Have you ever stared at your computer screen, feeling like there must be more to life than just another meeting, another email, and another deadline? That was me, day after day—stuck in a corporate job that drained my energy and enthusiasm. But one day, I decided that it was time for a change. I traded my office chair for a saddle, and without a second thought, I jumped headfirst into a life of adventure.
This is the story of how I quit my job and started cycling around the world, and how this decision transformed my life in ways I never imagined. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t all smooth roads and easy pedaling—but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. 🌟
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1. The Decision: Breaking Free from the Corporate Chains
It wasn’t a single moment that made me decide to quit. It was a slow burn, the feeling of dissatisfaction building up over months and years. The constant grind, the feeling of being stuck in a cubicle, watching the world outside my office window slowly change as I remained the same. I felt like I was living on autopilot, and no matter how hard I worked, the sense of fulfillment never seemed to come.
But then something clicked. One morning, while riding my bike on a short weekend trip, I realized how alive I felt. The wind on my face, the fresh air, the sense of freedom. In that moment, I knew what I had to do. I wasn’t going to wait for the right time or until I had "enough saved up." I was going to take the leap—quit my job and start cycling around the world.
That was the moment everything changed.
2. Saying Goodbye to the Old Life: The Toughest Part
I won’t lie—telling my boss that I was quitting was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The fear of uncertainty, the doubt that crept in, and the pressure to "be responsible" weighed heavily on me. But as I walked into my boss’s office and gave my notice, something clicked. It felt right.
I spent the next few weeks tying up loose ends, saying goodbye to friends and colleagues, and trying to prepare myself for the unknown. I had no idea what was ahead, but I knew it was going to be better than the life I was leaving behind.
The hardest part? Letting go of the comfort and stability of a steady paycheck. It felt like jumping off a cliff without knowing where I would land. But as I packed my bags and prepped my bike for the long road ahead, I felt a sense of excitement that I hadn’t felt in years.
3. The Preparation: From Office Desk to Bike Seat
Quitting my job was just the first step. Now came the real work—getting ready for the journey ahead. Here's how I prepared for my cycling adventure around the world:
A. Choosing the Right Bike 🚲
I knew I needed a bike that could handle a variety of terrains—flat roads, mountainous climbs, and everything in between. After extensive research and talking to fellow cyclists, I decided on a touring bike with a sturdy frame, plenty of gear options, and racks for carrying my essentials. It wasn’t the fastest bike, but it was reliable, comfortable, and built for long-distance travel.
B. Packing Smart 📦
When you’re cycling around the world, packing light is key. I learned the hard way that you don’t need to bring every gadget or piece of clothing you own. I focused on essentials: lightweight clothing, a good sleeping bag, a compact tent, and tools for bike maintenance. And, of course, I made sure I had a reliable GPS and a power bank to keep my devices charged. No one wants to be lost in the middle of nowhere with a dead phone! 😅
C. Budgeting for the Journey 💰
I set a realistic budget for my trip, factoring in daily expenses like food, accommodation, and bike maintenance. Cycling can be a cheap way to travel, but I also wanted to make sure I had enough funds for emergencies. I spent months saving up, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and even picking up some freelance work to pad my savings. The goal was to have enough to last me through at least a year of travel.
4. The Adventure Begins: First Days on the Road
The first few days on the road were a blur of excitement and nerves. The realization that I was no longer bound by the constraints of a desk job was liberating, but it also came with its challenges. The initial ride was awkward—I had to get used to handling a fully loaded bike, figuring out my daily rhythm, and finding places to sleep.
But with every pedal stroke, I felt more alive. The joy of being outside all day, the freedom to explore new places, and the simple pleasure of meeting new people made every moment worth it.
5. The Unexpected Lessons: What I Learned While Cycling Around the World
Cycling around the world isn’t just about the physical act of riding—it’s about learning and growing along the way. Here are some of the unexpected lessons I picked up on my journey:
A. Self-Reliance and Problem-Solving 🛠️
I quickly learned that I could rely only on myself to solve problems. Whether it was fixing a flat tire in the middle of nowhere or figuring out how to navigate a new city, I became incredibly resourceful. There’s a sense of empowerment in knowing you can tackle challenges head-on and come out stronger on the other side.
B. The Beauty of Slowing Down 🌅
One of the greatest gifts cycling gave me was the ability to slow down and truly experience the world. When you’re pedaling through a village at 10mph, you have time to appreciate the small details—the sound of children playing, the smell of fresh bread baking, the warmth of the sun on your skin. I wasn’t rushing from one destination to the next; I was simply being.
C. Meeting People: The Global Cycling Community 🌍
Cycling is a universal language. No matter where I went—whether it was in Southeast Asia, Europe, or South America—I met fellow cyclists who shared the same passion for adventure. Some were seasoned veterans, while others were like me, new to the world of long-distance cycling. We swapped stories, shared tips, and formed friendships that transcended borders.
6. The Struggles: It Wasn’t All Sunshine and Smooth Roads
Let’s be real: no journey is without its difficulties. There were moments when I wanted to give up. Long days in the rain, flat tires, and moments of loneliness took their toll. There were also days when the weight of my gear felt unbearable, and I questioned my decision to leave the comfort of my old life behind.
But those struggles were part of the adventure. They taught me resilience and pushed me to keep going, even when things got tough. Every challenge was a stepping stone toward a deeper understanding of myself and my capabilities.
7. The Freedom of the Road: Why Cycling Around the World Was Worth It
Today, as I look back on my journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Cycling around the world wasn’t just a way to escape my old life—it was a journey that helped me rediscover my passion for life itself. It taught me to embrace uncertainty, find joy in the simple things, and trust that I had the strength to face whatever came my way.
Quitting my job was scary, but it was also the best decision I’ve ever made. And if you’re reading this and dreaming of your own adventure, know that it’s possible. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment—just take the leap, and let the road show you what’s waiting.
Conclusion: Ready to Pedal into Your Own Adventure?
It’s been a wild ride so far, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If I can do it, so can you. Whether you’re dreaming of cycling around the world or just looking to take your first step into a life of adventure, the world is waiting for you. All it takes is one decision—and one pedal stroke—to start the journey. 🌍🚴♂️
Keep riding, keep dreaming, and keep exploring.
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