A fresh start and living a simple life...

[PropThePolecat]

Jordan, why are you viewing your choices in such sharp contrast? Life isnt black or white, it comes in endless shades of grey too.

Get a job you like, cut down on the spending, save some cash and take some months off every year to do what you like. I know a fellow colleague at my job, who takes 4 months off every winter and heads to Spain. He then comes back in the spring and picks up where he left.

I know a carpenter who works his ass of 6 months of the year, saving up money, so he can spend the remaining 6 months chilling in Cambodia.

Ive heard of entire families, who quit their jobs, sell their home, decide to home-school the kids and set out to circumnavigate the world in their sailboats.

The list goes on and on, nothing is impossible...The world is full of people who realise their dreams, without leaving the rest of the society behind for good. It sounds to me as if youre grieveing. Take some time so you (and your bank account) can get over the divorce. The world will still be here waiting for you.

 

[RATlover]

Theres no doubt that there is extremely intellectual people on this forum. Just by reading this thread, its easy to see. At the same time, NOBODY knows what you want or needs other than yourself.
Take a week off and reflect. Just reflect... The good, the bad, happy and sad. Just Look at what made you happy. Then pursue.
Its easy to say that I know what your going through, but i dont. Nobody does.
To tell you the truth, I would take all the advice on this thread and read it over and over again. Then Make your decision.
Theres no reason why you shouldnt be happy with your life. If it means packing up and taking off, getting away from something thats hurt you in the past, GO FOR IT!
No right, no wrong. Just decisions...

Look into whats made you happy in the past. Become what will make you happy in the future.


All you gotta' do is DO! Dont be afraid..:thumbup:

 

[Mark J]

...After seeing him, I realize that nobody ever ends up on their death bed wishing they worked more. Quite the opposite, most times. ...
JGON

I understand what you're saying. I'm in the category of folks who couldn't do what you're proposing no matter how much I sometimes want to get away from all the craziness. I would also suggest looking at other jobs. If you find one that you're truly passionate about that is in line with your values and helps others, I think you might get much more satisfaction in your life and not necessarily feel the need the escape your current situation. Just a suggesition... Whatever you decide - good luck.

- Mark

P.S. Like shockjockey24, I also live in MD, so now you have two places to resupply.

 

[hollowdweller]

If I continue on, I know what to expect. I will work 55 hours a week or so for the remainder of my natural life, most likely get a house in Southeastern WI with the woman I am currently seeing, be the financial provider for her and the family that will come after she bangs out a couple of my kids, and I will grow old without ever truly experiencing many of the things I would love to explore in the world.

Avoid having kids and your chances at freedom are GREATLY improved.

 

[JGON]

It seems the masses are torn on which direction to take, but regardless of the outcome, everyone is recommending one thing... time.

I'm staying put for now, everyone. I am venting now because my job has gotten a lot more stressful lately. I am a General Manager of a million dollar a year restaurant, and my boss is not a very nice lady, and I am working 6 days this last week, and today, on my only day off for the next ten days, I am at home while it's 87 freakin' degrees out doing administrative work that she is demanding by the end of day today.

It's just sooooo tempting to make a quick decision to say "F YOU" and go grab my kayak and my hammock and take off... but I won't do that. I am more disciplined than that. The problem is that I've been doing this for so long that I can see my life passing me by.

I'm not going to be 28 forever.

Jordan

 

[trailbum]

Enjoy the time you have off, make the most of it.

 

[hollowdweller]

It seems the masses are torn on which direction to take, but regardless of the outcome, everyone is recommending one thing... time.

I'm staying put for now, everyone. I am venting now because my job has gotten a lot more stressful lately. I am a General Manager of a million dollar a year restaurant, and my boss is not a very nice lady, and I am working 6 days this last week, and today, on my only day off for the next ten days, I am at home while it's 87 freakin' degrees out doing administrative work that she is demanding by the end of day today.

It's just sooooo tempting to make a quick decision to say "F YOU" and go grab my kayak and my hammock and take off... but I won't do that. I am more disciplined than that. The problem is that I've been doing this for so long that I can see my life passing me by.

I'm not going to be 28 forever.

Jordan

restaurant work is TOUGH. And the hours SUCK.

I have a buddy who is a manager and he can never take off to go hiking or anything.

 

[Bo T]

Isn't there a lot of lateral mobility in the food service sector? Being a GM my guess is that you are very familiar with the business. If you took 9 months to get your affairs in order and a detailed resume you could probably land a summer job in one of the national parks next year. Stash a few grand as a parachute. Take a month or more off before the season starts, take a month or more off after the season ends. Re evaluate your options. Optionally, ask for an additional 6 weeks of unpaid leave a year.

 

[stabman]

You need a career that you love, whatever that might be.

Not really...as long as you don't entirely hate it, it's good enough.
People get too hung up on wanting the perfect career I think.
Perhaps the words of wisdom from the previous generation of "suck it up!" need to be heard more often.

 

[ishiyumisan]

@Jordan how many languages ​​do you speak? Why u complain so much about your life? what's your plan? do u ever lived in a poor country before? Remember that human being regret they own decisions to late. I left my country when I was 18 & to master more than one language was very hard.