It’s amazing how one can go from feeling lost and depressed to feeling excited and en route to fulfilling your life’s calling in a matter of months. And the big difference? Following what you feel you’re truly meant to be doing vs. trying to fulfill society or relative’s or friend’s ideas of what you should do.

I’m committed. Not to an insane asylum, although some of my friends and relatives may think that’s were I should be headed, but to a new career and life as a long-term travel blogger and writer. I plan to leave the U.S. and travel around the world for a year, or however long my retirement savings lasts, couchsurfing and house sitting to make things more interesting and affordable. It’s where I’ve wanted to go for a long...