Comments on: It’s All a Crap Shoot Really http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/ Why Wait to See the World? Tue, 22 May 2012 15:35:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Patrick Hearn http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-15918 Patrick Hearn Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:44:54 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-15918 Well, I'm sure you've heard the quote by Mark Twain so many times you are sick of it, but there is a reason for that - even though this comment is three years late, I still believe it's better to go and live your life your way instead of following what is standard. As someone else said, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than you did, and if you've ever dreamed of something but failed to follow through on those dreams, then you most certainly will regret that. Well, I’m sure you’ve heard the quote by Mark Twain so many times you are sick of it, but there is a reason for that – even though this comment is three years late, I still believe it’s better to go and live your life your way instead of following what is standard. As someone else said, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than you did, and if you’ve ever dreamed of something but failed to follow through on those dreams, then you most certainly will regret that.

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-10580 Steph Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:55:04 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-10580 Yeah, there comes a point where you just have to pursue what makes you happy. Yeah, there comes a point where you just have to pursue what makes you happy.

]]> By: Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-10506 Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:01:34 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-10506 I thought I would travel for a year RTW and come home ready to settle down and get back into the office. It was the polar opposite. I did enjoy being home and not moving around for a while. But on my 3rd month home now, I'm ready to leave again. And highly motivated to create my own work and own income that does not involve being in a large company, stuffed up in an office. Preach it! There is NO judges when you hit the age of 30. I have to keep telling myself that now that I've heard it. Only a few years away from that :S I thought I would travel for a year RTW and come home ready to settle down and get back into the office. It was the polar opposite. I did enjoy being home and not moving around for a while. But on my 3rd month home now, I’m ready to leave again. And highly motivated to create my own work and own income that does not involve being in a large company, stuffed up in an office.
Preach it! There is NO judges when you hit the age of 30. I have to keep telling myself that now that I’ve heard it. Only a few years away from that :S

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-6368 Steph Mon, 11 Oct 2010 01:16:13 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-6368 I am also turning 26 on the road- in a couple of weeks!I also get the "what will you do after" question a lot and I usually just shrug. Who knows who I will be by then or what my plans will be. I think people are just looking for a context to fit us in and travel for the sake of travel doesn't work for that. I am also turning 26 on the road- in a couple of weeks!I also get the “what will you do after” question a lot and I usually just shrug. Who knows who I will be by then or what my plans will be. I think people are just looking for a context to fit us in and travel for the sake of travel doesn’t work for that.

]]> By: Jaime http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-6350 Jaime Fri, 08 Oct 2010 01:02:17 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-6350 Stephanie I absolutely love this post. It is great and well written. I just finished reading all the comments and I had to ask myself wait how old am I??? It seems like everyone is in the mid-twenties. I am 24 will be 25 in Feb so I will be turning 26 on the road. I think the thing that scares a lot of people is the future. People have the tendency to NEED a path that they think they MUST follow. Its like we must know where we are going to be in a year or 2 or 5. Instead of living in the moment we spend our time plotting a future that we dont even know will happen. When I tell people I am planning my RTW trip 1 of the 1st questions they ask is: What are you going to do when you back? I look at them crazy, I have no damn idea and its something I am not worried about. It just puzzles me that people cling to what they are used to and are scared to go off the norm a bit. Stephanie I absolutely love this post. It is great and well written. I just finished reading all the comments and I had to ask myself wait how old am I??? It seems like everyone is in the mid-twenties. I am 24 will be 25 in Feb so I will be turning 26 on the road.

I think the thing that scares a lot of people is the future. People have the tendency to NEED a path that they think they MUST follow. Its like we must know where we are going to be in a year or 2 or 5. Instead of living in the moment we spend our time plotting a future that we dont even know will happen.

When I tell people I am planning my RTW trip 1 of the 1st questions they ask is: What are you going to do when you back? I look at them crazy, I have no damn idea and its something I am not worried about. It just puzzles me that people cling to what they are used to and are scared to go off the norm a bit.

]]> By: Kelsey http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-2131 Kelsey Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:11:00 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-2131 "People tend to ask my advice a lot. I think that is great but it also perplexes me. I’m twenty-five, single, I don’t like my job and I sleep in my childhood bedroom. Does that sound like someone who has it all figured out? In reality I am just a girl with a tirelessly upbeat attitude, a lot of big ideas and either enough luck, willpower or blind stupidity to make them work." That pretty much sums up my experience as well. People ask me for advice all the time and talk about how they'd love to live the life I do, but...I guess I never really see it that way. I'm 26 with a crap resume, no car, about $5k of debt, and a job picking up dog poo. Yes, I've done cool things in the past, and I will continue to do cool things in the future, but it always kind of boggles my mind when someone asks me how they can "be more like [me]". .-= Kelsey´s last blog ..<a href="http://www.driftingfocus.com/blogs/?p=6600" rel="nofollow">Laptop Death!</a> =-. “People tend to ask my advice a lot. I think that is great but it also perplexes me. I’m twenty-five, single, I don’t like my job and I sleep in my childhood bedroom. Does that sound like someone who has it all figured out? In reality I am just a girl with a tirelessly upbeat attitude, a lot of big ideas and either enough luck, willpower or blind stupidity to make them work.”

That pretty much sums up my experience as well. People ask me for advice all the time and talk about how they’d love to live the life I do, but…I guess I never really see it that way. I’m 26 with a crap resume, no car, about $5k of debt, and a job picking up dog poo. Yes, I’ve done cool things in the past, and I will continue to do cool things in the future, but it always kind of boggles my mind when someone asks me how they can “be more like [me]“.
.-= Kelsey´s last blog ..Laptop Death! =-.

]]> By: Inspiring Travel Monthly Roundup – Romance Edition | Sharing Travel Experiences: Travel More | Travel Concierge Services, Experiences, Recommendations, and Inspirational Stories http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1881 Inspiring Travel Monthly Roundup – Romance Edition | Sharing Travel Experiences: Travel More | Travel Concierge Services, Experiences, Recommendations, and Inspirational Stories Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:49:55 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1881 [...] Something Travel is having a serious discussion over on her site about not knowing how things are going to turn out. I think she pretty much sums it up perfectly with this line: The only things I can justify doing [...] [...] Something Travel is having a serious discussion over on her site about not knowing how things are going to turn out. I think she pretty much sums it up perfectly with this line: The only things I can justify doing [...]

]]> By: Earth Pilgrim | Sunday-Lifestyle | February 2010 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1798 Earth Pilgrim | Sunday-Lifestyle | February 2010 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:36:44 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1798 [...] talks about her 25 year old angst! My advice is, and I know she has heard it before, just do it! It’s All a Crap Shoot Really posted at Twenty-Something [...] [...] talks about her 25 year old angst! My advice is, and I know she has heard it before, just do it! It’s All a Crap Shoot Really posted at Twenty-Something [...]

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1075 Steph Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:05:04 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1075 It's a paradox. You want to be well prepared (financially, emotionally, whatever) but there's also that, totally valid, fear that if you keep putting it off it will never happen. I had a really hard time with that when I decided to postpone my travels for a year to save for money (I still have 9 months to go, which sucks). But I think if you keep working towards the goal, and putting money away, it's possible to stay on track. Thanks for posting Christine! It’s a paradox. You want to be well prepared (financially, emotionally, whatever) but there’s also that, totally valid, fear that if you keep putting it off it will never happen. I had a really hard time with that when I decided to postpone my travels for a year to save for money (I still have 9 months to go, which sucks). But I think if you keep working towards the goal, and putting money away, it’s possible to stay on track.

Thanks for posting Christine!

]]> By: Christine http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1072 Christine Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:27:12 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1072 I feel the exact same way! I graduated college in May and spent a few weeks backpacking through Europe this summer, but came back to a serious boyfriend and a great job in my field. Now that I'm single, I dream of quitting my job, putting my stuff in storage and moving to Paris (or Sydney, or Munich, or Tokyo...) and blogging. But I feel like I can't do that for another year or so--I'm not sure why exactly, but I feel some sense of obligation. Still, I feel like if I don't do it now (or, at least, soon!), I never will. I'm hoping that reading your blog will give me the inspiration and the resources to motivate me to buy a one-way plane ticket and start living. Thanks for this post--it's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I feel the exact same way! I graduated college in May and spent a few weeks backpacking through Europe this summer, but came back to a serious boyfriend and a great job in my field. Now that I’m single, I dream of quitting my job, putting my stuff in storage and moving to Paris (or Sydney, or Munich, or Tokyo…) and blogging. But I feel like I can’t do that for another year or so–I’m not sure why exactly, but I feel some sense of obligation. Still, I feel like if I don’t do it now (or, at least, soon!), I never will.
I’m hoping that reading your blog will give me the inspiration and the resources to motivate me to buy a one-way plane ticket and start living. Thanks for this post–it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1055 Steph Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:44:05 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1055 Thanks for adding your perspective Jodi! I really like that "it isn't running when you have nothing to run from." I try to be really honest with myself about what I'm doing and why I'm doing it, which is part of why I'm confident everything is going to work out as it should. Thanks for adding your perspective Jodi! I really like that “it isn’t running when you have nothing to run from.” I try to be really honest with myself about what I’m doing and why I’m doing it, which is part of why I’m confident everything is going to work out as it should.

]]> By: Legal Nomads http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1039 Legal Nomads Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:37:47 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1039 Hi Steph, I missed this thoughtful post as I was enroute to Thailand. Glad you started this discussion, and the comments are all insightful. I worked for in a traditional career (as a corporate lawyer) for 6 years and then quit to travel, and I turned 30 on the road this year. Though some family and friends thought I was running away, or wondered when "this travel thing will be out of your system", as the months bled into a year and now into almost 2, they've come to see the personal value in what I chose to do, and how it has made me a more multi-faceted, happier and calmer person. Also? They're jealous of all the good food I'm eating on the road. The bottom line is, as others have said, that people will judge because (sadly) it's what people tend to do, especially when they are not similarly inclined to give it all up. If you know that travel will fulfill something in you that your current situation does not, then go for it. It isn't running when you have nothing to run from. Hi Steph, I missed this thoughtful post as I was enroute to Thailand. Glad you started this discussion, and the comments are all insightful. I worked for in a traditional career (as a corporate lawyer) for 6 years and then quit to travel, and I turned 30 on the road this year. Though some family and friends thought I was running away, or wondered when “this travel thing will be out of your system”, as the months bled into a year and now into almost 2, they’ve come to see the personal value in what I chose to do, and how it has made me a more multi-faceted, happier and calmer person. Also? They’re jealous of all the good food I’m eating on the road.

The bottom line is, as others have said, that people will judge because (sadly) it’s what people tend to do, especially when they are not similarly inclined to give it all up. If you know that travel will fulfill something in you that your current situation does not, then go for it. It isn’t running when you have nothing to run from.

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1018 Steph Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:36:36 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1018 You know, I think people travel for a lot of different reasons and one of them is escape. But I think that most long term travelers have realized that you really can't run away from your problems, at least not for very long. Your emotions and issues follow you wherever you go, so it ends up not being a terribly satisfying motive. For many of the traveler's I've met traveling has been more about self-discovery than escape. I guess what I'm saying is that people whose primary motivation is to escape, either end up going home to face their problems, or their motivation ultimatly changes. For a long time travel was a really useful way for me to put off figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. Now, as you can see from the column above, I inadvertently figured out that what I want to do with my life IS travel. Anyone else have any input? You know, I think people travel for a lot of different reasons and one of them is escape. But I think that most long term travelers have realized that you really can’t run away from your problems, at least not for very long. Your emotions and issues follow you wherever you go, so it ends up not being a terribly satisfying motive.

For many of the traveler’s I’ve met traveling has been more about self-discovery than escape.

I guess what I’m saying is that people whose primary motivation is to escape, either end up going home to face their problems, or their motivation ultimatly changes. For a long time travel was a really useful way for me to put off figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. Now, as you can see from the column above, I inadvertently figured out that what I want to do with my life IS travel.

Anyone else have any input?

]]> By: Alex http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-1011 Alex Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:19:00 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-1011 Thought-provoking post, Stephanie. To play a little devil's advocate and to pose something that I've been thinking about once in a while, don't you guys think some of us travelers are, gulp, running away? Don't get me wrong, sometimes "running away" is not a bad thing; it leads to a broader understanding of the world, unique experiences, unexpected friendships, but other times it leads to drifting, drifting, drifting...and avoiding. A British lady I met in Argentina asked me point-blank, "What are you running away from?" She said it jokingly, but I soon learned that she was running away from a marriage gone awry and a job lost. What do you guys think of the whole notion of "running away?" If you're not guilty of it, have you met fellow travelers who are? -Alex .-= Alex´s last blog ..<a href="http://www.alexpollack.com/2008/11/teaching-english-in-bundang-south-korea.html" rel="nofollow">Teaching English and Living in Bundang, South Korea- Your FAQ Answered!</a> =-. Thought-provoking post, Stephanie. To play a little devil’s advocate and to pose something that I’ve been thinking about once in a while, don’t you guys think some of us travelers are, gulp, running away? Don’t get me wrong, sometimes “running away” is not a bad thing; it leads to a broader understanding of the world, unique experiences, unexpected friendships, but other times it leads to drifting, drifting, drifting…and avoiding. A British lady I met in Argentina asked me point-blank, “What are you running away from?” She said it jokingly, but I soon learned that she was running away from a marriage gone awry and a job lost. What do you guys think of the whole notion of “running away?” If you’re not guilty of it, have you met fellow travelers who are?

-Alex
.-= Alex´s last blog ..Teaching English and Living in Bundang, South Korea- Your FAQ Answered! =-.

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-998 Steph Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:21:00 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-998 We've got PLENTY of time before we are 30 still. I do tend to think that the people most antagonistic to the idea are the ones who don't have the guts to do it themselves. If you're content with your life choices then you don't need to judge others. We’ve got PLENTY of time before we are 30 still.

I do tend to think that the people most antagonistic to the idea are the ones who don’t have the guts to do it themselves. If you’re content with your life choices then you don’t need to judge others.

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-997 Steph Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:19:10 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-997 I'll be turning 26 abroad as well next fall- not sure where yet! I’ll be turning 26 abroad as well next fall- not sure where yet!

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-996 Steph Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:18:06 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-996 Yeah I think it's way too easy to get settled into the routine of life and let oppurtunities pass you by because you are "comfortable." Yeah I think it’s way too easy to get settled into the routine of life and let oppurtunities pass you by because you are “comfortable.”

]]> By: Candice http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-991 Candice Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:12:20 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-991 Ugh, so true. My family doesn't understand my urge to hit the road at all. I'm afraid that by the time I do hit my 30s, my priorities will be completely different and I'll want to be more settled. I don't want to look back later and wonder wtf I didn't get out there and MOVE. .-= Candice´s last blog ..<a href="http://www.candicedoestheworld.com/?p=132" rel="nofollow">The Weirdest Christmas Tradition Ever</a> =-. Ugh, so true. My family doesn’t understand my urge to hit the road at all. I’m afraid that by the time I do hit my 30s, my priorities will be completely different and I’ll want to be more settled. I don’t want to look back later and wonder wtf I didn’t get out there and MOVE.
.-= Candice´s last blog ..The Weirdest Christmas Tradition Ever =-.

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-986 Steph Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:46:24 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-986 I think we need a club for 25 year old travel bloggers. Seems to be a lot of us! The older I get the less I care what people thing, it's pretty liberating. I will be checking out those books, thanks! I think we need a club for 25 year old travel bloggers. Seems to be a lot of us!

The older I get the less I care what people thing, it’s pretty liberating.

I will be checking out those books, thanks!

]]> By: Steph http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2009/12/crap-shoot/#comment-985 Steph Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:45:29 +0000 http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/?p=1309#comment-985 I think the fact that I don't have any particular career field I'm really dedicated to has helped me put the whole thing off. Don't worry, I've been 25 for two months now and it's not so bad... I think the fact that I don’t have any particular career field I’m really dedicated to has helped me put the whole thing off.

Don’t worry, I’ve been 25 for two months now and it’s not so bad…

]]>