Deciding whether to propose a career or drop everything and see the world can leave people at a crossroads. Each decision has its dedicated outcomes that can change the course of your life.
Whilst both will have their pros and cons, you will likely find yourself overthinking and prolonging the decision-making. Whilst the decision should not be rushed, it should be thoroughly thought out and concluded with an educated answer. Whether you are fresh out of education with the world ahead of you, or about to be promoted in your place of work but are unsure whether to switch paths, we all have the decision to pursue a desirable career or spend some time travelling.
In this blog post, we will weigh up some of the pros and cons of travelling, and how you can maximise your potential depending on which avenue you follow. Take a look at the following suggestions:
Decide what you’re passionate about
To start the decision-making process, you need to find out what you are truly passionate about. This might not be an obvious answer and you will need to spend some time exploring different things, but knowing what you are passionate about will guide you into the right path. Do you love receiving positive reinforcement from well-produced work, or do you love to live every day as it comes and choose your destiny each morning? This might also include your skill set. Have you spent your life swimming professionally and you wish to pursue a role in teaching, or do you dream of swimming in the Bahamas and then jetting off to Fiji? Can you imagine riding through the city on a fast electric scooter with an iced coffee? Figure out what grabs your interest, as your passions will keep you going when the going gets tough!
What are you qualified to do
Next, keeping in mind the career aspect, consider what it is you are qualified to do. This could be anything from high school achievement to university degrees, or to simple work experience. What do you have on your belt that would support you in pursuing the career you want? If you do not yet have this experience or qualification, consider the time and monetary investment it would take to get there. Is the career you want worth this? Or would you rather spend a year working abroad, travelling, and getting your experience in a new environment? There are so many options, but having a rough idea as to how you will make money is essential.
Consider the benefits of travelling
Now, it is time to weigh up the benefits of each path. These will be unique to you, but take a look at some of the most obvious benefits of travelling if you haven’t thought of them already:
- Improved health and fitness
- Open outlook on life
- Expands your life aspirations
- Supports a better attitude toward other cultures and values
- Creates memories that last forever
- Meet friends that can last a lifetime
- Potential better quality of life depending on location
Consider the benefits of pursuing a career
If the benefits of travelling do not resonate with you, take a look at the benefits of pursuing your career instead:
- Financial security
- Possible health insurance
- Professional elevation
- Sense of purpose depending on career
- Contributions towards retirement savings
- Quicker career progression
Whilst both have their positives and negatives, it is up to you to weigh up how each decision will weigh up in the short and long term. Do not try to predict the future, but consider the ideal scenario, and which path will get you there sooner.
Make your decision and run with it!
After all of the above decisions, you then need to make your decisions and run with it. No second-guessing, no regrets, just move forward and be grateful for what you have achieved. Climbing the corporate ladder and snowboarding in New Zealand are both great options, but it will be a struggle to balance both. You will feel a sense of independence and control once you have made the decision. Utilise your confidence and the amazing experiences that will come, and be happy to have the opportunities you have been granted!