As I am embarking on my last week of employment at said video game company, I cannot help but look at the current state I am in.
The process of submitting my resignation has been an emotional one. There have been instances of both elation and sadness as I face the future. I will be leaving a small community of friends that have become my family over the past 3 years of employment, however, they have been nothing but supportive in regards to my endeavors.
I am getting a chance of a lifetime to pursue my passions. I refuse to take this opportunity for granted as I know that not many people are offered a chance at something that truly makes them happy. The next few months will be transformative ones and I cannot help but take a Carpe Diem attitude and jump head first into my potential career and dream.
The worst case scenario is that I will have to return to the regular work world to save money and travel the old fashioned way -or- I can have my cake and eat it too. I can travel and do my blog AND do photography. If I don’t take this chance, I know for a fact that I will regret it for the rest of my life. I do not like living with “what ifs”. I live my life by the following mantra:
So, here is a toast to our future – a one of learning, understanding and growth – a future of creativity and self discovery. I’m drinking the nectar of life and I implore you to be with us, both in spirit and in making the jump.
Cheers. To a new beginning!
Cheers Erica! You are doing what a lot of people dream about doing, but don’t ever get the chance or they have other personal reasons. I’m amazed at what you have been doing and what you are planning to do. I look forward to following you as you embark out on your endeavors!
Hey now! You are doing the same Miss Japan! We are so proud of you. 🙂
Hell yeah! Congrats as this is a great feeling. Embrace and enjoy it and CONGRATULATIONS!!
That’s the spirit!!! I try to live by the same rule. no regrets 😉
I mean, imagine yourself at 75 knowing that you never took this chance to do what you really wanted, not knowing what would have happened if you would’ve.
Cheers to you guys and congrats for getting over the hump! It’s not an easy thing to just put your routine life aside and do the things you really dream to do. Scott and I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world for the experiences we enjoyed during our travels. You guys are going to have the time of your lives, even on those bad days (as they are bound to happen, it’s a fact of life.). Enjoy!!
@Adam: Thank you! I have butterflies like crazy. 🙂
@Sofia: No regrets has been a somewhat recent addition to my life. The travel blog community has helped me grow so much and thank you guys for being there!
@Dee: HAI DEE! It is SO nice knowing that it is all down hill from here. Our road trip is coming up, I have a bajillion projects to do (and a logo to design for my personal photography!) and time is going to fly by. 🙂
Congratulations. I also left a job with really great people but as amazing as they were, I’m so happy I left. I’ve been traveling for 4 months now and it’s been wonderful.
That’s the spirit mate!!enjoy the precious moment and make your own!
I have so many plan for travel, so I might follow your step.
Insperation!! Here, here!
Congratulations, it’s a tough tough decision to make but when you have the chance of a lifetime… you can’t pass that by.
Congrats, Erica! That’s got to feel great. You have a fantastic attitude about this process. It’s very inspiring to me 🙂
@Ayngelina: It is always so inspiring to meet other people who have made the jump! I keep peeking in on your blog. Its great!
@Juno: HAI JUNO! *wave* I’m living it up and my heart feels so light.
@Jim: Thank you! I think I’m over the small panic attacks now and am ready to attack my work!
@Emily: Thanks Em! I’m normally a very cynical person but for some reason this decision has turned everything around. I definitely needed to get out of the rut I was in – I became so negative.
Erica, I remember when I left the world as I knew it, quit my job and hit the road. It was a strange feeling, but looking back now, it was the most important decision I have made in my life to date. I say that with complete conviction, as I met my parter whilst on the road and also many great friends. I think you best sum it up when you say ‘No Regrets’. Good luck to the both of you, follow your dreams.
I feel the same way as you seriously! it is freaking hard to make life changes. You know what though, after we finally booked the ticket to Iceland I felt MUCH better. It was like a weight was lifted and everything felt it was falling into place. It is this in between part that sucks and is so tough. You’re doing the right thing and it’s all going to work out. Going against the grain is hard – remember how bad ass you are for doing it!
@Jason: Wow. Somehow I didn’t put it in a perspective of this decision being life changing, but I guess you are right. I want to definitely look back and smile.
Beth: I have a little while before I buy our one way ticket out of here but when I do I’m sure I’ll feel like the universe is pulling strings for me. <3 I am so happy for you and glad the booking has made you less stressed out.
Cheers to you! No need to implore me, I’ll be following along.
Oooo, where are the margaritas at? Style.
Hope your last couple of days aren’t too teary-eyed. Just think of how much the unknown future will be!
@Keith: You are so sweet. I’m really looking forward to your upcoming adventures!
@Lauren: I don’t think I will get too teary eyed. Most of all I’m sad to leave my friends – but life is all about change right?
It’s a great feeling isn’t it? Heading to the unknown… I personally don’t like knowing how tomorrow is going to be… it’s scary but it’s good!
Cheers to the butterflies!! May they always be there with you. 🙂
Congrats!! xx
Erica – Sure, it’s scary. Change always is. But jobs come and go. You’ll never regret taking some time to pursue the things that really move you. Your friends will still be there at the end of the trip and you’ll make many new ones – not only the people you meet on the road, but the ones who you’ll inspire through your blog. Carpe diem, indeed!
@Cris: I wouldn’t necessarily say “great” mainly because I’m a planner by nature. I would, however, say “terrifying” but I’m doing it anyway!
@Chris: Thank you for your sound advice! One of the hardest things to grasp is change for me – while I want it, its scary at the same time. I’m looking forward to what the change I initiated brings. 😀
No regrets! Cheers to you two!
Thanks Heather! CHEERS!