Extended Vacation to Get Away From it All
Jan 4th, 2003, 06:12 AM
#1
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Extended Vacation to Get Away From it All
Help! I'm stessed and I can't get away! My job is killing me! Is it just me or does it seem like everyone else gets time off and I have to work 10 hour days for 50 weeks a year? I think this city (DC) is starting to stress me out, too.
Has anyone ever just 'chucked it all', and went for an extended vacation to regroup and re-evaluate things? If so, where did you go and how did you do it? Did you sell your home? Did you tell people what you were doing? Did just planning the whole thing make you feel better?
I'm thinking storage facility, drive to a small town or resort area, rent a small
house/condo and just exist for a year or two.
Am I crazy (please be kind, my nerves are already frayed)?
Has anyone ever just 'chucked it all', and went for an extended vacation to regroup and re-evaluate things? If so, where did you go and how did you do it? Did you sell your home? Did you tell people what you were doing? Did just planning the whole thing make you feel better?
I'm thinking storage facility, drive to a small town or resort area, rent a small
house/condo and just exist for a year or two.
Am I crazy (please be kind, my nerves are already frayed)?
Jan 4th, 2003, 07:01 AM
#2
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If you want useful advice (both travel-related and lifestyle wise) you need to supply details like age, budget, whether you'd be giving up an irreplacable job or one which can be found in any big city, what types of places you've found soothing in your travels, do you have a family who will be affected, etc.
Good luck.
BTW, I've always found the southwestern USA to be especially 'cleansing'.
One thing which really stands out there is that there are so many starkly beautiful places where you can go and see unobstructed 360 degree views for miles and miles, no humans or manmade objects in sight (except the roads). It's amazingly peaceful. So quiet and the overwhelming size and expanse of the spaces is incredible if you're a city dweller.
Sedona is a nice stop off for a civilized rest stop. The northern AZ and southern UT areas are just stunning.
Good luck.
BTW, I've always found the southwestern USA to be especially 'cleansing'.
One thing which really stands out there is that there are so many starkly beautiful places where you can go and see unobstructed 360 degree views for miles and miles, no humans or manmade objects in sight (except the roads). It's amazingly peaceful. So quiet and the overwhelming size and expanse of the spaces is incredible if you're a city dweller.
Sedona is a nice stop off for a civilized rest stop. The northern AZ and southern UT areas are just stunning.
Jan 4th, 2003, 07:09 AM
#3
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Get someone to watch the cat, dog, fish or whatever, load your car for a week's get away, drive up into New York, drive out to the end of Long Island. Check into the Oceanview Motel at Montauk Point. Ask for an upstairs oceanview corner room, you will have your own balcony, fridge, microwave and oceanview. Take a book, sit and read, watch the ocean, go for a swim in the indoor pool. It is NOT the 'season' there and weather is cool to cold so prepare, but it is the best download for stress ever, quiet, peaceful long walks on the beach. one day drive and your there. This is my favorite spot and it takes me three days driving to get there but well worth the trip for all of that downtime. GOOD LUCK.
Jan 4th, 2003, 08:11 AM
#4
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Thanks Amy and Empathy. Both of your ideas sound like what I need. The southwest had crossed my mind. Big blue skies and no crowds seems wonderful. Empathy, that week on Long Island would do me some good, and might just help me decide what step is next.
As for more details, I'm pretty flexible. I own a condo, but I have no family obligations other than a cat, and parents and friends that would never understand. The budget could be problem, but when is a budget NOT a problem? I'd love to rent a place for $750 a month or less. A low stress part-time job would help with the finances.
I think a place lacking in 'urban attitude' and all it's trimmings. No honking BMWs, no $12 burritos, no people stepping all over each other to get ahead. Someplace with down-to-earth people who appreciate life, and art, and nature. Weather isn't a big issue for me, although the extremes of too cold or too hot might make me think twice.
Amazing. I do feel better just thinking about it!
Thanks!
As for more details, I'm pretty flexible. I own a condo, but I have no family obligations other than a cat, and parents and friends that would never understand. The budget could be problem, but when is a budget NOT a problem? I'd love to rent a place for $750 a month or less. A low stress part-time job would help with the finances.
I think a place lacking in 'urban attitude' and all it's trimmings. No honking BMWs, no $12 burritos, no people stepping all over each other to get ahead. Someplace with down-to-earth people who appreciate life, and art, and nature. Weather isn't a big issue for me, although the extremes of too cold or too hot might make me think twice.
Amazing. I do feel better just thinking about it!
Thanks!
Jan 4th, 2003, 10:22 AM
#6
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StressedOut; I second the suggestion for a somewhat small town but may I suggest a beach town? The ocean is so cleansing. I don't care how bad a day I've had, whenever I drive home across the bridge and see the Atlantic, it negates every bad thing in my life.
There are some wonderful places in Florida and Georgia. Check it out and good luck!
There are some wonderful places in Florida and Georgia. Check it out and good luck!
Jan 6th, 2003, 07:13 AM
#10
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Jess might have hit the nail on the head.
I did an organized bicycle ride from LA to Boston in 1990 (as a participant) and again in 1991 (as unpaid staff). It took 47 days with 5 days off. It was organized by a national bicycling organization (League of American Bicyclists) as a fund-raiser. While the League is no longer running the ride, the son of the original organizer now has a similar ride (and others of various lengths), but as a "paid" event. Check www.abbike.com Or try any other venue (hiking, kayak, etc) that makes some physical demands on you, but minimal mental tasks, so you can re-charge.
I stil get goosebumps when I recall what a great experience that was. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.
I did an organized bicycle ride from LA to Boston in 1990 (as a participant) and again in 1991 (as unpaid staff). It took 47 days with 5 days off. It was organized by a national bicycling organization (League of American Bicyclists) as a fund-raiser. While the League is no longer running the ride, the son of the original organizer now has a similar ride (and others of various lengths), but as a "paid" event. Check www.abbike.com Or try any other venue (hiking, kayak, etc) that makes some physical demands on you, but minimal mental tasks, so you can re-charge.
I stil get goosebumps when I recall what a great experience that was. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.
Jan 6th, 2003, 06:12 PM
#12
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Maybe you just aren't cut out for a professional job or living in a city, a lot of people aren't. DC is not nearly as stressful as really big cities, though, like NYC. If you only get a couple weeks off, that's probably because you don't have much job tenure, I'd guess. I lot of professional jobs do require working more than 40 hours a week. There are plenty of jobs that don't, though, especially in DC (such as govt jobs). Federal govt. jobs have great benefits and tons of vacation time, and their pay level is pretty decent beyond the beginning years.
I don't think your fantasies are that attractive myself, but they might be right for you. Not having any money and working at a crummy part-time job don't exactly cause a stress-free life. Surveys have shown that people in low-level service jobs have some of the most stress and job dissatisfaction.
If you can rent a small house or condo for a year without working much, but somehow only have a beginning level of vacation of two weeks, something is wrong with the picture. Burritos don't cost $12 in DC, either, unless you are deliberately going to 4-star restaurants. DC has a lot of very cheap ethnic restaurants. If you've never lived in a small town with people without ambition or attitude, and nothing to do, you may not realize how boring it is.
Seriously, it is possible you are clinically depressed and should get evaluated.
I don't think your fantasies are that attractive myself, but they might be right for you. Not having any money and working at a crummy part-time job don't exactly cause a stress-free life. Surveys have shown that people in low-level service jobs have some of the most stress and job dissatisfaction.
If you can rent a small house or condo for a year without working much, but somehow only have a beginning level of vacation of two weeks, something is wrong with the picture. Burritos don't cost $12 in DC, either, unless you are deliberately going to 4-star restaurants. DC has a lot of very cheap ethnic restaurants. If you've never lived in a small town with people without ambition or attitude, and nothing to do, you may not realize how boring it is.
Seriously, it is possible you are clinically depressed and should get evaluated.
Jan 6th, 2003, 06:26 PM
#13
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Stressed
There are a million places in the world where you can be happy, healthy and stress-free. If you don't like what you are doing then be bold and make a radical change.
Henry David Thoreau wrote:
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
Try not to follow this path. When you are old like me you will be glad to have expressed the song in your heart and to have enjoyed the experience of life. I have never heard of anyone dying from 'under-stress' or excess happiness.
My only advice is not to run 'from' something but rather go 'to' something.
There are a million places in the world where you can be happy, healthy and stress-free. If you don't like what you are doing then be bold and make a radical change.
Henry David Thoreau wrote:
Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
Try not to follow this path. When you are old like me you will be glad to have expressed the song in your heart and to have enjoyed the experience of life. I have never heard of anyone dying from 'under-stress' or excess happiness.
My only advice is not to run 'from' something but rather go 'to' something.
Jan 6th, 2003, 06:36 PM
#14
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Just yesterday I read in the travel section of the paper about a 44 yr old flight attendant that took a years leave, sold everything, he gave up the apartment - and will travel around the world this year. That thought has been on my mind all day.
Food for thought...
He's budgeted $60.00 a day on top of his airfare(3500.00)....tempting
Food for thought...
He's budgeted $60.00 a day on top of his airfare(3500.00)....tempting
Jan 6th, 2003, 07:17 PM
#15
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Lots of people move to Oregon because they like the calmer life and the natural beauty. On your next vacation, why not take a trip to some lovely spots and see if there is somewhere you would like to try. There are beautiful places in this country, where you just feel good looking out of your window in the morning. The Pacific Northwest is God's country. Truly.
Jan 6th, 2003, 07:34 PM
#16
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Thanks for the replies. I'm just now getting some time to read them.
I did ask my manager today for some time off. Of course the answer was 'you'll have to wait until March when the project is over and our staffing issues have been resolved'. I can deal with that for now. I've decided to head to Arizona for a week in March and see what it's like, and contemplate my near future.
I never meant for this 'extended vacation' to be permanent. I know that living in a small town wouldn't be exciting in the long run. The idea is to give myself a break. I just want to get up in the morning and know that I don't have to be someplace. I want to be able to explore other avenues besides 9-5 white collar jobs, and remember what it's like to be outside with the whole day to enjoy the sunshine (or clouds, or thunderstorms, or snow - even drizzle would seem like fun compared to neon office lights, and stale air).
Yes, Minerva you're right about the money and no time off contradiction. The explanation is corporate layoffs. I was laid off last year, and started a new job soon after (the following Monday). This year I will be given two weeks plus holidays and sick time. I saved a bundle of $$$ from the severence and profit sharing. Ok, the $12 burrito was a slight exageration, but not by much. Today's lunch was a burrito and Dasani at Baja Fresh - $8. And that was take-out. A sit down lunch is $12+ at almost any restaurant.
I want to thank everyone for your comments. I'm glad people can understand what I'm talking about. It helps!
I did ask my manager today for some time off. Of course the answer was 'you'll have to wait until March when the project is over and our staffing issues have been resolved'. I can deal with that for now. I've decided to head to Arizona for a week in March and see what it's like, and contemplate my near future.
I never meant for this 'extended vacation' to be permanent. I know that living in a small town wouldn't be exciting in the long run. The idea is to give myself a break. I just want to get up in the morning and know that I don't have to be someplace. I want to be able to explore other avenues besides 9-5 white collar jobs, and remember what it's like to be outside with the whole day to enjoy the sunshine (or clouds, or thunderstorms, or snow - even drizzle would seem like fun compared to neon office lights, and stale air).
Yes, Minerva you're right about the money and no time off contradiction. The explanation is corporate layoffs. I was laid off last year, and started a new job soon after (the following Monday). This year I will be given two weeks plus holidays and sick time. I saved a bundle of $$$ from the severence and profit sharing. Ok, the $12 burrito was a slight exageration, but not by much. Today's lunch was a burrito and Dasani at Baja Fresh - $8. And that was take-out. A sit down lunch is $12+ at almost any restaurant.
I want to thank everyone for your comments. I'm glad people can understand what I'm talking about. It helps!
Jan 6th, 2003, 07:44 PM
#17
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Hey stressed, I just wanted to add two things, First - listen to the advice of the guy who said don't run away, run to. Find some time and space where you are to decide what you want to accomplish in life and then make a plan. I find a great way to escape my 50-60 hour work weeks is to spend a hour and a half taking a yoga class. Find one that is restorative not challenging, and forget about everything for an hour. It will help you find a calmer place inside you that may have answers and not just problems.
If yoga is not your thing, I find going away alone, to any quiet spot that appeals to you could be really helpful. If you can take a long weekend, head to a cabin with a fireplace and just sit there and stare at the fire for the whole weekend. Book, candles, blanket, tea. . . it might help. I hope you feel better.
If yoga is not your thing, I find going away alone, to any quiet spot that appeals to you could be really helpful. If you can take a long weekend, head to a cabin with a fireplace and just sit there and stare at the fire for the whole weekend. Book, candles, blanket, tea. . . it might help. I hope you feel better.
Jan 7th, 2003, 04:16 AM
#18
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There was a summer we spent camping on the East Coast. Just wandering and doing some job hunting. Probably best family vacation we ever had. I agree that you might be in the wrong job or working for the wrong company. A friend chucked it all about 20 years ago and bought into a dive boat operation. His philosophy, if he lost everything and had to start with nothing, he already had experience starting with nothing. I know people who have taken a year off to do something they really wanted to do. Extra bonus, one wrote a book about the experience and it did well in the outdoor adventure category. There's a lot of people who used to do something else. I hope you meet some of them on your vacation. Change can be the best thing you ever did but if you think just taking a year off and going BACK to the same old rut is going to work, think again. Good luck to you.
Jan 7th, 2003, 05:07 PM
#20
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Thanks again for the suggestions.
The good news is that my boss/company agreed to let me 'buy' more time off (really just leave without pay). They'll let me have a total of FIVE weeks this year! I'm very happy about it, and I don't think I would have had to idea to do it if I hadn't posted here, and started thinking about the whole thing. So you guys get some credit for it!
I'm still going to AZ in March, but now I can also look forward to a week in June, August, October, and days off scattered in between. I feel like a tea kettle when someone turns off the burner - the whistling suddenly stops...
Of course, I'm still going to think about a career/lifestyle change. Some of your ideas have taken hold. I'm going to start excercing again (yoga doesn't do it for me, but walking/running I like). I also plan on joining a hiking group, as well as planning free time for myself - even if it means upsetting people. They'll just have to deal with it.
This whole thing has been very therapudic for me. I know it's just an internet forum, but it did manage to help me get things together. I've been an off and on reader of this forum for awhile, so I knew that I'd get some insight by posting here.
Thanks again everyone! I'll let this post die now, because I know how much some fodorites hate lingering posts...
Good night!
The good news is that my boss/company agreed to let me 'buy' more time off (really just leave without pay). They'll let me have a total of FIVE weeks this year! I'm very happy about it, and I don't think I would have had to idea to do it if I hadn't posted here, and started thinking about the whole thing. So you guys get some credit for it!
I'm still going to AZ in March, but now I can also look forward to a week in June, August, October, and days off scattered in between. I feel like a tea kettle when someone turns off the burner - the whistling suddenly stops...
Of course, I'm still going to think about a career/lifestyle change. Some of your ideas have taken hold. I'm going to start excercing again (yoga doesn't do it for me, but walking/running I like). I also plan on joining a hiking group, as well as planning free time for myself - even if it means upsetting people. They'll just have to deal with it.
This whole thing has been very therapudic for me. I know it's just an internet forum, but it did manage to help me get things together. I've been an off and on reader of this forum for awhile, so I knew that I'd get some insight by posting here.
Thanks again everyone! I'll let this post die now, because I know how much some fodorites hate lingering posts...
Good night!
