Traveling Now VS. Traveling Later — Which One is For You?
I’m quite sure you’ve seen this circulating in your Facebook news feed these past few weeks. I’m talking about the endless debate that (mostly) carefree millennials go through: do you travel the world now or do it later?
I’ve seen many types of content tackling this issue before. In the latest one I saw, a video, one person argued that millennials should stop spending so much, if not all, of their money on travel and instead focus on improving their careers while they are still young. I agreed with him: travel often creates that temporary feeling of happiness and satisfaction but does not necessarily take away the emptiness and leaves one financially in distress.
Of course, I’m not saying that it applies to everyone but I’m quite sure many of US can relate, right?
Instant Pleasure or Delayed Gratification
When we became parents, the partner and I introduced ourselves to proper financial planning where we learned about the concept of delayed gratification. In a world of instant noodles and drive-thru meals, our brains have been hardwired to want to get something in order to be happy RIGHT NOW.
However, in financial planning, they teach you the beauty of delayed gratification. What is a little sacrifice today (nope, you can’t go on that quick weekend getaway to a nearby 2-star hotel right now) when you can reap much better rewards that are often tenfold (enjoy a 5-star stay in Maldives five years from now)!
In the video, the argument was that the person started to focus and build his career at the age of 25 – and now (not sure how many years later), he is already a millionaire who can travel wherever he wants to go in his private plane.
The Millennial Mindset and Parenting in the 21st Century
As beautiful as the idea of delaying reward for a bigger and better output is, I also think that life is too short to be wasting it all on work, work, work. That might not matter much to you right now but, trust me, it will once you have a little one to take care of.
Around my birthday last year, one of my aunts died due to cardiac arrest resulting from asthma attack – and she was just a few months shy from her retirement age. The incident got me into full paranoia and the existential crisis got so bad I had to really exhaust myself at night to make sure I don’t lie in bed with my head spinning on thoughts about death. I don’t think I’ve fully recovered from that even if it has been a few months ago; I couldn’t even dare watch a movie that had death in it.
The thing is that I realized just how short life really is. You can go chasing after money and success the way society defines it but you can no longer get back the time and opportunity lost in those years.
True, I hated dealing with everyday traffic during my commute to and from work but I think the deeper reason on why I chose to gave up a stable corporate job in exchange for the uncertainty (often) of a one-income work-from-home household was because I wanted to have a major influence on my child and I want to be there every step of the way.
Then again, I am not saying that the path our family chose to take is the right one; we just think it suits our lifestyle and preferences as a family best. People will still feel guilty of disappointing people whichever path they choose but if it’s the one that makes you happy, as cliche as it may sound, then go for it. And, yes, f*ck what society dictates.
About the Author
Pam is an outdoors-loving millennial momma who loves to hike, trek and camp in the beaches and mountains with her partner and their 3-year-old daughter. When not exploring the great outdoors, she moonlights as a freelance writer specializing in the travel, parenting, personal finance and digital marketing niches. You can also follow her via social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!
Basta karon, as much as I want to travel, I cant pa man uy. I need to work for my family pa. Maybe soon. 🙂
The whole issue sure is a pretty huge talking point in that each side has its numerous pros and cons. I guess it would just go towards balancing everything while following your hearts desire.
Indeed, savor each moments in life and live the most of it! That’s why I go to Travel now than later bisag tingbits pero BDO, we find ways. Lol!
But if you really think of it deeply, travelling later btaw can give you better travels in the future kay makatigum man ka, pero mao lagi, mausa rapud sya.
I try to get a job that includes travel hahahaha. It is really a hard decision but I think either way there will be pros and cons and you have to live with it.
Well, it depends. Hehehe! If you are about to blow and the only cure is an immediate trip, then go ahead and scoot for a skip trip! 🙂
This is on-point. I realized that switching career path was the best choice i’ve done so far. Working for like 12 hrs sucks. I mean, i don’t have time for myself. I couldn’t even have the lucury of time to blog. How much more in traveling? Although right now, i’m still adjusting my expenses because of the work transition. But once debt is clear, i’d definitely go and travel anywhere, immediately! #letstravelnow
Traveling hasn’t been one of my main priorities because of our schedules right now. Hopefully we can change that in the future. 🙂
I’m definitely thankful that I realized this as early as the age of 21. A year after I graduated college I realized that I need to explore and enjoy my life instead of focusing on acquiring wealth. I definitely did not regret that decision.
I needed this post. Thanks Pam. This will be the last time you’ll hear from me, malayas nako in 3..2..1.. HAHAHA.
I’m enjoying where I am now even though I’m not the richest. I think I’m successful in my own way. And I’m also happy with the path I chose. When there’s a chance to travel I take it. 🙂
Whenever I think of the bills and money issues, I just remind myself not to stress about it because as long as we are still alive, there will always be money concerns involved. And yes, I’ve had sleepless nights of anxiety and existential crisis too. Sucks. I guess we just have to enjoy life!
Agree!
I guess there’s a thin line between LATER and NOW. I rarely travel myself now especially I have family to consider. Since I got married, when we speak of travel, I always consider travelling with my wife and my daughter (the first one) and the idea of thrift & DIY travel is unlikely to be attained. I so missed the time when I was single, I freely roamed the northern parts of Mindanao, sadly, I was not blogging that time.
For more than five years now, my butt has been wired in my computer chair at the office 5 days a week! I came to a point wanting to switch to a new lifestyle but I couldn’t do it now due to my financial obligations to my parents and family. I hope one day, I could live the life I wanted not just a life within the office.
By the way, this is totally on point “You can go chasing after money and success the way society defines it but you can no longer get back the time and opportunity lost in those years.”
SUPER AGREE!
I also came to a point in life where I noticed that I’ve been too occupied in chasing wealth. After so many reflections, I realized that it is not the main reason we came into this world. IMO, we came here to appreciate what the world is offering. To taste every flavor. To feel every texture of the wind. To see every color and not just trapped in the monochromatic cell of corporate society. And YES! fcuk what society dictates!