The Book That Will Make You Want to Quit Your Job: Discovering the Vagabonding Way
The Book That Will Make You Want to Quit Your Job: Discovering the Vagabonding Way
In today’s fast-paced world, more and more people are stepping away from the grind to pursue something different—a chance to explore the world and find themselves along the way. This movement, known as Vagabonding, is more than just a vacation; it’s a shift in mindset. Rolf Potts’ book Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel has become a guidebook for those looking to break free from routine and discover life on their own terms.
Shane, a 28-year-old software engineer from Sydney, is a prime example of this courage and determination. Feeling unfulfilled at work, he made the bold decision to quit his job and embark on a backpacking adventure through South America, inspired by Potts’ words. Shane’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of Vagabonding and the courage it takes to follow your own path. His story is not just inspiring but also a call to action for those who feel stuck in their routines.
Nine months ago, Shane made a bold decision that would change his life. Feeling stuck in his routine and unfulfilled by his job in Sydney, he quit his full-time position to embark on a solo backpacking adventure through South America. His inspiration? Rolf Potts’ book Vagabonding which opened his eyes to the possibility of living life on his own terms.
“I stumbled across Vagabonding, and it really resonated with me,” Shane recalls. “The book made me rethink how I was spending my time. I realised my job wasn’t making me happy, and it was time for a change. I’ve always had a passion for travel, and this was my chance to experience it in a whole new way.” Today, Shane is a testament to the transformative power of Vagabonding and the courage it takes to follow your own path.
Once Shane decided on his long-term backpacking trip, he spent months contemplating and discussing it with family and friends before finally committing. He feels so lucky to have had support from his loved ones as he decided to quit his job to free himself. “I chose not to over-plan, wanting the flexibility to adapt as I went,” he explains. He started with a rough plan to fly into Mexico City and travel south, not knowing exactly how long he’d be away—anywhere from 2 to 12 months. Ultimately, his adventure spanned eight months. Inspired by Potts’ philosophy, Shane approaches life more thoughtfully and purposefully. His journey allowed him to fulfil long-held dreams, like visiting Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Chichén Itzá, and the Cocora Valley, proving that quitting his job was crucial to realising something extraordinary.
Seeing all the places he had dreamt of was an exhilarating experience. Shane recalls, “I was in absolute awe as I stood on Rainbow Mountain. It was magical. Never before did I think I was going to be looking at a mountain full of such colour. I enjoyed meeting and learning from the locals, trying their cuisine and making friends”. Shane’s adventures are something he will never forget and will continue to look back on as the years go on. This journey was only the beginning for him, as he hopes to continue Vagabonding in the near future.
Shane’s decision to embrace wanderlust is part of a more significant trend, yet many are still unfamiliar with the Vagabonding philosophy. This approach offers a fresh perspective for those eager to explore the world transformatively, promising experiences that can profoundly change one’s life.
Rolf Potts is an American travel writer, essayist, podcaster, and author renowned for championing the spirit of independent travel through his best-selling book Vagabonding. A significant influence on the modern backpacking movement, Potts advocates for a lifestyle that embraces long-term travel to truly experience the world. Vagabonding is not just about travel; it’s a philosophy and a mindset. It’s about stepping away from the routine of everyday life—whether for six weeks, four months, or even two years—to explore the world on your own terms. Potts inspires others to seize life’s fleeting moments and embark on journeys that enrich the soul.
Many people around the world have found inspiration in this book. The first six pages are filled with international acclaim, showcasing its impact. The Oregonian, a daily newspaper in Portland, USA, described Vagabonding as a book that “packs a serious philosophical punch and has a cult-like following among independent travellers.” They cautioned readers, saying, “This book may well inspire you to quit your job, sell your house, and embark on an extended adventure.” And they’re not wrong—Shane is a perfect example of someone who did just that. Rolf Potts believes that vagabonding is appealing because it promises to take you to destinations and experiences you’ve dreamed about. It can become addictive.
Tim Ferriss, who wrote the foreword for Vagabonding when it was revised and updated, carried the book with him as he journeyed around the world for eighteen months starting in 2004 and continues to hold a place on his top-ten list of life-altering books. Tim’s reason for this is that “one incredible trip, especially a long-term trip, can change your life forever. Following Rolf Potts’s guidance, he could visit numerous destinations on his bucket list, spending two to three months at each, exploring at his leisure without haste or concern. He asserts, “Everything in Vagabonding works if you work on yourself. Rereading it throughout my travels, I realised travel isn’t just about changing what’s outside; it’s about transforming what’s inside.” Ferriss credits the book with profoundly changing his life and advocates for everyone to experience its transformative power.
Surprisingly, Vagabonding is within everyone’s reach regardless of age, income, and background. Rolf Potts emphasises that long-term travel isn’t about having a vast fortune; it’s about mindset. “Long-term travel doesn’t require a massive bundle of cash; it requires only that we walk through the world,” Potts asserts. This philosophy resonated with Shane, who, despite working full-time as a software engineer and holding various part-time jobs over nearly a decade, found that his investments and savings enabled him to embark on a transformative journey. Shane’s ability to travel came from years of careful saving and investing, proving that financial barriers are not as insurmountable as they might seem.
Potts encourages embracing Vagabonding as a mindset that challenges conventional notions of security and wealth. He argues that many people mistakenly believe they need to be exceptionally wealthy to afford long-term travel, while in reality, it’s about prioritising personal investment over material accumulation. “Vagabonding begins the moment you stop making excuses, start saving money, and begin to look at maps with the narcotic tinge of possibility,” Potts explains. By adopting this perspective, individuals can take control of their circumstances and pursue a life of adventure without waiting for the perfect moment or a substantial financial windfall.
The positives of Vagabonding extend far beyond the escape from daily routines; they transform life perspectives and personal growth. Shane, who took the plunge into long-term travel after feeling unfulfilled, advocates for others to seize the opportunity to live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. “Don’t sleepwalk through your life,” he advises. “Be thoughtful about how you spend your time and youth. Don’t settle for a job, relationship, city, or lifestyle that isn’t making you happy just because it’s familiar and comfortable. You will almost certainly come to regret it.”
This philosophy underscores the potential for travel to serve as a break and a profound journey of self-discovery. By stepping out of their comfort zones, travellers like Shane encounter diverse cultures, face personal fears, and test the limits of their flexibility and patience. The experience of navigating unfamiliar environments fosters a sense of resilience and adaptability, enriching travellers’ personalities and broadening their worldviews.
Shane’s own journey through South America exemplifies the enriching experiences that Vagabonding offers. Living in hostels, engaging with fellow backpackers, and participating in language exchange groups, Shane immersed himself in new cultures and nearly became fluent in a new language. These experiences symbolise the profound personal growth and the vibrant social interactions that travelling cultivates. Furthermore, travel teaches valuable life lessons about resilience—adapting when things don’t go as planned and managing minimal resources. It expands one’s worldview, influencing future career choices and personal decisions. Ultimately, Shane’s experiences underline a crucial message: embracing adventure and stepping away from the norm isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about transforming oneself and living without regrets.
While embarking on a Vagabonding adventure might mean stepping away from a steady income and traditional career advancement, it opens up many unconventional opportunities that can enrich one’s professional and personal skills. The break from a formal job doesn’t necessarily mean a halt in career development. Many vagabonders find work overseas in bars, cafes, and as English teachers or become digital Nomads, which helps manage travel expenses and enhances skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in real-world settings. These experiences contribute uniquely to one’s professional profile, offering insights and capabilities that are highly valued in many fields.
Rolf Potts advocates a bold approach to integrating travel into one’s career narrative. He suggests, “Don’t worry that your extended travels might leave you with a ‘gap’ on your resume. Rather, you should enthusiastically and unapologetically include your vagabonding experience on your resume when you return. List the job skills travel has taught you: independence, flexibility, negotiation, planning, boldness, self-sufficiency, improvisation.” This perspective shifts the narrative from viewing travel as a break in career progression to considering it a formative experience that builds essential skills. By embracing this viewpoint, travellers can transform potential negatives into compelling positives, showcasing their journey as a period of significant personal and professional growth.
Rolf Potts emphasises that while solo Vagabonding has its perks, it isn’t the only way to experience this adventurous lifestyle. Whether you’re travelling with a partner, friends, or even your family, Vagabonding can be tailored to fit different stages of life. Couples can deepen their bond by sharing the rich experiences and challenges of the road. Friends embarking on such journeys together can split the hardships and celebrate the victories, enhancing their shared history. It’s also an option for those over 50, proving that adventure has no age limit. For families, Vagabonding offers a unique educational experience that, despite its challenges, can create priceless, lasting memories for everyone involved. Potts, in his books, provides many blogs and books for those who are not going on the journey alone.
As Shane’s transformative journey through South America comes to a close, his experiences stand as a powerful testament to the life-altering potential of Vagabonding. Leaving behind a conventional career and embracing the uncertainty of long-term travel, Shane explored new landscapes and discovered new facets of himself. This journey reshaped his perspective on life, work, and happiness—changes that didn’t go unnoticed. Upon his return, his stories and newfound outlook inspired his friends, sparking a ripple effect of curiosity and courage. One friend, particularly moved by Shane’s recommendation of Rolf Potts’ book, is already planning her own Vagabonding adventure. “It has been enjoyable seeing how much I have inspired her. It’s nice knowing that I have made a small impact on someone’s life. We sit down and chat about the book as she shows me everything she has underlined,” Shane shared.
Shane’s story is more than a personal narrative; it’s a call to action for anyone feeling stuck in the monotony of daily routines or unsatisfying careers. If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking free and exploring the world, consider this your sign to start planning. Embrace the principles of Vagabonding to live boldly and without regrets. Remember, it’s not about having a massive bank account or waiting for the “perfect” time. It’s about deciding to live differently and learning from the vast classroom that is the world. Start small or go all in, but start somewhere. As Shane has shown, the journey is worth it—not just for the places you’ll see, but for the person you’ll become.
