In early September, night drops quickly over the North Island of New Zealand. Huddled under the hostel bed covers in Kaitaia, I couldn’t sleep. Snyds, my traveling companion, and I had spent months preparing for this working holiday. Now, slowly – as the early spring chill crept into my bones – I froze with a staggering worry. What would we do tomorrow?
And the next day, and the one after that? For the first time in my life, weeks stretched into the future, unbroken by deadlines or structure. The plans that had bound us to this particular path were gone. We had three hundred and sixty degrees of freedom in which to move; but, where to?
Mentally, going workabout is like finding yourself in a lonely bed in the world’s most isolated country: overwhelmed and frighted by the infinite number of directions which surround you.
So when your mind starts spinning around the possibilities, grab a pen and piece of paper. As you draw out the answers to these questions, a map for your workabout may just appear before you.
1. What do I want to do?
Not “should” or “can’t” or “might”; ignore all the excuses you’ve used before. In a situation this vast, your desires have nowhere to hide. However wild or difficult or menial, think about what you want to do next. Sometimes, the most basic hopes can set our feet moving forward.
2. What did I come here to do?
Walk to the nearest window. Where in the world are you? Why? Let the scene outside remind you of the purpose behind your current placement. What did you come here to do? Or, if the landscape beyond only causes further fear and confusion, maybe it’s time to ask yourself where do I want to go? Pay attention to the ideas, positive or negative, that your geography inspires.
3. What’s my short-term goal?
Because that’s the truly over-awing stuff: not what you’re doing now, but the distant, what will you do later? Don’t let the in-between details intimidate you. These tend to sort themselves out. Instead, focus on is a solid, short-term goal. “Today I will hand out ten resumes, visit four apartments, explore one city museum.” Creating this simple sense of accomplishment will get you through the expansive time ahead.
4. How much money/time to I have?
It’s best to dream, but important to keep an eye on the stability of your plans. How long with the amount in your wallet last? Have you already booked a flight onwards, or have an upcoming family event to attend back home? What factors will keep you from reaching your short-term goals? Simply having a Plan B means you can look beyond your worries to something on the horizon.
~ Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli