Into The Great Unknown

This was first posted to our family blog in June. At this time we find ourselves in Italy for the next few weeks and we continue to dream of what might lie ahead…

Last October we made a family decision to leave our jobs and take the year off from working. We did not make this decision lightly as we both love our work but we have always talked about taking a year – and now we could make it happen.

There were a few factors involved in this decision. First, our son is finishing elementary and it’s a perfect time to transition. Second, I am undertaking my Ed.D so time to focus on coursework makes sense. Third, after four years we both felt we have made a positive impact at our school, experienced Dubai and the UAE and after covid lockdowns and so forth, the hunger to travel and see more of the the world grabbed hold of us. Anyone of these by themselves would not have compelled us to make the decision to walk-away from regular salaries. Together though, it was a no brainer.

What we found when we made the decision is a sense of anticipation that we had set our path forward. There was no turning back. We are off into the great unknown.

What has it brought us? A world of opportunities.

They say when one door closes, another opens and it has been very true for us. Whether it is travel related or work related, opportunity has come knocking.

And that really is the point of all this. We have great jobs and enjoy our current situation, but life is too short to wait for a “good” time to do this. A year with your eleven year old child is much different than a year with them when they are 18-20 years old and you’re older as well. Now is the best time.

The point of life is to live. We both value hard work and put our heart and soul into our jobs, while balancing that with our love to explore, experience and travel. When we were in Tokyo, we had 10 jobs between the two of us. In Dubai we have spent conservatively – except on holidays. We sacrificed so we could have this opportunity. In 2007 we started a budget spreadsheet that continues to guide us today.

This next 14 months are going to be an adventure as we plan on the go. We are heading to Canada to finally reconnect with family and friends and then fly to Iceland out of inspiration we found in the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”. Next is Milan; Arcade Fire is performing and we love their music. We are staying in Italy because Owen wants to have real Italian pizza and pasta. Our last planned stop is Tunisia to visit a good friend and see the “home” of Luke Skywalker. From there is anyone’s guess. We have a list of destinations in mind but they are only a guide. This next phase of our life will be very free flowing and with that full of uncertainty, adventure, excitement and joy.

It’s going to be perfect, no matter what happens.