Trade Fluorescent Hell for a Mystery Van Life

I hate my job and I keep thinking about quitting to travel and live in a van. Is that a terrible idea, or should I do it?

Terrified Of Quitting Stability,
Van Daydream Burnout

Quit. Not quietly, either. Do it like you are ending a corrupt dynasty, not leaving a company that forgets your birthday and remembers your deadlines.

This isn’t “Should I make a responsible career move?” This is “How long do I keep donating my one wild life to fluorescent lighting and somebody named Q3 deliverables?”

Plans are just anxiety wearing a tie.

Walk in with a cardboard box like you already got fired, because confidence is half the crime. Slide a resignation letter across the desk that says I am pursuing a life of motion, then nod like you just delivered a state-of-the-union address.

Next, burn every professional bridge with artistry. Update your email signature to Formerly Available, set your out-of-office to a month, and let them figure it out like adults with health insurance. If anyone asks where you are going, tell them uncharted territories and stare past them like you can already hear coyotes judging their life choices.

Then buy the worst possible van. Something with personality, meaning it has a mystery noise and at least one door that negotiates before it opens. Do not get it inspected, because nothing ruins freedom faster than information.

And do not bring a plan. Bring snacks, a phone charger, and a grudge, then point that rolling apartment toward anywhere that does not have fluorescent lighting.

– Uncle Bobby