Eyes on the prize..

..is hard when the prize is over two yrs away. :/

My salary isn't too great right now, so even at maximum saving, it's going to be a while.

Developing my patience - it will all be worth it in the end. **deep breath** **rinse** **repeat**

A lot of us here have probably been in your boat, and I definitely have myself. I put off my dream for 5 years while in a relationship, and when that ended decided I needed to do it. Even then, it was still 2 years out that I'd be able to pull it off. Here I am, 205 days away with my airline ticket bought, and just counting down the days. Set yourself a plan of short-term goals, and long-term goals, and just do exactly what you're doing - keep your eye on the prize!

The prize will be worth it, every single blood, sweat, tears will make it even sweeter.

Hays is right a lot of us are in that boat or have been in it at one point. I am currently in that boat. My trip is at least 2 years away. Even with planning it still seems like a foreign concept. Keep focused, plan those goals, and enjoy the time you have before your trip to enjoy your family and friends.

Yup, I was there too. I had a two year deadline which was a hard deadline as the WHV for Aus has an age requirement, so we couldn't put it off for any reason. That was exactly 2 years of putting up with the daily grind of city life before we could leave to start our 16 month trip. Totally worth it, though.

In the mean time, I found that the easiest way for me to deal with it was to always be looking for new work opportunities or other ways to save. It was like a game. I kept applying for more jobs if I thought they would pay more or get me ahead somehow. I would also take freelance work on weekends. I learned new skills on earning money online. I broke down all my expenses and cut as much as I could afford to cut while still maintaining my creature comforts. Yeah, I could have saved more but what I did save still worked great and I had a blast. In the end it was totally worth it. And it will be for you.

Just keep on truckin'!

Hi there,

I completely understand how you feel. My leave date is 2 years away, and has been pushed back twice due to major health issues, which cut into already saved money.

I recently took the first steps for my travels and paid off all debts, and I am just starting to save.

My income is better than it was, but based on what I am making and my bills, it is going to be a while too.

Right now, I pass the time by reading any and all travel books I can get my hands on. I read travel guides, look at different destinations, etc etc.

You will get there, it just takes time. I am about to relocate for my job, but it is going to allow me to get a second job, that every penny from that job will immediately be put in my travel savings account. I also get on craigs list and look for weekend gigs, that allows me to save. I tell myself every penny saved and put away now, will allow me to have a drink in Asia or where ever I may end up.

Just know that you are not alone, I have been planning this trip for 3 years (but had to take steps to get out debt first as well as have major surgeries) now that I am saving, it is worth it, and light is at the end of the tunnel. Just keep swimming and know you are not alone

Jen

Thought I'd post here again... I remember very clearly where I was sitting when posted my first reply to this thread, and let me tell you - this time has flown!!! I'm leaving on my trip NEXT WEEK, and it blows me away that I can remember when I was "205 days away". Just hold tight, keep your goal in sight, and you'll get there.