Freedom's Just Another Word

Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing don't mean nothing, honey, if it ain't free

It's not really a secret that I really, really want to see the world(Well, it's probably not common knowledge, but is it my fault that no one asks?).

Of course, there are several kinks in that particular dream.

• Traveling costs money, and while I am paid reasonably well, I don't make enough to buy plane tickets all the time
• Being a part-timer means not accruing vacation time to go on trips anyway. Sure, I can and have bargained for a Friday once or twice, but an entire week would really be pushing it.

So imagine my excitement when the magical world of Pinterest dropped a pin on my dashboard detailing "housesitting". Basically, you live for free in nice homes in magical destinations for various lengths of time, usually keeping the place tidy and caring for a few pets. Some jobs have various requirements-Couples only, gardening, seniors, etc. Sounds great, right?

Well, back to the bullet list of problems.

• When I said "jobs", it was more of a slang term. Most housesitting jobs don't pay, and the ones that do don't pay much. Maybe I'll call them "gigs" instead.
• You still have to get to these places. The contenential US ones aren't so bad, but flying to France? A little costly.
• Most of these gigs last anywhere from two weeks to a month. To restate my point from earlier: Being a part-timer means not accruing vacation time to go on trips anyway. Sure, I can and have bargained for a Friday once or twice, but an entire week would really be pushing it.
• These gigs also aren't guaranteed, especially starting out, which means it might be wise to have a backup plan or a home base.

So, it seems like a great opportunity, but with some pretty hefty life taxes. And, of course, the number one problem I have with this whole thing: What about my boy?

I've brought up this idea to him. He seems amicable to my doing this(with offers to float the bills for awhile), and to joining me(There are, in fact, websites dedicated to traveling couples. And honestly, most gigs don't mind couples, as traveling alone can be quit scary and/or dangerous.). But I know that his money can only stretch so far, and he's a homebody. Plus, what would we do with all our stuff?

I can either stay in my job in Maryland for the rest of my life(with occasional trips), or I can give up all the things I care so very much about for dream fulfillment.

Gee, that's not a difficult choice at all.