Weekend Warrior: The Hustle Between Work and Travel

This is not the usual travel post. This is an occasional rant, about the struggle between the life we wish to live, and the way we end up living. I follow a page on instagram, and came across a very interesting quote, “Born to side quest, Blessed to side quest for a living,” which made me stop and think for a dew moments. Aren’t we all going through the same things? The cost of living is going up, and we either need better jobs, more money, or both. So weekends for most of us bring new courses, polishing the resumes, or working a second job. Somewhere along all this, where is the time to live? Why? Well because if we don’t we’d end up living hand-to-mouth, which we don’t want. We want to have some cash in hand for a rainy day.

So with this lifestyle, how do we find time to follow our passions? I’d recommend everyone to watch the Indian Film named “Tamasha” by Imtiaz Ali. It is a literal description of everyone’s life portrayed in a beautiful way. I mean look at me for instance! I’m working a full-time job, and I work on my blog on weekends, or an hour every other weekday. And don’t get me wrong I like my job, it is not my passion but it pays the bills and provides me with a much needed financial cushion. For instance, from Monday to Friday, I’m just another face behind the desk., reading spreadsheets, sipping coffee, and sending 40+ pointless emails a day. You must’ve probably spoken to me if you ever called client support to renew your finance contract. And due to my schedule being rotational, I work one weekend every 4 weeks. But 2 out of 3 weekends, I try to follow my passion with vengeance. Even if it is as small as a day trip, or a full-blown weekend affair. However, I believe that’s the double life of a weekend warrior. I do carry my laptop everywhere so I can put in as much or as little work as I can when I’m out. But that’s my life, no long sabbaticals, no endless vacation days, no trust fund. Just a love of travel, a budget to stick to, and 48 hours to make it happen.

We believe in the idea of “someday,” where we would finally have less worries and more time and money to follow the big dream. But think again: how many people do you know who got that someday? It never comes, and the timeless cycle continues, till the day we retire. But then we don’t have the energy. I used to think the same way when I was in my early 20s. But then a school friend of mine died in a road accident, and gave me a lesson I’d never forget. LIFE IS NOW! So when my Friday hits, I don’t waste time deciding destinations, transport routes, or what to wear. My bag is packed and tickets are booked, because the earlier I leave the longer my adventure would feel.

I do get loads of “don’t you ever rest?” comments, and yes the Mondays are rough. But 20s is a time where I can grind, and pursue my happiness. In fact I feel sated on Mondays knowing I still control my life, and live based on decisions that I make.Those weekends are where I collect stories, meet strangers, eat something I can’t pronounce, and remind myself of the love affair that I have outside office walls.

Tips for aspiring Weekend Warriors:

1. Plan, but when I say plan don’t over do it. You should have a place decided, 2-3 thing which you must do, and that’s it. Anything more would be a bonus.
2. Pack Light, and be flexible. You can never plan for the weather, delays, and unexpected situations.
3. Advance bookings will keep you mostly on track.

Sure you won’t get 2 weeks in an exotic place, but this will be about making the most out of the time in hand. Catching sunsets in unexpected places, meeting and talking to strangers, some of whom will become friends, and all the grind in between feels worth it on the Monday mornings. That yawn? It is a badge of honour!

Okay folks so being said that, I’d really like your ideas on this. If you had 36 hours and let’s say £150 to spare, where would you go? Do comment and let me know – might just see you there next weekend.