BootsnAll Travel Community

where do you guys go, what do you guys do when you're stuck in a [seemingly] perpetual state of ennui, when you're starting to feel burnt out?

i guess i've just been feeling like i'm running on empty (i've been working full time every week including the weekends and going to school during the week). i'm leaving for a month soon but it doesn't feel like it's enough because after i get back, i fall back into the same ol' cycle. on the other hand, i'm afraid that if i take a break from school, i'll never go back. don't get me wrong, i value my education, but i'm not sure if i want it bad enough to go back to it after a while.

sometimes i feel kind of guilty because i'm taking my life for granted. i can't help how i feel though. it's funny.. i've been living here (in seattle) almost my whole life now and all my friends always tell me how i don't seem as happy as i could be here, that i can't live up to my full potential here. which i believe is true.. and i do plan to move somewhere someday. i wish i could study abroad but i really don't have all that much money (i don't qualify for any financial aid.. hence the working full time) but for now.. i'm just trying to deal with it and get it over with. crappy way to think of it, but thats how it feels like nowadays.

thoughts? suggestions?



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And she to me: 'There is no greater sorrow
Than to be mindful of the happy time
In misery, and that thy Teacher knows.

That month of vacation you have coming up will keep you going for a while if it's a good experience. I come back from travelling and see everything a bit differently. Where are you going? Make it as different to your current situation as possible if its not already sorted.

I hate to see you go,
but I love to watch you leave.

If you are working and learning, toward a particular goal, then the feelings you are paying are just part of the dues.

Accept it for what it is, or change it if it is not what you really want.

But...if you, and your friends, really know that you are just hangin in there, for fear of really going for it, then use this month for trying new stuff, and pushing your envelope.

Use this month for personal growth and insight.

Ask yourself...What is it I truely want to do with my life?

If you don't know...guess! I bet you really do!

Make a list of everything you can think of that you feel might give you pleasure or joy by doing, experiencing or learning.

If after that month you do come back and re-enter the same path you left from... then do it with a new conviction.

Do it then with the knowledge, that you are on the path you choose!

Of course you feel burnt out. Anybody would in your situation. When I was working full time and going to school full time it wasn't that bad at first, and then slowly the exahustion creeped up on me.
So I ran off to Central America to live in the jungles. And I did for a bit, got some nasty bug bites, made some wonderful friends, and then I came back to Seattle to go back to my usual grind.
It was sooo hard to come back. After a week I was as tiered as I had been after a month or two. I say go on the trip. But give yourself some time to east into your routine when you get back. That is, if you even want to keep such a routine.

"Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of the tunnel
Was just a freight train commin your way."

Our compatriots all offer up some good points. The travel is theraputic, and I don't think I could improve on their insights.

But I'd like to offer a couple of suggestions about dealing with your life between trips. It sounds like you've got a routine, a "grind." When was the last time you did something just for you. Blow off a class every now and then and go sit in a cafe or see a movie in the middle of the afternoon.

Do you have a meditative practice? Doesn't have to be yoga or tai chi, could be painting or skateboarding. Swimming is one of mine. It's quiet and very good for clearing the mind. If you're good at routine, you'll be able to carve out the time. Whatever you do, do it regularly.

If you've lived in Seattle you're whole life you may have forgotten how stunningly beautiful it is. One a month (or more) walk to the bluff at Discovery Park and watch the sunset.

And the last thing I'd suggest is Retreat. A couple of times a year step out of your life for a few days. Again, it doesn't have to be like a yoga retreat or a church retreat, or anything with structure, just get out of your daily environment. I'm not talking a camping trip or a weekend in Vancouver or anywhere that you'd be "roughing it" or you'd feel compelled to "do" things. House-sitting for a friend on Orcas Island or taking the train to Portland and staying at the BootsNAll Hostel. You'd be amazed at what changing your surroundings for just a few days can do.

great point. I work for a charity and also as a big brother for a kid who lost his father in the world trade center.

I am moving to Spain in a month. Since i made that decision in March, i have been in a rut. I haven't been leading a blistering social life because i have been saving money, trying not to do as much and am sick to death of it. But, the rewarding aspects of my life make it much easier to deal with, especially when i see this 7 year old kid smile (just found out yesterday he gave himself a Mohawk!!)

I would say finish school just because it is much harder to go back after time off. When you are done with it, do whatever the hell you want and don't feel compelled to rush out, find a great job and settle into 'society'. My recommendation for everyone finishing school is to do what i am doing now and run off overseas and see what life is like. You can always come back for a lousy job.

"It's a Lifestyle"
- me

thanks everyone, for all of your support and advice.

i haven't arranged for anything in thailand actually, so i guess i'll just be going with the flow. well i've only got 1 1/2 years left before i'm finally finished with this 'routine' so i suppose i could hold out for a little while longer.

oh yeah, i'll also be continuing working with non-profit organizations around the city when i'm not busy studying or working towards my next trip.

believe it or not, i actually feel much better after reading what you guys have said. thanks again everybody!


-------------------------
And she to me: 'There is no greater sorrow
Than to be mindful of the happy time
In misery, and that thy Teacher knows.

Xoom,
It is strange I thought the Bootsnall people would tell you to go see the world then head back too Collage later when you have found your self, I hate that saying. I am going through some what of the same thing and it is good to see it is not just me. I also am paying my way through Collage and struggling to convince my self to go back. I am a bit older and have 2 years left; I changed majors from Art to Science ouch. I know it will be better to set off into the world after my Degree is finished but some times I could care less; I start convincing my self it’s just for a peace of paper and all hells worth of confusion sets in. I think I will end up going back but who knows; I know the life I am building for my self will be travel orientated and that takes the sting off the time I have to remain sedentary, but for those that like to travel this feels like a slow death.
Just wanted to tell you I feel your pain, good luck in what ever you decide!

Ah man Duffy I'm in the exact same situation (financially) as you. This cute fall scarf at Neiman Marcus is calling my name (as are great restaurants) but I just cannot spend the money. I'm already going to be short as it is, but I have the ability to fast so I should be alright. It's such a huge deal for me saving all this money and all, here I am putting 90% of what I make into the bank, when I'm usually a give-me-your-credit-card-I-will-put-you-out-of-a-home girl, it's so different.

But I must say, I'm working my ass off now to have a whole lot of fun or relaxation this coming year, so I can then work my ass off for 4 years in a row at college (my scholarship requires it to be a constant four years so I'm screwed). So...it may be weird to say this but I'd just stick it out Xoom. What I found helped me through really hard times when I felt like giving it all up was to dance. In all sincerity, dancing is a godsend.

I like that Philosophy Nomadic...when in doubt...dance. Well I am 30, and I did put off school, and came back to finish my degree...I'll be done next semester. For me it wasn't so much of a choice to put it off as much as it was difficulties I had to deal with. I would say that finishing a degree at 30 is very tough...at least for me it has been. But like several others have said, it is extremely rewarding, just like any major accomplishment. Working and going to school can quickly bring on that feeling of being in a "grind", and I too am twitching to travel, or just break up the monotony. I like what all of you had to say, and specifically rambleturk's advice. I have started meditating, martial arts, and general introspection, and it has helped immensely.

quote:

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Originally posted by xoom:
where do you guys go, what do you guys do when you're stuck in a [seemingly] perpetual state of ennui, when you're starting to feel burnt out?

i guess i've just been feeling like i'm running on empty (i've been working full time every week including the weekends and going to school during the week). i'm leaving for a month soon but it doesn't feel like it's enough because after i get back, i fall back into the same ol' cycle. on the other hand, i'm afraid that if i take a break from school, i'll never go back. don't get me wrong, i value my education, but i'm not sure if i want it bad enough to go back to it after a while.

sometimes i feel kind of guilty because i'm taking my life for granted. i can't help how i feel though. it's funny.. i've been living here (in seattle) almost my whole life now and all my friends always tell me how i don't seem as happy as i could be here, that i can't live up to my full potential here. which i believe is true.. and i do plan to move somewhere someday. i wish i could study abroad but i really don't have all that much money (i don't qualify for any financial aid.. hence the working full time) but for now.. i'm just trying to deal with it and get it over with. crappy way to think of it, but thats how it feels like nowadays.

thoughts? suggestions?



-------------------------
And she to me: 'There is no greater sorrow
Than to be mindful of the happy time
In misery, and that thy Teacher knows.

---

I take a day hike through the pinebarrens here in NJ. Fresh air, quiet, deer & bird running/flying; guarranteed to put anyone into a "let not your heart be troubled" state of mind.

And if you have a back to back day off a little overnight camping definately gets the world's volume turned down!!

And, lucky for me, before I have to go back to "THE WORLD". I stop by Pic-a-lilli's, just outside Wharton state forest. For a dozen "Smokers"(Hottest wings in South Jersey), and some creamie crab soup!!

Add it all together,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


===LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!!

Glad things seem a little better ... sometimes we just need friends to lean on a little bit. I think folks have given good advice. It really is hard to get back into study once you stop. But what about taking breather breaks??? Maybe just a long weekend somewhere you feel relaxed would help. As someone else said, not necessarily a 'spiritual' retreat but one for the soul ... to pick up the pieces and find a little peace.

Best of luck ...