I worked at an entertainment PR firm as an assistant to a man who had Kim Kardashian’s phone number in his address book for my first full-time job after college. In the beginning, the 10-hour minimum workdays, skipped lunch breaks, and entry-level pay (just enough to keep me above the poverty line) were well worth it because I always returned home with a thrilling new story.
5 WAYS TO QUIT YOUR JOB (AND TRAVEL)
Why you might consider quitting your job to travel
A major decision that could have an impact on both your personal life and long-term career path is quitting your job to travel. You might decide to go on a trip to help you find more purpose in life or to pick up new skills you can use in your career. Additionally, by traveling, you can broaden your perspective on various cultures, which is something that many employers value.
How to quit your job and travel
Eight steps are provided below to help you quit your job and travel:
1. Self-reflect
When you think you want to resign and go on vacation, the first thing to do is to think about why. If you want a change, you might be able to look for a smaller-scale transition, like getting a new job or switching industries. If it is possible in your line of work, you might also consider taking a longer vacation or sabbatical. Take into account all of your options and potential outcomes, including potential income changes and long-term objectives.
You can also discuss your decision to travel with a friend or member of your family. Discuss some specific reasons, like:
The person you speak with may offer fresh insight and reliable criticism regarding your choice.
2. Notify your employer
When you decide to quit your job and go on vacation, try to give your employer plenty of notice. Maintaining a good relationship with your employer by leaving on time and in a professional manner can help you in the future. If you depart amicably, you might have the chance to work with that organization again or you might be able to use them as a reference for other job openings.
Be confident and direct about why youre quitting your job. Respond to any inquiries that your employer may have and then submit a formal resignation letter so that they can add it to their records of employment. You can inform your coworkers and clients of your resignation after informing your employer.
To help your business through the transition, give yourself plenty of time to complete any ongoing projects. If you have time to do so before you leave, you could also offer to train your replacement.
3. Be honest with friends and family
When you’re away, your friends and family can act as a source of support for you. Give anyone who might be impacted by your absence as many details as you can Provide information like:
If anything changes, let your family and friends know right away so you can stay in touch while traveling.
4. Plan the details
You’ll probably need to plan your actual itinerary as you prepare for your trip, as well as a few things at home. Your mail may need to be held by the post office or forwarded to a different address. Think about asking a friend or family member to periodically check on your house or apartment, and decide whether you want to keep your utilities on.
Investigate any potential visa requirements when organizing your trip, and make sure to apply for one in advance. To better communicate with locals and locate landmarks, try learning a few basic phrases in their language. Consider getting a new SIM card for your phone or speaking with your provider about an international data plan if you intend to stay in one location for longer than a week or two.
5. Strategically budget
A crucial step in the planning process is creating a reasonable budget, especially if you don’t intend to work while traveling. Consider your savings as well as the average cost of living in the places you want to visit when making your budget. You might want to include the following items in your budget:
6. Consider work opportunities
You might think about working part-time or remotely if you need to supplement your income or if you intend to travel for a long time. Wherever you are traveling, there might be a variety of physical jobs available, such as:
If you plan to move around a lot, working remotely can give you a lot of flexibility. Here are some remote jobs you could try:
7. Set goals for when you return
To help you gain direction and focus when you get home, you might want to set some simple goals. Consider whether you would like to return to your current position or investigate a new career based on what you learned while traveling. If you didn’t work while you were traveling, update your resume to reflect the career gap. To make your justification for taking time off clear to hiring managers, add an objective or summary.
Think about keeping a written or video journal of your travels that you can use as a portfolio of your experiences to show prospective employers. Additionally, it’s crucial to be open and sincere with potential employers about your reasons for leaving your previous job and the reasons you value gaining new professional experience.
FAQ
How much money do I need to quit my job and travel?
For a year-long trip, she advises saving up at least $20,000 per person as a precaution. Even if you intend to stay away from pricey locations, err on the side of financial caution or you’ll have to return home earlier.
How do I quit my job and start traveling?
- Join a volunteer organization. …
- Teach English. …
- Find a source of mobile income. …
- Start an online business. …
- Convince your company to let you work remotely. …
- Get transferred overseas. …
- Find odd jobs as you travel. …
- Work on a cruise or for an airline.
How do I leave everything and travel?
- STOP DREAMING OF THE DAY YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE. “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; .
- FOCUS ON YOUR GOALS (AND TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY) …
- CHANGE YOUR VALUES AND LEARN TO LIVE FRUGALLY. …
- QUIT YOUR JOB. …
- MAKE A CHECK LIST BEFORE YOU GO. …
- HIT THE ROAD (OR HOP ON A PLANE) …
- LEARN NEW THINGS. …
- COMING BACK…
How can I travel the world without quitting my job?
- Take Advantage of Weekends. …
- Use Festive Holidays for Trips. …
- ALWAYS Use Your Vacation Days. …
- Add Vacation Days to Long Weekends and Holidays. …
- Extend Work Trips. …
- Negotiate for More Days Off. …
- Always Do Your Best Work. …
- Discuss Flexible Scheduling.
