Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you

I don’t know if it is the same in all families, but for myself, my family was pretty keen on the idea of going from high school to college to a career. While there are an endless number of ways to live one's life, I assumed that the path laid out by my parents, and followed by my sister before me, was the only way to live. After receiving a scholarship to university, it was set that I would also go down this path. Little did I know that a change in career would lead to a change in my worldview.

Though I didn’t differ much from the path previously explained, while attending university I was able to spend most of my breaks abroad, as well as one semester in North Africa. While this wet my travel palate, I had dreams and ambitions to work for a while after university, and then head out on a world trip before settling into grad school or a career. With the first half of this plan working a little too well, eight months into travel I think the second half may be amended.

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned from people abroad is how much work hours and vacation time differ around the world from the U.S. While most of our jobs offer the option of 9-5 or longer for hours, and a cool two weeks of paid vacation, the Europeans and Australians scoff at this idea. With vacation time ranging from four to six weeks, as well as the option to take more time off or literally buy more vacation time, Aussies and Europeans have the opportunity to have a decent job while also getting in their travel fix each year. They also tend to work a lot better hours.

While I love my country of birth, I think it will be a bit of time before I call it my residence once again. Traveling has become more than a thing to do for a few months for me; it’s become a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle I excel at, and am able to keep doing through a series of random, eye-opening events. I guess all I can do is take this as my opportunity to tell the world I know back home it may be awhile before I see you again. Stay safe, I’ll see you when I see you!

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