BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi all.

My name is Rachel, I am 23. Prior to finding the Corporate Wasteland forum on Tuesday, I just believed I was an unmotivated slacker destined for failure and a one-continent existence. Then I found you all and I rejoiced with myself in my alotted space at work: "They're like me. I belong here."

I've been struggling with the reality that my youth will be wasted in an office and I might get to see some of the world when I'm 50 (if I'm very, very lucky and can manage to stay in a job long enough to accumulate something like a retirement fund). I refused to accept it, and I was afraid all my values were slipping, eventually I realized I was going to have to suck it up and submit to the daily grind like so many before me, including my father, who has slaved for irresponsible, greedy corporations for close to 40 years. I know I've been brainwashed by the "corporate ladder hype." In college I couldn't wait to don my suit and look important and work 60 hours a week. But, I ended up staying in my native East Texas region, instead of moving to Dallas, Houston, or anywhere. That choice (although it has allowed me to stay close to my family, whom I adore) has resulted in two very unsatisfying jobs. The first one was in journalism, but very corporate. The current one is not a corporate setting, but is not very forward-thinking. They are wonderful people to work for, but it's an hour commute, not fantastic money, and I just don't enjoy the job in general. I am hoping to find something I am more passionate about, you know what they say "find something you love, and you'll never work another day." I would like to try and find something that involves travel, or at least a position offering more vacation time, definitely a flex-time or telecommute program, and a company supportive, even encouraging, of taking time off to travel and expand the mind. Humans, at least this one, learn by experiencing!!

Anyways, I am hoping to travel, travel, travel as much as I can while I'm young enough to run, skip, jump, hike, swim, sleep under trees if necessary, and eat food of questionable origins before my heredirary acid refulx catches up with me. I know starting here I will get some great ideas, support and inspiration.

Bon voyage!

Welcome aboard!

Yay Rachel!! Welcome to the world...I mean, the forum. It's funny, how Matrix-like the workplace can be. But not everyone is cut out for the cubicle. Don't deny your adventurous self...get out there and see the world!!

Where to first?

Hmm...I just realized that my title is perfectly in sync with my screen name.

Well or...
You could take that job you enjoy and in your secret meantime just save up doe. Then after a while...take a leave. You'd be suprised how many companies will allow that. and even if they dont then you can just quit and go travel around for a few months.
After you've had a job for a while and have resume cred. taking 4-6-9 months off isnt a huge deal. I took about 6 months off in early 2006 and when I got back in july I landed another job within the week.
i also just got back from spending another 6 months abroad and have another job, which i start tomarrow. as long as you are honest and positive with the way you spin your story most employers are cool about it.

So never fret. Work a year or 2. i worked 4 but that's because it took a long time to save up. Either way, you'll get your travel. just stay focused on your goals.

Hey, thanks everyone.

Girlgoesglobal - I am headed to NYC next month, but my first big trip is to France/Spain in June 2008. And, I would love, love, love to spend a year or so in South America, especially Argentina.

I am actually considering taking a sebatical of sorts. Some stuff hit the fan over the weekend, I'm just so unhappy where I am, I can't even focus on finding something else that I'm passionate about - I just want something else...period. I'm scared I will take the first new job that comes along and then be in the same place I am now in six month's time. Anyways, I'm thinking of resigning, ummm today, and going to work at a non-profit in my community (this job has always been there for me). I know I would find the work more fulfilling and it would be clarifying for me, but I'll be taking a 50% pay cut. I'm not sure I can pay my bills with that, let alone save for travel. Hopefully, out of all the applications I have out right now, something would pop up in a few weeks.

Any advice? Am I being totally irresponsible?

Ha - I'm replying to myself. I went ahead and resigned today. Headed for non-profit work.

Congrats! It's great to take a step toward self betterment, isn't it?!

Yay you!! Ok, obviously, you knew what the right choice was. Sometimes, it's not about following the money. It's about following your heart. A nonprofit is a great way to pursue your passion...the money will follow. If you absolutely need to get some savings going, look into PT work, freelance work, etc. Even if it's just working at the mall over Christmas (totally sucks, but I did it to save money to move to NYC...and here I am!)

And no, I don't think it's irresponsible to follow your dreams. I think it's irresponsible to sacrifice life for money.

When will you be in my little town (meaning, Manhattan)?

Girlgoesglobal - I will be there Aug. 15-20. And, I
have been toying with the idea of freelance writing, I just haven't had the time to really (and honestly) pursue
it. I hated responding to job boards on company time.

Thanks for the words of wisdom - I was nervous
yesterday, but now that it's done, I know I made the
right choice - I'm almost giddy.

How long have you lived in Manhattan?

Welcome Rachel,

I'm sure you'll find the people here very helpful and enthusiastic just like I did

Now start the journey

quote:

Originally posted by racheld:
Girlgoesglobal - I will be there Aug. 15-20. And, I
have been toying with the idea of freelance writing, I just haven't had the time to really (and honestly) pursue
it. I hated responding to job boards on company time.

Thanks for the words of wisdom - I was nervous
yesterday, but now that it's done, I know I made the
right choice - I'm almost giddy.

How long have you lived in Manhattan?

I'm glad you've settled into your decision! Sometimes, making the jump is really scary, but once it's done, you can't remember why you were scared in the first place! I hope you have a blast in New York! I've lived here for 2 years, but it's been a dream of mine to live here since I was a teenager. This city is amazing and feels almost like a living, breathing being. Have you been here before? Where are you staying?

I know there have been threads in the past for ways to make money to save up for traveling, but since you took a paycut, and a significant one, I might add, you'll need to look into alternative ways to make money. Part time jobs, like waitressing can be fairly lucrative. I enjoy participating in focus groups - just do a google search for them, but they pay about $50 per hour for your opinion. It's pretty effortless and kind of fun to see what new products are on the market. Granted... it's easiest to get these opportunities in larger cities.

Now, as for the traveling thing, if it's really what you want to do - and you don't have a job tying you down, you can do it. Teaching English abroad is a great opportunity, as is traveling and staying in a place to earn enough cash to move on to the next location.

I work a corporate job, but quit my 1st job out of college after a year and a half and went traveling for a couple of months. I easily found a new job 1 month after my return. Now - my resume looks seemless - it's all a matter of putting only years as dates, and not months too. As Prisa said, you can pretty much do whatever you want - just make sure you have a good story to tell potential employers. And in all honesty, most think it's pretty amazing when you tell them you took some time to travel - most are jealous!

Good luck!

My first post....and I feel like I am at a A.A. meeting somewhere...
I am so glad you quit. Reading your post almost made me quit MY job. I really feel like this website (I found it this week) has saved my life. Maybe I am not in a position to go now...so go for me and others. Life is now...