Chapter 1: A Life-Altering Decision

During a trip to Washington, I made the life-changing choice to leave my legal profession and embark on a journey of full-time travel. I transitioned into living out of my car, exploring various parts of the country. While it was a challenging adjustment, I committed to pursuing what truly inspired me.

Photo by Nussbaum Law on Unsplash

A wise person once told me that every life is shaped by five pivotal choices—decisions that steer our paths until the next crossroads. One of those moments led me to Washington state. At 33 years old, I had just completed my first ascent of Mount Rainier, which represented not only a physical challenge but also the most adventurous experience of my life.

After nearly seven years in the legal field, I had just cleared my student loans, was on the cusp of partnership, yet felt profoundly unfulfilled. While I appreciated my work, representing financial institutions under government scrutiny lacked deeper significance in my life. Though it was a respectable career, it had consumed my existence, overshadowing vital moments such as the arrival of my sister's first child—an irreplaceable occasion.

Preparation for my new life took some time.

Over the next eight months, I quietly mapped out my future. I gathered a list of destinations I yearned to visit, and meticulously drafted a budget to sustain a year of travel, followed by another year to build a fresh start. Alongside these practical steps, I had to confront the discomfort of uncertainty. My past had been a straight trajectory: high school, college, law school, and finally, a position at a law firm, defining success through salary and social status.

A friend offered me a simple yet profound piece of advice: "Pursue what excites you, and everything will fall into place." This became my guiding principle. I resigned from my position and hit the road.

As it turned out, this was the most rewarding decision I could have made.

Day by day, I learned to navigate this new lifestyle. I encountered others who lived in their cars and gradually shed my defensive mindset. I found greater peace sleeping under the stars than in any bed.

In the months that followed, I opened myself to new experiences. I forged friendships at trailheads, went backpacking and rock climbing with new companions, and embraced the freedom of running through nature without the constraints of time or destination.

I stumbled often. A storm once redirected my run, forcing me to spend the night in a stranger's vehicle. Yet, through these trials, I cultivated a newfound trust in the unknown. After years of adhering to conventional success, I discovered a different kind of achievement rooted in curiosity and passion.

Eight years later, I no longer reside in my car, I haven’t returned to the legal profession, and I continue to seek what excites me while constructing a life rich in purpose.

Conclusion:

In summary, leaving my high-paying legal career to live in my car was the best choice I ever made. This decision opened the door to a world of exploration and self-discovery. Thank you for joining me on this journey!