Is quitting your job to travel a good idea in 2025?
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“Quit your job, sell your stuff, travel the world” is possibly our generation’s most misguided millennial mantra.
Dramatically quitting your job to travel around the world with nothing but a backpack and a dream is often sold as a cure to all life’s problems.
Unhappy with your 9-5? Travel. That douchebag left you broken-hearted? Travel. Seeking spiritual enlightenment? Travel.
In our instant gratification society, jacking in your day job to ‘find yourself’ in Thailand is as deliciously indulgent as it sounds.
However, pausing your career to seek new horizons can be wildly beneficial in the right circumstances. Sometimes, it can even lead to a new career and opportunities.
Quitting your job to travel
We do need to take a moment, though, to question our motives, plan how to explain employment gaps and be realistic about our finances.
Quitting your 9-5 to travel and do ‘dropshipping’ is also not as easy as those overpriced ‘digital nomad ebooks’ would have you believe.
There are numerous things to take into consideration. Your career implications, the possible impact on your mental health, where your stuff will go, outstanding debts, and how you will save enough to travel.
Don’t rush into the decision because some 23-year-old Instagrammer called ‘Wanderfierce’, who lives for free with their parents, implored you to “Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Remember, the only people who say, “yeah man, money isn’t everything”, are people with money.
how to quit your job and travel
We discuss quitting your job, dreaming big and how to create a life of travel on my travel podcast, Travel Goals.
In this episode, I have a lively discussion with top travel blogger Helene Sula from Helene Inbetween about how she took calculated risks to follow her dreams of travelling and living abroad without sacrificing stability and comfort and how you can too.
Download the episode now and subscribe to The Travel Goals Podcast for more deep dives into travel topics and destination inspiration.
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Is there ever really a good time to quit your 9-5? In THIS economy? Y’all have lost your goddamn minds.
Until ChatGPT steals all our jobs, we have to assume, for now, that in the future, people will still have jobs and will still be considering leaving them for a beach in Bali.
I’d argue that as the economy adapts to a post-pandemic world, a cost-of-living crisis, and home working, it will impact people’s feelings about their work and personal lives.
should I quit my job and travel?
In my years of travel, I’ve met people from all walks of life and had countless boozy and honest discussions with fellow travellers about why they travel.
In my extensive, anecdotal experience, some are curious about other destinations and cultures. Others are escaping from heartbreak, toxic families, burnout and jobs they hate.
We must consider new working-from-home flexibility will impact our desire to escape from our jobs/lives.
quitting job to travel
If remote working continues to be the norm, this could have massive implications for the job market and society.
When people see a huge improvement in their work-life balance, they might not be as keen to leave their jobs to travel for an extended period.
Surely a happier workforce is a more stable workforce after all? Travelling around a 9-5 probably seems more agreeable when you don’t loathe your working environment.
Travelling around a 9-5
I was curious about how my social media circle felt about quitting the 9-5 to explore, so I ran a Twitter poll to see what my followers thought about quitting work to travel.
Interestingly, despite my network comprising wanderlust fans, fellow travel writers, and travel industry folk, the results showed a preference for ‘travel around a job’.
Many people commented on the thread about ditching a job to travel. Their feelings largely depended on where they were in life, their responsibilities, and whether they were in solid careers, they didn’t want to abandon.
Not everyone can travel
Looking back on my Twitter poll, it’s clear that many people had concerns about trading a steady job for life on the road.
Common worries included:
- “What happens when the money runs out?”
- “Where will I live when I come home?”
- “It’s hard to get a new job in the US with a resume gap.”
- “We have responsibilities and it’s even harder when you have a family.”
- How do I pay for my health insurance?
Choosing travel over employment is a real privilege not available to all. Don’t let bearded, ‘live on $3 a day’ backpacker bros tell you otherwise.
Travelling is much easier when you don’t have massive financial commitments, a solid career, family responsibilities, health issues and debts.
It’s important to remember this when social media is flooded with images of carefree ‘digital nomads’ urging you to quit your job, buy their e-book (Now only $1997!), and “follow your dreams”.
There’s a good chance they are from generational wealth, with no real responsibilities. That’s how they can ‘choose travel’. The bank of Mum and Dad has them covered.
Travel is a privilege
Let’s get real for a moment; swapping employment for adventure is a dreadfully bougie thing to do.
No matter how many beaded bracelets you wear, you cannot escape the fact that travel is a luxury, consumable item largely enjoyed by people with wealth and privilege.
Many people have huge responsibilities and are living paycheck to paycheck. They simply don’t have the luxury of binning their job off to fanny about in Bali ‘chasing their dreams’.
It’s really important to recognise if you’ve had an advantageous starting point in life. This can include class, education, ethnicity, healthcare, and, importantly, where your passport was issued.
So next time you feel the urge to post an ‘anyone can travel’ sunset photo, maybe take a moment to consider not being a YOLO douche.
Factors to consider before quitting your 9-5
I appreciate that on a hard day, it can be tempting to invite your idiot boss to shove his job up the jacksie and moonwalk out of the office in a blaze of glory.
Before you burn all your bridges, though, take a moment to plan your escape properly and, most importantly, your return to the working world.
Unless you plan to play the panpipes for money and live in a beach hut in Goa forever, there’s a strong chance you will be coming back home from your travels.
So, having a plan for your inevitable homecoming is super important. It’s not a topic that’s widley discussed on social as it’s not hammering home the ‘follow your dreams’ mantra espoused by man buns in Bali.
How can I ensure financial stability during my travels
Before booking that one-way ticket to Laos, here are some things to consider.
- What do your finances look like? Have you saved enough money to travel?
- How will you explain an employment gap on your resume?
- Can you take a sabbatical from your job to have something to return to?
- Do you have debt that needs to be cleared first?
- If you own a home, how will you continue paying the mortgage when you travel?
- What will you do about medical insurance/student loans?
- If you require regular visits to the doctor/prescriptions, how will you manage this?
- Do you actually want to travel, or are you just avoiding your problems?
The last point is a particularly important one. One of the most profound travel life lessons I’ve learnt is that travel won’t solve all your problems.
If you are in a career you hate, taking three months off to travel won’t solve that issue. If you have to return to a job you despise, you haven’t addressed the root of the problem.
You could plan to change careers before you strap on that backpack. That way, you can return to a job/career/life you enjoy.
regret quitting my job to travel
Google this question, and you’ll be met with thousands of results. Sadly, there’s no real way of knowing until you actually hand in your resignation.
Employers are more forgiving of career breaks and gap years when you are younger or in a less competitive field.
i regret quitting my job to travel
The older you get, the more settled you tend to be. It’s harder to leave a solid career, a home you own and family commitments to travel.
However, it’s not an impossible dream. There are countless articles on the internet about how ‘we sold everything and travelled in a campervan’.
It’s worth noting that the ‘I became a world citizen’ stories you read are largely successful. Stories of travel regret are tricky to find, probably because failure doesn’t sell as well.
should i quit my job to travel
If you’re still undecided about quitting your job to travel, you could ask your employer for an extended vacation, unpaid time off, or a sabbatical.
You don’t have to dramatically bin off your career if you don’t want to. Other options include remote work, travelling around 9-5, or taking a career break.
It sounds obvious, but maybe check if you like travelling before buying a backpack. I’ve met several unhappy souls of the road who hated 28-bed dorm hostels and living on $3 a day.
Turns out, sleeping in a $ 1-a-night s***hole and eating zero-nutrient packet noodles isn’t for everyone.
Don’t feel you have to barely survive travelling because some disingenuous influencer with a man bun made a reel about how ‘adventure is good for the soul’ while neglecting to mention their trust fund.
quitting work to travel
Are you still considering quitting your job to travel? The next step is to do your research. Read books, listen to podcasts, and talk to people who have done it.
It goes without saying that you need to be really careful about what advice you listen to. Consider the person’s position and motivations.
Are they young and without responsibilities and obligations? Do they have a ‘travel the world’ course or ebook they are trying to sell you? Perhaps they are from huge generational wealth and don’t need job security.
Not everyone has your best interests at heart, especially if a quick buck needs to be made.
Research widely, save money, sort your life out, and begin your travel adventure. A straw hat, credit cards, and an overly optimistic belief in ‘manifesting’ will only get you so far.
Not all those who wander are lost; some are also having an existential crisis. Make sure you’re not one of them.
What do you think of my article on ditching the 9-5 to travel? Have you ever thought about it? Let me know in the comments below!
quit your job and travel FAQ
Is it a good idea to quit my job to travel?
Deciding whether to quit your job to travel is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Before deciding, consider your financial situation, career aspirations, and long-term goals. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and evaluate the potential impact on your career and personal life.
What should I consider before quitting my job to travel?
A: Before making a decision, consider the following factors:
Finances: Assess your financial stability and whether you have sufficient savings to support your travels.
Career: Reflect on the potential impact on your career progression and the job market upon your return.
Responsibilities: Consider your personal and family obligations, such as dependents, loans, or other commitments.
Motivation: Understand your reasons for wanting to and whether they align with your long-term goals.
How can I ensure financial stability during my travels?
Before quitting your job, create a realistic budget that includes travel expenses, accommodation, transportation, food, and emergency funds. Consider alternative income sources like freelance, remote, or part-time work while travelling. Additionally, explore cost-saving strategies such as choosing affordable destinations, using travel rewards (such as frequent flyer & hotel loyalty programs), and finding budget accommodation options.”
What impact will quitting my job have on my career?
Quitting your job to travel can positively and negatively impact your career. While travel experiences can enhance personal growth, cultural understanding, and adaptability, explaining gaps in your resume to potential employers may be challenging. Consider how you can leverage your travel experiences to demonstrate valuable skills and qualities when applying for future opportunities.
Can I find work while travelling?
Yes, it is possible to find work while travelling. Many digital nomads and remote workers sustain their travels by working online. Explore opportunities in fields such as freelance writing, graphic design, programming, online tutoring and remote live chat agent job options. Websites and platforms like Upwork and Flexjobs can also help you find remote work opportunities.
How can I make the most of my travel experience if I don’t quit my job?
If quitting your job is not feasible, you can still have fulfilling travel experiences by maximizing your vacation time. Plan in advance, research destinations, and maximise long weekends or extended holidays. Consider taking sabbaticals or requesting unpaid leave to embark on more extended trips. Use travel to rejuvenate and broaden your horizons while maintaining your professional stability.
Are there alternative ways to experience long-term travel without quitting my job?
There are alternative ways to experience long-term travel without quitting your job. You can explore opportunities for job transfers or seek employment with companies that offer remote work or international assignments. Another option is to take a career break or sabbatical, which allows you to temporarily pause your current job while you pursue your travel goals.
How can I prepare emotionally to quit my job to travel?
Quitting your job to travel can be an emotional decision. Take time to reflect on your feelings and motivations for wanting to travel. Talk to friends or family members who have gone through similar experiences. Consider seeking guidance from career counsellors or life coaches who can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the emotional challenges of this decision.
Should I have a backup plan before quitting my job?
Having a backup plan is wise if things don’t go as expected during or after your travels. Consider saving enough money as a safety net, and plan to reenter the job market or transition into a new career upon your return. Stay informed about industry trends and developments to ensure a smooth transition back into the workforce.
What are the long-term benefits of quitting my job to travel?
Quitting your job to travel can offer several long-term benefits, including personal growth, cultural enrichment, an expanded worldview, increased adaptability, and improved problem-solving skills. It can also help you gain a fresh perspective on life and potentially lead to new opportunities, relationships, and career paths. However, the specific benefits depend on your personal experiences and how you leverage them in the future.
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Recommended travel resources
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Accommodation: I use Booking.com for hotel bookings as they have fantastic flexibility and cancellation.
Airport Parking and Lounges: With Holiday Extras, you can save money on airport and travel extras, including airport parking, airport hotels, and airport lounges.
Travel Insurance: I highly recommend you always get travel insurance – I use the Post Office Travel Insurance for single trip coverage and Safety Wing for comprehensive travel medical insurance.
Car Hire: I use Discover Cars to hire cars abroad as they have free cancellation, free mileage and no card fees.
Travel Money: I recommend Post Office Travel Money as you can get competitive rates and 0% commission for your holiday cash.
E-sim Cards: Use Airalo’s eSIM app to buy an eSIM for 200+ countries and stay connected when you travel abroad.
For more travel tools, head to my bumper travel resources page now!
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