Two Turning Points That Led me to Quit My Job + Travel The World

There are two major life events that led me to a nomadic lifestyle mixed in with little encouragements along the way. In high school, I dreamed about being a career woman. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but I was going to run some sort of business. In college, I discovered Human Resource Management and thought it would be a good fit. I was in countless student organizations and did an internship to better my resume. Everything was for my resume and my future job. I finished with a degree in Business Management and Human Resource Management and a minor in Human Relations/Counseling. So where did things change for me? What happened to my career path that I had planned out with my mentor and career advisor? How did I end up hitch hiking up Mexico and working on a farm in Ecuador?

First major life event: studying abroad.

Leaving the country for the first time in my life, experiencing a hostel and meeting backpackers: my life changed, almost instantly. I studied in Florianopolis, Brazil during the summer of 2013. I lived with a wealthy Brazilian family, partied almost everyday, had a Brazilian boyfriend, oh– and went to class.

To be honest, all that was great, but what changed my life was traveling solo to Rio de Janeiro during a week break. I booked a flight from Florianopolis to Rio, stayed in a hostel for a week, and met people from all over the world. I met a woman in her mid-30s traveling for one year BY HERSELF. At that time, I didn’t realize that was a possibility for my life. My dreams were not yet that big. I met another woman in her 20s traveling for 6 months. My eyes were opened. It was something I could never unsee. I realized I didn’t have to get a job after college. I didn’t have to get a corporate job, get married, have children, and die. I could break the cycle. Note: just because you travel and stay in a hostel does not mean you will have the same reaction as I did. I was raised that being different is beautiful and I was always the first to question authority. I saw an avenue to live differently and it felt authentic to me. It was this feeling in my stomach that I couldn’t say no to. I physically could not go back to the United States and continue on the path that I was on.

So what did I do? I finished college shortly after and took a temporary job as an Human Resources Assistant and worked nights at a restaurant. I started saving and researching for my first solo trip abroad.

Note: if you are in college, study abroad. If you know anyone who is in college, encourage them to study abroad. OR if college is not for you, save up a bit and travel after high school. If you’re 30-something and have never been outside the country, take a short trip outside of a resort. It will open up doors for you and open your mind to new things.

My second major life event: my ex-boyfriend/friend dying.

Allen was my first love and boyfriend for 2 years on and off in high school. After we broke up, we remained friends. There is no one like a first love. We were both passionate and young. He was someone so special and influential to me. Our paths began to separate; I went to college and he got caught up in drugs. In 2012, he gave his life away to heroine when he was only 22 years old. Somehow I was able to grieve and grow from his death. It changed my whole perspective on life. It can be taken at ANY moment, regardless of age. After his death, I felt a blanket of protection lay over me, a warmth that I cannot describe. I just knew he was with me. I now had an even bigger reason to live my life to the fullest and appreciate every single day I have on this earth. Every trip I take, I know he is with me cheering me on and laughing with me as I try to figure things out. I don’t want to be cliché– but for real, life is so precious. I do not want to die working at a job I hate or with regrets for not traveling while I’m young. I thank Allen for giving me the bravery and push I need some days.

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There are many more life experiences that have changed my life, but those two stick out for me and were critical in the development of who I am today. I continue to be passionate about life and travel outside the norm, but know that much of my growth has been messy and challenging. I am constantly taking one step back and two forward. It has not been a perfect upward slope. The discomfort and struggle have all been worth it. I’d love to hear your life-changing moments and pivotal points of your life; what inspires you to travel. DM me (@courtneythexplorer) on Instagram or leave a comment on this post.

xoxo