Selling Everything - Traveling North America on my FJR

[Wine Guy]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and links. I don't have any ties (children, spouse) which is the only reason I considered this as a potential idea. I do own my house and have a few other toys in the garage. I agree the "logical" thing to do is to focus on finding another job which I have been doing but it's not that inspiring. I get excited when I think about a real change. Not sure if I have the kahunas to do it, but it has been something I think we all dream about if the right opportunity came up. It is nice to dream.

 

[ceddec]

Might check out Ari & Spirit's blog www.theoasisofmysoul.com

 

[CopB8]

I would suggest you plan a month long trip and see how it really feels before you make any life changing decisions. Often, the shine rubs off after you've been out a while. I always wanted to retire on a boat until I spent 2 weeks on a 50' boat. After a while the realities sink in and you realize that over the long term it's not quite as ideal as you imagined.

 

[ionbeam]

Going Bronson.

 

[Sharif]

Go west. And north.

 

[Denver_FJR]

The idea of taking a week or so off to decompress from the office works for a week or so, but not sure I would enjoy traveling to random places for weeks on end. Travel for the sole purpose of traveling might be Ok for some folks but I would need some additional motivation or direction (Seek out and work as a bartender in the ten roughest bars?). I get the feeling some folks accomplish this by blogging about their trips.

Also, I think it's takes an outgoing personality to make the trip work. Really seeing the country means mixing with the people everywhere you go.

 

[Allen_C]

Think of it as an adventure of a lifetime! If you have some savings, no mortgage or loans (or enough in the bank to set up automatic payments), go explore!

My wife and I have discussed this and plan to do a variation of this in the not too distant future. We will sell our home, keep the rental for some cash flow, she is self-employed and can work anywhere with wi-fi nearby. We will buy an rv with the toy hauling space and travel. When we get to a good riding area, pull the bike(s) out and explore curvy roads. She rides a Ninja 500, so only shorter distances for her but she loves being in the back of my FJR.

This may happen as soon as 2 years from now.

Just Do It!

 

[jjcote55]

When I was 35 working for a big corporation in Massachusetts I was downsized. I got a small severance package and moved to Alaska. Sold the house and had a yard sale (no wife or kid made it easier) . I had no master plan but everyone thought I was the bravest person they knew. I lived there a year and ended up moving back to New England with a new skill set and open my own business, met my wife. Am I happier than if I stayed and got another job? Who knows?

You need some planning but don't be afraid of a change. Who might you meet along the way that you never would have if you stayed home and got another job right away? When your 85 you'll wonder what might have happened if you went.

 

[0Face]

Do it! I'd plan at least a 4-5 five week trip. Have the GF fly and meet you in a couple of different places...

 

[FLFJRS]

Already have my trip planned out. Growing up in the Midwest, we had routes US20 and US30 close by. Both roads run coast to coast. My trip is to make the figure 8 trip starting in Illinois right between both roads. My plan is to ride approximately 300/350 miles per day and ride for 3 days and take the 4th day off. This is a smell the roses type trip. Figured about 8 weeks minimum. Can't wait to make this trip.

 

[LKLD]

Damn Jim, sounds like a hell of a trip! I look forward to hearing about, and seeing (photos) it. Ride well and enjoy!

 

[CJF-FJR]

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and links. I don't have any ties (children, spouse) which is the only reason I considered this as a potential idea. I do own my house and have a few other toys in the garage. I agree the "logical" thing to do is to focus on finding another job which I have been doing but it's not that inspiring. I get excited when I think about a real change. Not sure if I have the kahunas to do it, but it has been something I think we all dream about if the right opportunity came up. It is nice to dream.

I lost everything in Hurricane Irene and then lost my job as a bonus. I'm married, so couldn't do the trip thing, but we did pick up and move out of NY and started a new life, which we are really starting to enjoy. The "real change" is refreshing and we are much better off than if we had stayed and tried to make it work. So, from that perspective I'm with the "Do something BIG" group. Sell everything, get out of town and follow your desires until they are satisfied. An epic trip is not really something you can do when you are tied down to anything; just reference all the posts from folks saying they can only be out a few weeks before they get the itch to go home. But if you don't have a home there is less to get itchy over. I will probably never do it because I have ties.

But there was also some very good advice about planning. So, I would suggest not riding until you are broke, but setting aside a nest egg for when you are ready to stop riding. You may find someplace that you really love along the way, so I would think it would be nice to have enough money to live on for a few months while you get established in a new place. I met someone who called it "flourishing where you land". They figured out where they wanted to live First, then worked out jobs and everything else after. I'm really glad I did the big move and the fresh start, and think you might be too. After 17 years in the same place, if you are not inspired by it, then it is time for a change.

Best of luck in whatever course you choose.

 

[Uncle Hud]

Was jobless for 4 months in early 2013, and tried to balance hanging in there with bailing out. Job searched hard for a few weeks, then rode every day for a week. Repeated a number of times until the right opportunity came into view.

With a smartphone you can keep up with emails, LinkedIn, etc, and return phone calls from quiet roadside parks. The riding helped mental attitude, allowed me to see some cool things, and greatly increased riding confidence.

Best wishes that this turns out well for you.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Being downsized (losing your job) is a life changing event..... dreaming is good and can/will take you exploring new opportunities. I agree take a two week vacation away from home and options may come to mind........ then come back to what reality you feel is right for you. Network with all your colleagues, friends, contacts. All the best, Mike.

 

[CJF-FJR]

Has anyone considered selling everything and traveling North America on their FJR? I've been downsized after 17 years with my company and am looking for my next chapter. Any thoughts, encouragement, experiences?

You had a lot of responses and advice and I'm wondering what you decided to do?

 

[James Burleigh]

 

[Wine Guy]

Well, thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. Much appreciated. I have decided to pursue and option that is in the middle of the "corporate world" and total freedom. I am pursuing an opportunity to start my own business based on my interests and passions. As they say, "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life."

 

[El Toro Joe]

I am pursuing an opportunity to start my own business based on my interests and passions. As they say, "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life."

Good luck with the new endeavor.

Wish I could get paid to Ride, Smoke Cigars, and Drink Bourbon...I guess one out of three ain't bad.

 

[Allen_C]

I am pursuing an opportunity to start my own business based on my interests and passions. As they say, "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life."

Good luck with the new endeavor.

Wish I could get paid to Ride, Smoke Cigars, and Drink Bourbon...I guess one out of three ain't bad.

Didn't you just describe Scooter's job?

 

[LagerHead]

Has anyone considered selling everything and traveling North America on their FJR? I've been downsized after 17 years with my company and am looking for my next chapter. Any thoughts, encouragement, experiences?

I used to work with a guy who did something similar. But instead of riding a motorcycle, he just "walked the world," literally. He started in Ireland and went through Europe and Asia and ended up in Australia, where he stayed for a couple/three years. He wrote about his journey all along the way and had some pretty great adventures. I'd say, if you can swing it, do it. Not many are able to live the dream, so it's up to you to live it for us.