10 reasons why I'm leaving my job, friends, family and boyfriend

I like lists. I make lists-

• To keep myself busy;
• To induce a sense of achievement when I get to cross something off;
• To give myself something to look forward to;
• To give some form of organisational structure to my life - both daily and in the long run; and
• Ultimately - to remind myself of the things I have yet to achieve and experience.

South America has been on my bucket list for a long, long time.

The news of my sudden departure has attracted a few interesting reactions such as:

'Is it because you hate your job?' - No.

'Are you going with your boyfriend?' - No.

'Oh, so you're going with friends, then?' - No (but I'll hopefully be making some).

'Are you scared?' - No.

'So why are you going?'

South America was never a matter of 'if,' but 'when,' so this is why I'm doing it now.

1. Because travel bug;
2. Because I've got two years of professional experience working in the media industry, which will make it easier for me to find a job when I get back;
3. Because this also means I've got two years worth of savings, and I like to spend it on experiences rather than things;
4. Because I miss hearing, seeing and speaking Spanish;
5. Because I've been going to the gym an average of 5 times a week for the past year and a half, so I'm never going to be as fit as I am now;
6. Because I don't have children whose financial expense, comfort and well-being I also need to worry about;
7. Because I don't have any lease, mortgage or car repayments to either hold me back completely, delay my departure or be an ongoing added expense while away;
8. Because I'm 25 and can't imagine any other time in my life where it's going to be as easy to take-off for 6 months;
9. Because I'm ready to go now - and refuse to wait any number of weeks, months or years for someone else to decide they're ready to come with me;
10. Because I have all the support in the world - from my ex-collegues, friends, family, and partner.

So with all my stars aligning, ¿por qué no?

Watch this space to follow my adventures over the next 6 months. Starting at Quito, I'll be following the dotted line below with Tucan Travel.

Love, Noeline

xox