If you were to take a look at someone’s bucket list, you’d likely find several sites and destinations that they hope to visit one day.
The Sistine Chapel, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Great Wall of China, or any of the natural wonders would be on many people’s list—and probably yours as well.
The problem is, once you begin a career, it’s virtually impossible to see many of those places until you’re retired.
But what if you could take a sabbatical from your career and travel the world? Even more important, would it be a good idea?
Taking an extended break from your everyday life and career can be a daunting and risky decision.
That 401(k) and retirement savings you’ve been putting money into for years would be in jeopardy. And if you have a family, it’s even more difficult with loved ones to think about and obligations at home.
On the other hand, you’re sure to find inspiration and breathe new life into your hopes and dreams—and likely find new ones.
But considering such a drastic change shouldn’t be a decision made lightly.
See this magnificent world
Perhaps you’ve become restless or have outgrown your current station in life and want a change of scenery.
Or, perhaps you simply came to the existential revelation that life is short and there will never be a better time than now.
Well, traveling the world would definitely bring a fresh perspective into your life—something you’d never experience droning away at the office for 8 hours a day.
There’s nothing inspiring about being stuck in the same place, doing the same things, seeing the same people, over and over, day after day.
Even more so, traveling could drastically improve your mental health and overall well-being.
The world is a magical place. Get out there and see it.
Valuable skill sets
You would also learn valuable new skills such as speaking a new language or take up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.
Why wait until after you retire?
The cliché “you only live once,” is often used as a ham-handed expression to justify spending your life savings on frivolity, but there really is no other way to look at it when it comes to traveling.
Your only other option is to wait until you’re retired to see the world.
But wouldn’t you rather experience it while you’re young and fit enough to truly enjoy it?
Why would you want to be miserable for the next several years, waiting to see all the places you’ve only dreamed about?
That’s why “you only live once” isn’t necessarily a bad motto—because there’s no telling what could happen tomorrow. Go pursue your dreams today, before it’s too late!
The road to a new career path
Lastly, an extended trip around the world may set you on a new career path altogether.
This might be the most important part to remember in your decision.
You could discover a new passion that you never knew you had.
You could sell hiring managers and bosses on the idea that you’re culturally savvy and not afraid to take risks to accomplish complicated tasks.
Or, you may discover that you’re better at writing than you thought and begin that destination novel you’ve always wanted to write.
They say that only 10% of college graduates actually find themselves in the profession that they majored in. Only 10%. That goes for trades or professions!
If that’s not a dead giveaway that things almost never go according to plan, then I don’t know what else would!
Yes, it will take extreme confidence and dedication to make such a life-altering decision, and there are sure to be some ups and downs along the way.
But remember, if you want something bad enough, you will find a way to make it all work out. And life is an adventure—so why not experience it to the fullest?
