Comments on: How to tell your family and friends you are leaving

By: Hideo

Hideo — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:53:56 +0000

I’m not so sure about the comment that friends and relatives “would no doubt try to deter you”. For me it was the complete opposite and surely you friends and family should encourage you in the things you want to do rather than try to stop you? Like you say, it helps you realise who your true friends are. Perhaps it’s also a cultural thing? I’m English, and here it’s not that unusual for people to go off travelling for long stints of time at some point. Not necessarily the norm, but certianly not that unusual. Perhaps it’s more unusual across the Pond from here, hence the more negative reaction?
My friends and family were never anything other than 100% supportive and thrilled about my plans. People who weren’t really friends, but more just acquantances were not always so encouraging – the usual “but what will you do when you get back?” or “you can’t just give up your job” comment.

By: Amrith Sudhakaran

Amrith Sudhakaran — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:03:21 +0000

Hey Shikha thanks for the tips. I don’t think my family would rip my passport, but they will be upset. They are the “call me when you get there” type. So when you go on a trip, how often do you keep in touch with your friends and family?
I’ll be working for a year to save some money and after that I’ll just take my car and drive away….

By: Flackattack

Flackattack — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:03:42 +0000

Tell your inner circle of family/friends early on. Tell your intermediate circle 2-3 months from departure, after the plans are solid and the dominoes are falling into place. DO NOT tell your work circle until right after you put in your notice. There is no way you want to be a “lameduck” at work for any more time than necessary. It is vital to wring every last $$ out of them for your trip.
I’ve done this three times in the past 20 yrs, and this is how I handles all of them.