Giving it all up. OT

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donini

Trad climber

Ouray, Colorado

Mar 14, 2013 - 08:17pm PT

Okay....Fitzroy does make a good backdrop. So that picture is supposed to make me believe you only eat sheep?

Michelle

Social climber

Toshi's Station, picking up power converters.

Mar 14, 2013 - 09:37pm PT

It sounds like you've put alot of thought into this. I can relate to the pet thing. I had to do a search of my values in order to make my plan. The cat stays. It sounds like your pups have a good set up if you go. I wonder though, is this a reaction to these changes. If it's your dream, make it work. glad you took the time to receive input.

just my 2cents.

good vibes whatever you decide!

karodrinker

Trad climber

San Jose, CA

Mar 14, 2013 - 10:27pm PT

just eat the dog, sheesh that was easy ;)

In all seriousness, get that dog a home and get going! Just take pics and check in so we can live vicariously. Got two kids that prevent me from traveling like that but when they grow up...

LilaBiene

Trad climber

Mar 14, 2013 - 10:54pm PT

Brandon, you should catch up with my younger brother. He has his own landscaping business that he operates spring - late fall, and then every year from Jan - March or so he travels all over the world. He lives in a group house to keep expenses super low.

Got him to try climbing a few days ago...

He's officially screwed...muah ha ha ha ha!

Kalimon

Trad climber

Ridgway, CO

Mar 14, 2013 - 11:01pm PT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_347449&feature=iv&src_vid=ntm1YfehK7U&v=MUt7qmSvxLI

johntp

Trad climber

socal

Mar 14, 2013 - 11:06pm PT

The sheep heard you were coming and fled

Too funny! I've got a dirty mind....

phylp

Trad climber

Millbrae, CA

Mar 14, 2013 - 11:30pm PT

Brandon, I've "known" you for a while now on supertopo and you are so obviously such a good-hearted person. There are so many paths that could be a "right" path for you. But I'm not one to say "follow your heart". Rather, I would say, check in with your gut and your heart and your mind and see where you settle. The balance is important.

Maybe you could have everything your heart desires. One scenario (which incorporates something Ron recommended): Maybe move to an area in the US (with your doggie) where you could get some construction work and save up some bucks. But also a place with a community college where you could take some evening classes to expand your long-term career potential, either to synergize with and build on your construction expertise (spanish skills? management courses?), or to head in a different direction long term (health care? computer stuff?) You're smart enough that you could be a success in so many areas.

After a couple of years building a base, you might be in a much stronger position to then follow your wanderlust...
Just one perspective - you'll make the right choice for YOU!
xo Phyl

Big Mike

Trad climber

Mar 14, 2013 - 11:57pm PT

Sounds like fun, but is it practical? Only you will know, when you get there. I know you're in love with down south, but have you thought of trying out west? Colorado, near your bro might be an option, or Nevada, Cali ect.. Maybe pimp out a van and you can cruise up north for a couple this summer??

South would be fun too, but west could be done with your pups.

You'll figure it out..

Sierra Ledge Rat

Mountain climber

Old and Broken Down in Appalachia

Mar 15, 2013 - 12:08am PT

Has anyone here done this? It's extremely appealing to me. I'm not averse to hardship or poverty, it's the wealth gained through experience that draws me.

Follow your heart, not your head.

Always. Especially in matters of love.

mouse from merced

Trad climber

The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.

Mar 15, 2013 - 12:31am PT

I guess you're not gonna die. Nobody's tossed that out here yet, so I call "No dyin'" on ya, just for luck.

Whatever you do: Don't jump into this, and don't rely on wages, don't get too outrageous, don't check the Yellow Pages.

Do, however: Take time over ANY decision, sift as MANY opps and scenarios that you can, even if they come from the KillerTaco, and practice your Spanish, it's terrible, I'm sure, just like mine.

bwain-AH swear-tay

drljefe

climber

El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson

Mar 15, 2013 - 12:48am PT

Do it, and take the damn dog!
But first
Spend the summer slangin' nitrous on Phish tour, maybe land a sick high end carpentry job somewhere, build up the nest egg ya know, do some climbing, reconnect with the west a bit, wait for it to get cold, grow a solid stache, then hit the road south.
Don't blog about it and make sure the Nano is anything but flouro green.
Do it, do it.

[Click to View YouTube Video]

edit:
my nephew did the woofer thing for a year in AK and had a good experience.

Fletcher

Trad climber

The great state of advaita

Mar 15, 2013 - 12:51am PT

Don't think about doing it, just do it, especially if you've got an inkling of a vision (which by all means it sounds like you do). You probably won't end up where you think you would, but part of the journey is crossing that valley or jungle, climbing up that ridge, etc. to see just what is beyond there. In the process you'll discover new paths and wonders (and struggles and tribulations) that you'd never have even imagined existed. You'll be the richer for it and so too, I'd hazard a guess, will the world.

Otherwise, you risk ending up being some grumpy old man posting away on the Taco Stand thirty years from now! :-) Instead, you can be a jello or donini. And I don't necessarily mean in terms of climbing greatness (though by all means go for it!). Rather more in terms of their positive and wise and playfully cantankerous outlooks.

All the best!

Eric

P.S. Age ain't a factor here either. Not a requirement to be young in years to do the above. I think our dear Lynnie is a good example of that. Be young in spirit like her and the rest will follow.

ontheedgeandscaredtodeath

Social climber

SLO, Ca

Mar 15, 2013 - 12:52am PT

To be honest if you are in your thirties, don't have a career and are still thinking that way you may as well just go for it. I am sure you would find a good situation for your dogs and could find your way around living / working.

That said, my experiences with people that have done the full ex-pat lifetime drop out thing have been negative in that I've seen high levels of alcoholism and this common general anger. A generalization I know, but whatev. Also, once you are rolling along and making a living in the economy of say, El Salvador, doing something like buying a plane ticket back to the U.S. becomes cost prohibitive.

I know you didn't ask for my advice but you posted a thread so you are going to get it anyway. Find seasonal work where you can make some $$. Fight forest fires, fish in AK, whatever. Then spend 5 or 6 months a year drifting around south america or wherever, still being able to withdraw money from an ATM and having a ticket home.

Fletcher

Trad climber

The great state of advaita

Mar 15, 2013 - 02:35am PT

Good on your bro' Lilabiene! Now what the heck is that gnarl he's climbing on? :-)

Eric

Jan

Mountain climber

Okinawa, Japan

Mar 15, 2013 - 07:52am PT

I'm with on the edge and scared to death. Save some money, try it for 6 months with a plane ticket home and then decide if you want to spend a longer time at it.

It is hard to find work in developing countries unless you work for an agency with outside money. The locals don't have enough for themselves and really resent a foreigner taking away work, especially an American venturing south of the border.

steveA

Trad climber

bedford,massachusetts

Mar 15, 2013 - 08:20am PT

Brandon,

My daughter has been on a 1 year road trip.

She just came back from the West, including Mexico,

She is in Patagonia, as I speak, hiking around.

Go for it, if your inclined.

mechrist

Gym climber

South of Heaven

Mar 15, 2013 - 01:04pm PT

I know a finish carpenter who took his skillz to Europe for a couple years... also rode motorcycles N-S across Africa with his new girly friend.

I'd make sure you have something to fall back on. Traveling friends generally agree, ~$1k usually works to get you an apartment and necessities while you find a job... once you realize you are sick of traveling.