What should I do,,,,,,?

1. 69

   Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

   Most people are tied down to the area they live because of their job. I have been lucky enough to work totally for myself on the web for the past 2 years.
   
   I don't make enough to be well off, but enough to pay my bills and still do fun things. Working online that means I also can live and move ANYWHERE I want.
   
   I also can take a vacation anytime I want and still be working thanks to laptops. I'm also single and childless, free as a birdie! Soooo, that has me thinking.
   
   On the one hand, I should take advantage of this and travel, see the world, do things that most cannot. But on the other hand I'm 46 and not young anymore.
   
   Part of me really wants to meet a nice girl and have some companionship. That's hard to do if your moving around and doing stuff like a nomad.
   
   Plus I'd miss my friends where I am. Yet it seems like a shame to stay in one place when I don't have to and miss out on all there is out there.
   
   Then again, who's to say I would not get into some trouble moving around? I guess I just don't know what to do with my life right at the moment.
   
   Anyone care to say what they would do if they were in my shoes? Would you travel and see the world but be lonely, or stay in one place and try to find someone to settle down?

   replyreport
   1. 96

      thooghunposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Come to Rome and find someone to settle down, might be the best of both worlds
      
      In all seriousness, I think you should opt out of your day-to-day and try something new for 3-6 months, and give yourself some perspective. That way you won't miss your friends too much. Give Europe a shot. Its not too alien for you to suffer culture shock severely, and your online job seems enough to keep you afloat.
      
      Do it.

      replyreport
   2. 62

      prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I feel that you may want to find somebody first, then travel together, but it depends on her circumstances too. Loving and living and traveling is best, GET OUT and find the right one for you, GOOD LUCK!

      replyreport
2. 72

   relacheposted 14 years ago

   I work for myself (yay, HubPages!) and travel, while looking for someone to settle down with.
   
   I don't see why I have to pick one or the other.

   replyreport
3. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   I would keep my home in one place, but would definitely travel to places you would love to visit. take weekend trips, plan a week somewhere or a couple of weeks,whatever you can afford.
   
   traveling is a great way to learn more about yourself and you have the chance to meet people in your travels. take your camera and laptop and explore.
   
   but ultimately, you need to do what feels right for you.

   replyreport
4. 90

   Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

   I think I would travel-- You'll never be younger, and you may run into Relache one day.

   replyreport
5. 71

   AEvansposted 14 years ago

   Bill,
   
   I am married and did my traveling when I was in my 20's , you are a handsome man and I believe you should travel because Ms. Right may just be somewhere else then where you are located. Here are some questions you should ask yourself.
   
   Are you ready to settle down?
   
   Can you actually be committed to one person?
   
   Do you truly wish to have children?
   
   Are you truly tired of being single?
   
   What were you really looking for in a relationship?
   
   What did you not care for when you were with another person?
   
   Are your standards to high?
   
   Can you live with someone else? Remember there is going to be things that you may not like about her but can you deal with it?
   
   For some being single is best and for others when that someone wonderful comes along we know that is the one. I wish you all of the best but write down the pros and cons.

   replyreport
6. 61

   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   If I could and was doing well like you said or like Relache, I'd move to my dream location.  I'd keep a cabin here where I live.  I'd be traveling everywhere, with laptop in hand, ready to write about everything I see.

   replyreport
7. 59

   Hokeyposted 14 years ago

   If you can do it. TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

   replyreport
8. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   if you've never been to Europe and can afford it (there are hostels, affordable place you can stay), I would take this opportunity to explore other cultures. it can only enrich your life. and you don't have to be lonely just because you're single.
   enjoy the freedom you have.   I've been single now for 10 years and very much enjoy my freedom to travel and do what I want to do.

   replyreport
9. 84

   Springboardposted 14 years ago

   Being one who is "tied down," so to speak, because I have rental property where I live, and a house that I am having no trouble paying for, but cannot sell for what I paid for it, nor can I rent it for what I'm paying for it, I'd say take advantage of the opportunity to NOT be tied down. Sure, we all want roots, a place to call home. The question for me is if I did not have my current situation would I be where I am right now.
   
   The answer is no.

   replyreport
10. 74

    Mikel G Robertsposted 14 years ago

    What YOU should do is completely up to you, and no one else can decide for you.
    
    My advice is what you should NOT do.
    
    You should NOT let fear make the decision for you.
    
    You already know what you want to do, your just afraid that it might be a mistake. If it is a mistake, you can always turn around and come back.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       Hokeyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Perfect advice.

       replyreport
11. 57

    Mark Knowlesposted 14 years ago

    I see a Harley with your name on it and a laptop in the saddle bag.
    
    Lucky you.

    replyreport
    1. 74

       Mikel G Robertsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       That's the life...

       replyreport
       1. 57

          Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Absolutely. When I went to the US, I bought a Fat Boy and spent a year on the road.
          
          I have been to more states than most Americans. Wonderful place.

          replyreport
12. 74

    WriteAngledposted 14 years ago

    Travel to where you feel drawn.
    Go back to see your friends whenever you want.
    Stop worrying about meeting someone, because that makes it less likely to happen.
    Be yourself, do what you enjoy and interests you. You will meet loads of people doing so, and perhaps one special girl.
    You're a very cute guy. I think lots of girls could fall for you very easily.
    RELAX!

    replyreport
13. 61

    tantrumposted 14 years ago

    Why it's so important to meet somebody ?
    If you're looking you're going to make a mistake.
    Love comes when less expected.
    Enjoy your freedom !

    replyreport
14. 80

    mega1posted 14 years ago

    Here's what someone told me when I was having my annual mid-life crises one time - If you really want to change your life and have the things you always wanted make a list, it should be as fabulous and possibly unrealistic as it needs to be, but an HONEST list of what you want:  something like
    
    1. You want to have your physical and spiritual needs met
    2. You want someone to be your mate and partner who will want to travel with you and life your kind of life style even if that means not having everything you would have together settled down
    3. You want to explore the world
    4. You want to be able to be open for changes
    
    Once you really know what you want, and are honest about it, you can explore and work toward getting it - I truly believe the Universe provides what you want and need but first you have to know what that is!
    
    Good luck and I hope you find all those things and more!

    replyreport
15. 69

    Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

    Wow, thanks for all the responses and advice!
    
    I've been single without a gf for almost two years, which is why it's important for me. I love myself and am happy with myself, I don't NEED someone to make me happy.
    
    BUT, being alone all the damn time gets OLD, real OLD! However I would also love to travel and see new things. You just can't meet someone long term when your traveling around.
    
    Maybe I can go to places here and there, sort of like long vacations. Then I can always come back where I am. Or if I do meet someone where I go, stay there and see what happens.
    
    I use to work all the time for low wages, trapped in a small town doing the same thing day after day. So I know I should not waste this time I have now that I have it.
    
    Thanks again everyone, I see some new places ahead of me, if only for short times.

    replyreport
16. 67

    torimariposted 14 years ago

    Ok, I know I'm only 23, but I rather travel and be alone, and childless. Ever since I went to Europe by myself a few times, I'm always anxious to do it more.
    I think you should to, especially if you can get some friends to go with you. However, I'm sure they have more restrictions than mine would at this point to do that.
    
    Travel while you can. You have plenty more of your life to find a woman, and who knows, you may find one overseas or in another state depending where you go.
    
    Or, find a companion and travel with her together~ It would be romantic and you'd get to experience the world together.
    
    But, she might also have kids or a job, so you'd have to play it by ear. Hmm, I'd say, drop everything and go travel ASAP~ Before the summer rush.

    replyreport
17. 69

    Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

    Yeah, I'm definitely going to get out and go somewhere soon. I suppose if I did finally meet the right one I'd be complaining I can't go anywhere now!

    replyreport
    1. 64

       Money Glitchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Yep, that is usually the way it goes Bill.
       
       But, I vote with everyone else, if you have an opportunity to travel...Go for it!  Besides you might meet Ms. Right alone the way, and you both love traveling so much that you continue to do so as a happy couple.... If you stay at home you will never find her...

       replyreport
    2. 80

       mega1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       the right one would be someone to travel with you, silly!

       replyreport
18. 88

    IzzyMposted 14 years ago

    If I was financially secure like you seem to be, I'd join up with an international aid group and I'd be off feeding the starving in Africa, or teaching chidren who otherwise would receive no education, or helping out in disaster zones.
    I always wanted to do that when I was younger, but life got in the way.
    Now, I am stuck with a mortgage and struggling, but if one day I started realy earning online, like you seem to be doing, I'd be off. All voluntary work of course.

    replyreport
19. 79

    europewalkerposted 14 years ago

    Travel, be adventurous. Do it now while you are still able to. As far as meeting someone, that will happen naturally. I met my second husband on a day where I felt I was through with men. We have been together 24 years. You just never know!

    replyreport
20. 70

    yenajeonposted 14 years ago

    There's no such thing as *too old* I say. Go and travel!! I wish I had the same luxury. Plus once you have young children you cant travel with the same freedom anyway!

    replyreport
21. 69

    Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

    Yup, all true. I don't think I'll ever have any kids, but more than likely any girl I meet will have. So yes, it's time to get out there and see what I'm missing!
    
    Think I'll start slow with a trip down to Key West, since I'm in Orlando. And a cruise, always wanted to try a cruise!

    replyreport
    1. 85

       rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       sounds great Bill, there are so many great places to visit right here in florida, if you go to key west, be sure to tour the everglades before or after your trip down the keys. it's another world.
       
       then hop on one of the cruise ships to the bahamas.  or mexico.
       sometimes they have 'singles' cruises. also look into 'events and adventures'  it's a group that meets and does all kinds of fun adventures for single people. I'm sure there is a group in orlando.  have fun. you're at the perfect age!

       replyreport
22. 72

    thisisoliposted 14 years ago

    I have done two 5000 mile treks around Europe with my flatmate in sub £400 BMW's off eBay, have to say they were some of the best times of my life, and who knows you might meet the love of your life while you are on the trip! (I know I met a few women, it wasn't untill I met an American travelling around England that I fell in love though!)
    
    I say live your life, you will never find the perfect woman for you if you are sat at home all day!

    replyreport
23. 66

    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    The fact that you are asking sounds like you should be traveling.

    replyreport
24. 60

    Randy Godwinposted 14 years ago

    There are wonderful women everywhere you go.

    replyreport
    1. 69

       Bill Manningposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       True. But having to say "I'm just passing through on a vacation" is not conductive to a good long term relationship! Anyways I'm going to get out and see some sights, dating will happen later.
       
       Of course if I do meet a girl in the meantime that just wants to have some fun while I'm passing through, what the hell!

       replyreport