Taking an extended work break

[Leakie Marine]

Originally Posted by Painted Skies

I left my high-stress engineering job when I was 44 to go cruising, and never looked back. No, I didn't have a fortune saved but I always knew that I was clever enough to not starve. Sure, there were times when I had to take a low-paying job to make ends meet (but I learned some valuable new skills in the process - canvas making and boat upholstery), but those times were also part of this exciting journey.

I wanted a life less ordinary, and to experience freedom and nature on an epic scale. It seemed dangerous to me to wait too long, and gamble away the opportunity to explore the world at my pace. I am glad we are not all compelled to follow this same path, otherwise, my sweetie and I would not be able to enjoy the peacefulness and solitude of anchorages where we are the only boat.

I've always loved this observation by the Dalai Lama, who was asked what surprised him most about humanity:

“Man.
Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money.
Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.
And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;
the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;
he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

Wishing everyone painted skies in abundance, wherever you are...

Katherine

That rings so true for me, I have done similar and 10 years later, while on a fraction of the money I was on, I am so much happier. Do it and do it now