We’re often told quitting is weak, a way out for those not headstrong enough to handle certain pressures, but I couldn’t disagree more. 

In 2009, I made the decision to quit my first job. It was a role in a London-based magazine office. I exchanged this job for an opportunity to spend a year traveling through 15 countries. I did this all while managing a very tight budget.

And the last came about just over 15 months ago, when I decided to become a full-time freelance travel writer. 

At 38, it was one of the scarier leaps to make, yet undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

But there are definitely a few things I wish I’d known before jumping into the unknown… here’s what I’ve learnt along the way. 

Don’t dawdle, time is precious 

The younger you are, the easier it is to quit. 

I was just 23 when I first quit a job for a year-long backpacking trip, and I made the decision instantly as soon as I’d saved enough money. 

Lydia Swinscoe, a 39-year-old travel writer, has explored over 60 countries in the last two decades. The photo above shows her in the Peak District, UK.

Lydia, pictured in the Mexican Highlands, reveals the lessons she’s learnt since quitting her job to travel 15 months ago

I had a few worries about how easy it would be to get employed when I returned, but they were soon forgotten as soon as I hit the road. 

Yet, quitting in your 30s is a different ball game. 

I deliberated for three long years before I finally plucked up the courage to do it, and you know what? I wish I had done it much, much sooner. 

Making the decision was by far the hardest thing about it, but once it was done, I’ve never regretted it or looked back. 

Reflecting on this experience, I have learned that time is a valuable commodity. None of us are certain about how long we will be around. Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation that does not bring you joy, it is important to make changes as soon as possible. Time is precious and should not be wasted in discontent.

It’ll cost more than you planned for 

While I like to travel in a more refined way these days, I was a budget backpacking pro in my 20s, and managed to spend spend just £7,000 in a year visiting 15 countries. 

But before I set out, I had only planned to spend £5,000 before realising mid-way through that wasn’t enough. 

Lydia, pictured in Megeve, France, says: ‘I was a budget backpacking pro in my 20s, and managed to spend spend just £7,000 in a year visiting 15 countries. But before I set out, I had only planned to spend £5,000 before realising mid-way through that wasn’t enough’

For this reason, I always make sure I have saved enough to last my entire trip, plus money to live off when returning home and looking for a new job, and extra cash for unplanned issues while I’m away.

If in doubt, save at least £2-3,000 more than you think you need. 

And if you have a student loan, you also need to think about the interest, which, regardless of being fairly low, adds up over the duration of your trip away. 

You may have to take a pay cut when you return 

After my first long-term trip, I managed to secure a new job a couple of months after returning to the UK, yet the salary was just £17,000 – much lower than the job I had left. 

But a job is a job, and I took it and managed to survive by living in a large London house share, cycling everywhere, and taking a packed lunch to work every day. 

It was sometimes tricky, but it definitely wasn’t the end of my career, and I got a good pay rise a year later. 

Friends and family will cast doubts over your decision 

Lydia, pictured at the Taj Mahal, says family and friends may cast doubts over your decision to quit your job and travel the world

The beauty of human beings is that we are all very different; we think in different ways, we have different passions, and completely different fears, so don’t be surprised if people place their fears on you.

When contemplating quitting a job, over 80 percent of the people you talk to will tell you not to do it. 

But it’s important to listen to your instincts. 

It’s your life, and you have to live it in a way that’s true to you.

If travel is important to you and you’re in a secure financial position, thank friends and family for their advice, but don’t let them discourage you if it’s what your heart is telling you to do. 

It’s not that big of a deal 

When you’re in the routine of life, doing the same thing day in and day out, breaking that cycle can feel like the biggest deal.

But guess what? It’s not that wild. 

‘Once you begin to travel, you will realise that the world is full of people living in unique ways,’ says Lydia, pictured in Yerevan, Armenia

Once you begin to travel, you will realise that the world is full of people living in unique ways. 

People of all ages travel, volunteer, move countries, fall in love, and change their entire life plans. 

I’ve met widows who’ve sold everything to travel alone long-term, families who’ve pulled their kids out of school for adventure, and many, many people who have moved across the world for love. 

You may lose friends 

Being in a position where you can quit your job can be triggering for people who aren’t as free. 

Debts, mortgages, family, and illness can all prevent people from doing some of the things they might want to, and so it can be difficult for them to see others doing it. 

And that goes for both parties – there are things my friends have that I might hanker after at points on the road. 

But good friends are supportive through whatever situation you happen to be going through, and vice versa. 

‘While, of course, it’s imperative to be sensible (especially when travelling alone as a woman), people the world over are generally very kind and generous,’ says Lydia, pictured in Vilnius, Lithuania

If big decisions filter out some people in your circle, it’s not a bad thing; the friends remaining will be friends for life. 

It’s not that scary out there 

Social media and news outlets overflow with horror stories from around the globe, showcasing the worst of humanity on a daily basis – it’s no wonder many are afraid to go out of their comfort zones. 

And while, of course, it’s imperative to be sensible (especially when travelling alone as a woman), people the world over are generally very kind and generous. 

Some of my most memorable moments have been with wonderfully warm strangers who have treated me like family. 

And it’s for moments like those that I continue to travel.