident enough to discuss a new venture with their local friends who may all be stay at home type people. It takes courage to do something that is outside the normal and all information is useful.
