DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been working in tech for the past five years, and I’ve saved up a decent amount of money with the intention of taking a year off to travel.
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It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. I want to see the world, experience different cultures and give myself space to reflect on what I really want in life.
Lately, though, whenever I bring up this idea to friends or family, they tell me it’s irresponsible. They worry I’ll fall behind in my career or lose my momentum in such a competitive industry. Some even say I’m being selfish for stepping away from a stable job when others are struggling to find one.
I understand their concerns, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m letting fear — or other people’s opinions — deter me from something that could be life-changing.
I’m not planning to blow through all of my savings or be reckless. I’ve done the math, made a rough itinerary and even looked into ways I could freelance or volunteer during my travels.
Still, the doubt is starting to creep in. What if I come back and can’t find another job? What if I regret stepping off the “traditional” path?
Is it really so wrong to pause my career to explore the world, even if it’s unconventional?
— The Road Less Traveled
DEAR THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: Listen to your own voice. You have planned well, saved and plotted your course. There are risks with every decision, but it sounds like you have done your best to consider the risks and weigh the odds.
Be bold and take your trip. Enjoy your adventure. Journal about what you see and experience. Consider creating a blog where you talk about what you are seeing and learning.
Keep your eyes open for opportunities for the future as you set out on your journey. Have faith that you will be able to take care of yourself each step of the way.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I seem to have writer’s block. I have a huge project that I need to finish, but every time I sit down to work on it, nothing happens.
My deadline is coming up fast, and if I don’t get this work done, I could lose my job.
How can I get past whatever is holding me back from hunkering down and working?
I have worked on things like this so many times. There’s nothing new about it, but for some reason I feel stuck this time.
— Writer’s Block
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DEAR WRITER’S BLOCK: Approach the project differently. Rather than looking at it as one big thing, break it down into the smallest components possible. What are the sections that have to be filled out? Are there chapters or other organizing tools that you can use to chip away at parts of the project rather than looking at it as one behemoth?
Create a schedule and be vigilant about following it. Assign a couple of hours every day to getting the work done. Even if nothing comes out at first, sit in front of your computer during that time and will yourself to work on it — no matter what.
Face your fears. Every day, do something, and eventually you will get it done.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.