There are lots of of young people in their 20’s and 30’s who decide to quit their full-time jobs to travel the world. I meet them all the time. But doing the same thing in your early 40’s? That’s outrageous! That’s madness! Sometimes I feel like I am the only woman in her 40’s who quit her well-paid and secure job to travel the world. Most people my age play it wise and safe. If they want to travel for extended period of time, they ask for sabbatical. That’s a smart move, isn’t it? I was thinking of taking sabbatical too but somehow could not imagine myself getting back to my old job after months of travelling. I think I was just ready to turn my life upside down.

In Varanasi, February 2025

Reason #no 1 – I was fed up with my groundhog day life

I was tired of my boring, predictable life. I was tired of routine. Each day was the same – same job, same faces, same bus commute, same rainy, windy and cold weather. I tried to be as grateful as I could for everything I had. I would write gratitude journal everyday and I would count my blessings. I did yoga three or four times a week at home. I ran in ParkRun every Saturday. I’d go to the forest for lunch walk each day. I called my walks forest bathing. I’d make delicious smoothies and beautiful salads. I’d cook nice dinners for myself, go to cafes and nice restaurants. Yet I felt that something was missing, that I was not fulfilling my soul’s true purpose.

I had a stable and well paid job in in England. I worked within specialist and secure education which meant that I taught young people with forensic background and mental health problems. I used to teach practical subjects to prominent self-harmers and youth offenders living in a mental health hospital. I used to teach students who swallowed pens or batteries and tied ligatures. My mission was to teach them life skills, but unfortunately their main mission was to end their own lives. My job was rewarding but extremely stressful and emotionally draining. My students posed threat to themselves, others and property. When one of my students managed to get hold of my scissors and ran away with them and then self-harmed so badly that the corridor was covered with blood I decided to quit next month.

I was burnt out and stuck in a rut. I felt caged. I felt trapped. Due to risks, the place where I worked was in the middle of nowhere. Sometimes it felt isolating, especially during lunch breaks. I needed a well deserved break from working with mentally unwell young people. I needed a break from the vicious cycle.

In Jaipur, February 2025

Reason #2 – Life is short realization

Our mindset shifts once we hit our 40’s. When I was younger I did not ruminate that much on the shortness and futility of life as I do now. Once I entered the fifth decade of my life I realized that I might have less life to live by, than I have I have lived so far. One of my greatest dreams was to travel the world, experience new cultures, meet inspiring people. I wanted to add more colours, flavours and textures to my life experience. I wanted to add more layers and more dimensions. I began reading self-growth books which motivated me to go after my dreams. I stopped subscribing to the myth that one should work their whole adult life and then travel the world in retirement. I do not find the idea of travelling the world in my late 60’s or early 70’s appealing. I want to explore the world when I am still active, fit, mentally and physically strong and still feel young. I do not how much time I’ve got left on this beautiful planet. A life goal of mine is to minimize future regrets.

Reason #3 – Live your life fearlessly

I wanted to try living fearlessly and authentically for the first time in my life. I did not want to wait for something tragic to happen to begin to live my life courageously and to the fullest. I did not want to wait until something devastating happens or it’s too late. I decided to stop waiting to feel ready – that day may never come. Perfect timing does not exist. I have read that many people who have faced a life-threatening event or condition, experience a post-traumatic growth that manifests itself in increased sense of personal strength, shift in priorities and values, appreciation for life. I did not want to wait for a post-traumatic growth. I wanted to trigger the growth by changing trajectory of my life, by crafting a different lifestyle.

Have you ever heard of Annie Wilkins? Facing a terminal illness and a desire to see the Pacific Ocean before she died, Annie decided to embark on the cross-country journey with her horse and with her dog. Annie’s 4,000-mile adventure across the United States was filled with trials and tribulations but also with great adventures. Annie’s mode of transport drew curiosity and admiration from people. Along the way, she encountered countless strangers who welcomed her with kindness and generosity, offering meals, shelter, and companionship. Annie gained recognition and even fame. There are several books about her and many publications.

Annie embarked on her seemingly impossible journey after finding out that she had only two years to live. She ignored her doctor’s advice to move into the county charity home. When Annie packed for her trip she anticipated many nights out under the stars. In reality she found that the kindness of strangers to provide accommodations in jail cells, stables, fairgrounds, fancy hotels, and guest rooms. Often, her hosts would encourage her to stay with them indefinitely. What a journey! What a legend!

Her story reminds us of the power of stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing uncertainty, and trusting in the kindness of humanity. She achieved what many would have considered impossible, reaching the Pacific Ocean and fulfilling her dream—a testament to her indomitable spirit. Her story has inspired me to step out of my own comfort zone, to live boldly, and find joy in the journey.

Reason #4 – Time for an upgrade / reinvention

Our computers need regular updates. We have to update software to ensure it works optimally. Updates improve the performance of the programs, making them run faster and more efficiently. Just as technology evolves and gets upgraded, I believe that our lives deserve continuous improvements too. Upgrades in life could mean learning new skills, exploring unfamiliar territories, or simply changing our perspectives. They can rejuvenate us, push us out of our comfort zones, and help us grow in ways we never imagined. It is easier to notice that we need a “physical” upgrade because we see our reflections in the mirrors. We scrutinize our physical looks very often. But how about internal examination? How about the scrutiny of our personality, of our dreams and values? How many times we look internally and say: “Awww, what has happened to me? I used to be so curious, adventurous and creative, I had so many goals, passions and dreams and now…I have become so boring and lacklustre. Is that it?” My answer is no! It’s time for an upgrade, time for reinvention!

If I compare my life to a computer game I want this game to be exciting and fun. Who would like to play a game that is boring and repetitive, a game without any new challenges, any adversities? Same default path day in and day out. That’s so boring! If there are no new characters, no new challenges and opportunities to gain some superpowers, there is no next level! Wouldn’t it be amazing to create a next level in the game of your life? My answer is YES! I decided to shake things up, add new rules, new characters, new challenging terrains.

Reason #5 – Searching for Space to Experiment

Sometimes we cling to the familiar because our brain is terrified of change and uncertainty. This is a natural mechanism. I resisted change and was afraid to quit my job. Quitting my job was akin to resisting gravity. Escaping the mould society provides for us feels like an act of rebellion. Escaping the mould was hard and took much more effort that I realized. However, I knew that if I kept clinging to the one familiar path, I would regret it one day. I was aware that following same old path every day kept many possibilities and opportunities hidden from me. I was increasingly tempted to perform some experiments in my life for the first time! I wanted to test different circumstances and explore some original approaches to my lifestyle. My goal was to reinvent myself and test my beliefs and values to get a better understanding of what really makes my life more fulfilling and interesting.

Growth happens in discomfort. Times when I experienced most discomfort resulted in the most exponential growth. But sometimes, after a period of growth we become complacent, mechanical and act on autopilot. When things solidify it is harder to inject some new energy. When we experience this state it is a sign that it is time for shake things up and introduce some discomfort!

Quitting my job to travel the world and work remotely allowed me to shift to a more free and flexible life. This is just the beginning. I have only just started. I quitted my job only two months ago. I am embracing a new path and learning so many things about myself. I will use this blogging space to vent and figure out my own thoughts.