Comments on: How to Bag Your 9 to 5 Job and Write / Travel Full Time http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/ Featuring insider destination guides and how-to articles from the matador travel community. Our focus is sustainable travel, cultural immersion, plus work, study, and volunteer opportunities worldwide. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:45:29 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Lauren http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-3158 Lauren Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:41:53 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-3158 Thank you Julie for writing this, and addressing the topic of how to explain the decision to other people--that is a very difficult thing to do. My letter of resignation is post-dated for exactly 45 days from now. At 25 I'm throwing away my Civil Service job and putting everything into making writing my full-time career. I'm excited, scared, and absolutely certain that I'm doing the right thing. Thank you Julie for writing this, and addressing the topic of how to explain the decision to other people–that is a very difficult thing to do. My letter of resignation is post-dated for exactly 45 days from now. At 25 I’m throwing away my Civil Service job and putting everything into making writing my full-time career. I’m excited, scared, and absolutely certain that I’m doing the right thing.

]]> By: Kaitlin Mills http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-3022 Kaitlin Mills Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:32:31 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-3022 Thanks, that was a really great article. 9-5 is always something I have avoided and it's nice to know there are actually options out there. Thanks, that was a really great article. 9-5 is always something I have avoided and it’s nice to know there are actually options out there.

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-2782 Julie Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:26:22 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-2782 Thanks, Eileen! Thanks, Eileen!

]]> By: eileen http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-2779 eileen Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:00:29 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-2779 I was talking to another anti-ratracer the other day and asked her if a trip she was taking was strictly pleasure or also work. And she said, there are no 100% no work days when you do what you love. She's a genius, and it's true. I used to leave my job at the office because it deserved to be relegated there. My jobs now (writing, translating, editing) can come with me whenever I want, and I don't mind. They're actually fun to have around (for the most part). I can take "bag" to mean either gain or get rid of. Maybe people could bail on their 9-5s? Nice piece! I was talking to another anti-ratracer the other day and asked her if a trip she was taking was strictly pleasure or also work. And she said, there are no 100% no work days when you do what you love. She’s a genius, and it’s true. I used to leave my job at the office because it deserved to be relegated there. My jobs now (writing, translating, editing) can come with me whenever I want, and I don’t mind. They’re actually fun to have around (for the most part).

I can take “bag” to mean either gain or get rid of. Maybe people could bail on their 9-5s?

Nice piece!

]]> By: Travel for Life » collazoprojects.com http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-1207 Travel for Life » collazoprojects.com Tue, 20 May 2008 06:17:36 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-1207 [...] *YOU can break out of the 9-to-5 world. You really can. But the first step is believing that you can, deciding how you will, and understanding the consequences of your decision, not only for yourself, but also for significant others in your life. For more on how to ditch your cubicle job, check out my article: How to Bag Your 9-to-5 Job and Write/Travel Full-Time. [...] [...] *YOU can break out of the 9-to-5 world. You really can. But the first step is believing that you can, deciding how you will, and understanding the consequences of your decision, not only for yourself, but also for significant others in your life. For more on how to ditch your cubicle job, check out my article: How to Bag Your 9-to-5 Job and Write/Travel Full-Time. [...]

]]> By: N. Chrystine Olson http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-773 N. Chrystine Olson Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:41:27 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-773 I guess it comes down to that old chestnut of listening to the voice that says "Write". For me it comes from inside and on occasion from close friends who've encouraged me to put these stories out there when I the negative internal editor wants the podium. They shout her down every time. Bottom line is a faith that with joy, persistence, insatiable curiousity and the love of language a way will be made to do what you love. On reflection, when I've really wanted something in my life it has always worked out, and the detours to getting there make for more good material. That's all I got. Thanks for asking. I guess it comes down to that old chestnut of listening to the voice that says “Write”. For me it comes from inside and on occasion from close friends who’ve encouraged me to put these stories out there when I the negative internal editor wants the podium. They shout her down every time. Bottom line is a faith that with joy, persistence, insatiable curiousity and the love of language a way will be made to do what you love. On reflection, when I’ve really wanted something in my life it has always worked out, and the detours to getting there make for more good material. That’s all I got. Thanks for asking.

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-769 Julie Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:41:42 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-769 Hi, Chrystine- Thanks for sharing; I've been really inspired by folks like you who've taken the plunge and who have told their stories here. Any advice you'd add to this list for people who haven't crossed over the mountain range yet? Hi, Chrystine-

Thanks for sharing; I’ve been really inspired by folks like you who’ve taken the plunge and who have told their stories here.
Any advice you’d add to this list for people who haven’t crossed over the mountain range yet?

]]> By: N. Chrystine Olson http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-766 N. Chrystine Olson Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:50:07 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-766 Julie, our stories are very similar. I decided in 2000 to quit what I thought was a life long career with the Forest Service, a life I'd envisioned for myself since I was a kid. Will never forget the afternoon when I crossed over a mountain range in Nevada, dog in the back of the pick-up, pulled over, realizing I'd achieved my goals. I didn't have a clue what or where to go next. The words out of my mouth were "What Now?" I was truely scared. The answer came via a friend who'd boughten a sailboat in Baja in desperate need of a complete makeover. I'd sailed a bit and despite being a true neophyte to sailing besides an occasional weekend jaunt in the Cheaspeake or San Francisco Bays, being a quick study and not getting seasick made my 5 months in the Sea of Cortez the start of what I term "My freelance life." No way had I stayed in federal service I'd be getting paid to write...essentially economic benefits for telling stories! I did this when I turned 40...so it's never too late. Thanks for this article. Good to know I'm not alone. Julie, our stories are very similar. I decided in 2000 to quit what I thought was a life long career with the Forest Service, a life I’d envisioned for myself since I was a kid. Will never forget the afternoon when I crossed over a mountain range in Nevada, dog in the back of the pick-up, pulled over, realizing I’d achieved my goals. I didn’t have a clue what or where to go next. The words out of my mouth were “What Now?” I was truely scared.

The answer came via a friend who’d boughten a sailboat in Baja in desperate need of a complete makeover. I’d sailed a bit and despite being a true neophyte to sailing besides an occasional weekend jaunt in the Cheaspeake or San Francisco Bays, being a quick study and not getting seasick made my 5 months in the Sea of Cortez the start of what I term “My freelance life.” No way had I stayed in federal service I’d be getting paid to write…essentially economic benefits for telling stories! I did this when I turned 40…so it’s never too late. Thanks for this article. Good to know I’m not alone.

]]> By: Karen the FabGrandma http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-624 Karen the FabGrandma Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:38:43 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-624 Julie, hmmm, the best part is really a lot of things, 1. no more mortgage 2. we get to live in new places every 6 months or so 3. We are no longer afraid to try new things, and we are discovering new ways to support our eating habit all the time. Julie, hmmm, the best part is really a lot of things, 1. no more mortgage 2. we get to live in new places every 6 months or so 3. We are no longer afraid to try new things, and we are discovering new ways to support our eating habit all the time.

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-575 Julie Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:55:39 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-575 Hi, Scott- Thanks for your message. It definitely seems that this topic has resonated with a number of readers! I've really enjoyed readers' stories about how they've ditched their own 9-to-5s, and thanks for sharing yours. Keep us posted about your travels! Peace, Julie Hi, Scott-
Thanks for your message. It definitely seems that this topic has resonated with a number of readers! I’ve really enjoyed readers’ stories about how they’ve ditched their own 9-to-5s, and thanks for sharing yours. Keep us posted about your travels!
Peace,
Julie

]]> By: Scott http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-573 Scott Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:20:35 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-573 I loved this article. My wife and I are in the middle of a 1 year adventure around Europe. We left our 9-5 about 5 months ago are trying to figure out how not to go back. Thanks! I loved this article. My wife and I are in the middle of a 1 year adventure around Europe. We left our 9-5 about 5 months ago are trying to figure out how not to go back. Thanks!

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-555 Julie Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:08:31 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-555 Hi, Karen- Thanks for sharing your story-- this is amazing! What has been the best part of this experience for you and your husband? Hi, Karen-

Thanks for sharing your story– this is amazing! What has been the best part of this experience for you and your husband?

]]> By: Karen http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-550 Karen Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:17:18 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-550 My husband and I sold our house and all of our stuff and bought an RV to live in fulltime almost 8 years ago. I had been laid off from a job I had held for 20 years, and did not relish the idea of another 9 to 5 with little vacation time. We are happier than we have ever been, work in campgrounds and resorts for 7-10 months out of the year and do volunteer work the other months. It did take some planning, and believe me, I know what you mean when you talked about developing a picth for those who’d like to see you conforming to social expectations...I was 49 when we did this, my youngest child was 25 and had not lived with me since she was 17, and my mother told me I was abandoning my children! My husband and I sold our house and all of our stuff and bought an RV to live in fulltime almost 8 years ago. I had been laid off from a job I had held for 20 years, and did not relish the idea of another 9 to 5 with little vacation time. We are happier than we have ever been, work in campgrounds and resorts for 7-10 months out of the year and do volunteer work the other months.

It did take some planning, and believe me, I know what you mean when you talked about developing a picth for those who’d like to see you conforming to social expectations…I was 49 when we did this, my youngest child was 25 and had not lived with me since she was 17, and my mother told me I was abandoning my children!

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-486 Julie Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:47:34 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-486 Hi, Audrey- Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your experience... I'm always happy to hear from others who've taken the dive out of 9-5. You may also want to direct your friends who ask how you've done that to a piece by Ian that was published on BraveNewTraveler yesterday: http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2006/11/18/12-personal-travel-websites-that-will-make-you-quit-your-day-job/ Hi, Audrey-
Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your experience… I’m always happy to hear from others who’ve taken the dive out of 9-5. You may also want to direct your friends who ask how you’ve done that to a piece by Ian that was published on BraveNewTraveler yesterday: http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2006/11/18/12-personal-travel-websites-that-will-make-you-quit-your-day-job/

]]> By: Audrey http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-484 Audrey Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:02:11 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-484 My husband and I both quit our 9 to 5 jobs over a year ago to travel around the world and recreate ourselves professionally. While we had a comfortable existence, we had stopped learning and growing. Since leaving our jobs, we have had no shortage of steep learning curves and it hasn't always been easy, but we're so glad we made the decision. Each day is a new adventure. Many people ask us how we made the shift. I'll send them this article - it's a great and practical piece for how to do it! My husband and I both quit our 9 to 5 jobs over a year ago to travel around the world and recreate ourselves professionally. While we had a comfortable existence, we had stopped learning and growing. Since leaving our jobs, we have had no shortage of steep learning curves and it hasn’t always been easy, but we’re so glad we made the decision. Each day is a new adventure.

Many people ask us how we made the shift. I’ll send them this article – it’s a great and practical piece for how to do it!

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-402 Julie Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:53:58 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-402 Pam- Thanks for you comments. I agree with you--there's lots of "Rah! Rah!" stuff out there-- Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow comes to mind-- and while it has its place, these types of pieces tend to lack the nuts and bolts advice that makes quitting a 9-to-5 job possible. I'm always happy to hear other people's success stories, so thanks for sharing yours with us! Peace, Julie Pam-
Thanks for you comments. I agree with you–there’s lots of “Rah! Rah!” stuff out there– Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow comes to mind– and while it has its place, these types of pieces tend to lack the nuts and bolts advice that makes quitting a 9-to-5 job possible. I’m always happy to hear other people’s success stories, so thanks for sharing yours with us!
Peace,
Julie

]]> By: pam http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-395 pam Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:03:57 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-395 This is excellent advice for the quitters out there, and I mean quitters in a GOOD way. The being for real and narrowing the list items are primo - you don't see those often, usually there's a lot of rah rah you can do it stuff that's not grounded. I quit my 9/5 gig five plus years ago and have NEVER looked back. I don't travel/write full time, but I do travel/write WAY more than I'd ever have thought possible. I still work rather a lot and last year my travel time was limited to local adventures, but then I spent nearly a month in Hawaii and am taking off for another longer trip to SE Asia. Even if I'm not always on the go, I can't complain about my 8 weeks a year vacation plus holidays and long weekends and picking the work I want instead of passively going to a job. Anyhow, thanks for this. It's a great list. This is excellent advice for the quitters out there, and I mean quitters in a GOOD way. The being for real and narrowing the list items are primo – you don’t see those often, usually there’s a lot of rah rah you can do it stuff that’s not grounded.

I quit my 9/5 gig five plus years ago and have NEVER looked back. I don’t travel/write full time, but I do travel/write WAY more than I’d ever have thought possible. I still work rather a lot and last year my travel time was limited to local adventures, but then I spent nearly a month in Hawaii and am taking off for another longer trip to SE Asia. Even if I’m not always on the go, I can’t complain about my 8 weeks a year vacation plus holidays and long weekends and picking the work I want instead of passively going to a job.

Anyhow, thanks for this. It’s a great list.

]]> By: Lola http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-394 Lola Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:07:22 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-394 I think numbers 3 to 5 will resonate the loudest with folks. Great work as always. I think numbers 3 to 5 will resonate the loudest with folks.

Great work as always.

]]> By: Rick http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-392 Rick Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:37:18 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-392 Good stuff! How to ditch your 9 to 5 might be more like it. Good stuff! How to ditch your 9 to 5 might be more like it.

]]> By: Julie http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/comment-page-1/#comment-388 Julie Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:56:52 +0000 http://thetravelersnotebook.com/how-to/how-to-bag-your-9-to-5-and-write-travel-full-time/#comment-388 Thanks, Tim-- I feel the same about your byline! Craig- Point well taken. I actually did generate a list of different verbs and I wanted something dramatic-- as opposed to "How to Plan to Leave" or even "How to Quit." I didn't associate bag with getting something, but when I thought about your comment more, I realized I might have written precisely what I intended to avoid! :) Thanks, Tim– I feel the same about your byline!

Craig- Point well taken. I actually did generate a list of different verbs and I wanted something dramatic– as opposed to “How to Plan to Leave” or even “How to Quit.” I didn’t associate bag with getting something, but when I thought about your comment more, I realized I might have written precisely what I intended to avoid! :)

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