Countdown to the Unconventional

Quitting your job
Renting your house
Taking the kids out of school
Packing your bags
Heading away for 10 months . . .
and taking the scenic route to get there!

Xavier asked me yesterday "How many more days until September comes?"  We've been preparing him for a year that we are leaving on our BIG trip in September.  In 23 days we need to be out of our house and in another 3 days we will be on the road. 

People keep looking at us with this weird, incredulous look and upon hearing of our plans usually wish us the best of luck and a safe trip and finish by either saying "Oh, I wish I could do that!" or "Oh, I could NEVER do that!"  

The move toward the unconventional life was not entirely what we set out to do.  Truthfully I just like to get the biggest bang for my buck and spending $10 000 to fly to NZ for a 3 week vacation didn't really fit the bill.  We wanted TIME to spend unhurried with far-flung family.  We wanted TIME to show our boys the country.  We wanted TIME to be together with our boys and live life without excuses of "I don't have enough TIME".    So, in this desire for TIME, it seemed appropriate to actually plan for what we want.  And that is an extended vacation.  A career break.  A gap year. 

Yes, it's unconventional.  Yes, it's expensive.  Yes, it's a bit risky.  But it's not unmanaged risk.  It's a highly calculated risk and it's lining up to be so worth it.   Friends have asked if we've won the lottery.  Of course not.  We are "retiring" for a year and will use our RRSP savings to supplement our income.  We will most likely work a couple of part-time jobs in NZ to help with the groceries.  Dave is working on collecting some leads for a new job opportunities upon our return.  He was ready to move on anyways. 

Could we spend the money in other ways?  on a new kitchen renovation?  kids school fees? 
Sure we could.  But that would be  . . . pretty conventional.   We're going to try something different.

We'll keep you posted!