I have always tried to write a travel blog about travel and not too much about me. I wanted to share places and people that I have met in the hopes you might enjoy and experience the things I have had a privilege of seeing.
I didn’t want a blog about what I had done for the day, or my dog or my job. I wanted to stay detached and just write about travel.
I have a confession.
I miss home. Right now I am in Texas, my permanent address you could say. But I miss home. You see I spent 20 years in the military and I traveled for both pleasure and business. After retiring I went to work doing various jobs but was never happy. In 2004 I started working contracting jobs overseas which allowed me to see the world and travel quite a bit again. I have been doing that ever since. Currently I am in between contracts and the new one doesn’t start for another month or so. I feel lost. I know, sounds weird huh?
You see have two personalities. One sends me around the world in some fairly remote and sometimes dangerous places where I have seen a lot of things most will never see. The second allows me to travel to some great places, unwind and experience people and places that again most people will never see. When I am back in Texas I feel lost, not at home, uneasy if you will.
Crazy as it sounds I feel most at home when I am away from home. Whether it is living in what some would call desolate and minimal conditions or traveling and spending time in a new place every week or two.
The last time I felt like this was when I was stuck in a job that paid very well but I just wasn’t happy. I left a six figure job to take one that paid half as much but made me happy. Then one day in 2004 I saw an ad for a position in what you might call a hostile location. I sent a resume and 3 weeks later I was in a strange land where I worked all the time but had lots of time off also.
I used my time off to travel again. Something I had not done much of since being in the military. Since 2004 I have been working in remote places and at times have endured hostile actions. Without getting into politics I felt at home. Back with my kind. The military that I grew up with and understood.
I have seen and been in the middle of carnage and loss of life. Maybe that is one of the reasons I travel. I find peace in the remote island, the laid back lifestyle and the normal of everyday living. It is a complete contrast to what I have done for so many years and now it is a total and separate life for me.
That is one of the reasons I always tell people to get off the tourist path and meet the people, embrace the culture and immerse yourself in the location as much as possible.
When I do get “back home” I find after a few weeks I feel the longing to get back to my two personalities of living and working with those who selflessly serve others and to travel.
One day maybe I will satisfy the need to be with those I admire and respect and do nothing but travel.
Tash says
Ohhh, I am many years behind you….but I have quit a job that was paying well that didn’t make me happy, for one that pays way less, but makes me feel like I have made a difference at the end of each day.
And now, just last week, I sent off a resume and had a phone interview for a role that is in a “hostile location”, with blocks of time off…..just waiting on the result.
Your journey sounds like my crystal ball! Ha!
I think that the satisfaction of sitting still, and finding contentment in that, is not for everyone.
thetravellingfool says
It is hard standing still.
Rachel M says
I have just finished collage and looking for a job. I get opportunities to travel which i write in my blog, and waiting to see how that will turn out. Great to hear an insight from a person whose been there and done that.
Natalie says
I have this problem some times. When i am traveling, i want to go back home but as soon as i am there, want to get off again. I just end up going with the flow and doing what I feel like at the time. Easier that way
Debbie says
I know the feeling! Was just away for a month and being back is rather anticlimactic. Humdrum even! Well, we can’t afford to go anywhere for awhile, so, we’ll just have to get on with our boring lives. LOL
Jaryd says
Oh how I feel you mate. Although we all need to love and miss a place, a place that makes us so comfortable we call it home. However now that you have started to see the world you will always be restless and in need for that adventure of seeing, doing and witnessing in all for corners of the globe. Which is awesome because, whether your are having an amazing time travelling, or catching up with friends and family whilst relaxing at home, you will always have something incredible to look forward to in life.
Erica says
I think we’ve found our home base but good lord I like to leave a lot. I love Austin but still feel the need to FLEE.
thetravellingfool says
I am definitely happier on the road
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
I don’t think what you are experiencing sounds strange at all! Actually, I completely relate to your words and present experience and hope that you find your way “home” very, very soon!
Jennifer says
I didn’t know you are retired military. My husband is in the Air Force. We’re counting down his last 6 years until retirement. Can’t wait to be free!
thetravellingfool says
It will come quick. Best of luck to him.
Penny Sadler says
I can totally relate to this. I’m in Texas too. Hmm I wonder if Texas has something to do with it?
I need to find work elsewhere, so far, no luck.
Ted says
I understand, grew up in the military and have never felt at home anywhere. Love being out and about. Now when home, all I do is put on weight 🙂
thetravellingfool says
I can relate to that. I have put on a few pounds myself.