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What should I do with my life?

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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
Ok. So I had this amazing idea that I was going to travel around the country doing interviews. I'm 1 month in and it's really fucking hard. I knew it would be hard, but I have way too much work and not enough time scheduled in each location to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish. Lesson learned. I'd like to redo this project either next summer or the following when I have more time/money/someone with me.

I have 3 limitations. The rental car NEEDS to be dropped of in California sometime between now and the end of July. If I'm going to leave the country, my passport is in CA and will take a month to get it renewed since it expires in November. I have a budget of about $500 a week after all of my expenses are covered (this can be adjusted since that's based on me working about 15 to 20 hours a week.

If you could do whatever the hell you pleased on a somewhat limited budget, where would you go/what would you do?



Note: I'm single, self employed (work from my laptop), don't have anywhere I call home, have everything I own less my ski gear with me, I don't own a car (but have a rental for up to 2 months).
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May 28 2015 7:15AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
Clone a t rex and ride it accross the country
May 28 2015 7:39AM
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Nacho+
Posts: 3748 - Karma: 7,791
RachyNote: I'm single


Hello there
May 28 2015 7:43AM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
What do you mean by interviews? What is the purpose of these interviews, are they just with random people? Are you interviewing political figures, business owners, what kind of interviews are these?
May 28 2015 8:05AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
theBearJewWhat do you mean by interviews? What is the purpose of these interviews, are they just with random people? Are you interviewing political figures, business owners, what kind of interviews are these?


A bit irrelevant now. But the plan was to put together a series of mini ethnographies of different lifestyles/subcultures across the US. Works well on paper, but the biggest issue is I really, really need someone with me meaning I'd likely need to pay someone or at least cover their expenses. It was starting off alright though. Had a member from the LDS community, a S.Korean green card resident, a ministers daughter gone agnostic, a small town gone big city entrepreneur... interesting stories, but not enough time and not of the quality I want to produce.
May 28 2015 8:23AM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
RachyA bit irrelevant now. But the plan was to put together a series of mini ethnographies of different lifestyles/subcultures across the US. Works well on paper, but the biggest issue is I really, really need someone with me meaning I'd likely need to pay someone or at least cover their expenses. It was starting off alright though. Had a member from the LDS community, a S.Korean green card resident, a ministers daughter gone agnostic, a small town gone big city entrepreneur... interesting stories, but not enough time and not of the quality I want to produce.


That's a bummer. But if I were you I would just go for it. Travel around, do these interviews, film some other shit while you can, just do the trip you want to do. You never know what will happen by next summer, you not be able to try again. I say go for it, keep on traveling, keep trying to do the interviews. Even if you have to just randomly walk into areas and ask for interviews from random people, you may get some good ones. And interview homeless people, they have the best stories, true or fake, they're always great.
May 28 2015 8:26AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
theBearJewThat's a bummer. But if I were you I would just go for it. Travel around, do these interviews, film some other shit while you can, just do the trip you want to do. You never know what will happen by next summer, you not be able to try again. I say go for it, keep on traveling, keep trying to do the interviews. Even if you have to just randomly walk into areas and ask for interviews from random people, you may get some good ones. And interview homeless people, they have the best stories, true or fake, they're always great.


I've considered going on with my trip and getting interviews when I can. It's just that I've fallen terribly behind on work, so I'm playing catch up now. I was driving too much and working too little. I figure I need about 4.5 months to do this properly. I gave myself 2.5. I just don't like half assing things and that's what I feel like I'm doing. I've been thinking that where ever I travel I would continue to conduct interviews when I'm staying in a place for more than 2 days so that I can get everything I actually need and do the write ups immediately rather than waiting 3 weeks until I have the time.
May 28 2015 8:42AM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
RachyI've considered going on with my trip and getting interviews when I can. It's just that I've fallen terribly behind on work, so I'm playing catch up now. I was driving too much and working too little. I figure I need about 4.5 months to do this properly. I gave myself 2.5. I just don't like half assing things and that's what I feel like I'm doing. I've been thinking that where ever I travel I would continue to conduct interviews when I'm staying in a place for more than 2 days so that I can get everything I actually need and do the write ups immediately rather than waiting 3 weeks until I have the time.


There is no better time than now. Maybe the interviews and traveling takes 6 months to complete. But it sounds like youre in a position to do that and take 6 months if needed. Take full advantage of this opportunity, even if it is for 2 months more while you have the rental.

What do you do for work?
May 28 2015 9:33AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
theBearJewThere is no better time than now. Maybe the interviews and traveling takes 6 months to complete. But it sounds like youre in a position to do that and take 6 months if needed. Take full advantage of this opportunity, even if it is for 2 months more while you have the rental.

What do you do for work?


web application/website development

I'm leaning toward taking this month to spend with family that I haven't seen in years... (haven't seen my dad in 2 years), some of my cousin's it's been closer to 8 years. Then traveling to different locations 3 weeks to a month at a time and doing the same sort of interviews, but being grounded for a bit so that I can maintain my business and put out content. Then I could continue via car next year once I have a foundation going and can find someone to travel with me. I guess I just don't know where to go.
May 28 2015 9:53AM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
Honestly, it sounds like you really didn't plan anything out. I was going to take a semester off of school to do a project. Then after sitting down and thinking about it I relied I can do both and just driving around the country for an idea I thought was good was actually a horrible idea.
May 28 2015 10:42AM
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jiveturkey
Posts: 88 - Karma: 12
this website really is not the place for asking legitimate advice....
May 28 2015 10:58AM
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HamFaceGirl
Posts: 5242 - Karma: 2,676
Suk DIS DIK
May 28 2015 11:05AM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
Rachyweb application/website development

I'm leaning toward taking this month to spend with family that I haven't seen in years... (haven't seen my dad in 2 years), some of my cousin's it's been closer to 8 years. Then traveling to different locations 3 weeks to a month at a time and doing the same sort of interviews, but being grounded for a bit so that I can maintain my business and put out content. Then I could continue via car next year once I have a foundation going and can find someone to travel with me. I guess I just don't know where to go.


It sounds like you already have a plan, kind of. Whats stopping you from traveling after the summers over? Other than not having someone to travel with. Why not visit some family and then continue after you have gotten caught up with the business.

Im a big advocate of the here and now. Family is important, but after that, I wouldnt wait to do what you want. Could you hire someone in each location youre traveling to? That way you dont need someone to travek with you, just need someone in the area. Ill bet you can post on the Craigslist for the city/town and find someone pretty easily.
May 28 2015 11:46AM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
RachyA bit irrelevant now. But the plan was to put together a series of mini ethnographies of different lifestyles/subcultures across the US. Works well on paper, but the biggest issue is I really, really need someone with me meaning I'd likely need to pay someone or at least cover their expenses. It was starting off alright though. Had a member from the LDS community, a S.Korean green card resident, a ministers daughter gone agnostic, a small town gone big city entrepreneur... interesting stories, but not enough time and not of the quality I want to produce.


that sounds fascinating!

theBearJewThat's a bummer. But if I were you I would just go for it. Travel around, do these interviews, film some other shit while you can, just do the trip you want to do. You never know what will happen by next summer, you not be able to try again. I say go for it, keep on traveling, keep trying to do the interviews. Even if you have to just randomly walk into areas and ask for interviews from random people, you may get some good ones. And interview homeless people, they have the best stories, true or fake, they're always great.


yes.

Go broke, find someone to help you accomplish your goals, (Tinder is a great recruitment tool for free labor), film that shit, try to use it to get funding to do your shit right. Imagine if you even had a small indie film budget to try to tell the story you're after. Maybe see this current trip as a proof of concept?
May 28 2015 11:52AM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
nocturnalHonestly, it sounds like you really didn't plan anything out. I was going to take a semester off of school to do a project. Then after sitting down and thinking about it I relied I can do both and just driving around the country for an idea I thought was good was actually a horrible idea.


I planned it out. I planned it substantially. But in execution I found that I could be doing things much differently. Things I wouldn't have learned without trying. There isn't a guide for this sort of thing.

Now I'm left with 4 - 8 weeks of time (can be longer in that I was just going to go to New Orleans for the fall) to fill before I'm back on schedule. I don't know what to do with these 4 to 8 weeks aside from go somewhere else and do the interview parts much more thoroughly on whoever I interview at what location I go to. I don't just want to call it quits and go to CA and stay with friends until NOLA is livable. That would be a waste of an opportunity. I really don't know what else is going on though which is why I've inquired.

If you had a $500 a week budget and 4 to 8 weeks to kill starting June 15th, what would you do with that time.
May 28 2015 11:54AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,235
Spend a month in south america or southeast asia. Haven't been to either but that's the top of my list for a next vacation. Almost moved to peru for the winter to get away from stress but took a job in CO instead.

Idk, might not even be a good plan but the change in culture and being gone for extended period is what I'm looking for to recharge the batteries. Also both are very budget friendly.
May 28 2015 12:02PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,183
I'm a pimp. Come work for me.
May 28 2015 12:14PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4803 - Karma: -651
My only suggestion is to replace the interviews with doing whatever you feel like.

Just hit up some water parks or festivals as the focal point of your travels not be adding extra work and pressure by trying to produce something of value.
May 28 2015 12:27PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
I was hoping for more imagination. You have 4000 for 2 months. What do you do?

What places are good to travel to in June/July/August that are also affordable? I only ever really travel to ski resorts. Last Summer I went to Indonesia. Looking for something different.




I'm not giving up on my idea, I'm going to continue it differently for now.
May 28 2015 12:57PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
RachyI was hoping for more imagination. You have 4000 for 2 months. What do you do?

What places are good to travel to in June/July/August that are also affordable? I only ever really travel to ski resorts. Last Summer I went to Indonesia. Looking for something different.




I'm not giving up on my idea, I'm going to continue it differently for now.


The question isn't what should you do, its what do you want to do? Buy some hiking gear and go overnight hiking, walk into a fencing gym and learn how to fight with a saber. Go down the country's biggest water slid. go to NYC or LA and sneek into a party with VIP celebs. dont think of it as what do I do for 8 weeks. Think what do I want to do right now. Dont overwhelm yourself, take it day by day.
May 28 2015 1:02PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
nocturnalThe question isn't what should you do, its what do you want to do? Buy some hiking gear and go overnight hiking, walk into a fencing gym and learn how to fight with a saber. Go down the country's biggest water slid. go to NYC or LA and sneek into a party with VIP celebs. dont think of it as what do I do for 8 weeks. Think what do I want to do right now. Dont overwhelm yourself, take it day by day.


I'm suffering from the too many options effect. I don't know what I want to do. I want to go to New Orleans, but I want to go in the fall. I want to go to Japan, but I want to go in the winter. I want to go spend 3 months and get my P-2 and M1 ratings for flying but my instructor is at X-alps till August. I have a ton of things that all line up perfectly for the next year. I'm just missing the next 4 to 8 weeks.

I don't know what's good this time of year. 1 week is pretty short notice to make such dramatic plan changes. This is a collection of random people, many of who travel or know of stuff going on in their own areas worth going to. Sooo doesn't hurt to ask. All I've gone is going to Montreal for the time being. Figured someone may have a better suggestion.
May 28 2015 1:15PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51643 - Karma: 162,235
RachyI was hoping for more imagination. You have 4000 for 2 months. What do you do?

What places are good to travel to in June/July/August that are also affordable? I only ever really travel to ski resorts. Last Summer I went to Indonesia. Looking for something different.




I'm not giving up on my idea, I'm going to continue it differently for now.


Go to NZ then if you want to ski. Cool country solid skiing. You can def do that on your budget, even cheaper if you needed to.


Round trip flight will run ya around $1500 USD. Season passes are like $750 NZD (like $525 USD)at this point. Lot's of great hiking you can do as well.


Idk, something to think about
May 28 2015 1:24PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
RachyI'm suffering from the too many options effect. I don't know what I want to do. I want to go to New Orleans, but I want to go in the fall. I want to go to Japan, but I want to go in the winter. I want to go spend 3 months and get my P-2 and M1 ratings for flying but my instructor is at X-alps till August. I have a ton of things that all line up perfectly for the next year. I'm just missing the next 4 to 8 weeks.

I don't know what's good this time of year. 1 week is pretty short notice to make such dramatic plan changes. This is a collection of random people, many of who travel or know of stuff going on in their own areas worth going to. Sooo doesn't hurt to ask. All I've gone is going to Montreal for the time being. Figured someone may have a better suggestion.


Take an aimless road trip across the country. Let me live vicariously through you.
May 28 2015 1:27PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
CaptainObvious.Take an aimless road trip across the country. Let me live vicariously through you.


This already needs to happen by default :) Need to get back to Los Angeles from North Carolina.
May 28 2015 1:31PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
RachyThis already needs to happen by default :) Need to get back to Los Angeles from North Carolina.


Right, I'm saying drag that shit out and make it last 6 weeks. Go see the worlds biggest ball of yarn. Go visit theme parks you've never seen before. See the Grand Canyon. Drive through the Dakotas to affirm your understanding that they suck. Drive through Nebraska and steal a cob of corn for the hell of it. Go to a country bar in Tennessee and order a daiquiri to piss off the bartender. Go to Texas and buy a really small gun. Cause fuck stereotypes. Come to Colorado and smoke some legal bud. Tour the O'Dell's brewery. Hang out with CaptainObvious. Go to Reno and ask every local you see how to get to the strip. End it in LA with a T-shirt that says "I'm here to see celebrities"
May 28 2015 1:39PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
CaptainObvious.Right, I'm saying drag that shit out and make it last 6 weeks. Go see the worlds biggest ball of yarn. Go visit theme parks you've never seen before. See the Grand Canyon. Drive through the Dakotas to affirm your understanding that they suck. Drive through Nebraska and steal a cob of corn for the hell of it. Go to a country bar in Tennessee and order a daiquiri to piss off the bartender. Go to Texas and buy a really small gun. Cause fuck stereotypes. Come to Colorado and smoke some legal bud. Tour the O'Dell's brewery. Hang out with CaptainObvious. Go to Reno and ask every local you see how to get to the strip. End it in LA with a T-shirt that says "I'm here to see celebrities"


Fly to NC and come with me?
May 28 2015 1:57PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
RachyFly to NC and come with me?


Unfortunately I can't pull it off. That's why I said live vicarious. I'm way too lame to follow through on all my big talk.
May 28 2015 2:00PM
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Lé.Skiing
Posts: 10035 - Karma: 8,128
Just a thought, but if you can find someone who owns a car and is willing to use it for the trip it might cut back on some expenses. I'm not sure how much it cost's to rent a car for 2 months, but maybe you could even find a fairly inexpensive car that runs decent for the same price? Once I bought a car for $300 and it lasted me quite a few years. I dunno if it's possible for you(or in your budget), but might be something to consider as it might save some money and get rid of time restrictions.

Hope you find this helpful, and have a great trip sounds like it's going to be awesome.
May 28 2015 2:15PM
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PacificRimJob
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Haha tinderdaddy your way!


But seriously... Montreal sounds pretty attractive... and at least you'll probably get snow there.
May 28 2015 3:00PM
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,661
Fly 2 thailand
May 28 2015 3:42PM
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Dobber
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Reading this thread just stressed me out.
May 28 2015 3:44PM
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whiteboi
Posts: 477 - Karma: 1,228
Go to New Zealand and check it out, I've spent almost half of my life there. There are tons of jobs and the people and culture are great
May 28 2015 4:59PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
RachyHad a member from the LDS community


I hear these guys are a bunch of phychos.

In all seriousness, I would just leave my summer relatively open and just go on a ton of impulse trips. Got a friend going to hood? Go with them. See a cool trail or sport on the internet? Go do it. Sometimes the spontaneous stuff is the best.
May 28 2015 6:55PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
byuboundI hear these guys are a bunch of phychos.

In all seriousness, I would just leave my summer relatively open and just go on a ton of impulse trips. Got a friend going to hood? Go with them. See a cool trail or sport on the internet? Go do it. Sometimes the spontaneous stuff is the best.


but... i'm homeless. so the trips need to be never ending.
May 28 2015 6:57PM
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byubound
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Rachybut... i'm homeless. so the trips need to be never ending.


I would still just plan as you go,unless you come up with something big like travelling internationally. There are plenty of people on here and couchsurfers that you could bum with, and you have the money to fall back to a hotel or something for a day or two if something doesn't work out. I was planning on doing something similar next year, but I think I'm going to hit the pct instead. Also, I think buying a beater car would be a better bet than trying to figure out rentals. Is a road trip really a road trip if you don't have any mechanicals?
May 28 2015 7:07PM
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Rachy
Posts: 4355 - Karma: 2,761
byuboundI would still just plan as you go,unless you come up with something big like travelling internationally. There are plenty of people on here and couchsurfers that you could bum with, and you have the money to fall back to a hotel or something for a day or two if something doesn't work out. I was planning on doing something similar next year, but I think I'm going to hit the pct instead. Also, I think buying a beater car would be a better bet than trying to figure out rentals. Is a road trip really a road trip if you don't have any mechanicals?


I already have the rental car... I don't own a car, nor did I want to buy one and have it break down in the middle of mississippi at night when traveling alone.
May 28 2015 7:14PM
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,870
RachyI already have the rental car... I don't own a car, nor did I want to buy one and have it break down in the middle of mississippi at night when traveling alone.


Oh gotcha, I thought it was coming out of the budget.
May 28 2015 7:22PM
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