# I'm about to do something insanely stupid, and I need your help. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 21, 2013, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801 "2013-08-21T14:26:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/101 "2013-08-22T21:01:28Z")
There is no functional difference between 6-9 months and 12 months. Selling your stuff versus storing it is a pretty simple equation- just weigh the cost to store it with the cost to replace it. Unless you have a lot of really nice stuff, it’s probably going to be cheaper and much easier to just replace when you get back. I wouldn’t pre-arrange a travel group, but rather show up at hostels and other traveler hangouts and see who is going your way who might be fun to hang out with for a day, a week, a month or so. It’s a normal thing to do, and hostels will even have message boards for putting together spontaneous groups like that. That way you get some companionship but still keep your freedom to chart your own course and get away from people if they are getting on nerves. This may all sound kind of strange, but it’s absolutely common and you’ll have no problem doing it. There are a lot of bad and a handful of decent organized tours out there, but the main value to those is they can make very efficient use of your time- which is something you’ll have plenty of. In general, organized tours are going to be more expensive and less fun. As for the degree- How high in the five figures are we talking? While a 4-year degree is not by any means a magic ticket to middle-class prosperity, but it is pretty close to a pre-requisite. There are ways to make decent money without one, but statistically, you are better off with one than without. This is especially true if you really are interested in living abroad. Most opportunities abroad are firmly shut to those without a degree.To illustrate, there are so many teaching jobs in China that I knew a guy who was employed for years despite being an active raving schizophrenic who taught his students about the lizard people conspiracy. And yet, you’ll be required to bring a physical copy of your diploma if you want to even think about getting a work visa. Graduating without debt is a fine goal, but some debt can be a calculated risk. To start with, consider that most federal student loans are eligible for repayment plans where you will never pay more than 10-15% of your income. And there are deferral programs for financial hardship or situations like Peace Corps service. I would advise people to use discretion in what school they attend and not to outright waste money, but I would advise people to do what it takes to get the best, least expensive education they can- even if it does mean taking on a well-thought out amount of debt.If you just have one or two semesters left, I would seriously consider toughing it out and getting it done. ---
**Author:** ![Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimmy_Gibbler)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/102 "2013-08-22T21:13:06Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > Another thought about completing school first: I think it would be better to come home to no debt instead of a five-figure school debt, right? The government isn’t going to let me off the hook for the loans while I’m on the trip, so what little money I would make would have to go toward the loans as well. Why are you so willing to blow your life savings to go on vacay, but not to use your savings to allow you to concentrate exclusively on finishing your degree (which after seven years of even part-time attendance should not be more than one to three semesters away)? ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/103 "2013-08-22T21:15:12Z")
> [@Kimmy\_Gibbler](#): > > Why are you so willing to blow your life savings to go on vacay, but not to use your savings to allow you to concentrate exclusively on finishing your degree (which after seven years of even part-time attendance should not be more than one to three semesters away)? I appreciate your participation in this thread, but you’re assuming a lot. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/104 "2013-08-22T21:38:35Z")
If you want to keep getting what you are getting, keep doing what you are doing. If you want to make a change, I can see no reason why doing some travel when you are physically able, have the means, and lacking in other responsibilities, would make a good break from one stage of life to another. It is pointless to maintain a soul-crushing existence as a cubicle-dwelling, corporate drone - a life that you dislike - if you can make this work. Sure, your career may get put on hold, but you have time to recover. Your retirement savings could also suffer, but you could also be dead by the time you are eligible for them. There is risk in everything - you just need to decide how much risk you are comfortable with. For some - not settling down to a regular existence is unthinkable. However, you need to get rid of the idea that you need to do what is expected of you if you want to be happy with your life. Just make sure to manage your risks responsibly - taking a few months to explore the world and yourself will be money well spent, but staying the course you currently ride (that is not making you happy) also has risks and costs - some of which are not recoverable (time). ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/105 "2013-08-22T21:49:55Z")
Now, I’m currently 38 and I did something like this between my junior and senior year of college. It wasn’t a vacation, but I went to work abroad, volunteer, travel, etc., but mostly work. It was not difficult to do. I lived 9 months in various parts of Europe and I only needed plane ticket money there and about $3000 extra dollars beyond what I earned while living and volunteering out there. I did it because I was feeling stifled and dead-ended in school; I knew I wanted to finish school, that wasn’t an issues, but I knew I needed a break, time to get away, and get some psychological space. I just knew that shaking up my surroundings was going to do the trick, and it did. I came back with new found confidence, new skills, and finished off my senior year with the best three academic quarters of my college career, after having the absolute worst quarter and being put on academic probation. (And then after graduation, I moved back to Europe to live and work there for a bit over five years.) Now, granted, I was a good bit younger than you at the time. I turned 21 while I was away that first time. But I do understand the need to shake yourself up and your surroundings. Obviously, I can’t guarantee that it will work for you, but with what you’ve described about yourself, with no attachments and still at the relatively young age of 34, I would say go for it. The one adult thing I would tell you is don’t dip into your retirement funds. Don’t even think of it as an emergency fund. Pretend it does not exist. Leave it alone. Otherwise, have fun, and don’t forget to write! ( **Even sven** has covered pretty much all the practical advice here, so I’d be redundant going over it myself.) ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/106 "2013-08-22T21:59:26Z")
Before starting I would consider the weather/climate situation. It is better to be in a place when the temperature is moderate than when it is either freezing cold or roasting hot. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2013, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/107 "2013-08-23T01:59:32Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > Not speaking the language is a challenge, but unless you are an exceptionally delicate flower, it’s one of those “exhilarating, mind-expanding, confidence building” challenges. Now, if you are going to live someplace, absolutely learn the language. It will be the key factor in how integrated you are, which is the key to a happy social life and personal security. But for a trip? Bring a smile, a willingness to use improvised sign language, and if you need to, a phrase book. Honestly, any place that has hostels is going to have enough tourist infrastructure to get you through the rest fine. Oh sure, phrase books will help, but some command of a language that isn’t English is a great idea. The OP needs to think about potential hurdles, and packing a backpack full of clothes and a laptop isn’t necessarily helpful if you don’t have a phrasebook. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2013, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/108 "2013-08-23T03:18:17Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > Someone also suggested finding a group of people to go with instead of doing it solo. I think this is a fantastic idea. Does anyone happen to know a resource for where I could hook up with people like this? Many travelers form impromptu travel parties after meeting up in backpacker havens such as Khao San Road in Bangkok. You’ll meet other travelers on the way, maybe drink with them, then get a feel for maybe who you’d like as a traveling buddy or party. I’m more of a solo traveler myself, but hooking up with people in such places is good because you can always veer off and go your own way at some point if you feel like it. ---
**Author:** ![fifty-six](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@fifty-six](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fifty-six)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2013, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/109 "2013-08-23T19:41:00Z")
Get a job in Antarctica. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2013, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/110 "2013-08-23T20:44:07Z")
> [@fifty-six](#): > > Get a job in Antarctica. This man knows of what he speaks. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2013, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/111 "2013-08-25T23:57:15Z")
A couple of years ago, I did something insanely stupid. I quit my job, sold my house for just enough to pay off the mortgage, gave away almost everything I owned, and packed the rest in my Jeep Liberty and drove to LA to get married and go back to school. It was a brilliant decision. But I was doing all of this because I had a goal, not because I was just bored and lonely or feeling at a crossroads. If you have a goal, work toward that goal. Don’t try to escape who you are by just changing your environment. If you want to change you, change you. Looking at different scenery won’t do it. But if you have a goal of traveling the world, find a way to make that happen. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/112 "2013-08-26T01:57:36Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > (TL;DR below) > I just turned 34. > > My plan all this time has been to get my degree, sell everything I have, and pick a country on the globe to move to. That’s not working out and I’m not getting any younger. > > I could work whatever odd jobs I need (secured ahead of time) just to eat and move to my next country. You are over 30. 30yo is a magic number for working odd jobs in other countries. You have no degree. You’ve missed one window, you haven’t reached the other one. I’m glad that you’ve reached a point where you have a little freedom. Going overseas and working odd jobs hasn’t worked out for you, so use your new freedom to try something else. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/113 "2013-08-26T02:44:23Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > You are over 30. 30yo is a magic number for working odd jobs in other countries. 30 is also 1E in hexadecimal and 11110 in binary. Sorry, I thought we were talking about shit that doesn’t matter. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/114 "2013-09-01T03:10:39Z")
> [@Agent\_Foxtrot](#): > > I could work whatever odd jobs I need > [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > 30 is also 1E in hexadecimal and 11110 in binary. > > Sorry, I thought we were talking about shit that doesn’t matter. > > Stranger OK, I’ll try to use different words, to help you understand. He **cannot** work whatever odd jobs he needs. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/115 "2013-09-01T03:21:29Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > OK, I’ll try to use different words, to help you understand. > > He **cannot** work whatever odd jobs he needs. Okay, I’ll use simple words so you can understand. There is no magic age limit for working odd jobs. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![lavenderviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/cdc98d/32.png) [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/116 "2013-09-01T06:05:52Z")
Personally, if I were considering something like this, I’d test the waters by going on a trip somewhere for a week (or longer if you can). See how you feel after that. ---
**Author:** ![Mathematics](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f6c823/32.png) [@Mathematics](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mathematics)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/117 "2013-09-01T07:39:43Z")
OK, I wish you would talk more about school. What degree are you going for? How many credits have you finished? You act like you’re going to get in a lot of debt. If you’ve only taken one class per year for seven years, that’s still 42 credit hours, almost two years of school. I assume you’ve on occasion taken more. That means you’ll be coming in as a junior, so your debt should not be too crushing. ---
**Author:** ![\_Olive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/4af34b/32.png) [@\_Olive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/_Olive)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/118 "2013-09-01T08:46:57Z")
I host couchsurfers and have met so many interesting people. One guy did a around the world trip on a penny. Do it. ---
**Author:** ![Tapiotar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3be4f8/32.png) [@Tapiotar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapiotar)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/119 "2013-09-01T14:58:46Z")
I vote in favor of adventure. I’ve done shorter term versions of the same, but when I younger than you are now. It was great, and one of the few things I don’t regret. I agree with the folks who say not to count on finding jobs. All of Even Sven’s advice is good, as is that of the person suggesting a TEFL certificate. Though teaching English isn’t a lucrative as it used to be – it seems as if most places have their own English teachers by now, and, in Europe, British English is preferred over American. Don’t expect a total makeover of your personality, or enlightenment. You will have times when you are tired, or lonely, or depressed, but hell, you’ll have times like that even if you stay at home. Just go with open eyes and open mind and open heart. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2013, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801/120 "2013-09-01T15:06:19Z")
> [@Tapiotar](#): > > You will have times when you are tired, or lonely, or depressed, but hell, you’ll have times like that even if you stay at home. **“The test of an adventure is that when you’re in the middle of it, you say to yourself, ‘Oh now I’ve got myself into an awful mess; I wish I were sitting quietly at home.’ And the sign that something’s wrong with you is when you sit quietly at home wishing you were out having lots of adventure.”** ― Thornton Wilder, _The Matchmaker_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-about-to-do-something-insanely-stupid-and-i-need-your-help/666801.md?page=7)