Sunday, November 27, 2016

FUNemployment

Friday was my last day of work. And tomorrow is my first Monday of FUNemployment. In Back to the Future fashion my identity is slowly going to disappear. Looks like it's already started... As my boss would say, "Jesse GOne."



Thursday, November 24, 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

The "A" Team

I've never had such a mix of emotions in one day more than today. I knew it was going to be a bittersweet experience leaving a company that I've worked for nearly 6 years but I didn't think it would be like this.

I explained to someone today that leaving my previous roles felt different. I was either looking for something better without a care as to whom I left behind, or to move up the corporate ladder with no real ties or anything to ground me, or I was not really an impact player or important to a team; I was another employee ID in the system. Those departures were easy and less emotional.

Leaving my team here has been gut wrenching because I've grown with them. I've developed relationships that I hope and believe will truly stand the test of time and last my lifetime. We've had some ups and downs, celebrations and WTF moments, laughter and tears (but none more than today). We've grown as a team and as individuals supported by each other, giving guidance, taking insights, feeding passions, and opening doors.



Happily, I leave this door open behind me for others to follow or peer into. And I'll never close it because although I walk through it alone today, I hope to share the experiences on the other side of the threshold and/or to be joined by many in the not so distant future. This is my open door policy, and I hope to smile at those who enter rather than cry on my way out.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Logo of Love and Travel


I love our logo. The tail smoke of the airplane form a "c" and a "j" to represent my wife's name and my name together, but the positioning of the letters come close to forming a "g" bringing us together with my last name, "GO".

I'll have to start tagging things with this logo more often. Keep an eye out for it. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Maybe this is what retirement feels like

Over the past week or so, people at work have started to approach me and ask about leaving my position at my current job. Most people have heard it through the grapevine, and others I've told personally. In either case, I've gotten many well-wishers and many questions about the trip. Overall it has been very positive.

In some sense, I feel like I'm leaving, never to return. Co-workers are congratulating me and telling me what a pleasure it's been to work with me. Others have applauded my decision to leave. Some just wish me well in my future endeavors.

It's a funny feeling to be treated this way. It's positive and happy. If this is what the end of the road to retirement feels like, I almost want it not to end.

Anyway...

Mom / Dad - I've experienced what retirement feels like before you. Do you think you are ready yet?


Looking forward to New Year's in Sydney. Anyone want to join us?!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Gobble, gobble - 20 Days Until Departure!!!

AND 8 days of work left!!! I gave myself a week before our actual departure to settle any administrative tasks and household chores before we take-off. So my last day in the office is Wednesday, November 23. I will be able to enjoy Thanksgiving free of work-related stress.

We've put together most of the things we are going to bring. Considering we only have a backpack and a carry-on each, it's not that much. But I'm confident that we'll have what we need and can pick up things along the way if necessary.

The first 2 months of flights and accommodations have been booked! And we'll continue to reserve things on a rolling basis.

Amongst all the things we need to do while away, making sure I keep up with this blog is near the top of the list. So here's my test for posting our locations as we go.

New Jersey, our home, our starting point...