I'm 24 and before last month had only ever worked as a barman. I've done a fair bit of travelling in the past, with my most rewarding trips lasting about 3 months, and I'd love to do even more. Now, I've somehow stumbled into what seems to be a very good job. It's well-paid, interesting, they're funding lots of qualifications, and there's clear progression to an even better job after 3 years.
On one hand I'm enjoying the work, but on the other hand I'm worried that I'm now too chained down. I hate the fact that I can only have 25 days off per year (as a barman I could pretty much come and go whenever I wanted). I'm worried that my youth is over, and that I'll never be able to enjoy those trips where I'm just young and free and can go wherever I like for however long I like (within budget, obviously).
Do I just need to grow up? Anons who work full time, is your holiday allowance enough to have a rewarding travel life?
I'm 24 and I have had a job at an auto shop, a few manufacturing jobs, sales at best buy, and now a full time job at the reservations department at a car rental company. The car rental company is the only job I've ever had that gives vacation days.
I'm allotted 7 paid days off per year and ten unpaid days off. I will be travelling to Italy for three weeks with my girlfriend. While my dad watches our daughter. I think 25 is better than average so you're lucky in that way. It's time to grow up to be sure, but that doesn't mean you can't travel anon.
And you can still definitely travel how you like, just make sure to get back to work on time and it shouldn't be a problem.
>>1212266
If your holidays only allow a short break, you'll just be stuck worrying about work instead of actually enjoying your vacation; it's better to just spend that time working.
>>1212266
> barman
Lol, a fucking barista, what a worthless position
> too chained down now
It's because you're too stupid even to figure out the type of job where you can have several months off per year. Pss, anon. Project based jobs. Anything else fucks up your schedule
>>1212309
25 is the very minimum in the UK by law, I think Europeans get even more. I'm assuming you're a yank, you guys have it pretty bad.
>>1212312
Well if I put all the days through at once (which I won't) I'll get about a month and a half off, but I feel depressed that I'll never be able to take these summer-long trips again unless I leave the job.
>>1212314
>a fucking barista, what a worthless position
Actually it's very comfy - work when you want, travel when you want. Honest work for an honest wage. Get to know people in the local community. I'll always have a soft spot for my time as a barman.
>Project based jobs
My current job is within the construction sector (but at a corporate level) so it's probably realistic that I could work project to project in the future, but I'll need to build up experience/expertise first, and the thing that I'm most worried about is that I'm too young for a 'proper' job. When I'm 30+ I hope I'll find a family, and it won't bother me then if I work regular hours because I'll have different priorities. But right now I'm worried that I'm throwing away my opportunity to be young and free.
OP, I've been thinking about this a lot, and work is just better.
When you travel you essentially put your life back home on hold. You contribute null to the economy and ultimately all you do is see things. There comes a time when you have to man up and start making a positive impact on the world. Unfortunately that means working a lot. But your home country isn't bad, hell I paid to backpack it.
If you look for a job that will give you ample travel time for the rest of your life, expect to be 40 and making minimum wage and wondering why all your friends are further ahead in life than you.
>>1212684
Yeah I think you're right, to be honest I felt exactly the same way while interrailing round Europe. Eventually it began to feel like you're just seeing things for the sake of seeing things... you know that everyone you meet will only be a temporary acquaintance, and you get the feeling you need to actually do something with your life. I guess what I want is the healthy medium that no one really has - a good career, but enough flexibility to travel when you want to.
I guess it could be my next priority to make myself valuable enough to the company that they'll allow me to work project to project like >>1212314 suggests, giving me more feeling of control over my situation. Either that or just see this particular job out to its end (in 3 years), then leaving so I can do at least one more 'big' trip.
>>1212684
>You contribute null to the economy
Oh no, what will your country's economy do without you? What shitty outlook on life. Hope you never take the weekend off, economy is collapsing and your life is on hold when you are not working.
>don't be slave to your masters? Fuck you
>40 and making minimum wage and wondering why all your friends are further ahead in life than you.
Yeah, man. Life starts being fun when you're retired and have fullfiled this arbitrary goals set up by this random anonymous stranger and it's impossible to have vacations AND be successful at your job.
>>1212706
Chill bro, I just mean having to work isn't the end of the world. Although I would advocate not going too hard.
I'm in law. Working in a top firm, you make big bucks but it's 80 hours a week on a good day. Not worth it imo. It's about balancing work and life.