It has been almost a month since my last post – no I have not forgotten nor abandoned you. On the contrary, I have been spending my time becoming a more interesting person and broadening my perspective, which will only result in more interesting things to write about.
What have I been doing? As you may know, I left my job a few weeks ago to travel the world before the next step in my life. Traveling is important for building perspective – we all get caught up in our environment without realizing that there are other ways we can live our lives. This can manifest itself in many ways, but there are a couple specific examples I want to closely examine.
The first is what I call work-fun balance. The United States has a different relationship with work than any other place in the world. I don’t think I have to go into it here, but some countries have 35 hour work weeks and 8 weeks of vacation. They work to live and don’t put the same intense focus on their careers. The work-fun balance is particularly pronounced in my environment – having gone to an elite university, I am surrounded by friends that are on the hardcore side of US work schedules.
The second is how each of us approach money. Americans comparatively don’t travel as much and spend more money on possessions. There is a strong “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality that causes us to spend approximately what those around us spend. Running up a $100 bar tab, spending $50 on a meal, and popping into Vegas for the weekend – are these things I fully appreciate or just do because of my environment?
I don’t think my current perspective on these items is necessarily wrong – really there is no right or wrong. But I want to realize that there are other options available – in the end, not making a choice on these matters is effectively the same as a conscious decision.
What else should I focus on during my time on the road?
How to be comfortable being alone. not that you have a problem with it, just that solo travel takes it to another level. You spend time with your own thoughts and get comfortable just spending time. Realizing that ultimately, you are all you have, and if you’re lucky, family and friends, and that’s OK. You may come to believe (I did) that time does not “fly by” but making yourself busy just disguises how much time is passing.
Deep thoughts from a well experienced traveler. It’s been an interesting transition these last couple of weeks, trying to become comfortable with just spending time. Of course I’m still doing some things, but no massive projects I’m cranking away on (by design to take a step back from it all).
Glad you’re back!
To provide balance to what Eric said… don’t forget to focus on relationships as well. You’ll meet and interact with a ridiculous amount of unique people, but only if you throw yourself out there. I wanna hear some crazy stories.
I am excited to meet some fun people in New Zealand. From what everyone says, there aren’t many people, but plenty of travelers making their way around the island, just having a good time. Crazy stories coming soon.
Just go to Thailand. It will blow your fucking mind.
It’s also interesting to look at education and resulting career opportunity in foreign countries. You see a mix of values, methods, and results. For me, it enforced not taking things for granted.
Have fun with all the Aussies and Israelis – its amazing what percentage of travelers all over the world come from those two relatively small populations.
I loved all your pictures of Thailand -looks like you had a blast! I’m definitely trying to make it up there, but don’t really want to do that trip alone. Help me convince Tom to meet me there in February.