What happens when you can’t get over your wanderlust?

A reader named Ty recently sent me an email with a sentiment that is pretty common among people who love long-term travel. He writes:

I am in the middle of trying to accept that my itchy feet will never be cured, and that “vagabonding” as you coin it, runs ripe in my blood. At the age of 28 I have recently returned from 4 years abroad, and have been suppressing my urges to be elsewhere, trying to convince myself that responsibility entails a career, a car, and a mortgage…

I thought that after all of my travels and experiences settling into this “9-5” existence would be easier, and that I could take comfort in knowing that I had seen and done some incredible things. However, it has had the reverse effect; I have been taking the drug too long to quit! So here I am wondering if by wanting to go off to travel again I am taking the easy way out by avoiding the pressures of “growing up”. Or am I just being honest with myself by wanting to do what I know makes me truly happy?

I told Ty that I know how he feels, because I’ve been in that situation. Granted, transitioning back into the 9-5 life can be tough — and one should give it an honest try upon returning home — but sometimes you have to go with your gut. There’s no reason why you need to suddenly settle down at age 28; I didn’t start vagabonding in earnest until I was 28, and now eight years later I feel like I have as many life options as ever.

So to anyone who feels that their calling lies in an itinerant life (or at least a few more years of travel than they’d initially planned), I can only say to just live smart, approach your travels mindfully, and don’t let anyone pressure you into “acting your age” until you’re ready to do so!