[mathteacher1729]

> For anyone that doesn't understand that statement, I recommend taking a few years off work, where you spend your time getting up early every day, doing something all day (hiking, walking, gardening, building, whatever) and go to bed late in the evening (i.e. Full days of activities you want to be doing). I spent 2 years doing this [...]

How did you afford this, financially? What was the before/during/after story of how you organized life to do this?

Suddenly up and leaving my job and financial obligations (of which I have few), for a period of a year or two and then resuming where I'd left off does not seem even remotely feasible.

[grecy]

I saved for ~18 months, then spent two years driving from Alaska to Argentina, because I wanted to.

I blogged the whole time at http://theroadchoseme.com

All the financial details are at http://theroadchoseme.com/the-price-of-adventure

You'll be interested to note I only spent $1200/mo on the road, which is almost exactly what I was spending month-to-month to go to work every day.

I'm currently back working as a Software Engineer, saving for the next adventure. This time I plan on saving up enough money, and maybe contracting a day every two weeks, that I can go traveling for at least 4-6 years next time. Current estimated departure is spring or fall 2014.

I'm extremely passionate about helping/encouraging other people to do the same thing. If you have any more questions, or I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me (here, my blog, email, whatever)

[pc86]

Are you a full time employee?

I'd be interested in knowing what your current employer thinks about you have a scheduled departure date that far in the future.

[grecy]

Yep. They don't know I plan to leave.

As I said elsewhere, they have fired a lot of loyal people in last ~18 months, so I have no problem with leaving. We're all free to leave anytime we want, be if for a different position, start our own business, or to go traveling, or anything at all.

[elbear]

Nice. I'm more or less in the same boat in that I'm trying to save some money but don't want to spend so much time working to do it. The problem is that most companies are looking for long-term employees, so it's more difficult to find something on a shorter term.

[grecy]

What's wrong with signing on as a full-time employee then quitting a few years later?

My company has fired many loyal full-time employees in the last 18 months with very minimal notice, so I feel no compunction about doing the same.

[elbear]

There's nothing wrong with it per se, but I'm not thinking of spending years with a company, because I want to start travelling sooner. Last time the discussion came up with a company, they said they were looking for someone for at least 2 to 4 years, and I couldn't lie to them and tell them I would stay that long.

[grecy]

> and I couldn't lie to them and tell them I would stay that long.

That's a choice you have to make.

Keep in mind, even when they say they are looking for someone for at least 2 to 4 years, they'll fire you with zero notice if it makes sense to their bottom line.

If there is nothing in writing, you are not bound to them any more than they are to you. Circumstances change, and you need to do what's right for you.

[elbear]

Yeah, I should think more like that.

[zwass]

Hey Dan, I couldn't find any contact info here or on your blog. I have some specific questions I'd like to ask about your trip and the aftermath. Could you please contact me?

[e-mail]

Thanks!

[mathteacher1729]

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this info, I honestly was not expecting such a detailed and thorough reply!

[toomuchtodo]

It's awesome to run into you on HN. I'm building travel plans based on your blog postings!

[grecy]

Nice! You'll find my side project, http://wikioverland.org extremely useful.

If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to contact me!

[toomuchtodo]

Thank you! I actually found your blog because I stumbled upon wikioverland.org; I plan on doing the Pan American Highway route.

I'll definitely get in touch!