Comments on: Notes from the Home Front: On Dealing with Doubters

By: Steph

Steph — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:14:48 +0000

This is a really good point. The “you’d quit your job?!?!” shock is often followed by the “you’re going alone!??!” exclamations. It’s becoming rather tiresome. Only thing for it is to prove them wrong.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:49:35 +0000

The kinds of “doubters” that bother me aren’t the ones who couldn’t imagine quitting their crappy jobs. It’s the ones who can’t imagine that a young woman could possibly take care of herself and keep herself safe during an extended trip abroad.

When I tell people that my goal is to get a one way ticket to Panama and try to make it home to Wisconsin without setting foot on an airplane, the usual response is, “You’re crazy! You’ll probably end up getting raped and killed!”

This kind of negativity not only perpetuates a false stereotype regarding the safety of other countries, but also supports the notion that traveling solo as a young woman is impossible. It’s not! and I’m going to prove it, to myself and to my “doubters.”

As for jobs… my motto is “if you wouldn’t care if you got fired tomorrow, it’s time to quit today.” Personally, I love my job and I’m still willing to give it up for travel. They’re supportive of my dreams and just want me to have a great time. Plus, I know that when I get back I’ll have a great job waiting for me.

By: Abbie

Abbie — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:04:27 +0000

Screw the doubters! Some people just don’t get it…

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:09:32 +0000

And start new travel blogs.

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:04:21 +0000

I’m thinking I need to write another post on travel and American expectations. We clearly differ from a lot of countries in our attitudes towards the unconventional.

By: Becs

Becs — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:47:19 +0000

this post def. hits home for nearly all americans who want to travel long term. my parents didn’t believe i was going until i bought my ticket.

when i let my manager know i was leaving my job and what i was going to do, she was super supportive (she’s british, so she understood) but the question i got most from people is, aren’t you scared??? i didn’t even think twice about this question until people kept asking me. why would i be scared?

By: Steph

Steph — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:43:26 +0000

exactly! live and let live.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:01:21 +0000

Great points Stephanie. It’s a completely different mindset and you’re exactly right about how to approach the naysayers. I don’t argue with people’s decision to have children/choose a certain career/etc…Traveling is a lifestyle choice.
Nancy´s last blog ..House vs. Globe: The Vagabond/Homeowner Crisis

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:48:14 +0000

I think that learning to ignore other people’s opinions can be so important!

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:47:45 +0000

excellent point Anil!

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:47:09 +0000

Again, I think some of that is a cultural difference. From my experiences living in the UK people were much more accepting of the travel lifestyle.

But I do count myself lucky to have supportive parents!

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:44:55 +0000

haha that is what I keep saying about the recession as well. at least I HOPE that’s how it works out!

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:44:27 +0000

Living at home is one of the best ways to save money for travel, good luck!

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:43:59 +0000

I think a lot of the hostility must be jealousy as well.

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:43:38 +0000

You know I did the exact same thing and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I think that in general you know what’s better for yourself then anyone else.

By: Steph

Steph — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:57:25 +0000

This post seriously hit home! I’ve had doubters at my beck and call for the last several years. It’s hardest when they also happen to be your own relatives – mine tend to the polite smile and nod, with the naysaying wheels turning around inside their heads. I’ve learned to let their whispers go in through one ear and out the other.

By: Jake

Jake — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:58:37 +0000

It is definitely more accepted here in Australia, you do get the odd person who questions but for the most part though, whilst there are people who would never commit to long term travel most Australians would understand the adventure side of it.

There are lots of us abroad, I’ve always wondered why that was the case.
Jake´s last blog ..Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010

By: Anil

Anil — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:15:21 +0000

The crazier people think my ideas are the more I think I’m on to something.

By: Sean and Thom

Sean and Thom — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 07:21:24 +0000

Hey Steph,

great article. We’ve been really lucky it would seem and haven’t had any discouragement from anyone. For me personally I know that my family are happy that I have my current job bit know that it doesn’t make me happy and that this trip we make this year and what we do next will make me happy.

Also, suspect *this* is why my parents were so keen for me to have good schools; so that this kind of choice was a possibility

bit difficult to shake that foundation if you bump into doubters. Thanks mum and dad!

Sean
Sean and Thom´s last blog ..Want to do something absolutely potty in California?

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:10:16 +0000

When we were telling everyone about our year away, most were very supportive. Because really, why do we go to work each morning? Do we work to live, or live to work? In Canada at least, we work so we can do things that we want to do.

The bright side of leaving a country when there’s a recession going on, is odds are it won’t still be going on when you get back! Leaving to go traveling has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Scott´s last blog ..Furry Friday #8 – A Foxy Brand Whore!