You Don’t Have to Ditch the 9 to 5 in Order to Travel
I've been at this whole travel blogging thing for a while now – nearly seven years, in fact.
And in those seven years, I've noticed a trend that has remained fairly constant throughout my world of travel blogs and Instagram accounts: the insistence that you'll only ever be happy and fulfilled if you quit your job to travel the world.
While many cubicle dwellers probably do dream about handing in their two-weeks notice in order to go gallivanting around the globe, there are plenty of others for whom that's either just not feasible, or who simply don't have the desire to leave their current lifestyle behind in order to travel.
And I just wanted to say today that that's okay.
The people out there who insist that travel and a 9-to-5 job can't possibly exist in harmony together in someone's life have missed the mark, in my opinion.
Sure, I love the location-independent life that I've been lucky enough to be able to build for myself, but I would never tell someone else that this is the only route to happiness and a travel-filled life. I never truly “quit my job to travel,” mostly because I never felt comfortable enough to do so – and I also realized fairly early in my travel career that being a digital nomad without a home was not the lifestyle for me.
You don't have to ditch the 9-to-5 in order to travel. And here are a few reasons why you maybe shouldn't.
Reasons you SHOULDN'T quit your job to travel
1. Travel is not cheap
There's no way around it: travel costs money. And, depending on where in the world you want to travel, the amount of money required can balloon exponentially (I'm looking at you, Australia and the UK!).
Unless you've spent years saving up money in order to take a long-term dream trip, chances are it's not going to be financially feasible for you to quit your job to travel.
And this is fine! Quitting a job to travel when you aren't financially able to do so just isn't smart. I can tell you from personal experience that stressing about money on the road takes away from your enjoyment of your travels.
2. Remote work isn't for everyone
Many people will tell you that, in order to afford the digital nomad lifestyle, you just need to get a job that will let you work remotely. And, while this is good advice in theory, the reality is that it's not always easy to just “get a remote job.” Many remote jobs still require you to work a certain number of hours per day – and sometimes even a specific set of hours per day.
Remote work can also be challenging if you've never been your own boss before. Do you know how difficult it can be to get motivated when you have the freedom to work in your pajamas and check Facebook whenever you want??
And, when it comes down to it, some people actually do enjoy working in a corporate or office environment with a set routine every day. Maybe it's not everyone's dream to work in a cubicle, but I don't think anyone has the right to judge people who do really like things like set work hours, a steady paycheck, health benefits, and a 401K.
3. Long-term travel isn't for everyone
Like I mentioned before, I discovered a while ago that long-term travel and I just don't mix. Even though at one point I assumed I would be perfectly happy to travel indefinitely, I learned that a state of constant movement just wore me out and actually made me a little unhappy.
I really *like* having a home base and familiar things to return to after being away for a while. My travel style, it turns out, is one more suited to shorter adventures.
Many bloggers and digital nomads will tell you that you can't truly “travel” on shorter trips, and that you need to spend a lot of time in a place to truly experience it. And while it is true that you'll probably never feel like a local in a destination if you only stay for a few days, it doesn't mean that one travel style is inherently better than the other.
Everyone has their own likes and dislikes and interests, and this means that one travel style doesn't fit all.
So if you feel like the only way to “really travel” is to quit your job, pack a backpack, and hit the road forever, I'm here to tell you that that definitely is not the only way.
4. You don't *have* to travel in order to be fulfilled
Lastly, this whole post kind of assumes that you do actually want to travel, or that you feel that your life will be more fulfilled if you go out and explore the world. This has certainly been true for me, but it would be naive and maybe even ignorant of me to assume that this is true of everyone.
You've probably heard this travel quote by Saint Augustine before:
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
It's a good quote, to be sure, but it actually kind of bothers me. If you think about, it basically suggests that people who don't travel are uneducated and close-minded; that they're somehow missing something vital in their lives if they don't travel.
But I'm calling bullshit on this one.
Travel is not a priority for everyone, and not all people would be upset if they never left their home country, state, or even city. And yet we're supposed to look down on people for this? That's just silly.
I *do* think that travel helps break down prejudices and can teach us a lot about the world, but I don't think it's fair to judge people for whom traveling just isn't important.
For me, traveling and running this blog help me feel fulfilled. But for other people, working a 9-to-5 and raising a family might be the things that make them feel fulfilled. And neither scenario is “better” than the other.
So if you've never been inspired by all those “I quit my job to travel the world” posts, that's totally fine. That doesn't have to be your path.
You don't have to quit your job to travel
Let's say you DO want to travel, but leaving your job isn't something you want to do. There are definitely ways to have both a job and home base AND still travel a lot.
Some ways you can do this include:
Make the most of vacation time and holidays. If you're an American, you probably don't get a lot of paid vacation time. But assuming you do get *some* time off, be sure that you're taking advantage of it (don't be like all those people who leave vacation days on the table every year!). You can stretch your 2 weeks much further if you plan travel around paid holidays, or if you can elect to work your holidays and save them up for later. And if you have a work trip during the week? Extend it into a weekend so you can have time to explore without using any vacation time.
Keep an eye on travel deals. Going back to that point about travel being expensive, you can make it more manageable by keeping an eye on and taking advantage of travel deals. Check sites like Groupon for local deals, and sign up for mailing lists from specific airlines, or from travel aggregators like TravelZoo, so you can be alerted to big savings opportunities.
Travel closer to home. Many people assume that “traveling” has to include long plane journeys and far-away destinations. But this isn't true! You can travel closer to home, too, which costs less and usually doesn't require nearly as much vacation time. And no matter where you live, chances are there are really interesting things to see and do within a couple hours of you.
Take a sabbatical. If you think that long-term travel *might* be something you'd like to do, I always recommend trying it out first before you go all-in. Before you completely quit your job and sell all your stuff, see if it's possible to do a trial run for at least a few weeks. Talk to your boss about taking a sabbatical or some unpaid leave – it won't work with every employer, but some might be agreeable to it. And this way if you decide you hate the nomadic lifestyle, you'll still have the safety net of a job to go back to until you figure out what to do next.
Look for jobs that require travel. Even though traveling for work usually isn't the same as traveling for fun, there *are* plenty of jobs out there that require some amount of travel. Maybe looking for a job like this would help you scratch that travel itch while still giving you the financial security of a full-time job.
Cultivate skills that can be done remotely. Think that maybe the 9-to-5 isn't quite the right fit, but can't rely on savings to feed your travel habit? This is the case for many people, so don't feel like you're alone. Before you quit your job, I would figure out what skills you already have that could be translated to freelance or remote work. (Can you write? Edit? Build websites? Design awesome graphics?) And if you don't already have a skill that could potentially give you some location freedom, figure out if there's a way to cultivate one of these skills. Is there a night class you could take after work, or a weekend seminar, or even an online course?
At the end of the day, just remember that you are living YOUR life, and you know far better than anyone on the internet what will and won't work for your lifestyle (and hey, that applies to me, too!).
If you don't feel the urge to quit your job and travel, don't. And don't let anyone make you feel bad about it.
Because the truth is that you can absolutely have a 9-to-5 job and still enjoy traveling the world.
READ NEXT: 10 Tips for How to Travel More with Limited Vacation Time
What do you think? Do you think there's pressure to either have a job OR travel the world?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I loved this post. It spoke directly to my heart. I’ve always wanted that nomadic lifestyle, but I know I don’t want to give up my 9-5 job either. Good job 🙂
I’m glad it spoke to you, Crystal! You certainly don’t have to be nomadic in order to be a traveler. 🙂
Thanks for this encouraging post! I am one of those people who wants to have a job and travel at the same time, so it’s nice to hear this from you! It’s not an all or nothing game, and no one needs to feel like they are “losing”!
Exactly! It doesn’t have to be either-or – and thank goodness, because I want both, too!
Thanks for this article! I get 10 days vacation per year so I always dream about quitting to travel at my leisure. But it’s nice to be reminded that I can still travel with the job that I do have.
I thought about the quote from Saint Augustine and it doesn’t bother me, actually. I read it more as gently reminding people that there are many perspectives in the world and by not traveling, you see only what’s in your own little bubble in the world. I do think it would be really beneficial if everyone gets the chance to explore other cultures and meet people of other backgrounds. You know, seeing the world with their own eyes instead of through the lens of the media. It might foster more understanding and empathy. But I do agree that it’s silly and mistaken to look down on someone for not wanting to travel.
I would love it if everyone in the world could travel somewhere different than where they grew up – travel absolutely is beneficial, especially when it comes to smashing stereotypes about places and people. BUT, it’s not realistic for everyone, and I don’t think anyone should feel like they’re missing out if they can’t afford to travel to the other side of the world!
I love this article! I myself just started a travel blog because I love traveling. But I still work and so does my husband. We wouldn’t be able to travel full time and that’s ok. As long as we still travel when we can. I’d love it if you would follow me on Bloglovin’!
It certainly doesn’t have to be all or nothing – full-time travel doesn’t work for everyone!
I love that you point out that what be good for one person isn’t that good for another. I romanticize the idea of full time travel, even now with kids. But the truth is that hotel rooms are usually not designed with kids in mind, so that part isn’t relaxing or fun at all.
However, sometimes B&Bs are pretty awesome. I stayed at a great place in Vermilion, Ohio, which is another underrated neat place to visit. My kids loved Lake Erie.
Also, I really wanted to go on a grand beach vacation, but money was tight last year. Vermilion really hit the mark for us. It was closer and cheaper! I’m sure every place has hidden gems.
Every place DOES have hidden gems! (And I love Lake Erie, too – have you been up to Sandusky? That’s one of my favorites on the lake.)
I’ve been to Cedar Point, but I haven’t spent any time in Sandusky. I’m realizing all the little gems I haven’t gotten around to seeing now that I’m moving out of the country!
Sandusky is having a bit of a renaissance at the moment – lots of cool things to do there now!
I completely agree with your post. I love my 8 to 6 job (I keep Fridays off so I can travel long weekends) and I also love travel. I personally find it easy to combine both. I actually prefer doing both because I like to separate my hobbies from my work so that my hobbies remain fun 🙂 I certainly don’t want my travels to feel like a chore.
That’s so smart! Travel is more or less my job these days, but I understand what you mean about not wanting to turn something you love into something you no longer enjoy. Thankfully I still love what I do. But if that ever changes, I have nothing against getting a (flexible) “real” job again in order to keep loving travel.
I think it’s rather unrealistic for most of the people to quit their job and just travel. it costs a lot plus not everyone’s job is suitable for remote work
Exactly! And I like to be as realistic as I can be on this ol’ blog of mine. 🙂
I’ve had mixed feelings about some of the options people mention in terms of remote work. I have a “9-5” job and I’ve managed to travel more than a lot of others. Sometimes even your employer will work with you in terms of allowing you some time off in-between projects or something. I don’t love fully-remote although it seems I”m going that way regardless as I do love having coworkers and some structure and of course the ability to network with people even internally for other opportunities.
So true – sometimes you just have to work up the courage to ask your boss about the possibilities. Some jobs can be much more flexible than most people think!
It was so good to read this post! That’s why we like your blog so much – you show how to find balance between travel and everyday life. We are passionate travelers but we also couldn’t think of giving up on our home and our jobs. Travelling is a very good thing and coming back to our sweet home is also good, and when we can mix these things perfectly that’s happiness 😀 – that’s how we feel.
Sometimes we feel the pressure of becoming a full-time traveler – it seems like it’s the new norm and having a home and a job could only be part of a boring life – but as we come to think of it, actually, most of our favorite travel bloggers are not full-time nomads. Not that being one would be bad. But it’s not the point and we believe there’s no ultimate way to happiness. Everyone can find their own way though. 🙂
Traveling full-time is a lot of work and sometimes very stressful. I actually think you find that even full-time travelers eventually slow down or settle down in some way – it’s not a lifestyle that’s sustainable for everyone! But I’ve always been of the opinion that there’s no “wrong” way to travel, as long as it works for you.
I think life is all about balance and I feel we have found our perfect balance between travel, pursuing creative endeavors and having a home life in San Diego.
For us, it’s more important to own a business or work for an employer which allows us to have enough time to travel than to limit the other aspects of our lives. Scott enjoys the steady paycheck of working for someone else and I personally have always loved working for myself, supplementing my income with very flexible part-time work.
It’s great that you’ve found that balance! Me and my partner are similar – he likes the security of his corporate job, and I love the freedom of working for myself and being able to travel more frequently!
I tried both of these (a full time corporate job and full-time traveling with a remote job) and neither worked out for me…now I’m what I call a serial expat 🙂 I live abroad and work non-remote jobs in that place – right now I’m teaching English in Japan. I love the experiences I get living like a local by staying in places for years instead of days, but it does come at a price – I think I traveled MORE when I had a corporate job, because I had a higher salary and more disposable income! But you are right – people need to find what works best for them and it’s not the same for everyone.
Excellent example of how one travel style definitely doesn’t fit all! It sounds like you’ve found a great alternative to both options, though!
Great points! I feel like people get so judgy about this when they’ve left behind the 9-5, but there are definitely perks – health insurance, paid vacation, free bagels 🙂 (Although I’m leaving mine behind in 4 months, haha!) Also, set your priorities – you can earn way more than 2 weeks vacation a year if travel is important but you still want a steady gig. I earn 4 weeks a year, plus another week of personal/sick time. Government jobs and teaching seem to get a lot more paid holidays than the rest of us, too!
All such great points! But I agree – I hate when “digital nomads” look down upon people who haven’t decided to follow the same path for whatever reason!
I feel like bragging will make my job magically disappear… but as a teaching assistant at an independent school, I get almost ten weeks off each year. This is the first year I’m in this position (full-time employee *with* summers off) and I’m planning to celebrate with a couple of two-week trips this summer!
That’s awesome – I think celebrating with travel is definitely in order!
Ha the benefit of working at a school. Hope you have a great school year and a wonderful travel experience.
I love this article! Very honest and refreshing as well. I think I feel the same as you – I love traveling, but I also just love short trips and coming home. I don’t think I’d be good at traveling full time either, it’s nice to recharge at home. Nowadays it feels like you should really be a digital nomad and on the road all the time but I agree with you – it’s not for everyone. Definitely not for me!
Great tips as well 🙂 I love exploring cities in my own (tiny) country as well!
Exactly – it’s just not for everyone (either lifestyle-wise, or financially). And that’s fine! I love the balance I’ve struck between traveling and being at home!
This is awesome but i’d still prefer not to have my job and to travel. I think I could be happy blogging or doing something else.
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
I’m sure plenty of people would agree! Maybe you’ll have to pursue that at some point and see. 🙂
Totally agree with you Kirsten! I quit & traveled for 3 years without selling anything & not working. I took trips every month vs. being on the road. I believe the people who want to quit want more freedom in their lives. Also, there is a difference between working remotely and just taking vacations….you are still working. But, it is an individual choice. Glad I quit & went on my sabbatical.
It’s absolutely an individual choice! And yes, working remotely definitely does not equal just going on vacation, no matter what some of my friends and family seem to believe. 😉
Thank you for writing this article! As much as I’d love to quit my job and travel, I also love the stability of my career that I went to college for and worked really hard to get. It also easily funds my trips that I want to take. I just wish America was nicer to us with vacation time! C’est la vie!
Ugh, I know, I wish the US was more generous! But I totally understand where you’re coming from – having a solid career that can fund your travel is awesome!
I agree! I get so envious when I hear about the Australians who save up their vacation time for 2 years and then use all 6 weeks at once every two years. What a dream!
I thank you for thoughts. I want to travel more. As a retired teacher with a pension I could drop everything and just go. I’ve read many travel blogs about planning for long term travel. But it is just not for me after a few weeks of being away I am ready to return home. Then I start thinking of were to go next. The planning in the comfort of home is half the joy.
And that’s totally fine! I, too, love coming home in between trips and having time to plan my next one!