Trev's temporary early retirement

[trevc]

Hi All

Well...after talking about it in the abstract for a number of months, Bec and I have made the decision to pack-up the kids and travel Australia as a family for 12 months starting January 2014.

Before we could commit ourselves we had to have some certainty of employment on our return, and as it happens it looks like both of us will have jobs to come back to with our current employers. So working on the belief that you're a long time dead, and trying to live without regret, we've decided to put our professional lives on hold and take the opportunity while we can (the eldest starts Secondary School in 2015).

It's scary and exciting and there is a hell of a lot of planning and preparation ahead; this post will act as a place holder for all the questions and comments we'll have over the next 7 months.

We've broken the planning into groups and so far we have:

Vehicle
Trailer
Communications
Equipment
Trip Budget
Home Admin
Food
Education
Clothing
Itinerary

Each of these groups will be broken into 'tasks' which will help with the planning, budgeting, prioritising etc.

I'll have plenty of questions on all of the above (and more) over the next 6 months and will post them in the appropriate sub-forums and link them back to here. We all know what a great resource MySwag is, so both here and Pradopoint will bear the brunt of my queries.
So there we go, let the fun begin...

[berlitza]

Sounds like a brilliant plan to me , you must have very VERY understanding bosses, I know what mine wold tell me if i asked for 12months off 

[Terry W4]

Sound to me Trevec like a case for MS Project.

[chester ver2.0]

Some info from my 2010 trip that may help you out

I am actually still on it as i landed in WA and got a job in the mines and now the Chevron gig so still travelling fo sorts



http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?15893-Chesters-Big-Lap-The-WA-Boom-is-No-Bull-S-T&highlight=chester

[trevc]

Gents (?), nice to hear from you.

We do have understanding bosses, I have been with the one firm for 16 years and have a bunch of LSL, Bec around 5.
She's the brains of the operation and as Terry picked, a Project manager. I'm more the Research Analyst.

Our motivations for this trip comes from a number of places.  Reading blog's like Chester's are an invaluable source of information and inspiration.

'I'll have to learn how to multi-quote!

[StrvnMrvn]

Trev,

You lucky man!!! I wish work would give the time off!! Oh hang on....... Long service leave or leave without pay!!

We'll have to catch up for that beer soon mate, so I can see where your at with the planning and take some notes. The misso wants to do the same before the little one has to start at school!

[trevc]

Yeah mate - I need to check out your 12v set-up as well.

Next couple of weekends are shot but I'll be in touch soon.

T

[BigJules]

Where are you starting from?

[kiwi66]

Hey Trevc, good on you both, yep we are a long time dead and whats it matter if you actually have some fun before you crock it. The kids will learn so much with travelling and exploring, meeting people I think it's awesome. Years ago our family did similar, we bought a big van, had 3 kids and went everywhere the machines for the job went and did that for 4 years never regretted it. I am about to do it again but this time it's in retirement next year but setting ourselves up over the next month. Totally enjoy every minute of your planing and travels. Cheers Judy

[trevc]

Jules

We're starting from Brisbane in late Jan / early Feb, will head south for a few months before heading north / west for the dry season. No firm plans at the moment, I'm happy to work out the finer details later.

Hey Judy, just what I like to hear!

T

[firefox]

Hi trevc, hopefully we will see u on the road. We have kids I think the same age.
We leave for our 2 years in about 6 weeks, and no matter how much planning I still don't think I am going to be ready.
Cheers
Justin

[trevc]

Firefox

I used to read comments like yours and think 'you lucky bastard' - now I'm one of them.

I'm a people person by nature nd am looking forward to meeting fellow travellers along the way.

T

[trevc]

Well doesn't time fly...

Posted this 6 months ago and we are now only 3 days away from leaving.

We've just about finished packing and have a few social engagements on over the next 2 days, before doing a final shop and a trip to the weighbridge on Monday and then jumping on the Moreton Island Micat Tuesday to kick-off our adventure.

We've setup a FB page: Cummings and Goings, for friends, family and forum members to check in and see how we're going.
There's not a lot of content at the moment but will start ramping up once we leave on the 7/1.

So thanks all for your encouragement, assistance and words of wisdom and hopefully we'll catch-up with a few of you along the way.

Trev

[krisandkev]

It is something you will never regret, in fact you will be saying, 'Why didn't we do this earlier!'  Have fun.    Kevin

[sol]

Good luck and safe travels guys.
Be sure to let me know your blog details.

     

[JCAT]

Have fun out there, you will love it.

[Rob C]

Good luck and enjoy each day as it will finish as quick as it came around.
Looking forward to following your adventures.

Rob

[Rumpig]

Good luck and safe travels guys.

X2 on above 

[muzza01]

Have a safe and enjoyable trip. Don't forget to give us updates and pics.

[GU_Thomo]

You forgot the most important item in that list "FUN"

Enjoy your trip.

Cheers
Parry

[Barrabart]

Looking forward to seeing updates on this trip, very jealous of you and your family.

Happy and safe travels to ya's all !!!!!!!........

[StrvnMrvn]

Enjoy the trip mate! Will have to catch up for that beer when you get back!!

Stay safe!

[speewa158]

Trevc Always remember " The longest journey starts with the 1st step " now you have achieved that Beat the Feet & Enjoy    Try also to remember to come back   

[Aaron Schubert]

Awesome mate. Living the dream!

Aaron

[vicandug]

Wow!  Congrats on heading off.  Enjoy every second.