Not surprisingly, when we decided to move to North Carolina there were some people who thought we were crazy.
Mostly because we had no “reason” other than that we wanted to. Sure there are great bonuses to moving – it’s cheaper down here, warmer down here, did I mention cheaper? But really, we did leave perfectly good jobs, our home, our friends, and moved.
For no reason.
And then? We decided to take a couple of months off from working to do a cross country trip (starting in month!!) and to enjoy our new home state. Without working. For three months. Oh boy, the judgment rolled in on this decision.
Was it the best ever financial decision? Of course not. We could have easily banked our house profit and 401k money and just went right into a new job. It probably would have even been smarter. But you know what? What other opportunity will we have in our life where we do not have the obligations of life and we CAN take off for a month and see the country? Uh, never.
So we’re taking the opportunity. We are living cheaply to save as much money as possible and we’re doing it. And unless I call you asking to pay my rent, it’s really none of anyone’s business but mine and Casey’s.
Isn’t it funny though how everyone has an opinion? A reason that we should or shouldn’t do different things?
I tire of it.
So much so that it makes me turn to Taylor Swift lyrics to express my frustration (I know, right?!)
“Seems like there’s always someone who disapproves
They’ll judge it like they know about me and you
And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do
The jury’s out, but my choice is you
So don’t you worry your pretty little mind
People throw rocks at things that shine
And life makes love look hard
The stakes are high
The waters rough
But this love is ours.”
On the other hand, I am more than thankful for the (majority) of friends and family who are cheering us on, and looking forward to vicariously living through our cross country trip. And to all the friends that made moving down here possible. And Stacey’s bad ass ability to help us replace 8 doors in order to sell our old house.
That’s what I choose to focus on 98% of the time, and for the others? I’m making them listen to Taylor Swift on repeat until they get it. Or run away screaming.
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Linking up for Things I Can’t Say – Pour Your Heart Out and What’s the Word Wednesday!
LOVE it! You gotta do what’s right for you. As long as you’re not hurting anyone else, and taking care of each other; HOW you do it is UP. TO. YOU. Besides… think of all the great writing material a drive around the country can give you… Lemme know when you’re near my neck o’ the woods.
Molly Jo recently posted..What’s the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]: July 25, 2012
We faced similar reactions when we made our move south over 25 years ago. Do what feels right Jenn, ignore the doubters, the negativity is about them and not about you. And as far as the vacay, you both have worked hard and deserve some time together to enjoy not only each other but what this beautiful country. Enjoy you two!
Jen recently posted..if this bigot neighbor was yours?
I agree its no one’s business how you decide to live or what you decide to spend your finances on. Enjoy your time off and your road trip and your new home state.
Great big hugs.
You guys are living the dream! If you haven’t already read it,, get your hands on 1 year off by David Cohen. I can lend you mine if need be.
Count me in the living vicariously through you camp.
You know Walmart allows overnight rv parking, right?
Cannot wait to visit your new place. Next summer at the latest. No more of this 6 year nonsense…
No matter what you decide on anything, you’ll be judged. And it does suck. I see it everywhere…on Facebook, at my job, in my family. Enjoy your trip.
gina recently posted..Good morning, indeed.
(I found you on What’s the Word Wednesday) I think people are jealous of you and your husband for taking a risk, AND for being confident in your decision. Good luck! Regardless, you will have some amazing stories to tell!
Julias Math recently posted..How I Got Over Myself and Still Looked Beautiful At My Wedding
Good for you!! There’s more to life than money!!
Hubby and I are in our 60’s now and have often said that some things about life are backwards. People should travel and experience the world while they are young and free of obligations. There is plenty of time to settle down and work and raise a family later. We didn’t take our own advice, but we always smile when we see someone living a full life. You go, guys. Live your life the best way for you and the hell with everyone else’s idea. Only you know what is right for you.
Lynda @ Seams Happy recently posted..Why?
My first name is Vicariously and my last name is Jealous! I’m looking forward to your trip and I am happy for you guys stepping out of the box. If you bring me back the coolest refrigerator magnet you’ve even seen I’ll be your best friend 😉
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted..The year of The Christopher Chronicles…
I love your outlook!
When I was in my mid-20s I took of work for 10 days to go to Corpus Christi. My brother gave me all kinds of grief. I just looked at him and said “listen, I don’t have a mortgage, no kids who need braces, the only thing I’m messing up by going is delaying paying off my student loan by a month… 10 years down the road. I’ll never have this chance again.”
He still judged his little heart out, but I had an unforgettable experience that I don’t regret one. single. bit.
You two enjoy your trip & make some great memories together!
KyFireWife recently posted..Gratitude
I can’t believe people would question your decisions. I would question why you’re not taking advantage! My husband and I moved across the country twice before we had kids. It was amazing. It put us in debt for a while, but it was totally worth it. You only live once. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! The others are just jealous.
another jennifer recently posted..My formula for writing, publishing and sharing blog posts
I think this is awesome!
People will always put their opinions out there on decisions we make, but none of them are living our lives. My boys sing “Don’t you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine”- they don’t know the rest of the words, but it makes me so happy when they sing that. 🙂
Shell recently posted..Things They Can’t Say: With Just a Bit of Magic
People always seem to think their opinions of what we do matters. They think they know better. I LOVE that ya’ll are taking this opportunity to explored & you won’t regret it! Last summer, DH and I had both been laid off and he had a job interview 1200+ miles away. We decided to take a family vacation as we’d NEVER both have that kind of time to travel again. So we packed up our min van with 3 kids and spent nearly a month making memories, visiting friends and family across the United States and I don’t regret it for a minute.
Robbie recently posted..Stuck
WHEN you come through Colorado, I insist that I get to meet and hug you both. I’ll even take you to lunch. You are on the perfect adventure and I want to be a part of that! Plus, I have huge crushes on you both.