| First, let’s start with personal obligations. Aside from a lack of money, or fear/trepidation, which we will cover later, obligations are what usually keep us from traveling.
 After writing this section, I was introduced to a book which covered long term departure from work and school. The book is titled Six Months Off. What the author was saying, in general, was that we westerners (American’s in particular) work way too hard. Professional burn-out is rampant and we don’t take the necessary amount of time off to recharge. Yet, there is a revolution underway where we (the working and studying masses) want to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Taking a sabbatical of some sort is becoming more and more acceptable in the modern workplace and is no longer considered the kind of foolish behavior our parents warned us against. Also, more and more working professionals (such as yours truly) are taking their vocation on the road with them.
Let us take a look at various obligations and ideas on how to work around them.
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School
Studies — if you are in school, you will have to determine what the repercussions are for taking off a semester or two. Remember, you will be getting an education that no classroom can provide. Your life will be more enriched and your mind much wider when you return. Ask your school counselor if there are courses you could do on-line, and about independent course study. There is an organization called Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) which is world-renowned for its promotion and sponsorship of international education exchange, scholarships and student travel services.
Student Loans — `But I gotta pay my loan off first, don’t I?’
Maybe.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Employment
If you are an employee whose work simply cannot be performed via your laptop and the Internet, you may wish to discuss a Leave of Absence with your employer. If you are a valued employee and give them enough time to prepare for your departure, they should be willing to take you back when you return. In Six Months Off, the author suggests that if the employer really wants to keep you around for the long haul, and if you are going through a period of burn-out, they may not only approve of your leave of absence, but may even continue to pay your benefits as well. For the employer, this would be an investment. Once you return, you will be re-charged and more productive to the company than ever before. On the other hand, you may return home only to pack up your remaining valuables and live the rest of your life on the beaches of Thailand.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Your (non-virtual) Business
This is where "letting go" (not just in the spiritual sense) comes into play more so than most other areas of pre-travel preparation. Drawing from personal experience, it was difficult. I had to push back my departure date twice before my wife warned me that she was leaving with or without me on our planned departure date. You have to let your partners, board members, and clients know that you will be leaving on a certain day, that a smooth transition is underway, and that a qualified replacement will be able to handle things.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Your Home
Rental. If you are renting without a lease, you should have no problem unless you want to return to the same place. If that’s the case, then try to find someone who will sublet your apartment for the duration of your travels.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Children
Some people travel for months and years with their children and babies. A few even give birth during their trip and continue on. If you believe your child or children, can trade their toys, games and domestic comforts for an adventure and learning experience, and can handle living the alternative lifestyle along with you, then you’ll be fine. Most likely, young kids will take their parents' lead. If the parent is adaptable, the child will most likely be too. Older kids could be another story. A family discussion before traveling would be a very good idea if you have teens. I think it is important to understand that you cannot expect traveling life to be like your domestic one. People (kids) adapt when they have too. And if it's something really intense like this, then you might be amazed at how well your children’s sense of self-discipline (self-preservation) may kick in.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Spouse, Partner/Significant Other
To be honest, I've only had bad luck when it came to having to leave my significant other behind for a long stretch of time. I don't know too many people whose relationship was not adversely affected by such long-term, elective, separation.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Pets
This is where friends really come through. Ask a friend or family member to take your pet for you, either temporarily or permanently.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Dependents
This is a tough area. You need to seriously evaluate how dependent on you your loved-one really is. I recommend you seek advice within your own family.
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Social and Volunteer Commitments
As we discussed above, under Employment, it's a matter of giving the director of the organization or club enough lead time to prepare for your leave. More likely than not, they will be able to continue on in your absence.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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