Hi everyone, my problem is in about 2 months time, we will be taking off for who knows where for who knows how long, while this is something I have really pushed for now that it is almost upon us I am getting nervous. We have travelled towing a van for 5 months but that was really a holiday and we both loved it, so for the last 3 years I have worked to get us another van and take off on an extended trip. We will have to look for work as we are not of pension age, my question is AM I BEING SILLY or is it just the fear of the unknown, our kids say go for it and I am pretty sure once we are on the road everything will be fine, as we only rent we will have no base to come back to, when you are younger you have time on your side to make mistakes, though I have always said I don't want to just sit in a lounge chair and die of boredom, what are your thoughts
ozi2 said
01:30 PM Apr 21, 2011
Hi P2, mate, isnt it just a continuation of your previous holiday.........but no time constraints? Go for it
cheers ozi2
Gerty Dancer said
01:40 PM Apr 21, 2011
I think its normal to be nervous facing a big change, and its a good thing, makes you check all the pros and cons again, and confirm your decision.
Dont sit on that lounge chair till you die of boredom!!!! Seriously, I had a neighbor who died on his lounge watching TV. Very sad, he was only 63. Get out and live!
ken said
01:44 PM Apr 21, 2011
Ok you loved the first part of the trip and you will love the second part just as much. Don't worry to much you have a home and can move to work if required and stop if you have to just go with it have fun and enjoy you get old quick enjoy every minute while you can. Have fun you get wrinkles from worry.
Enjoy life and laugh Ken & Cheryl
P2 said
02:06 PM Apr 21, 2011
This is exactly what I need to hear and I knew I could count on fellow travellers and people of a like mindset to say what I desperately needed to hear, as my other half said to someone the other day, ADVENTURE BEFORE DEMENTIA, I think it has just been all the things I have realised has to be done before we go, but it is going to happen so I just think I need to as they say SETTLE PETAL, thanks again for your kind words of encouragement, Pauline
BobnBev said
02:48 PM Apr 21, 2011
P2, Heard a guy say some thing the other day that made me sit up and think, YEP.. What he said was he was frighten of pilots that were not nervous, same thing if you were not nervous there could be trouble.. Just normal P2 very healthy thing... Go and enjoy the rush, it will be over before you know it......
Firefly said
04:24 PM Apr 21, 2011
Yep, you sound very normal to me mate, it is a big step but sounds like its the right one for you, enjoy.
kandagal said
05:52 PM Apr 21, 2011
Dear P2, Hit the road mate. It's the lifestyle that cannot be beaten. We're in our 18th. year on the road (11 years without a home to go back to) & I have no regrets.
robell said
06:26 PM Apr 21, 2011
Pep pep pep pep pep pep pep pep pep pep, now that the pep talk is over, GO, you will love it and half your luck. We are grounded till next year, so enjoy. Cheers, Rob.
P2 said
07:54 PM Apr 21, 2011
thanks, thanks, thanks, just really needed a bit of a kick up the a..se, me thinks
jack biggles said
08:27 PM Apr 21, 2011
P2 wrote:
This is exactly what I need to hear and I knew I could count on fellow travellers and people of a like mindset to say what I desperately needed to hear, as my other half said to someone the other day, ADVENTURE BEFORE DEMENTIA, I think it has just been all the things I have realised has to be done before we go, but it is going to happen so I just think I need to as they say SETTLE PETAL, thanks again for your kind words of encouragement, Pauline
Yes, GO FOR IT P2.
I use to worry about the 'Adventure Before Dementia' business, but since then I've long forgotten just about everything...... . I'm even stuggling here with what this subject is about, so I will refer back to what I initially said, "Go for it".
Cruising Granny said
09:23 PM Apr 21, 2011
Just do it in stages - big stages. You'll wonder what all the apprehension was all about. However it is healthy to have a bit of a plan, subject to change with very little notice, of course. If the work thing is bothering you, just work ahead. Find a job in the destination of your choice, and head there. Give yourself a time frame for travel and enjoying the trip so you're not beating a made path to the next door. As I tell everyone who wonders how I cope without a "base", my van is my home, and where I'm parked is where I live. I don't need real estate and furniture to have a home. I don't have anything in storage. When I can't do this anymore I'll have to find a state housing pensioner unit on the ground floor, because it won't happen until I can't get up and down the van steps. Now I've come out of retirement to do a job I'm capable of, which will allow me to continue my travels without tugging the van. It's all good. Just call on your skills, even some acquired in the course of your hobbies, and look for work in that range, and beyond. Trust yourself. Only you can do it. And I reckon you'll be good at "it".
Zoomtopz said
07:09 AM Apr 22, 2011
I tell ya wot
This is th best advice you will get here
Even I would not take my own advice on this one
"Wait another twenty years . THEN think , I SHOODA dun that trip"
Mate , if you wait too long , you might talk yourself out of it completely .
I was a Gunner in th Navy , BUT when I got out of th Navy ,
I kept th Gunna title for another 15yrs - I think you get th drift.
Richo
gillyb said
07:45 AM Apr 22, 2011
Get going Pauline before that hubby of yours gets another horse :) Try setting yourself a date to leave that way it stops you from procrastinating, I know thats what I had to do in the end or I'd still be home thinking about it :)
Sorry I didn't catch up with you again on the Gold Coast but the weather was a bit wet, I'm currently in Palmswood until after easter then heading to Alexandra Headland so if you can get up this way come and visit
howdrink said
07:45 AM Apr 22, 2011
Hi P2 we too did have the same thought when we sold the house and went for it thought WHAT HAVE WE DONE but its been a year on the road and still loving it, I also am not of pension age wife is so i work our self around it works out great, places to see and great people you meet, I would hate to think the day i had my last breath before putting me in a wooden box my last thought was i wish i had travelled around that great country of our's who knows what is round the next corner. go for it mate have fun
you like our self's have a family that told us to go for it and go for it we are
Happy travelling
sandsmere said
08:20 AM Apr 22, 2011
There would be something wrong if you didn't worry about it mate .
Just do it . You'll be right . . Cheers
dogbox said
09:20 AM Apr 22, 2011
make a list of all the worst things that could happen then tear it up an go for it
Cruising Granny said
01:09 PM Apr 22, 2011
I had a little bit of apprehension about doing it by myself, but if I sat around waiting for the right "travel companion" or the right time, I'd still be sitting on my butt in some town, probably Broome, grumpy, resentful and miserable because I didn't give it a go. We make our own opportunities and luck. So like anything, give it a go or you'll be kicking your own butt for the rest of your life for not trying. You too may be grumpy, resentful and miserable if you don't go. Safe and happy travels.
Happywanderer said
05:54 PM Apr 22, 2011
Its a fear of the unknown, tell me about it.
Zoomtopz said
07:03 AM Apr 23, 2011
HW -That's only False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
But you can do th Aussie f e a r
F E ve r y thing and run - right round th block - do a full Lap , then
tell us abou t it
Richo
P2 said
07:12 AM Apr 23, 2011
Hey Richo, just read your profile, we lived in grafton for nearly 20 years, my Mum and daughter are still there, at the Gold Coast now but not sure if for much longer, get to Grafton quite often, boy has that place gone through some changes in the last few years.
blaze said
09:33 AM Apr 23, 2011
P2 wrote:
Hi everyone, my problem is in about 2 months time, we will be taking off for who knows where for who knows how long, while this is something I have really pushed for now that it is almost upon us I am getting nervous. We have travelled towing a van for 5 months but that was really a holiday and we both loved it, so for the last 3 years I have worked to get us another van and take off on an extended trip. We will have to look for work as we are not of pension age, my question is AM I BEING SILLY or is it just the fear of the unknown, our kids say go for it and I am pretty sure once we are on the road everything will be fine, as we only rent we will have no base to come back to, when you are younger you have time on your side to make mistakes, though I have always said I don't want to just sit in a lounge chair and die of boredom, what are your thoughts
Hi P2
We also set off to the unknown, one of my biggest concern was how would we live in the small size of the van after living in big houses for all our married life, we have had a few moments but these need to be sorted quick. At the moment I am on my third job in Albany. First was laborouring on a construction site , second and also current is night manager at a caravan park (comes with a unit and nice to be out of the van for a short time), Start on wednesday as a project manager/maintance man at the age care place my wife is working at. If you look jobs airnt a problem. Get on the road and do it now as we dont know what tomorrow will bring
cheers
blaze
Cruising Granny said
06:50 PM Apr 23, 2011
My biggest disappointment about this lifestyle is my children not understanding or supporting me and my dream. One doesn't approve of her mother being "trailer trash". It seems I don't live up to the fantasy image of a mum and granny. Interpretation: Child minder and housekeeper. Been there, done that. While I love them I can't live in their pockets. Jeez I've got a lot of living to do yet! Just enjoy the experience. You're going to be travelling, not leaving the planet.
wendyv said
11:24 PM Apr 23, 2011
It is an inbuilt human defence mechanism to be apprehensive about change and moving outside one's current security framework. We have spent something like 9 of the last 13 years on the road, in segments ranging from 1 month to 3 years. I still get really nervous, worried, uptight, for a couple of weeks before we head off on a trip. Once on the road, all is fine - and then I get depressed for the couple of weeks before we come home, because I want to stay nomadic. Once you are on the road, all will be great.
Zoomtopz said
07:24 AM Apr 24, 2011
Hey Blaze
I did not know they still had night men
Richo
Dunmowin said
10:09 AM May 8, 2011
P2 wrote:
Hi everyone, my problem is in about 2 months time, we will be taking off for who knows where for who knows how long, while this is something I have really pushed for now that it is almost upon us I am getting nervous. We have travelled towing a van for 5 months but that was really a holiday and we both loved it, so for the last 3 years I have worked to get us another van and take off on an extended trip. We will have to look for work as we are not of pension age, my question is AM I BEING SILLY or is it just the fear of the unknown, our kids say go for it and I am pretty sure once we are on the road everything will be fine, as we only rent we will have no base to come back to, when you are younger you have time on your side to make mistakes, though I have always said I don't want to just sit in a lounge chair and die of boredom, what are your thoughts
Hello P2, We are the same boat as you - selling up everything, and hitting the road in July. We have been told there is plenty of work out there for GNs, you just have to look for it. Get you self to the Caravan etc show in Brisbane in June, and go to the WorkAbout Australia seminar - we went last year, and gained a lot of information. Through them, we have already lined up work in August & September.
I agree, there is a certain amount of fear of the unknown, but on the other side, what a huge adventure we are all about to embark upon.
When are you actually leaving, what direction?
regards
Dummowin
P2 said
10:46 AM May 8, 2011
Hi Dunmowin, we have decided that it is just not the right time to go now and have signed lease for 6 more months, I know, slap me but just did not seem the right time and sometimes you just have to listen to what your inner voice is telling you, I know slap me twice, but are planning on taking a month off round July just to keep us sane. I am sure everything will work out for you two but would be nice to hear how things are going once you get on the road, thanks everyone for the pep talk you might all have to start again around October Pauline
Hylda&Jon said
11:42 AM May 8, 2011
Only go when you believe you are prepaired.
When you finally do go just make sure you have a few thousand dollars in the bank to cover emergancies like repairs to the caravan & car plus the inevitable rego & service expenses.
There are many ways to find work in your travels apart from Centrelink the local paper & pub. A few web sites that may help are:
This Grey nomads site is an excellent one as they have a section for work wanted where you put in your own add like we did, also there is a work available, volunteer & housesitting section. It's best to check these pages about once a week for any new entries.
House sitting is also an option for a couple of weeks & gives you a break from the van. There are a few sites where, for a small fee, you register with them, then regularly check what's available.
Hope you get on the road soon, I doubt you will regret it.
Hi everyone, my problem is in about 2 months time, we will be taking off for who knows where for who knows how long, while this is something I have really pushed for now that it is almost upon us I am getting nervous. We have travelled towing a van for 5 months but that was really a holiday and we both loved it, so for the last 3 years I have worked to get us another van and take off on an extended trip. We will have to look for work as we are not of pension age, my question is AM I BEING SILLY or is it just the fear of the unknown, our kids say go for it and I am pretty sure once we are on the road everything will be fine, as we only rent we will have no base to come back to, when you are younger you have time on your side to make mistakes, though I have always said I don't want to just sit in a lounge chair and die of boredom, what are your thoughts
Hi P2, mate, isnt it just a continuation of your previous holiday.........but no time constraints? Go for it
cheers ozi2
Dont sit on that lounge chair till you die of boredom!!!! Seriously, I had a neighbor who died on his lounge watching TV. Very sad, he was only 63. Get out and live!
Have fun you get wrinkles from worry.
Enjoy life and laugh
Ken & Cheryl
Yep, you sound very normal to me mate, it is a big step but sounds like its the right one for you, enjoy.
Yes, GO FOR IT P2.
I use to worry about the 'Adventure Before Dementia' business, but since then I've long forgotten just about everything......
. I'm even stuggling here with what this subject is about, so I will refer back to what I initially said, "Go for it".
However it is healthy to have a bit of a plan, subject to change with very little notice, of course.
If the work thing is bothering you, just work ahead. Find a job in the destination of your choice, and head there. Give yourself a time frame for travel and enjoying the trip so you're not beating a made path to the next door.
As I tell everyone who wonders how I cope without a "base", my van is my home, and where I'm parked is where I live.
I don't need real estate and furniture to have a home. I don't have anything in storage.
When I can't do this anymore I'll have to find a state housing pensioner unit on the ground floor, because it won't happen until I can't get up and down the van steps.
Now I've come out of retirement to do a job I'm capable of, which will allow me to continue my travels without tugging the van. It's all good.
Just call on your skills, even some acquired in the course of your hobbies, and look for work in that range, and beyond. Trust yourself. Only you can do it.
And I reckon you'll be good at "it".
I tell ya wot
This is th best advice you will get here
Even I would not take my own advice on this one
"Wait
another twenty
years . THEN think , I SHOODA dun that trip"
Mate , if you wait too long , you might talk yourself out of it completely .
I was a Gunner in th Navy , BUT when I got out of th Navy ,
I kept th Gunna title for another 15yrs - I think you get th drift.
Richo
Get going Pauline before that hubby of yours gets another horse :) Try setting yourself a date to leave that way it stops you from procrastinating, I know thats what I had to do in the end or I'd still be home thinking about it :)
Sorry I didn't catch up with you again on the Gold Coast but the weather was a bit wet, I'm currently in Palmswood until after easter then heading to Alexandra Headland so if you can get up this way come and visit
Hi P2 we too did have the same thought when we sold the house and went for it thought WHAT HAVE WE DONE but its been a year on the road and still loving it, I also am not of pension age wife is so i work our self around it works out great, places to see and great people you meet, I would hate to think the day i had my last breath before putting me in a wooden box my last thought was i wish i had travelled around that great country of our's who knows what is round the next corner. go for it mate have fun
you like our self's have a family that told us to go for it and go for it we are
Happy travelling
There would be something wrong if you didn't worry about it mate .
Just do it . You'll be right . . Cheers
then tear it up an go for it
So like anything, give it a go or you'll be kicking your own butt for the rest of your life for not trying. You too may be grumpy, resentful and miserable if you don't go. Safe and happy travels.
HW -That's only False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
But you can do th Aussie f e a r
F
E ve r y thing and run - right round th block - do a full Lap , then
tell us abou t it
Richo
Hi P2
We also set off to the unknown, one of my biggest concern was how would we live in the small size of the van after living in big houses for all our married life, we have had a few moments but these need to be sorted quick. At the moment I am on my third job in Albany. First was laborouring on a construction site , second and also current is night manager at a caravan park (comes with a unit and nice to be out of the van for a short time), Start on wednesday as a project manager/maintance man at the age care place my wife is working at. If you look jobs airnt a problem. Get on the road and do it now as we dont know what tomorrow will bring
cheers
blaze
It seems I don't live up to the fantasy image of a mum and granny. Interpretation: Child minder and housekeeper.
Been there, done that. While I love them I can't live in their pockets. Jeez I've got a lot of living to do yet!
Just enjoy the experience. You're going to be travelling, not leaving the planet.
Once you are on the road, all will be great.
Hey Blaze
I did not know they
still had
night men
Richo
Hello P2, We are the same boat as you - selling up everything, and hitting the road in July. We have been told there is plenty of work out there for GNs, you just have to look for it. Get you self to the Caravan etc show in Brisbane in June, and go to the WorkAbout Australia seminar - we went last year, and gained a lot of information. Through them, we have already lined up work in August & September.
I agree, there is a certain amount of fear of the unknown, but on the other side, what a huge adventure we are all about to embark upon.
When are you actually leaving, what direction?
regards
Dummowin
Pauline
Only go when you believe you are prepaired.
When you finally do go just make sure you have a few thousand dollars in the bank to cover emergancies like repairs to the caravan & car plus the inevitable rego & service expenses.
There are many ways to find work in your travels apart from Centrelink the local paper & pub. A few web sites that may help are:
This Grey nomads site is an excellent one as they have a section for work wanted where you put in your own add like we did, also there is a work available, volunteer & housesitting section. It's best to check these pages about once a week for any new entries.
Other web sites are
http://www.workaboutaustralia.com.au
http://jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail/default.aspx
http://www.stonedcrow.com/employment/main.htm
Also Volunteer work is an option as many of them provide a free place to park the van & hook up to power & water & provide use of the amenities
WWOOFing is one of these:
http://www.wwoof.com.au/ for free accomodation, we did this & loved it.
Also you may try:
http://www.bushheritage.org.au/getting_involved/getting_involved_volunteer
House sitting is also an option for a couple of weeks & gives you a break from the van. There are a few sites where, for a small fee, you register with them, then regularly check what's available.
Hope you get on the road soon, I doubt you will regret it.
Cheers
Jon