We Quit our jobs
Have you ever dreamt of leaving it all behind—your job, routine, comfort zone, all to chase adventure?
The day we handed in our resignations felt like a milestone we’d been working toward for what felt like ages. Since getting married in 2022, Haris and I have been saving as much as possible, with a dream of travelling for as long as we could. Now, it’s finally happening. We’re backpacking through South and Central America until June next year and then moving to Canada on work visas.
On November 3, 2024, we left our lives in Perth with two backpacks and no return date.
Why We Left
Living and working in Perth during our twenties wasn’t cutting it for us. Don’t get me wrong, Perth is a great place to settle down, start a family, or grow your career. But for us, we just want to travel and do cool shit while we’re still young. Yes, we’re married, and yes, we want a house and kids someday. When we told friends and family about our decision to pack up and travel, some people couldn’t separate those future goals from our present dreams. Why not do both, just not at the same time?
For years, we were living what most would consider a great life. Haris worked as a mine surveyor, flying in and out every second week, while I had a steady office job in digital marketing. We rented a house perfectly located for work and life. It was easy, it was comfortable, but it wasn’t quite fulfilling.
Holidays were always our escape. Every time we travelled, we’d ask ourselves: What if we didn’t go back? What if this was our life instead of a break from it?
Eventually, that thought turned into a plan.
The Tipping Point
Like so many others, we felt trapped in the grind. Balancing everything from work, social circles, and mental and physical health felt like a non-stop treadmill.
It hit us: no one else owns your life. You don’t owe it to a company, a routine, or anyone else to live the way they expect you to. Money is always attainable, but time isn’t. Life goes too fast, and we’d rather be working to live than living to work.
We sold everything. Our clothes, furniture, and cars, until our lives could fit into two backpacks. We want to create a life full of stories and memories, not just promotions and material possessions. It’s not that we’re running away from responsibility. It’s the opposite. This journey is about responsibility to ourselves; to grow, learn, and experience the world outside of the lives we know.
After travelling through South and Central America, we’ll head to Canada, where we’ll settle for a while and work. It’s a big change, but it’s a challenge we’re ready for.
Suitcases packed and ready to be reunited with us in Canada. Most of the stuff is winter clothing—definitely won’t be needing these in South America!
What We’ve Learned
Since leaving our jobs, we’ve found space to work on ourselves; physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’re both a little introverted, and this space also allows us to meet new people, embrace unfamiliar cultures, and see life in a new way.
This isn’t to say that everyone should quit their job and travel. For many of our friends, settling down with a house, kids, and job security is what makes them happy. We felt we were on a different trajectory that involved exploring outside our comfort zone.
We traded comfort for adventure and routine for the unknown. Honestly, it felt scary at some points, but this is the most alive we’ve ever felt. Years from now, no one will remember how many deadlines we met or promotions we had, but the stories we’re creating now will stay with us forever.
What would you be willing to trade to live out your dreams?