Everything Changes

… Deep breaths. Inhale. Exhale. And go:

I’ve been thinking about how to write this post for a while now. There are so many emotions flowing through my brain that it’s hard not to word-vomit all over the page. So please bear with me.

Today, after three and a half years of working in a small company for which I have nothing but the utmost respect, I announced to my boss that I’m leaving my job. But let’s back up a little…

For the past few months, Mac and I have been daydreaming about traveling. But not just any kind of traveling. We were talking about making a grand gesture and taking an extended leave of absence from life as we know it to trek across the world. *cue heavy breathing*

This isn’t a decision that was made carelessly. Something of this size requires a huge commitment and tonnes of logistical knots to untangle. We both have great-paying, stable jobs, in industries that align with each of our university degrees. Our life in Burlington is great. We’re close to friends and family and despite living in this city for 3+ years now, it feels like we’re finally hitting a groove where we love & appreciate this city for all that it has to offer. So why give all this up? There is never a good time to travel, but for us this timing makes sense and is feasible. Living in other countries and experiencing different cultures is something I’ve always yearned to do, and I know that I’ll regret it if I don’t go.

Logistically speaking, we’ve hit a few bumps in the road, but for now we’ve managed to resolve what we’ve encountered thus far. Anyone that knows Mac & I knows that even though we have been in the ‘working world’ for 3-4 years now, we still live like we’re students. Some might say cheap, but I prefer frugal. Due to our penny pinching personalities, we’ve managed to save up enough money so that a trip like this is completely financially possible. Since we’re still renting, we don’t have a huge asset like a house to worry about. As for our cat, my parents have graciously agreed to take care of her while we’re away. (Thanks, mom and dad!!) All of our material possessions will be moved to a storage locker where we can get them when we return.

The Plans:

Right now, we’re planning to catch a flight in early January to Central America. We’ll work our way south to South America where we’ll ultimately end up in Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we’ll go to New Zealand and see where the wind takes us from there. It’s a huge adventure and I couldn’t be more excited!