We left Chicago in 2011 in search of wonder, adventure and to see the world. We didn’t leave with much of a plan other than flying to Hong Kong that first night. We wanted to make our lives something that we would be proud of, learn to worry less and enjoy more.
Ever since we left the comfort of the 9 – 5 jobs we haven’t been able to avoid the endless questions:
What’s next?… What about your jobs?… What about insurance?… When are you going to start a family?… How are you going to support yourself?… You can’t keep traveling forever….
While we were fending off questions from everyone, we somehow created fictional characters who we call… Future Josh and Future Caroline. You would be surprised how much responsibility Future Josh and Caroline have to deal with! Our response to most of the questions asked would be:
“That sounds like an excellent problem for Future Josh and Caroline”
When you think about it, it makes sense. Why spend time worrying about problems now, when Future Josh and Caroline can handle the issue when it comes up.
What happens when you run out of money?
Future Josh and Caroline
What about your jobs?
Future Josh and Caroline
Where are you going to live when you get back?
Future Josh and Caroline
What about starting a family?
Future Josh and Caroline
I’m sure this makes us sound like we’re irresponsible, but this doesn’t mean we don’t plan or think about these big questions and issues, just that we don’t worry about it. Worrying about the future accomplishes nothing. Not everything needs to be addressed the second you think about it. By choosing not to worry, adding it to our “future Josh and Caroline” list and moving on and living our lives, we’re better able to handle making the right decision instead of rushing into it because we’re worried about it.
Everything still gets taken care of, but in the future when it needs to be taken care of, not a year in advance. This might sound crazy, but try it. Next time someone asks you a question that you don’t know the answer to, or don’t want to have an answer for, or you feel that worry creep up in your throat, respond with “that is for Future Me to figure out, and I’ll let you know what they decide.”
I think Future Josh and Future Caroline need to take on some of my worries and problems. Just sayin’ 🙂
Heh, I like this! That’s been my motto too – but having just landed back home, Future Me is officially all caught up with me. Time to find a place to live, sort out cars, insurance and all that other jazz.
Great idea 😀 Worrying doesn’t solve problems anyway. Yay Future Josh and Caroline!
This why I love you 🙂
I have a question Josh and Caroline, how have the two of you been able to financially support your travels since 2011. I have been following your blog since earlier this year and I really enjoy the chronicles of your journey. I’m growing more eager to get out there and travel the world, but I know that need another source of passive income outside of my job to support our lifestyle and mortgage.
Well, yes. Especially when you are traveling. Let a guy travel and enjoy himself! Why worry about all that other crap while you are doing your thang!!!
I envy the ability to not worry or plan what lies ahead as I’m on the opposite of that planning spectrum! Instead I’m sitting in Bali listening to the monkeys outside my room and thinking, “what about their annual IRA contributions?!” and incredibly nerdy things like that. Maybe I can get to a happy medium. 🙂
We still contributed to our IRAs this year. 🙂 Just not “worried” about it.
Love it!