Since moving to Norway this past August I’ve been flooded with ideas of different things I want to do here. All of the possibilities have me so excited, and almost a bit nervous, as I might not have time to live all the different fantasy versions of my new Norwegian life.
So last week when someone asked me what I want to do in the future I had no shortage of responses for him. I told him how I want to live in Lofoten, and maybe even farther north in the Arctic for a while, possibly return to Trondheim for a bit, and how I would also love to settle down in the mountains of Telemark.
I guess all of my sort of contradicting plans could be confusing to someone, but instead I was the one left confused when he added, “but what work do you want to do? What career do you want?”
And I just stared at him until the silence became awkward and I feebly repeated that I’d really love to move to Lofoten.
Let’s rewind 10 years.
Teenage me had focus. She had a plan. Despite her better instincts telling her that a lot of her school assignments were probably senseless busywork, she obediently completed all of them. She crammed for tests with full awareness that she’d forget everything the day after, but also knowing that it wouldn’t matter, as long as she continued to get good enough grades to get into the college that some random magazine told her was the best in the country.
I’m making teenage me sound pretty intense, but the truth is she wasn’t. She was actually a bit lazy when it came down to it. Yes, she did the work she needed to get the grades, but never anymore than was necessary. And yes, she got into that coveted college, but only after squeezing through off the wait list.
I’m not trying to be hard on teenage me, but I am trying to point out what she lacked: passion.
Actually, no. Teenage me didn’t lack passion – in fact I’m pretty sure she had a scary amount of it bubbling up inside her – but she just didn’t let herself embrace it fully.
She was weighed down by the American Dream that drove her world, which, mistakenly or not, she understood to mean that if she worked hard enough she could have any life she wanted and – on the terrifying flip side – if she wasn’t successful it would be entirely her fault. And a successful life came from a successful career, because in a country where work hours are long and vacations non-existent, your career is your life, no?
No. Teenage me was wrong about a lot of things. I mean, she was only 17.
Though every once and a while I do wonder if it’s 27-year-old me who has it wrong. Because teenage me made a lot of sound decisions.
She studied hard, every summer she made sure to build her resume with an internship or language class, and after graduation she moved to Japan with a prestigious sounding government program, where she saved a ton of money so that she would be able to work for free for a couple of years because that’s how Millenials get started in careers, right?
Read also: How I Saved $44,000 to Travel the World
But 9 months into a volunteer position doing boring desk research for a Burmese NGO in Thailand, a girl named Danielle distracted me with a backpacking trip to Indonesia, which became a month in Kyrgyzstan, which became another 3 months traveling through Central Asia and China, then a solo trip through Iran and the Caucasus and soon I was withdrawing my enrollment to a master’s program for the second year in a row, the difference this time being that I knew I wouldn’t be applying again.
I used to think that life would be scary without a plan, but now it’s the thought of sticking to one that scares me.
Because the world feels too big, too complex, and too alluring to settle down into one corner of it. I don’t mean that entirely literally – in fact I’m already quite certain that Norway will be my forever home (I just have to find that perfect corner to settle into).
What I’m beginning to suspect though, is that pursuing a passion is a matter of narrowing your focus and making your passion your world. And I’ve just spent the past several years doing the exact opposite of that: traveling the world and widening my horizons.
And now I just cannot imagine having that sort of focus, especially not for a job. Has travel made me lazy and selfish? Has it killed my work ethic? I mean, maybe, but I think more than that it’s caused a huge shift in my priorities.
The promise of generous paychecks or social prestige simply won’t motivate me anymore. After so long living out of a backpack, luxuries for me are things like getting to eat cereal and cheese whenever I want and not sharing a bedroom with 11 strangers.
Even in Norway I find myself saving the majority of my supermarket paycheck because I don’t have anything to spend it on here beyond bills (it helps that all of my favorite outdoor activities are free).
I’m surrounded by people who have have found happiness, passion, and success in their careers, and yet I’m still not quite inspired to follow in their footsteps. And this is maybe where travel has made me selfish. Because if money isn’t going to motivate me to pursue a career, then surely making a positive contribution to the world should. Yet I find myself not quite ready, or able, or, frankly, willing.
Maybe travel is humbling or, more likely, it offers a serious reality check, because when I think about jobs I could do to make some sort of impact, they’re all highly sought after, and so they seem better left to someone who deserves to have their dream career instead of this girl who’s going to spend half her workday daydreaming about the Tatras anyway.
Read also: 19 Awkward Things That Happen When You Return from Backpacking
It’s no coincidence that my chosen home after so long on the road is a country where salaries are fairly similar regardless of what work you do. Of course it would be wonderful to combine the things I’m passionate about with getting paid, and I’ll continue to look for a way to make that happen, but if that doesn’t happen it’s not the end of the world.
Because on the list of things that are important to me right now, my career doesn’t even make the first page. And while teenage me would likely be horrified to see the life I’m living now, I’m hopeful that middle-aged me won’t mind it too much.
I guess this is the point where I tell you guys that maybe travel hasn’t killed my ambition, it’s just changed it. There aren’t many people in the world who are in a position to travel as much as I can.
I don’t have to support anyone besides myself, I have citizenship in a country where I don’t have to work impossible hours to earn a livable wage, I’m healthy, my Norwegian passport lets me travel most places visa free – the list of things to be grateful for goes on and on. And I want to appreciate those things and take full advantage of them.
Because travel has shown me that the world is beautiful and awe-inspiring, and that while at times the big picture can look scary and heartbreaking, there’s no better way to restore my faith in the world than witnessing how endlessly diverse, yet equally beautiful it is.
From the deserts of Mongolia to the cobbled streets of Italy to the mountains of Iran, to the crowded cities and deserted beaches of Japan to the American suburbs, it’s amazing how many different ways the world manages to be beautiful. And while from afar people and their cultures can appear universes apart, when I get up close and personal it always turns out we’re sort of just the same – and usually pretty awesome.
And suddenly so many things in life cease to matter, while other things become so much more important, and then I’m the girl telling my teenage cousin not to worry about college, but do take a year off to perfect your Norwegian, because that’s what’s important in life.
That advice, along with my publishing this post for all young impressionable eyes to see probably makes me officially the world’s worst role model.
But that’s just another thing travel has taught me: the world is big, with an endless number of ways to live in it, and try as we might to set up cultural norms, beliefs, and expectations, there aren’t really any rules. Well, besides laws. You should probably try to follow those.
Where do you find purpose in life? Do you have a dream career?
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Van (@snowintromso) says
I totally get what you mean! Before I moved to Norway, I was certain that all my hard work and studies will provide me with my dream job. 1 and a half years later and I had to realize that in fact, ethnicity and networks (both of which I seem to have the wrong kind) would give me my dream job so I kinda settled for the next best thing (aka marketing), earn money and hope that one day I’ll land my dream job after all though to be honest, I’m much more realistic when it comes to jobs in general now…
Anyway, things haven’t quite turned out the way I imagined them but for now, I’m pretty happy to have a job that allows me to pay the bills while I only work for 3 days a week (well, when I’m finally done with my dissertation that is) and still have money left to go on vacation. I would never ever be able to get by with a part-time job in Germany so I really am grateful to live in this country and will certainly think twice about moving elsewhere for a job that will probably turn out not to be my dream job after all. I mean let’s face it, they tell you that people make 3-5 major career changes in their life nowadays so there really is no reason to settle and focus on just one thing!
As long as you’re happy and don’t struggle financially, do whatever the heck you want 🙂
And definitely move to Lofoten cause that would be the most amazing thing ever 😉
Silvia says
It is a huge advantage of living in Norway that we don’t really need to worry about salaries – I mean, it’s pretty insane that I can work 4 days/week at a supermarket and still save money (even while paying rent on the expensive apartment in Trondheim). Though on the other hand it makes it all the harder to motivate myself to a career, ha. It sucks that your dream job seems less feasible now, but I guess the plus side is that you can do a job to pay the bills and still have time leftover to pursue the things you care about. Plus then it doesn’t get ruined by being a job, because you’re always choosing to do it. At least I hope it works out that way!
Isaac Bjorn says
How about you come by Glasgow, will look after you, that’s a promise.
Fiona says
dream careers are rare. I have found most people need the social approval, or feeling of safety conferred by their own mental schema about what it means to be a (__fill in the blank__) . be glad you live in norway and can survive on any job. the biggest impetus for me to pursue certain jobs is money. one simply cannot live on half the jobs available in usa.
CT says
I love reading what you write. Keep it up
Silvia says
That’s so encouraging, thanks!
Tess Andrade says
Wooow. This is one of the best posts I have read in a long time! Thank you sooo much for sharing Silvia. God…I kept nodding continuously throughout – i feel exactly the same. I, too, don’t know what to answer to people when they ask me what ‘I want to do with my life’. I also just want to find this spot that I can call home (although somewhere warmer…maybe Porto?) and be able to drink a chai latte whenever I want it (although I recently read they are SO bad for you and full of sugar…anyway). And I have zero ambition to join the rat race again. ZERO. I guess some people would see me as a ‘failure’ – there she is with her prestigious law degree and she works as a blogger. But what people often fail to understand is that I was beyond miserable in the big shiny building I used to go to work to. And now I am not. The fear still creeps in once in a while – i guess because I am so conditioned to think in a certain way (we Swiss are beyond conservative) – but I keep reminding myself that actually, I’ve got a pretty damn decent life with tons of memories…forever!
Silvia says
Haha yes, the fear does creep in once in a while! It sounds like you made a great life choice though – then again of course I would think so!
Tor says
What made you take the jump? I’m in my first year in the real world and already feel stuck and like I know this isn’t meant for me. Although I dream of a husband and a family, most of my dreams center around my favorite memories abroad. I have researched and looked and honestly, I just don’t know how to make it work. How do I pay off loans and travel the world? How do I settle in a community and in a family but also see the seven world wonders?
Honestly, any logistical advice you have would be so welcomed!
Shayden says
Start up a network marketing business. They are a phenomenal way to build an asset on the side of your current full time job while at the same time paying off your student loans. Most companies provide incentives when you reach certain levels in the business which involve trips. And after a few years of hard work, you’ll have the financial freedom to do whatever the heck you want. Like you, I was in a similar position a couple years ago. I was making big money in the oil industry but hated every minute of it. I thought about going travelling and seriously considered leaving it all behind to do so, but like you, I wanted to have a wife and kids within the next 5-10 years and messing around travelling all over the place wasn’t going to make that happen. I heard a motivational speaker once say: “going travelling is just a way to delay life. Eventually you’ll have to face reality and do something with your life. You either pay the price now or later…but either way you’re going to have to pay the price.” I’ll probably get some backlash from saying that but whatever, it’s the truth, whether people like to hear it or not.
Now that I have a network marketing business, it’s allowed me to build an asset and become financially independent in the next few years while still balancing other areas of my life… like fitness and dating. And once you get to the point where you got all your debt paid off and can quit your job, then you can go travelling and do it in style with your husband and kids.
Network marketing businesses aren’t for everyone, but if you are serious about making changes, that would be the best way to do it for your current situation.
Let me know if you have any other questions
Justin says
Hi Shayden, I would love to learn more about your business and how you got started.
Silvia, great post, I really enjoyed it and can relate as a travel addict myself. I will be sure to signup for your newsletter.
Silvia says
Honestly I’m not the best planner, but I have found that if I follow a path I want the details find a way to fall into place, if I want that path badly enough!
Simona says
Hi!
So great to read this at this very moment! After quitting my job, after 7 years of office I am happy to say it was the best decision.
It is true that things do come your way if you really want them and also if you are ready to take the chance.
I have moments when I struggle with the idea that what I do now is soooo below me and my capabilities. And yes, no ambitions. Hahah
But then I think that this beautiful girl that I am taking care of is my best impact at the moment. I am an nanny
So, thank you beautiful girl for your words
Love, Simona
Maddy says
I just want to say I’ve never related to a post more than this one. I’m 23 years old and have worked hard at school & uni all my life. Now I’m in a job and travelling over weekends I’ve completely lost my career ambition and have an insane calling to live life on the road. All I want to do is travel. Growing up I thought money would make me happy but now I’m in a job I think happiness is key. Everyone should follow their dreams… Travelling is mine!
Silvia says
I’m so glad that other people can relate! And I think you’re lucky to realize your dream so early on 🙂
Natasha Amar says
I love this post and mostly because I can so relate to it. 23-year old me worked for one of the biggest investment banks in the world, 25-year old me worked for a huge MNC and was offered a huge pay raise not to quit and go travel for a few months. But she did it anyway and now 28-year old me doesn’t care about making tons of cash or buying a house or car or any of that stuff. I just want to travel and explore the world and all the paid work I do is just a means to that end. This is so true:
‘the world is big, with an endless number of ways to live in it, and try as we might to set up cultural norms, beliefs, and expectations, there aren’t really any rules.’ There aren’t and there shouldn’t be- we’re allowed to change our minds as many times as we like and evolve in the ways that we want to be happy with who we are.
Silvia says
Wow that’s such a crazy progression! And makes it all the more impressive that you were able to leave that old life, because I think the world of work and money can definitely suck people in.
Charles McCool says
My impressionable eyes are older but I really enjoyed your post. I have gone through many life cycles and am nearing (10 more days) leaving my stable, money-earning gig in order to dive fully into travel and writing. Who knows where it will lead and whether I will once again burn out from travel? Something I must do, though.
Silvia says
I love your relaxed attitude towards where life takes you! That’s something I definitely need to work on, ha.
Tempesst says
Another great read, Silvia! Keep it up. I found myself nodding along to so much of what you have written here. I was supposed to apply to a masters/doctoral program to become a nurse practitioner after I finished nursing school, but instead I went to Southeast Asia for a few months, which “ruined” me. When I came back, I knew that I couldn’t possibly go back to my regular routine so I worked for a few more months until I had a year experience, and then I began travel nursing! This is the perfect career right now because I can work 3 month contracts in new to me areas of the U.S., and then I have unlimited time off in between assignments which I can use for backpacking internationally–headed to Eastern Europe in a few weeks! I am applying for that graduate program at the end of this year, but I found a super intense program that condenses everything into three semesters. I’ll be done before I know it! And I can continue this travel nursing/traveling gig as long as I want, and if I find a place to settle down, I can put that NP to good use.
Silvia says
Oh wow, it does sound like you’ve found the perfect set up! Good luck with the graduate program – and your travels!
Chistabel says
Yeah that sounds like the perfect job ever. Work for 3 months travel for 9….Perfect
Stephanie says
Wow, its so crazy you say that because I’m a current sophomore nursing student also planning to pursue travel nursing! Funny to find us in all sorts of venues!
Emily says
This is a WONDERFUL piece! Even though I haven’t traveled the world like you, I do relate to the feeling of having other priorities like adventure and happiness above the almighty paycheck. I could just work to travel my whole life, but I guess middle-age me would be pretty disappointed when I’m still renting apartments and heading toward a life of working indefinitely in old age. That still sounds more appealing that settling in a job I hate, never having vacation time, and feeling passionless for the rest of eternity.
Silvia says
That’s definitely the balance I want to find – following what makes me happy, while also not leaving old me with zero savings!
Patti says
I don’t think travel killed your ambition – I think it just redirected your ambition. 🙂
Silvia says
I hope you’re right 🙂
Liz says
Sounds familiar (not the travelling lots bit, unfortunately).
The goal of life is to be as happy as possible. That is the ambition!
As I see it as we realise the things that truly make us happy, the importance we placed on cultural/social norms before dies away, as it should. After all we are the only ones who can decide what makes us happy.
The only job ambition there should be is to do one you love!
Silvia says
I love that idea!
Mary B says
I think your approach to life ultimately means you will be happier in the end than whatever happiness monetary or professional success could bring you. Keep doing you!
I had dinner last week with my old boss (actually my boss’ boss) who is 6 months younger than me, but is the executive director of a medium-sized non-profit organization. He said something like “I wish I could just take off for 3 months and travel,” like I did last year. And I told him – you can! But that’s not how you got to be an executive director at 31.
Sometimes I feel like I’m falling behind where I should be – I should be making more money, I should be moving into more important positions. And yet, I’m happy. I have a career I’m passionate about, but it’s not my whole life and I don’t want it to be. And while I want to do my job well, I never want professional ambition to keep me from being able to use my vacation days, spend time with friends, or take a month or two off between jobs to travel. That also probably means I’ll never be an executive director, but I don’t think that means I won’t be successful. I’m just having to learn to define my own success differently than someone else might.
Silvia says
Yeah, I guess I’ve missed the boat on achieving professional success at a young age so… haha. No, but it is sad to think that some ambitions can hinder other ones, but I guess that’s life and why we need to be clear about our priorities. It sounds like you’ve done a good job with that!
Jessica says
Wow, what did your friend study to become an executive director at the age of 31?? I’d love to know. My curiosity is getting the best of me.
Sally says
This is me! I left my job of 6 years as a sales and marketing manager to travel for 6 months, adamant I would come back and get a huge career in London and make lots of money! Well now all I want to do is earn enough money to live and travel… That is what makes me happy! I used to feel a bit of a failure because I didn’t have a huge career but I think people chose that path because that is what they feel is expected of them! I am happier than most people I know and I don’t care what anyone thinks 😊 my chin is not who I am!
Sally says
Hahaha job not chin!
Silvia says
Lol I thought that might be some British slang!
Silvia says
Wow, our stories are so similar! I think you’re so right though that your own happiness is key – I know so many people who complain so much about their lives but say they can’t change it and I just never really understand that.
Katie says
I am completely on the same page with you on this! I have forsaken a career to live a life of travel and new experiences. I work when I need to make money then I spend the money on travel. I have been doing this for 12 years now and I can’t imagine living a money fueled and career driven life. One day I would love a base, maybe a log cabin in the mountains somewhere, but travel will always be my life and my love.
Silvia says
It’s so reassuring seeing how many other people feel the same way! And I’m all about those log cabins 🙂
Danny says
This is SUCH a great post. I couldn’t agree more!
It’s funny how our priorities change as we grow and travel. I’ve noticed a somewhat similar transformation take part in my own life. And I’m beginning to question a lot of what society says we need or should do to find happiness and success as well.
By the way, I also spent my senior year of high school in Germany as an exchange student!
Silvia says
Haha small world! And yeah, once you start questioning society it becomes tricky finding direction, but I think it’s worth it!
Danielle says
So glad we were able to change the course of each other’s lives! But really, this is the truest blog post ever. Especially living in New York, I’m having a lot of internal struggles and what to do next and what I even want to do ever. And as we all know, New York is NOT like Norway in the sense that you cannot work any job and make even enough money to live frugally. Thanks for this!
Silvia says
Yeah, New York would destroy me. It really is crazy how much that trip seemed to change us though!
Ying says
I live in New York and I absolutely agree. Everything is so expensive (especially real estate, ugh). Everyone here is so career-driven, consumerist, etc., that you stand out and seem strange to other people for not wanting the same things.
Andrew says
Very well thought out and written. Great article. It’s strange I feel like I went this way at one point and now I’m sort of reversed the way I think about things. Maybe mostly because I got married. I’ve done heaps of travelling and don’t plan to stop but suddenly I am actually thinking about buying a house for the first time in my life. it’s strange,
Silvia says
Actually that’s something that’s been happening to me this year too, on a smaller scale. I’ve decided to look for a permanent home in Norway and not have travel be my life, yet at the same time I haven’t forgotten those lessons from traveling which puts me in the odd position of wanting to be part of a community here, but also not necessarily wanting to play by the rules, if that makes sense.
Liz Stark says
Could really relate throughout reading this post… ‘I used to think that life would be scary without a plan, but now it’s the thought of sticking to one that scares me’ being my favourite sentence! Growing up with some routine and studying taught us great life skills like discipline, dedication and resilience – and now travel and technology open up a million more possibilities. It’s confusing and overwhelming but so so exciting, and I hope future generations don’t think you can skip the first part!
Silvia says
That’s such a positive way of looking at it – it really is exciting, and I am grateful we had to go through that first part!
Shaun's Cracked Compass says
Sounds to me like you have a lot of ambition, just not in the traditional sense. Wanting to have a fulfilling life and knowing the avenue in which to pursue it is more what happiness is.
Silvia says
I think you’re definitely right – when it comes to my own happiness I guess I am very ambitious!
Shannon Ullman says
I really resonate with this. I have found myself wondering a lot these days, “what the hell happened to the well organized, winning at life and in total control girl I used to be in college?” I was so much better at completing my To-do list and getting shit done. Now, I do feel like traveling has made me insanely lazy. It’s nice to think of it like you though, and chalk it up to just adopting a different way of living and set of priorities. Nice post!
-Shannon
Silvia says
Haha seriously, so lazy these days!
Stephanie - stephaniesmolders.com says
Totally what I feel at this moment. I’m 25 and I’m in a good job, great apartment and I’m still not doing what I love. I’m ready for my big adventure and that’s travel as well. I want to combine my dream life with an income if possible. We’ll see how that goes. Anyway, I love the way you write and that you’ve found your dream country. Norway is beautiful, but a bit too cold for me! I’m happy that I’ve found your blog.
Love,
Stéphanie
Silvia says
I hope that you find a way to combine the two – it would be the dream!
Jeannie says
Absolutely LOVE this post, Silvia! I feel the exact same way about living in Iceland. Sometimes the American dream isn´t always what it´s cut out to be!
Silvia says
Exactly!
Kristine says
Thank you for this piece. It really resonated with me. You are lucky to have been able to experience all that you have and to have seen what the world has to offer. I don’t think you’ve lost your ambition, rather, you’ve just changed directions. When I was young, I always dreamed about going to the office like my parents did. I was raised by people who worked very hard to climb the corporate ladder and I thank them for providing for me. But now that I am in the corporate world, I feel that it’s not for me. I travel as much as I can and I read stories about people who were able to break free from this world. And I envy that. I want to get out my cubicle. But right now, I can’t. It’s now my turn to provide for my mother and sister and I can’t leave my job just to travel the world. There are bills to pay and food that has to be on the table. My travel dreams will have to wait until I am financially secure to travel. It sucks to feel stuck in a place where you are unhappy. I hope you are able to find your purpose through travel. Just go with the flow and see where life takes you. 🙂 (I love your photos btw!)
Silvia says
I hope that you can find that security eventually and pursue your travel dreams! I realize I’m in a hugely privileged position to not have to care for anyone else – your family is lucky to have you though!
Jennifer says
I love everything about this post. When I was younger I was a lot like you too – I never considered any possible future except a ‘good’ career and I had some pretty prestigious internships when I was in high school.
But then I found travel. And I moved to Australia (where, like Norway, I can earn a decent wage without a ‘successful’ job) and my priorities have completely changed. I jokingly call myself ‘semi retired’ – I can’t imagine have a proper 9-5 job for the next 30 years. I’m just taking life as it comes, as long as I’m getting by and enjoying life!!
Silvia says
Haha I should call myself semi-retired too! Though I guess I never technically had a career to begin with…
Sarah says
I 100% can relate to this! A few years ago I was on-track to be CMO at a rapidly growing tech start-up, then I took my first solo trip to Thailand. I came back to work and just couldn’t stop thinking about how I wanted to return to beaches and keep exploring this beautiful planet.
Silvia says
Seriously, how does travel do that to us?? haha
Alex says
Wow, reading this kinda felt like you crawled inside my brain and created something cohesive out of the guilty, confused mess in there. Living and working in silicon valley, this is definitely not a common mindset, so it feels good to know there are people out there who share my priorities (or maybe lack thereof). Thanks so much for sharing <3
Silvia says
Seriously, it feels so good to know I’m not the only one feeling these things!
Alexandria says
Brilliant. So spot on! I hate that we are expected at such a young age to know what we want from the rest of our lives. It is so unrealistic and I can tell you with 100% clarity that I still have no clue what I want from life and who I want to be. It’s a complex question. I also was one of those people who liked to have a plan, to map out the rest of my life in my head, and I was always really strict on myself. However, one day something “broke” in me and I realized I was stumbling around in a life I assumed I was supposed to live but not one I enjoyed. So I stopped making plans. Which is probably how I ended up in a cabin and living in the rocky mountains when I never saw myself leaving the city. I’m still not sure it’s the right choice but my attitude is .. what the hell it’s only a few years and then I’ll go off and do__ & ___. I’m rambling. Point: loved the article. Really relatable and inspirational!
Silvia says
Well it definitely seems to me like you made a solid choice – your life seems pretty ideal right now!
Charlotte says
I feel like I could have written this post myself. When I was younger all I focused on were getting good grades and working hard so I one day could get a high power job. Then I went traveling, and everything I thought I wanted didn’t seem so important anymore. Everyone is asking when I will get a real ‘job’, but all I want to do is move abroad and keep traveling! Nice to know that someone else feels the same way, because my family and friends do not understand! Thanks for sharing 😉
Silvia says
It really is so nice to see that it’s not just me – in fact from reading all these comments it seems like a lot of people feel like us!
Eike says
I just read in your post everything that I’ve been thinking since like 2010 (I have had other thought too, but concerning travelling)!
Silvia says
Haha one mind!
Ellie - Flash and Frugal says
Great post Silvia! I love the inspiration! I’m currently trying to combine the two (work and travel) by using my secondment in Singapore to get me to all the amazing places in Asia each weekend. And I’m loving it! It’s so refreshing to not have work as the sole driver for life!!
http://www.flashandfrugal.com
Silvia says
Oh that sounds like such a good opportunity for exploring!
Essie says
I so get this. We are the same age and I’m contemplating when my lease is up in September, just packing whatever fits in a backpack, donating what doesn’t fit and taking the balance of my bank account and just fleaing. There are tons of volunteer and work opportunities overseas. I could easily teach English somewhere and travel. But I haven’t had ambition for years, except when it comes to travel LOL. Such a good post. 🙂
Essie @ The Wandering Thistle
Silvia says
Ahh we sound the same! It really is so easy to make a life abroad – I’d say go for it!
Chris says
What a great article! I really identify with what you are going through as I’ve been travelling for the past 5 months since quitting my job as an accountant. I recently had a similar conversation with my friend back home (he’s an investment banker), on what my future plans will be. I told him that I honestly don’t know. Like you, I’ve always identified as “Type A”, and would work extremely hard to be the best. While I don’t think that has changed necessarily, the priorities have. Like you mentioned, there are different forms of success that don’t involve a large paycheck or prestige. I think it will just take time until the right path reveals itself to us.
Silvia says
I think that’s so key – there really are so many different forms of success and we need to stop thinking of a failure to follow the normal past as a flat out failure.
Leah says
You know, I think everyone ends up finding that thing that really drives them to be “successful” whatever that may mean to them. For you, right now, that’s travel. To travel the world (or just Norway) as thoroughly as possible is your current definition of success, and nobody has any right to question that, not even yourself. 🙂
Silvia says
I love your confidence in that, Leah, so reassuring! ❤
Hayley says
I love this. I wish I had had a role model like you when I was a teenager.
I would rather work to live, than live to work ❤️
Silvia says
Haha thanks! And that sounds about right to me 🙂
Kate says
This post- yes, so much yes. I relate so much to it even though my path has been different than yours. The shiny career and path that we’re “supposed” to want and the life we’re supposedly working towards having…. well, that’s all fine until it all crashes around you. When I let it go, which was only recently, for the first time since childhood I can say I’m truly happy. I’m happy despite the veritable mortgage of student loan debt because I realize that there’s so much more to life. I live a quiet, responsible life where unfortunately my bills determine the type of job I have, but I make sacrifices in order to travel and live my life. Even if you have to work to live and support yourself, there’s more out there and it shouldn’t be about the ‘career’. Sorry if this didn’t make much sense, but I wanted to share a little bit of my story and say thank you for this post.
Silvia says
That’s so inspiring! Well done on you for finding your happiness again 🙂
Grace says
Wow! This was such an amazing article. You’ve just articulated what I’ve been trying to explain to my family for the past couple of years. Since I was eleven I had been single minded in the pursuit of a particular career field. I got my degree in it and started chasing it right out of Uni. But I got burnt out within two years and decided to become and ESL teacher so I could travel. Now that’s my job and it may not be the most lucrative but I feel so fulfilled in it and, just like you, I feel no draw to a lavish lifestyle like most people my age. I’m so satisfied not having the pressure to have a “life plan” and to take each year as it comes. Again, thank you for such a beautifully written post! 🙂
Silvia says
Ahh that’s so wonderful! It sounds like you found the perfect path – I hope I can too 🙂
Marcel says
Oh yes. Traveling does change you a lot and the priorities in your life are shiftinh dramatically. We experience the same. We have spent more than 10 years working really hard on our careers back home in Switzerland. Got well payed jobs, built a house…. Then we sold everything and started traveling the world. After a few years we tried to settle down again but haven’t been sucessful. Now we work on a small island in Indoneisa (West Papua) and our life is so different. It’s hard for us to stay in one place for too long and so we will move on soon. We have learned to live a different life and we feel very fortunate that we are able to chose our destiny. Thanks for sharing with us.
Silvia says
Oh wow, it looks like you’re pursuing such an interesting life now! Very inspiring.
Victoria@ The British Berliner says
I love your post and I know what you mean but I don’t think your ambition has been killed, you just haven’t found it yet!
I think as far as a purpose in life is concerned, that idea is enough to kill any an ambition, especially when you’re young!! I think the 20’s should be a time to find out who you are and then you have a better notion of where you’re going without the pressure of you MUST do this, that, or the other.
I always wanted to be a scientist, an academic, a journalist, and a teacher. And I’ve been able to do them all! And that’s the point, at different times of our life, we change and so do our career goals!
Silvia says
I LOVE the idea of being able to change careers and life goals multiple times in my life time – I hope that’s what happens!
Renate @ Renate's Travels says
WOW. I feel like I’m reading about myself! I can so relate to everyting you’ve written here. I’m actually working on my masteres rigt now, but I totally lack the motivation to finish it… All I do is order cheap travels around the world and daydream about my next adventures, instead of using my study days to .. well, study. Exploring the world has been my only motivation these past few years, and pretty much the only thing that inspires me. I constantly feel like my time is running out, and I don’t want to be stuck behind a desk for the rest of my life when I don’t really have to be. In one way I feel like I really should finish this masters degree, but on the other hand I just want to keep working where I work for a few more years and really travel all I can manage – and then settle down on a small farm by the sea here in Northern Norway, have lots of cute animals, rent out a room or two for tourists and then spend the rest of my time hiking the mountains. What a dream that would be.
Silvia says
Oooh that really does sound like a dream! I really, really hope you can make that happen and that I can be one of those tourists who rents a room from you someday 🙂 But until then, good luck with that masters! You are definitely more motivated than I am, haha.
The Whole World Or Nothing says
Loved this post. I never had much of my own ambition anyway but felt the weight of others’ ambitions for me. Now I’ve left the corporate world it’s very difficult to imagine going back. Beautiful writing, thanks. Jx
Catarina Norte says
I’m 17 and I do the same you did in your teenage years (make sure I get the best grades I can to go to that “perfect college” in september) and I’m starting to get terrified because… besides all seemed a perfect plan to have a stable life with a good salary… I don’t have any passion in terms of career.Thinking of being stuck somewhere with a routine for several years is so scary to me! On the other hand, I love travelling and I’d like to backpack through the world. However, doing it for so many years makes me feel also insecure because os its indefinition, instability and being dangerous sometimes. I’m also thinking about living abroad (I’m from Portugal by the way, sorry for my english mistakes). I really see you as the possible future me, right now you’re my biggest inspiration ever. Thank you so much!
Stephanie says
Hi. I felt like commenting because the way that you speak is how I used to. I’m 24 and have visited 30 countries in the last few years. I ran away from boredom and felt alive when I was backpacking.
But every time, after a trip, I had to come home. I had to move back with my parents. I had to find a job (difficult in UK) and find a focus. And then I’d get anxious and bored and dream only of travelling again.
But its exhausting and unfullfilling living like that. I kept imagining new places. A year ago I left a job as a designer to live in Venezuela for 3 months. And it was only there, staying in one place, that I found what I had been really looking for, something I could be passionate about. I tried teaching and now, a year later, I have just accepted a job offer as a Design teacher in London. I’m thrilled. I love teaching, and I have never loved a job before.
In Venezuela I also met the love of my life, and we are moving in together in a few months. It just seems like it took some time but, everything is working out. I don’t feel like I have this hole that needs to be filled anymore. I’m happy.
I’m not searching for myself anymore 🙂
Stephanie
Melissa says
I found your blog a few months ago and love it, but this is my first time commenting. I think this is a really interesting piece and in some ways I can relate–I too love travel more than anything and am not motivated by big paychecks and material goods or career success for its own sake. But, I’ve always been fascinated by the world, by international relations and global issues, which is why I love my current job working at an NGO that focuses on ending global hunger. For me, I’ve come to realize that having a job where I feel like I’m making a difference is really critical for my happiness and sense of success, especially because the more I travel, the more I realize a) how lucky I am to be able to do so and b) how amazing the world is and yet how many people in it are still struggling. So while a part of me would love to travel indefinitely rather than focus on career, I’ve come up with this “work at a job I love/travel as much as I can on the side” arrangement because this way I feel my life is balanced. To me, travel is what I get from the world, and my job and the work I do is what I give back to it in return. So far this is working well for me. I’m happy you’ve figured out what matters most to you and discovered your love for travel; I think once we figure out whatever drives us and makes us feel most passionate (whatever that may be) figuring out the rest of the life stuff becomes far easier!
Aleksandra Zantic says
Hi Melissa,
I think your comment is exactly what I want from life, I have found this blog just by case I am stick to the comments for two days because it is so inspiring reading the comments of people who managed to turn their passion into their life. And I had so much struggling reading it, because I didn t know how exactly I can do that, find a way to turn travelling into my life and still as you say having the opportunity to make some difference in the world, change it even a bit. It is going to be really difficult because I come from Serbia, and the possibilities there are really low, right now I am in Norway and I ll try to stay here so I can work for some NGO here, Anyways I want to thank you for the inspiration that you gave me, because Ii have so much in my head, so much wishes and different ideas and plans but your comment really helped.
Greetings
Alex
Melissa says
You’re very welcome Alex! So glad my comment was helpful. Best of luck to you!
Annie Hudson says
That was a really interesting blog post! I been looking around for other bloggers to see how they are writing and what they are writing about, since I plan to start up my own blog. I really enjoyed hearing about your experience. What is odd about myself and my own priorities, is that I feel like I have aged mentally a lot. I feel like I’m at that stage where all I want to do is be exactly where I am, in my own home where I am comfortable and where my family is. And the funny thing is, is that I am only 18. Usually most people want to get out of their houses by that age. But I feel the opposite. I want to cherish the time that I have with my family. I want them to know and feel how much I appreciate them and love them, and I feel that in order for me to do that, I must stay where I am. Travel used to be such a big priority for me just a little year ago, but so much has changed since then. I have changed so much since then. But anyways, do you have any tips or suggestions for a new blogger?
Thanks,
Annie
Sarah says
I think you should do what makes you happy! Until that changes, why change. To fit in with life that we call reality. A 9-5 desk job? I can’t imagine after all the things you’ve seen that most 9-5s will satisfy you. X
Silvia says
I love that!
Noora says
Little more than year ago I made a decision to go backpacking for a year in Australia. My plan was to come back home after the year passes and then focus on my “real life”. Get a degree, get a job that pays you well.
The problem was that I changed during the year. My priorities changed and I was simply lost with the knowledge that everyone back home are waiting for me to live my life this one certain way to make sure I will make it in this world.
It doesn’t feel right. Not now. Not in the near future. Being back home is wonderful for my friends and family are here. But I feel trapped. I feel suffocated. And most importantly I’m not happy.
Of course I have the thrive to work and get the money. But not for my own apartment or for my life here but for that place out there where I left my heart.
Even showing your post to them won’t make them understand how I feel. How could they when the only way they have lived their life is the way they want me to live mine.
Seriously thank you for this post. It hit me hard.
Lindsay says
I’ve been able to totally relate to this. I’ve been nomadic since 2011, and I make money, it seems, in magical ways that support my journeys. After so long of rewiring the mind and lifestyle, its impossible to consider working for money and not overall fulfillment of self and world. Now I’m 29 and after absorbing so much alternative living, I’m experiencing a new kind of ambition and creativity seep in. It’s quite refreshing actually to see it’s still there. It’s the kind of ambition that comes from diving deep into ourselves and discovering what were really good at, what we love and it tells us we can do it and doesn’t settle. Anyway, I’m posting to say, it’s there, transformed and it will show up when you’re ready. 🙂
Silvia says
That’s so encouraging to hear! I wish I could just take a quick fast forward and peek into my future, just to see that it will be okay, haha.
Sandeep says
I’m 21, sitting infront of a PC at work and then, I read this.
I literally am moved! This is totally relatable,
Charlotte Little says
I’m so glad you put this down in words. I am currently procrastinating, at a desk, literally counting down the days until my one way ticket leaves for Southeast Asia. All I am motivated by is travelling, it’s my passion and what I can see myself doing for the rest of my life… happily. It seems like this time last year was a different story, I wanted to climb this corporate ladder, but for what?! to eventually retire and do all the travelling I want to do right now, so I booked the ticket and handed in my notice. I can’t wait to leave these worries behind for a year and hopefully, like you, find a passion that pays the bills. 27 year old you is more rich than a career could EVER make you. Well done on creating a beautiful life for yourself. x
Daniel Yusof says
It feels so strange while reading your post cause I can totally relate. But due to our family constraint, super conservative thinking of south east asian parents, leaving your job to explore the world seems impossible in my case. (not to mention the fact that our parents expect us to get married and have a family).
I am 27yo legal counsel for an organization and still given the opportunity to travel once in a while. But leaving the job to live on the backpack everyday, is not something that our family would allow us to do (at least for me). I am truly working & saving money just for travel. So, I am thinking, not leaving my profession is not that bad while I can still travelling once in a while. But I wish that I have such a courage like you. It’s indeed scary to think how I am gonna spend my life working at any place just to meet my travel ends and continue to be alive (& buying flight tickets!).
lols. Despite that, keep inspiring Silvia!
Linda says
This is my first time reading your blog. Someone I know, or follow, on FB posted a link to this post, which I admire a lot. Were I your age, I would do everything you have done. I just have one word of caution for you: You wonder what your middle-aged self with think of what you’re doing now, and I can tell you fairly certainly that she will totally approve. However, your older self might pause a minute to wish that she had made better provision for her later years. Of course everyone’s circumstances are different, but mine left me with less income than I would like as I stare 70 in the face. I was irresponsible, not so much in the decisions I made as in not stashing away just a bit in some savings scheme or other so that I can continue to travel as I would like to right now – I can’t because I didn’t. I wouldn’t change the past except for that. It would have taken so little effort and meant going without just a bit had I begun early enough. Even though my needs are simple, my income doesn’t really cover them. Don’t let this happen to you. It seems like, it is, a lifetime away, but it comes way faster than you ever could imagine it would.
Silvia says
That’s such good advice, Linda! I have lots of savings, but admittedly haven’t been proactive about organizing them – they’re just sitting in my bank account. You’ve given me the push to be more systematic about saving for the future, so thanks!
Katrine says
I could really relate to everything in your post, and being a norwegian I feel the same way as you about the north! I just graduated from university studying economics & law, but realized half way through that my studies would not lead me to a career path I would like to pursue, and that I had in fact too grown “unambitious” after all my years of being so focused. I didn’t want to quit for Lånekassen reasons, so I decided to travel and do long trips every chance I got instead. “Don’t waist your intellect” is something you hear way to often – and I definitely chose my educational profile after my ability and likelihood to succeed – and I think a lot of people do the same. Now I’m on my second “gap year” (and let’s face it, it’s not a gap year – because there is no certain next step). Travel shifts your core and makes you so certain of who you are – sometimes so quickly that you think you’re just confused. Once you realize that this is who you actually are, a whole new world opens. I’ve had the best year of my life, and can’t wait to explore more and deeper – both the world and myself. And who knows, maybe the ambition is building up inside you, and once you find something you love doing, you’ll be the most motivated person there is? 😉 Enjoy your journey and wishing you the best of luck!
Jessica says
This was so perfect. I have 10 years on you, but can completely relate. I halved my hours at work to be home with my babies and then went a step further and hubby and I bought a RV to live in it full time, travel, and grow as a family. My 20 year union is coming up and it will be an interesting discussion when it comes to careers…I work to pay the bills and get to the next awesome adventure. Anyway, this resonanted so much with me. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Mirjam says
It’s funny how a person, you never met, understands you better than most of your friends could. I’m 31 (my birthday is soon though, duh!) And started travelling 3,5 years ago. There were a few times, where I said: alright, that’s it, I’m going home and settle down. I wanted to start my “adult” life in October. Ah well, I’m going to Canada instead now. Because I can, because I want to, and because every time I think of settling down I think of the time before I started travelling. I don’t want to complain, I’ve always had a good life, a great family, amazing friends. But I’ve been working in the same company for 9 years. Day in day out, doing what people, society expected me to do. And it left me unhappy, deeply unhappy with myself. A lot of people would call that being ungrateful I guess. Maybe they’re right. But is life really about pleasing anyone else but yourself? I don’t think so. So I chose to travel, and I’m still choosing to be “selfish” and to do what makes ME happy. Because guess what: nobody else will do that for you.
Keep chasing the stars, sister! X
Tiffany says
Listen to Linda. And remember you had a solid grounding when you were young. Without that, you may well have become a drop-out with no prospects – not a woman who knows herself, if not her future. You have options – without your earlier heavy work, you may not be in such a pleasant position – with money in the bank just needing organisation. I have worked all my life (except for child rearing years) and now on my own, find that I have just enough to lead a comfortable life, which will shortly include three months in Italy learning the language – which I have tried to do for the last ten years on the internet – with little success.
Congratulations for all you have achieved. Have a good life.
Richard says
I absolutely agree. I was at university studying an engineering degree, and very focused on getting a career in the well paid oil industry. For my second year at university, I went for an exchange to Malaysia, and after that I backpacked around Southeast Asia. This experience turned my world and priorities upside down, now I don’t know what I want anymore. Once you taste freedom, its hard to go back to how you were.
Katy says
Wow, you are such an incredible individual. I just stumbled upon your site through your article about your experience with living in Japan. (My boyfriend lived in Okinawa a few years, he often says he wants to go back!) There’s nothing to be appreciated more than honest and candid insight on something many people might have somewhat obscured ideas of. That’s why your writings are so beneficial for not only me, but anyone else who might read with curious intent to do the things you’ve done and shared with us! If I might say so, maybe you’ve already discovered your calling, or your “offering” to the world that we all feel somewhat obligated to commit to-and maybe it’s igniting the spark in others to get out and see the foreign world for what it really is: beautiful and extremely diverse, but not by any means void of some of the comfortable and familiar tendencies we all share as humans. I’ve learned a lot from you already and will continue to be a faithful reader! Thank you!
Silvia says
Wow, that is such an uplifting comment! Often I wonder why I keep on with this blogging thing, but you reminded me why today 🙂
Mianne says
I think you’re being too harsh on yourself, and that self criticism is one that is (in my opinion) influenced by a world that is driven by questionable morals. The world needs more people that aren’t motivated by career, status and, above all, money.
I sold all of my possessions over 13 years ago, mostly to pursue a professional sports career. After 12 years, it ended over 18months ago, but after living out of a suitcase for so long, I have gotten used to travelling and a minimalist lifestyle. Honestly, I don’t think I’d have it any other way.
These days I don’t have a focused ‘passion’ that drives me to my next destination, but my passion is to discover more of the world and more of myself along the way. I am not motivated by money, but am happy to stick around for a while if there are opportunities of paid work that I find enjoyable, or maybe have a greater meaning.
Life is too short to be caught up in materialistic pursuits that don’t nurture the soul.
Good on you for having led the life you have so far and don’t get too pressured by the big wide world around you. *You* decide how you want to live your life. If it turns out you find a career to focus on, then that’s great. If it turns out you do more time at the supermarket and head off travelling and discovering the world again, that’s awesome too. As long as you are listening to your heart and your inner desire.
Enjoy 🙂
Silvia says
I love that! It’s all about nurturing the soul 🙂 Love your positive attitude towards it.
Miranda says
This all resonates so much with me, apart from finding a forever home, still wondering if I’ll ever get around to that!
Silvia says
Haha sometimes I wonder how forever Norway really is for me.
Nicole Burgess says
I just stumbled upon your blog and this post and can’t believe how much it hit home with me! I am totally inspired by your posts and am looking to start my own blog and trying to find a way to make a career out of travelling and yoga… travel has killed my ambition as well and I couldn’t be happier about it!
Sarah says
Hmm if you don’t mind me saying, I think this was a really sad article. She either didn’t see too many people suffering when traveling and only went to places where things were all beautiful, or she doesn’t seem to have much compassion for those that she saw suffering. I think travel softened certain parts of my ambition, but it strengthened my desire to be a good person despite my flaws and at least try to make the world a slightly better place. I hope she comes around and eventually gets back some ambition for helping others, ambition that doesn’t come from a place of seeking status or “doing the right thing,” but out of simple caring for other human beings.
Silvia says
Aah sorry, I think you might have misunderstood my point here! The only ambition that has been killed was my misguided career ambitions. And that was largely due to my experience living and working with Burmese refugees for 9 months, where I saw wealthy Westerners steal “prestigious” NGO positions from locals who were much better equipped to do the job. It was really upsetting to be part of that system, and see people put their careers and salaries above the well-being of the people they were meant to be helping. So I got out. Now the efforts I make to help people have nothing to do with how much money I could make helping them, which is a much healthier balance for me! And on the way I’ve personally found one of my strongest ways to bring awareness of suffering people is through blogging, where I’ve written about my conversations with people in sort of forgotten places like Tajikistan, Armenia, western China, Siberia, Afghanistan, and Iran. At least that’s what I try to do!
Sarah says
That’s really good to hear! I just worry young people may draw a false conclusion of passivity toward tackling the harder global problems in lieu of a simple life.
“Because if money isn’t going to motivate me to pursue a career, then surely making a positive contribution to the world should. Yet I find myself not quite ready, or able, or, frankly, willing.
Maybe travel is humbling or, more likely, it offers a serious reality check, because when I think about jobs I could do to make some sort of impact, they’re all highly sought after, and so they seem better left to someone who deserves to have their dream career instead of this girl who’s going to spend half her workday daydreaming about the Tatras anyway.”
I guess I just hope you realize it is not a limited sum game. There is room for the ambitious AND room for you both to work hard for a better world. And just because may of the ambitious people who want to change the world for the better might seem a little overzealous to you now that you have traveled (or may not seem 100% pure in their motives), it does not mean that many of them don’t do very good work still. Much more vitally, it also should not mean you shouldn’t try your darnedest to make the world a better place too just because some people do an imperfect job with imperfect motives when trying to improve the world, which may give you an icky taste sometimes, but again, shouldn’t hold you back from engaging with enthusiasm and love for those who are suffering and those who are ambitiously trying to help them (who are also often suffering in their own way at the same time).
I think we need to balance our zen with vigor. There should always be a little tension: a yin and yang between enjoying life and what is simple, and sweating and working hard to allow others to do so.
If you don’t mind my humble suggestion, your article might benefit from a mention of the importance of fostering this more important type of ambition, which can be raised up as you discard the more superficial ones. I say this from my own experience… because I sometimes feel like I let my pursuit of calm and zen hold me back from getting my hands dirty with trying to sustainably improve the world (of course, while working with people as partners and with cultural humility).
Thanks so much for considering this!
Vivien says
This is by far the most comforting I’ve read in a while. As someone who hasn’t finished school and is still looking for that one thing to finally do, it’s nice knowing that you’re able to find yourself and your passion through the “unconventional” things. I’ve dreamt of travelling since I got out of highschool and has always wanted to travel the world and see the world for myself. It truly feels liberating to know that it would be okay regardless of whatever you do. So thank you.
Silvia says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I find reading travel blogs in general really comforting because they remind me that I’m not the only restless person out there 🙂
Brittany from Boston says
This post came to me at the most perfect moment in my life and I’m so glad you shared your experiences and thoughts about this. I think anyone that travels long enough will experience this same type of existential crisis and it’s nice to know I’m not alone!
Silvia says
Right? I find all these comments SO comforting!
Maggie says
Your writing has finally put words to what I’ve been feeling for years. Thank you so much for your honesty and optimism. I’ve been blessed enough to see corners and sides to this world few get to experience. What a blessing, right? I think that feeling “stuck” without a meaningful career seems to plague our generation-but the upside to that is that we are a generation that wants to make changes; real, lasting impacts that will help future generations as well as those we share the world with now.
Thank you for helping me realize I’m not alone
=)
Thor says
“I used to think that life would be scary without a plan, but now it’s the thought of sticking to one that scares me.”
I can really relate to this one. My life before i started traveling was only to follow my parents plan.. Now i have been traveling for 2 years in a row and i’m trying to finish my college but i’m afraid i can’t because i hate to settle down and stay one place for more than a couple of weeks or maybe some few month.
A really good article!
Silvia says
You sound just like me then! Good luck!
Mary-Joy says
LOVE THIS!! Sums up my life completely! Been traveling around for the past 3 years, having adventures here and there! With my 27th birthday fast approaching I feel as if I should get a ‘real’ job, and try and save some money, but the reality of it is totally undesirable to me. I have many things in my bucket list and getting a career isn’t one of them. Sounds like Norway is a good balance, maybe I’ll have to come try it for myself. I’m still trying to find the place where I belong.
Silvia says
Yesss come join me!
Rania says
Reading this article made me truly believe in the saying:”don’t judge the book by its cover” ( don’t judge an article by its title in this case).
when i read the title i said: how come ever traveling be a killer? maybe I haven’t been in many places in my life but I certainly will, but in each time my feet step on a foreign land my bucket list only get larger, my dreams get bigger, my ambitions become more and more valuable, I end up thinking about making a serious change in this world in each place, maybe cause I’ve always been extremely passionate about making a better world and I believe that one of my constant attempts to reach it was via traveling and meeting new cultures, people, religions, traditions. …setting on a table with an Indian/Canadian and American/Mexican feminism professors made me actually go back home and actually start a whole non-profit project. I believe ambitions are a collective pieces from others success and life careers which for me yours is very inspiring and I am grateful for you.
Can’t wait to discover Norway and meet the incredible people out there.
Danielle says
I just read this, and it made me feel so much better about “where I am” right now. I’m 27 and went just a bit further than you with the American dream (I’m Canadian, but the goals we’re taught to aim for are pretty much the same). I found the good job with nice pay and benefits. I realized about a year and a half ago that I’d somehow been there for four years already.
I discovered I loved to travel rather late. I have a particularly travel-hungry group of friends (or maybe more people in general have discovered a love of backpacking recently) who’ve been all over. They’ve moved to new countries, found love in new places and just have an insatiable appetite to learn about the planet we live on. I finally found that in myself when I dove in head first, booked a month long vacation and went to Europe. I’d been to the Carribean, all-inclusive stuff you do on family vacations, but I’d never backpacked. I now can’t stop.
Im currently trying to save 40k (yes, not noticed you have an article on how to save about that much – have not yet read it) so that I can head out and explore.
Anyway, thanks 🙂
TJ says
I love this! Can I ask how you obtained Norwegian citizenship?
My paternal grandmother’s side is all Norwegian and I wonder if that helps in anyway.
I’m with yo in that I don’t need a lot to be happy and money doesn’t motivate me in that way.
I think I can get make it work in American and it would be hard to be across the world from family, but it would also be a fun adventure.
Feel free to reply by e-mail if you don’t want to answer that publicly on your blog or link to a post if you’ve already written about this before. 🙂
Thanks!
TJ
Bex says
Great post! I find it encouraging you’ve moved out of your initial comfort zone, or more correctly, the ‘zone’ that we in the UK and US are taught is the correct way to live our lives.
Bravo for following your heart and allowing your focus to shift. Don’t feel guilty (I’m sure you don’t)…embrace the newly focused you. Who knows when your focus will change again (and nothing wrong if/when it does).
Felice says
I’m 29 and I’ve recently been taken really ill and it made me realise that the things I am most proud about are my travels and adventurous life. Don’t wait until tomorrow or next year to do what you want because you might not have your health then anymore. Be happy x
Silvia says
Such wise words! I’m sorry to hear you’ve taken ill though – you have my best wishes behind you!
Sinead says
Hi,
I’ve had the same problem my whole life. I could not keep a job for more than a year. I would save up enough money for a plan ticket. I have found a job that has allowed me to travel to all corners of the world. I am an Overlander. I drive big trucks full of amazing people who love the same things we do… scenery, culture, food, camping, hiking, etc. The company I work for is Dragoman, but there are lots of overlanding companies out there looking for people with our type of passion.
Silvia says
Oh that’s SO interesting! Thanks for sharing, I imagine it could be an ideal job for a lot of people.
Teresa Dempsey says
First, I want to say this is a very good story and you are very talented writer. My niece shared your post, perhaps as a way of letting us know how she might be feeling at the moment. Reading your story could easily have been her. I imagine she might feel a bit confused now. She is in the Navy as some sort of medic and not long ago they returned from a Round the World Ocean assignment. She had an amazing time, saw some amazing things….looked like a holiday of a lifetime….nothing too dangerous that I saw…..shore leave looked quite amazing AND she was getting paid to do it all. Is it any wonder she has got itchy feet, wanting to keep moving….keep traveling. Was like one big holiday. Now that they are ashore….her map of how she was going to lead her life may be forever altered due to the places she’s been and the people she has met. Can be hard to settle down after living like that….
I get it. At 30 I moved to Australia on my own, only knowing a couple people. Been here for 24 years now and it IS my home. My map for my life did a 360 the moment I landed in Australia and my priorities are much different now….I used to Live to work….now I simply work to Live. Life doesn’t always work to a plan…and sometimes the best results come from No plan. Things will usually work out how they are meant to be…. at least that is what I have learned. Life teaches you lessons you may need later to help you.
Anyways, just wanted to tell you I enjoyed your article and you do have a talent for this sort of thing. All the best!
Silvia says
I love that – it really does seem like things work out how they’re meant to be! Thanks for your sweet comment, and I hope everything works out for your niece (I suspect it will!).
Kimberley says
Excellent post!
I can certainly relate to the ease of saving after travel. Why would I buy that? My old one is not broken? Well that’s nice too, but where would we put it? I know where that was made, the conditions are appaling! Unsustainable! Who’s counting the prestige anyway? And if all you are wanting to purchase is your next trip you need significantly less to get by. I now find it baffling that people require so many things, even more so that I was once one of them.
I do still very much like to “make a positive contribution to society” but as a teacher that comes with the calling. The good news is that my degree (thanks young neurotic Kimberley) is recognised in many countries and school holidays allow me to explore the world where ever I may be. Meeting (and educating) the youth of another nation is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to enjoy social/cultural travel. Now, that I’m based back in AU, I just wish EU wasn’t so far away. It’s mucher harder to take a long weekend in Salzburg, or Paris or Prague. 💔
TheHolyLlama says
How the hell did you decide on Norway? I am Norwegian and currently I’m freezing my imaginary balls off and thinking that we don’t really have much to offer, other than cold, rain, expensive stuff with high taxes on every single thing we have and don’t have, trolls that don’t exist, there’s hills everywhere and people somehow are obsessed with cross country skiing, and did I mention cold weather and snow? Sure, we have some beautiful nature, but so does the US and many other countries.
I love that you make the move and have the guts to do it, but Norway?
Sincerly a cold and miserable Norwegian.
TheHolyLlama says
Oh shit, I tought I read that you were from the US. My bad, girl, welcome back to Norvegia.
Silvia says
Lol at “there’s hills everywhere.” Ughh hills! But yeah, I’ve lived both places and prefer Norway to the US, but my mother left Norway at 19 and never moved back, so it’s certainly not for everyone.
Danielle says
Being a young traveler myself from North America, I had the same thought as anyone else: go to school and then get a job, you’ll be fine. After high school, I found a university degree that combined my passions and fell in love with the program (environmental governance). As part of my degree, I was offered to go on a bilateral exchange, so I chose a school in the south of Germany to further my knowledge in politics. Living here, I have met so many people and have experienced so many things, and of course traveled a lot! I have been all over Europe, constantly exploring new towns and cultures, each weekend that I have been able to get away from class. I enjoyed the idea of being in a new place, and looked for more places to explore. At one point, I was so sure of myself that I would pursue my studies in Norway (at UAiT). I started to adore the European lifestyle. Although it has been an amazing experience, and I, too, ended up losing my ambition for a few months. There was a short time where I felt like I was lingering from city to city without purpose, but enjoyed learning and seeing new sights anyway.
However, coming out of my exchange – I leave in a few months, I have found my passion again. And I have become even more enthusiastic about my home country, Canada. I’ve reached the point where I love Europe, but I feel renewed and ready to tackle anything when I return home. I’ve even planned out a move across the country, where I will be taking a master’s degree in something that I am passionate about while working in a job that I cannot stop smiling about.
Travel does something to you. It’s the best and the worst, but it all works out in the end, and you come out stronger than you were before. I think that’s the beauty of unfamiliar places – it challenges you as a person.
I love this article, and read it from time to time as reminder that not everything is planned out. There is still so much out there to discover. Thank you for this wonderful piece!
P.S. I have a comment about something you wrote: “…but do take a year off to perfect your Norwegian, because that’s what’s important in life.”
I believe in this so much. Languages are powerful. Since I was young I have enjoyed learning languages, but it hasn’t been until now that I have recognized the true power of languages. As a person from an English-speaking community, I’ve learned that we take communication for granted. Not everyone can easily communicate their viewpoints wherever they go, which is a constant struggle for some. Also, people appreciate it if you take the time to learn ever just a few words in their language. It just shows so much respect. I agree that languages are important, and I am sad that so many people don’t see the power in knowing multiple languages.
You do not need school to learn. You only need a willing mind and a passion.
Kaitlin Roesler says
Thankyou so much for sharing this post, could relate whole heartedly. I’ve just turned 20 and after holding off on heading straight to university after high school I backpacked Europe solo for 8 months then decided to put off uni once again and moved to Greece to live and work for 6 months. After returning a few months ago I have found I’m being bombarded with either “when’s your next trip” or “aren’t you going to finally go to university”. I have such an urge to travel for another year as I can’t describe the experiences I’ve had over the past few years but in saying so I also still hold a strong passion for my long term career path. I’ve spent the last few months making up positive and negative lists for both but still find myself torn between the two.
Silvia says
Oh I can so relate! I wish there were some life rulebook that could just give us the answer to these questions, but I at least believe that no choice can really become a “wrong choice” if we make the most out of it. I think sometimes you just have to follow your intuition and then give your all to whichever path you choose!
Lucy Taylor says
Holy moly I related to every word! Personally, I think your choice to live in a way that is true to you – and then share this with the world – is one of the most selfless and important impacts you can have.
Bassam Faress says
Silvia,
My job takes me around the globe and it is refreshing to to serve that our thinking is congruent in so many ways. Like you I see the good and awesomeness in every place I have visited whether in first or third world and at the end of the day we are alike I need so many ways. Norway does really sound amazing and although I have visited a few cities I would like to explore more regions. Thanks for your post and it’s a pleasure to become acquainted. Look me up whenever you are in the Chicago area.
Pawel says
I really can only relate to one thing:
“I guess this is the point where I tell you guys that maybe travel hasn’t killed my ambition, it’s just changed it.”. Other than that – nice and interesting writing. I think it’s true that it probably makes You “officially the world’s worst role model”. Except if You live in a country like Norway when even if You’re not working hard or NOT AT ALL – You get good money. Other 95% of the world can’t have that (of course they all can move to Norway or Switzerland or similiar country ;)). Also – saving 44k USD is kind of hard when supermarket employee in Poland earns 300-400 USD per MONTH and it not even pays the rent for a flat ;).
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining that it’s impossible. Just what You’re describing here is available only for 5% of population -TOPS. Other have to seek other options ;).
I, for instance – want to achieve something AND travel so I don’t even have to save for any trip. What always amazes me – that ppl like “millenials” do simple jobs etc. and they never think what will happen if SOMEHOW they won’t be able to do the job (some accident).
Anyways – I’m happy for Ypu that You find your happiness – always nice to read about different viewpoint if it does not concern forcing something on others ;)!
Silvia says
I should clarify that I saved that money in Japan, not Norway, teaching English in a program with people from all over the world. But you’re right, speaking English definitely helped me with that one!
Julia says
Your article truly resonated with me — a middle aged woman from Western Pennsylvania who has no long-term travelers in her family or friends. The kind of traveling we do is not always easy but the bug has bitten us. All we can do is follow our muse.
I am currently on a year long trip in South America and Mexico and I’ve toyed with the idea of not returning to the U.S. My friends are startled, but this adventure has been eye opening — better late than never, I say. I am happy that you discovered your passion for travel much sooner than I did. I just want to share a quote with you that embodies our ethos:
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist. That is all.” Oscar Wilde
If you know some facts about Wilde’s life, this quote is everything. Cheers to you!
Samantha says
Yes yes a million times yes! The NEW American dream where you’re happy to live and work instead of working to live! Can’t wait to start my new chapter 🙂 good for you girl!
Silvia says
Yesss!
Paulo says
Let me start by telling you I’m a little bit older than you 😉 and if this post tells me anything, it’s that you’re the best role model a teenager can have. Why? Because you write about how experiencing the world can educate you in a way that no school can. Because the most important thing anyone can learn is how to appreciate what life has to offer and most of it is free. A career can be fulfilling, but most people end up working in somebody else’s dream, so the paycheck and social prestige end up being the result of the hard work. What do people do with a paycheck? Pay bills and buy stuff they don’t really need (to show off the prestige).
With that said, let me tell you I’m doing something similar with my life and again, I’m older than you… I was writing an article for my travel blog and found yours. You can’t believe how happy I felt, knowing there are more like me out there. I’m going to mention you in my article and link it to this one. I loved it! Thanks!
Silvia says
Oh that makes me feel so happy as well! It’s always reassuring when older people approve of my path instead of being like, you’re going to regret this later…. (my fear!)
Paulo says
Silvia,
If you’re interested in reading my version… 😉
http://www.worldwidemacato.com/unexpected-travel-side-effect/
Stay well and safe travels!
Paulo
Ivan says
Dear Silvia.
Thank you for your post.
Having worked my way down through the commentary of others(to get to this section where I can add mine) the most prominent word or sentiment expressed was ‘resonate’; to which I have to admit that your post did not resonate with me.
The article certainly makes for an interesting read, and your pictures tell stories I’m sure very few people could live to tell; though I found your appraisal of passion, defined as ‘narrowly focused’, in itself myopic and inconsistent.
I think it admirable that you have gained such latitude of experience in culture and diversity, which you have rightfully characterised as broadening your horizons. What I think you fail to demonstrate or understand, is that your lifestyle is a product of many people applying their minds to complex set of problems, in the complex world we live in that you acknowledge. For example, the aircraft that transports you from one place to another, didn’t invent itself; no it took a society, from all backgrounds, to bring that about. The fact that you boast good health, is surely attributable to advances in medicine, to which you are a causal beneficiary. The booking engine that you use to book airline tickets is a result of some programmer who put in a few hours of his/her life, which has facilitated the experiences you write so well about. What I’m trying to demonstrate is that society depends on a multitude of talent, not a singular concept of ability; and that everyone has some part to play by making use of skills and talents.
What I draw from your writing, among other things, is that you’re uninspired by anyone or anything; that competition for what you want to do is so stiff so why try; and this has relegated you to a life of working to live, in opposition to the converse. Whilst I am in no position to refute this ideology, a necessary corollary to this line of thinking is that, as you put it, is to ‘take full advantage’… of the benefits that society is working tirelessly to produce. What is most is remarkable about your post, is that you appear able bodied, educated and have potential to effect change in a world desperate for it. I certainly don’t assent to the view that a person of this nature, employed in a grocery store is the most optimal use of skills, but that is just my own opinion.
Lastly, I want to emphasise not to take my comments at ad hominin. This isn’t about you as much as it is about a deeply subjective topic of life and purpose. I myself, cannot lay claim to making any ground breaking impact to society, but in my own way, trying to bring about change by employing my skills and talents as best I can. What I want to encourage is critical thinking to the subject at hand; I think its insufficient to proclaim to be uninspired by anyone or anything, as a reason not to take up a career, yet gain utility from the fruits of labour.
I hope this reaches you well and I look forward to hearing more.
Silvia says
Your comment made me laugh because it’s exactly the sort of thing I would have written as a philosophy student in college! (I mean that as a good thing – you made me nostalgic!) I think what we disagree on is the idea that a career has to be the way to “bring about change by employing my skills and talents as best I can.” As you noted, the most prominent sentiment in the commentary on this post was that it resonated. In fact I get private messages and emails every week in response to this post, saying that it gave people inspiration and even comfort.
So while you might not think my working in a grocery store is the best employment of my skills, I would disagree, because working there afforded me the time and dare I say inspiration to write this post, and a lot of the other posts that might be worth reading, which (sorry if this comes off as arrogant) has had more of a positive effect on the world than much else I’ve done in my career or otherwise.
You’re right that I talk about being uninspired to take up a career and join in the competition for “what I want to do” but I thought the ending of the post made it quite clear that that was simply because what I had thought I wanted to do wasn’t what I truly wanted to do at all. I think losing ambition is a very real feeling and while not necessarily a good one to have, something worth discussing openly (if it weren’t then I don’t think so many people would have related to this post). Because in my case it pointed me away from what wasn’t working for me and towards the things that I am passionate about.
Though actually the joke might be on me, because now I’m a full time blogger, so I guess I have chosen a career after all? Though there’s a good chance I will return to the supermarket, because I do really miss it. Anyway, hope that clarifies things a bit!
Chistabel says
……this is not helping my wonderlust. great post Silvia!
Sam Viavant says
Hi Silvia,
This resonated with me so much! I was driven to be a professor until I realized it was possible to travel half the year. I decided I’d rather play outside and learn in a different way than learn in school and career. It was the hardest decision I ever made, but the best. And now when people ask what I’m doing I have all sorts of ideas for my next trip, but blank stares about career.
I would say we’re more ambitious than most people. We’re just ambitious with time and passion instead of money. Most people sacrifice 11 ½ months a year to make middle class money. We sacrifice living standards to get the lives we want. It’s ambitious to keep meeting strangers at an age where most people settle into friend groups. It’s ambitious to sleep in airports and hostels and eat noodles so you can see parts the the world you’ve always wanted. It’s ambitious committing to the hard, unpaid, rewarding work of writing about our experiences.
This doesn’t apply to people who work hard at jobs they love. It doesn’t apply to people who need real money to support families and such. It takes thrift and planning to live this way, but also luck. I acknowledge mine, I grew up in a white, stable, middle class family. But it does apply to people who work hard at lucrative jobs they hate when they don’t need the money. I wouldn’t call that ambitious.
I actually went to Lofoten for six weeks this summer! I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places, but it may have been the highlight of my life. I camped out at Henningsvaer the whole time, rock climbing and hiking and running. There’s a very welcoming climbing community if your interested, and also phenomenal hiking. I’m not an EU citizen, but since you are and you’re okay with super-market style jobs, there’s heaps of work. I can’t recommend it highly enough, I’d move to Lofoten if I was an EU citizen! Finnmark and Svalbard are also amazing. Good luck and reach out if you want pictures!
Cheers,
Sam
Katie says
Wow! I just spent 2 hours reading and not to *gush* or anything but I have felt very connected to your writing. I am about halfway through your country count and have many of the same thoughts. You’ve got a new fan and fellow travel blogger. Way to go
spirit sister!
Katie
Trouncingaround.com
Silvia says
Thanks, Katie, that means so much to me!
Marc says
Amazing article. You people just don’t realise how lucky you are living in Scandinavia. Other EU countries are struggling everyday and their people, to reach at least one opportunity, to start with your passion work…if you fail, it means another 5-7 years of working regular job, paying for errors. That’s why is easier to risk there and so difficult here. Travelling abilities are in 1:10, i’m sure too.
But anyway, some people have luck, others no. Some don’t even know what is a normal meal a day.
Sara says
I am so happy to have stumbled across this post! It’s nearly been a year since I quit my ‘good’ job, sold my car and all of my other worldly possessions and moved overseas to travel.
I’ve been called careless, selfish and ignorant and honestly, felt like maybe I was but after reading your post, I know that I’m not alone in wanting to see the world and not making my career a priority.
Not everyone can do what we do but that doesn’t mean that it’s wrong or a life wasted.
Thank you and I look forward to visiting Norway to see how it won you over!
Charlotte says
It is crazy how much I can relate to this and also very relieving that I’m not the only one put that is struggling to motivate myself into any corporate career my mum would be proud of
Pauline says
“I used to think that life would be scary without a plan, but now it’s the thought of sticking to one that scares me.”
Beautifully put!
Silvia says
Thanks!
Hillary says
Just found your blog and love it! My husband and I are going to Norway for the first time next month! (Hopefully) we haven’t booked anything yet! We are super outdoorsie and love hiking and camping!! What are some hikes you recommend and areas? Also, I want to stay in a cute bead and breakfast sometime during our trip so if you know of any:)
THANKS!
milena says
I think I’m pretty similar to teenage you at the moment but I’m also really eager to explore the world and different cultures,ever since I moved abroad for two years to finish high school… For these reasons I found your post very interesting and thought provoking
Melia says
I love this article! I am currently taking a semester to study abroad in Brisbane, Australia and I found myself agreeing with everything you just said! I started off college with a clear idea of what I wanted to do with my life, and my experiences here have shaped my idea of my perfect life. I feel like there is something to be said about letting your travels make you a better person rather than your studies making you a more qualified applicant in a job market. I’m happy to be learning how to develop my whole self – it’s a different kind of progress!
Vanessa says
I LOVE THIS BLOG POST! I have been DYING to travel the world but the only thing holding me back is that I am afraid to travel alone as a young solo female. Also how to make money while I am traveling and so many other thoughts that cross my brain everyday as I continue my boring routine. I want to make the jump soon into my traveling life but I don’t know where to start or how to do it. Do I really just jump? Find a place I want to go to, buy a ticket and figure out the rest as I go? I am trying so hard to get in contact with travel bloggers and people who are currently traveling the world. How do I set it up so I have connections around the world just incase I need some guidance or have a mental breakdown of ‘What the hell am I doing in Romania…. I know nothing about Romania.’ (That was just a random place I don’t actually intend to travel there anytime soon). But how do I start? Do I just plan and go? Do I make connections first? I’m just afraid to do it alone.
Silvia says
There are lots of travel Facebook groups that might be helpful – like Girls Love Travel – if you want to connect with other female travelers and locals!
Sophie says
I was close to leaving my nomadic life because there comes a time when you simply don’t want to be this temporary person in everyone’s life. But….but I simply cannot do it.But people do. Maybe the day will come.
Yoshi says
Wow this really resonated me! I came to the US as a kid on a tourist visa with my family from Jamaica. My mom was legal but my brother and I weren’t so now I have a messed up immigration status which makes travel extremely difficult. Was lucky to get to travel in Europe and Asia for 6 months last year and I had the time of my life. I fell in love with a French guy and we’re now married but now i have to make the decision whether I stay in NYC where my friends, family, and business are, or leave the US, move to France and travel the world, but never be able to return to America and see my friends and family. After reading about how much you grew from traveling I’m motivated to go explore and have more epic travel adventures! Especially because NYC is so ridiculously expensive, you can have a higher quality of life in another country for a third of the cost
yasmin says
I love your article and everything you say in it! I love how travel can change our perspective on life and the world and open our eyes to all the endless possibilities and look beyond the boxed life we are ‘supposed’ to live. There is no ‘right’ way of how to live our life. I am with you girl! I recently quit my office job and I don’t have a plan. But I love what you wrote and completely agree: ‘I used to think that life would be scary without a plan, but now it’s the thought of sticking to one that scares me’. Keep following your passion and inspiring others to live :-)!!
Ellie says
I really enjoyed reading your post and feel in a similar conundrum right now! I quit my job 7 months ago and have been travelling all around the world but am getting tired of packing my bags (for now at least!). So will head home shortly… the idea of settling back down again though terrifies me more than continuing with he ubexpected. I am definitely much less motivated about my career than I once was but I feel totally okay with that now. I think my priorities have re-aligned too.. a job is just a job.. exploring new places, meeting new people and having an enjoyable lifestyle is more important to me. Thanks for your blog.. I enoyed reading it! Are you on Instagram by any chance?
Silvia says
That’s exactly what happened to me! And I think it’s a fine attitude to have – or at least it has been fine for me. And yes, I’m on instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/heartmybackpack/
Anna says
This all sounds so romantic. I just don’t understand how people like you can be so relaxed about the unknown future. Like, what if you get injured or sick and need expensive treatments? Or if you get pregnant? Or what about old age? Even in Norway there won’t really be state funded retirement by the time you reach that age.
I mean, those plans or better said Non-Plans for the future are all so idyllic and beautiful but what if life suddenly hits you hard and you need money that you never saved?
Silvia says
We do have healthcare in Norway, but I’m definitely saving for retirement! You don’t need to have a traditional career to have savings. I live very cheaply, so even when I was working at a supermarket I put a minimum of 800 usd away in savings every month. Because I agree with you, savings are so important.
Lily Diekema says
Wow! This was such an honest and helpful post. Will definitely be reading your blog in the future. Keep it up!!
Nina says
This post resonates so much with me! I always enjoyed going to school, however, for me, it was all about the people and learning something new. Grades were never of interest to me. I am a slow learner and needed to study double as hard as most of my peers just to pass, which was all that I really wanted to do. In retrospect, it was a really healthy attitude that got me through school and uni, without losing my mind. Ever since moving abroad to Berlin for an internship I’ve been moving and traveling all over the place. I grew up in Austria and within the last couple years, I got to live in Berlin, London and two times in New York City. I love living in new places and deeply exploring them and always make it a point to travel between moves.
I never understood why people would want to be in the same place all their lives, it just doesn’t appeal to me at all. I oftentimes get asked what “allows” me to move and travel as much as I do with the implication that what I do for work must allow me to live the life that I am living and it couldn’t be further from the truth. For work I do whatever I enjoy doing and moving and traveling is something that you just gotta make happen. It’s something that I always plan for and finding work is something that I always figure out once I am at my new destination. There’s no magic to it! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, I foundd it really interesting and love your writing! Could I receive new posts via email? Could you sign me up if at all possible? Please let me know. Thank you! 🙂
Debbie DeVoe says
I’m 49 years old and have traveled to all seven continents and 60+ countries. My middle aged self says you won’t regret your traveling at all, but do make sure you’re set up for retirement. That is the only regret I can foresee your having if you’re not prepared.
Have fun!
Silvia says
So true! I’ve had my retirement account set up for several years now, phew.
Padi Phillips says
As George Carlin reminded us, “…it’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it!”
I think you need to ease up on yourself with all that angst about not working hard enough, not having a career or ambition. You have ambition enough for what you are doing now, that comes out clearly from everything you write, and you seem to have made travel, and things related to it your career.
I’m sure that if you wanted to stretch yourself, achieve something like your ‘full potential’ that Norway would be one of the best places to do just that. Just because Norway gives people a good start in life and has firm, but just ideas about everyone being able to enjoy a decent life, without having to half kill themselves on someone else’s beahalf, that it doesn’t stifle ambition. It probably separates more than in most countries the false notion that people have to be paid more in order to encourage them. That’s the kind of logic that states that rich people have to be paid more to motivate them, whilst to motivate poor people, you pay them less! I’m sure that Norway, despite it’s apparent egalitarianism that means as a supermarket worker you can live a good life, turns out just as many doctors that go on to make an important contribution to humanity’s knowledge base, and that there are experts who have excelled because they live in a society that maintains that there is a lower limit to standards of living. But then, having travelled the world you know all this, but for some reason, you still seem to be guilt tripping yourself too much! Maybe you are still too American at heart? Allow that inner Norwegian to take over a bit!
I, for one really vicariously enjoy reading about your travels, and enjoy reading your insights and frustrations about living in Norway, but I think you’d have to come down firmly in favour of life in Norway over that for far too many in the USA, or the UK for that matter. Tell people in the UK that supermarket workers can work only four days, and still pay a high rent and save, and they’d say ‘come on, pull the other one! Supermarket workers in the UK can’t afford to live without state benefits, basically subsidies to employers who could easily pay their workers adequately, but choose not to.
On a different note, I’ve just discovered the Norwegian zombie movie genre, Død Snø and Død Snø 2 – thoroughly reccomend if you like your zombie movies both gory and extremely silly!
Kenogi says
Love this… Well, it looks like you’re making a career out of travelling via content creation right now? Lovely.
Liana says
Would you mind telling me how you manage to make this work out money-wise? Do you work on the go (i’ve only heard one story about this) or work at home, travel and return to that job?
I’m a teen lol, my main ambition in life is to travel. Having a career relating to animal care/research would be amazing too, but to make them both work… I don’t currently have enough motivation and resolve to pursue that, or have a specific career in mind that can make both of those things work.
I’d love to travel first and foremost, but I don’t know how I could afford flights even if I spend next to nothing on accommodation, food, etc. Travel credits isn’t a possibility either since I don’t regularly spend a moderate amount of my income on things like weekly shopping, being a teenager who lives with their family. I’ve researched into this for days, but can’t find any solution other than travel credits and a steady source of income from online work. I don’t know how it’s possible to return to a job after regularly going away for long periods of time without being fired either lol.
I’m stumped and can’t even form a plan let alone act on it. Any tips would be really really appreciated, thank you.
Silvia says
After college I worked for two years in Japan and basically saved all the money I made. You can read about it here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/heart/afford-travel-world/ And now I earn a living through this blog, which I’ve written about here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blogging/make-money-travel-blog/. It took a lot of years of work before I was able to travel full time for a living, so you need to have some patience! But all those years have paid off as now I have the freedom to travel as much as I want 🙂
Hannah Frances McCreesh says
I’ve just come across your blog whilst searching for Chefchaouena and it’s lead me to this article and a few others – and all I can say from this is you’re being too hard on yourself!
Even from looking at your blog for 10 minutes, as a fellow blogger, I can tell you’ve achieved something absolutely amazing by being able to do it full-time, creating consistently amazing content across a variety of different channels.
You might not have a career plan as such, but even by doing this you’re inspiring others with your travel stories and your blogging success.
I wish you all the best and will be keeping up with your adventures via social media!
Love Hannah x
hannahfrancesmccreesh.com
Carissa says
Yes, yes, yes! I’ve been travelling solo since graduating and my peers are stressing over Uni when they don’t actually want to go.
I think travelling doesn’t damper your ambition the way people think – it just shifts our goal.
Instead of societal norms, we’re more inclined to learn in less traditional ways. It’s not as if we haven’t done anything weirder when we’re on the road… right?
People ask me when I’m going to Uni or get a full time job, but I’m happy with working remotely and seeing the world. It’s not settling for a lower pay check/lifestyle, but deciding that we’d rather live a simplistic but fulfilling life.
Jason says
Have you ever considered settling down with a life partner and having kids? Would they just be something that would slow you down? Have you ever met people who move around to different countries every couple of years? Are people who settle down and those constantly traveling simply two different types of people?
Thanks
Google Flights says
Hi, just found your post and loved it. You did a very nice post and it quite relaxing. I read more posts from your blog and enjoyed the same way.
Thanks
Google Flights
rohit aggarwal says
thank you heartmybackpack for giving me wonderful information
Alice says
Just found your blog this morning searching for how to move to norway and i have followed you on Instagram, i love your posts, i’ve just kept on reading and left my search
emma says
cool article.. 👍 keep up the work 👌
Simon says
This really resonates with me. As a kid I worked so hard pursuing society’s goals as though they were my own. I’m so glad I took the leap and started traveling. I still have ambition, but now it’s on my own terms. I find your travels super inspiring and hope to have visited 80 countries myself someday. Thanks for sharing your story.
Melanie says
omg, I relate to that post in so many levels!! Thank you for putting my feelings and thoughts into words! It feels so good to know I’m not the only unconventional girl around there! Thanks for sharing it! Inspiring!