We would have found out about the stitches to a knee, the almost broken arm, the near assault, the spats with friends, the stolen credits cards, the new (and dumped) boys, couch surfing on the floor at a Irish prostitutes house etc WELL after they had happened (and been resolved)

We are currently training the 18yo male for his trip later this year. On the schedule is “how to do your laundry” (with the line, how do you expect to pick up looking and smelling like that), cooking, form filling out, money handling etc. All stuff we sadly overlooked as he was at school and “studying”

Great thread Nora.

@Jennifer – Amen, sistah! Sometimes we have to deal with a little delayed gratification of our wishes and dreams….but don’t let them become stagnant!

I agree with Frank and Byteful’s points, and must admit that travel shapes us and can provide direction from a young age. I forget that at the age of 16, I was lucky enough to travel to China and tour with a ballet. That sealed the deal for me as a traveller.
And Byteful, truer words were never said: you can never get time back.

My only rebut to this is that if you want to travel full-time, you’d better either have lots of cash on hand, or a way of making it on the road. But truly – where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Chris Guillebeau is a good example of somebody who has pretty much always been an entrepreneur. If you want to break out of the cubicle (perhaps before even getting into one!), then you may want to get to know his stuff better. You’ll see some of his e-books on my left-hand sidebar, not the least of which is the “Break out of 9-5” one, which is a great read. (Yes, I get a commission if you buy by clicking through from my site, but it doesn’t cost any more than if you buy it anywhere else).

Cheers!

Working as a cubical rat now may encourage you to appreciate travel more later, BUT that’s not a good reason to do it in the first place. Instead, focus on making a real impact.

I agree with Frank. Every person has different needs and goals. How you define “success” is NOT how another person defines it.

And getting a “job” isn’t necessarily the smartest thing in the first place. Don’t read this if you want to keep running on autopilot: http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/07/10-reasons-you-should-never-get-a-job/

Some background:
We have a rule in our family. Once our children finish high school / year 12 / before college/ university (around 18years old) they are offered a round the world air ticket, travel insurance, clothes, backpack (and all the help they need) and “encouraged” to take 12 months off from study. They have to cover all living expenses while away (by either WOOFing, working, couch surfing or whatever)

Both our daughters (now 21 & 24) took 2 years and traveled and worked both overseas and here in Australia. They are great girls (biased of course) and have matured a lot from this experience. Neither of them “had a clue” about their future careers or what sort of jobs they wanted. I am POSITIVE they would have never even heard of being a CFP (nor have I so what the hell)

The 21yo is now at university doing a course that interests her, is very self sufficient and still a nice (rounded) person. The 24yo has finished a degree, works hard part time and is doing a grad program this year. Great person. Will probable travel again soon.

Now the 18 yo male. The “baby”. Slack and lazy come to mind. He JUST passed year 12, a NON academic BUT has a goal. To be a great snow boarder. Same offer applies to him, RTW ticket etc. He does not even want that, just wants to head to Canada after the Australian snow season and then back home again (he will need some washing / laundry done by then)

He has no idea what he wants to “do” when he “grows up” but college or university are definitely NOT on the radar – as yet. Interestingly he has a goal and to achieve that goal he is working 6-7 days a week in a couple of kitchens doing dishes and prep etc. he is saving hard and learning the value of work = money.

The bit I really love is that he is learning that with little skill, no “formal” education or much work experience you get crap jobs and a crap hourly rate with no power or promotion / career path. You are at the bottom of the totem pole, sent home early if the restaurant is quiet, told not to come in as some one else has your shift etc.

In conclusion (sorry about the length Nora) Every young person has different needs, expectations and goals in life. We have just encouraged ours to travel early and experience some of the world before they hit the books hard. It has worked really well for the eldest two and I am confident it will (eventually) work for the youngest.