Quote:
Originally Posted by
tiger02 
Lots of bad advice at the beginning of the thread. Don't listen to anyone that doesn't/hasn't lived the life you're talking about. Also, while I respect the opinion of several of the posters in the thread, the only place to begin is with yourself. How old are you? What are your life and work experiences? What are your goals, beyond "travel?" As has been pointed out, there's a big difference between transient petroleum workers, Peace Corps, traveling salesmen, etc.
It's not my style, but many people make a lucrative career out of being permanent expats, rolling in like-minded circles. Even the ones posted in shitholes are invariably happier than high-earning lawyers. I'm sure there are lawyers that are satisfied with their place in life--but I've never met one. They don't get out much. The ones that do get out are all quitting to do something more rewarding, like joining the Peace Corps.
My own path was to join the military, via ROTC. Haven't lived in the US since graduating in '02. After five years, set out on my own in Eastern Europe. Then the pendulum swung back the other way and I'm in Afghanistan now, very satisfied. So far I've been able to turn a widely-varying background into a major strength. By maintaining professional flexibility I plan on not having to compromise for a job any time soon. Just have to be ready to weather some fucking scary periods of unemployment.
Good post. What are you up to in Afghanistan? Or maybe shouldn't ask?
I actually was referring to the career development worker types that have five degrees and speak six languages, but would never actually lower themselves far enough into the gutter to speak with the locals.
