I hinted on it in a recent blog post: in January, Mark, Maya, and I spent about two weeks – spread over multiple visits – in historic St. Augustine, Florida, in regards to a job. Our life would potentially take an entirely different turn here. Promising and exciting. Or, was the anticipation part of a mind trick? Something that sounded too good to be true? A case of me falling for the trap I usually avoid: expectation leads to disappointment?
While in town, we had access to electricity, bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Luxurious and easy! Our AT&T data plan works splendidly in St. Augustine, so I could continue my own projects. The neighborhood was a bit shady and the traffic and train noise were horrific, but we could walk into the cute downtown.
I imagined being settled in attractive St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States (established 1565), sporting historic buildings, a fort, green parks, plenty of entertainment, and beautiful beaches close by. We would meet friends here. I could work on my book, articles, and translations in peace, while Mark was at work.
Unfortunately, the job didn’t work out. My new direction for 2020 dissipated. But the desire to find a real job and a home base left me hanging with an interesting observation: Are we ready to settle?
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February 19, 2020 at 16:12
St Augustine is a great place. Easy to like! Just maybe?
February 20, 2020 at 09:29
We do like the town a lot. Housing is very expensive, though. If it wasn’t for a job, we would probably never settle in Florida… Maybe we will head west again.
February 19, 2020 at 16:26
Hi Liesbet, I like the pictures. Maya of course is a pretty as always.
Would you settle in St. Augustine? Possibly, or another part of Florida? I live in Florida and St. Augustine is one place I haven’t gotten too.
There are so many pretty places in Florida, if that is where your heart longs to be. You have probably seen most of it already, right? Have you ever visited Mount Dora? Of all the places I’ve lived in Florida it is one of my favorites. That is if you like quaint, charming, little towns with a lot of ma and pa shops, an antique shops. It’s not the beach.
February 20, 2020 at 09:33
Hi Lea!
What we like best about Florida so far – other than historic St. Augustine – is the winter weather. We’ve tried spending winters everywhere else in the US and are drawn to warm climates.
I haven’t visited Mount Dora. I’ll have to look that up. I’ll go there and you’ll go to St. Augustine, deal? 🙂
I have traveled extensively in Florida in a previous life. With Mark, I’ve actually not done much in the state this time, as our focus has been on jobs, his and mine. But, we hope to remedy that in March. In general, we like it out west better than in the east. We will see what happens!
February 19, 2020 at 17:08
Although I’d dislike you being all the way over on the other side of the country, I can understand why you may have an urge to settle down (at least for a while). Florida needs more people who vote blue, so there’s that! I know you two will make a well-considered decision and I look forward to learning what it is.
February 20, 2020 at 09:35
Hi Janis! As you know, the west is closer to our hearts (atmosphere, scenery, mentality) than the east. Mark and I have been weighing options for the last few weeks, but we are nowhere close to a decision. So, while waiting for the right move to be presented to us, we will just stick to what we are doing now… travel the US and work from our home on wheels. Of course, that can change any moment. 🙂
February 19, 2020 at 17:17
Sorry the job didn’t pan out. Interesting that you’d be ready to sit for a spell. Even the heartiest of nomads could use a break from time to time, huh! I look forward to hearing your upcoming plans.
February 20, 2020 at 09:39
Now you know why your last post resonated with me, Ingrid! 🙂
You know how exhausting RV travel is (and we never stay in RV Parks or in the same place for more than a day or two, usually), so the desire to sit still somewhere – especially when we need to work – is often present. If we were to be retired, it would be a different story, I think. Although, you are right, every nomad gets exhausted from the lifestyle once in a while. Based on other people’s accounts, that happens around five years. I’ve been going for seventeen, with breaks in between when house and pet sitting.
February 19, 2020 at 17:25
Really sorry about the job.
Are you ready to settle?
February 20, 2020 at 09:40
Good question, Alex. Maybe for a little while… just to get some things done that have been weighing on me for years (like a memoir). 🙂
February 19, 2020 at 17:46
I’m really sorry things didn’t work out the way you had hoped, Liesbet. I do believe you, Mark and Maya will find the right place to settle down, if that’s what you want to do. Perhaps there’s still more exploring to be done. Stay safe!
February 20, 2020 at 09:41
Hi Jill!
There is always, always, always more exploring to do. The lifestyle just gets exhausting after years. All I need is probably a multiple-month break from the road again, to focus on work and charge my batteries. Then, I’ll be all excited to travel more. I think! We will see what happens… That seems to be our motto. Stay tuned! 🙂
February 19, 2020 at 18:59
Great cliff hanger! I’ll be keeping posted to find out! 😀
February 20, 2020 at 09:43
Haha, Donna. Not sure whether there’s anything to find out yet… It’s so funny how Mark and I never know what will happen, and the reader will have to find out as things unfold. Like in my memoir.
February 19, 2020 at 20:52
Annie and I are so sorry things didn’t work out. Be safe.
February 20, 2020 at 09:44
Hi Steven! Thank you for your sentiments. We were both pretty bummed, but are slowly moving on. Once I get to a stopping point with my memoir, it will be more enjoyable again to travel and sightsee. Still, you two amaze me with how much you manage to pack in during long-term travel. I’d be exhausted! 🙂
February 19, 2020 at 21:00
I wish you’d gotten your chance to try settling down for a bit, but I’m sure there will be other opportunities … if you decide you want them! I totally get the (possible) urge to settle in for a while somewhere. That’s why I call my blog ONE foot out the door! I’m always straining toward the doorway, but I really like having a home life, too. I’ve never wandered nomadically as you have (would like to try it, though!), so in many ways we are coming from different places psychologically. I’ll be very curious to see what you think as you pursue the idea!
February 20, 2020 at 09:50
I truly adore your blog title, Lexie. Such a great analogy and truth to your sense of adventure and urge to travel, and to your happiness about returning home and be comfortable in a familiar place. Having a home base makes travel much more enjoyable for a lot of people. They’re always happy to come home. Mark and I have been contemplating this realization for the last few weeks, especially since his parents are getting up there in age and we won’t be able to keep using their address.
The idea of settling for a while might be fleeting, because I feel so overwhelmed right now. In the past house sits brought the perfect balance for us between being on the road and charging our batteries (and having an easy place to work). Another reason to sit still somewhere for a while is to focus on making money. We will see what happens… 🙂
February 19, 2020 at 22:27
You are very good if you can avoid the expectation trap – even most of the time. I am always falling into it. As I was reading, I was thinking ‘are they going to settle down’, and then you asked the very same question – intrigued. Wish you good luck whatever you decide.
February 20, 2020 at 09:53
Hi Trace!
I really don’t do well with disappointments. Or regrets. So, I’ve learned a long time ago (and especially when we were on our sailboat when NOTHING went according to plan) to not expect anything and then I can only be pleasantly surprised. 🙂
Thanks for the wishes. Interesting, how you were following my train of thought throughout the post. This blog was about an internal struggle I’m going through. No decisions yet. Many options, however…
February 20, 2020 at 00:12
I’m sorry the job did not work out. I love visiting St. Augustine.
February 20, 2020 at 09:54
Hi Juneta! St. Augustine is a lovely town. Not a bad place to be stuck for a while. Maybe in another life? 🙂
February 20, 2020 at 07:46
Sorry the job didn’t work out. One benefit of the nomadic lifestyle is that you’ve gotten to see a lot of the country (and Canada), so when it comes to deciding where you would like to live, hopefully you have some amazing contenders.
February 20, 2020 at 09:57
Thanks, JH! And, you got it!! We’ve experienced many states, yet to be able to decide on settling for a bit, an in-depth experience is necessary. Well, if buying a place is involved. Otherwise, all I need is a comfortable office to focus on my writing for a year. 🙂
There are many beautiful and attractive places in North America. The tricky part (for us) is that few – if any – would work year round…
February 20, 2020 at 12:13
That was a surprise, the nomads thinking of settling down. St Augustine looks a pretty place so I’m sorry that option didn’t work out. I hope you get other opportunities.
February 20, 2020 at 15:03
It would be a temporary “settlement”, Anabel. 🙂 Being constantly on the go – whether in a camper or a sailboat – combining work to make money with maintaining our lives and vehicles and trying to actually explore and experience the world gets exhausting… Maybe we think differently in a few weeks from now. Who knows? All we need is a decent break to finish projects and charge our batteries. A bit like the house sits we used to do.
February 20, 2020 at 17:29
I’ve read your blog post and the comments. You have a lot of friends here to Pow-wow with and get clarity. One Foot Out the Door is an intriguing blog title, which I haven’t noticed till now – ha!
I too had hoped for St. Augustine opportunities to pan out. Then you’d have time to sort your feelings and get more undisturbed time writing. Maybe a house sit soon?
Now I see you are in Lake Panasoffkee. As long as I’ve been in Florida, I’ve not heard of the place. We’ve been to Mt. Dora several times. It’s cute, but smaller than St. Augustine. I remember some hills too though I don’t know about camping sites. In mid-March, the snowbirds leave, so maybe rates would drop.
Staying tuned . . . ! 😀
February 22, 2020 at 21:49
Hi Marian,
Lexie from One Foot Out the Door, while living in a normal house, is a very independent and adventurous soul whom I’d love to meet in person as well. A good sailing friend of mine (also a travel blogger) had the good fortune of Lexie visiting her in Madagascar. Talk about an adventure! 🙂
Not sure about another house sit with Maya. Plus, the main reason we did house sits was because Mark had a full-time job on the road, which he doesn’t have anymore. It would make our lives easier though, to mix in house sits again.
We’re still camping for free in Florida, so the rates aren’t a problem. 🙂 We just spent ten days at the Lake Panasoffkee WMA Campground (yep, free), but never actually saw the lake – I just worked on my memoir and went for walks with Maya.
Mt. Dora sounds interesting; a place I never heard of before. Soon, our little family will be more mobile and revert to sightseeing once more. 🙂
February 29, 2020 at 22:07
😀
February 20, 2020 at 19:06
So as I read the comments, Liesbet, I know that you are younger than me…in your early 40s? Just wait til 60 and you are moving around a lot! If your wanderlust and energy work for you now, then continue with it. You and Mark are so versatile and used to mobility, this lifestyle suits you for now. I’m sure you will find the right mix. Love your photos and reading about your adventures!
February 22, 2020 at 21:56
Hi Terri!
You know me very well – either because we met in person, because you read between the lines, or because you are part sociologist. 🙂 Yes, Mark and I are relatively young when compared to the majority RVing (or sailing), due to most people picking up this lifestyle when they’re retired. And, yes, we LOVE our mobility, flexibility, and freedom. Settling for a long time is probably not in our blood…
When discussing future adventures, we keep our age in mind, thinking we’d “save” the easier places, like Europe, and air travel for when we are less mobile and adventurous. We realize we should explore South America and Africa sooner than later, but there are – of course – other factors involved, like cost and us getting a bit exhausted, as I’ve been at it since 2003. We will see what happens! 🙂
February 21, 2020 at 16:08
I can definitely understand your feeling exhausted…been there many times. Sometimes I just want to stop and go home, but luckily the feeling usually passes with a bit of rest and relaxation. People who have never traveled full time really can’t understand how tiring it can be. They just think it’s one long vacation. HA! I’m curious as to why you stopped doing house/dog sits. I suppose it’s more difficult now since you have a dog of your own. Anyway, I hope you find your way to whatever suits you best and I look forward to seeing what that turns out to be.
February 22, 2020 at 22:08
Hi Leslie!
One long vacation… that makes me desire a vacation. 🙂 You are so correct in your statement about only long-term travelers understanding the need to call this lifestyle quits for a while.
Yes, a multiple-month break could do the trick. I know from experience that – during past house sits of a few months – that the travel itch returns pretty quickly. From the moment I realize I’m “stuck” in a routine, usually. Haha.
Since we’ve adopted Maya in June, we haven’t house sat for a few reasons – we think it might be harder to secure a sit with her and we wanted to see how she’d do with other dogs first. Also, we really looked forward to sightseeing more and in depth instead of stopping for months at a time doing the sits, and we mainly house sat in the past because Mark ran a business full-time and I needed to write a book. We don’t have our business anymore and I’m in the final stages of my memoir, so we figured life on the road would be more exciting and pleasing.
February 22, 2020 at 10:11
Such wonderful pictures of St. Augustine. It is nice to stay in a place for a while and really absorb it.
So honestly I hate it when my traveling friends say they are going to quit traveling. But I totally understand.
It can be exhausting. And I know you have wanted a vacation away from the traveling for a while. And working on the road is so hard.
It seems like most of my big changes have come on suddenly. One minute I think I am going to be in one place for ever and then all of a sudden it feels right to do something totally different.
I hope you can find more time for yourself in the coming months and if the next right opportunity to settle comes up that it all works out.
February 22, 2020 at 22:17
Hi Duwan!
I hope you’re not confusing us with your other traveling friends, as we never said we were going to “quit traveling”. 🙂 I would happily take a vacation, however. Mainly because working on the road has been hard. But, it’s our choice. I think a short break would do wonders to recharge our batteries. And then I think I’m a wimp, since we recently had a seven-week break in Kentucky!
We’re still trying to figure out what to do this summer, so that’s where all the hesitation and such comes into play as well. From the moment we leave Florida, we have to know whether to head north or west. And, do we keep traveling or do we try and find jobs for a little while? Time will tell! Changes cone sudden on our paths as well.
Now that temporarily settling in St. Augustine is not working out, I might not be happy with any alternative. You – of all people – know the best how I felt about that entire episode.
February 22, 2020 at 12:17
I am sorry to hear the job didn’t work out Liesbet. After reading Ingrid’s latest post, I can certainly understand that a time might come where one wants to have a place or location to call home. Best wishes to you and Mark as you journey on in life. I’ll be looking forward to updates.
February 22, 2020 at 22:20
Hi Sue! I’m glad you read Ingrid’s last post as well. It resonated with me for that very reason. Yet, we’re not ready for a big change, but merely could use a few months of sitting still, making and saving some money in an easier, more straightforward manner. To then adventure and journey on in life. Who knows what will happen. Mark and I sometimes make guesses about where we think we would be a year later. I don’t think we’ve ever gotten it right. 🙂
February 24, 2020 at 11:10
Hi Liesbet,
Understand how traveling fulltime can wear you out. It’s your life, not a vacation.
Just an FYI…free camping down near us, just east of Sebring on rt 98…Hickory Hammock Equestrian park (WRA). We haven’t stayed there, but we winter in Lake Placid and drove over to check it out. Looks pretty good. Don’t need a horse, LOL.
We love Mt. Dora, BTW, really quaint. The Leesburg area has a lot to offer in general.
No worries about the job…things are meant to be or their not…including the settling. When it is right and you are ready you will do it.
February 26, 2020 at 11:41
Hi Nancy!
You are so right about our lifestyle being our life and not a vacation… Hence, I’ve been craving a “real” vacation for about fifteen years. 🙂
So interesting that you mention Hickory Hammock, as we’ve reserved a site there next week for a few days! We’ll be meeting friends who are camp hosting at the Highlands Hammock State Park close by. These free WMD campgrounds are amazing. We’ve stayed at a few really beautiful and convenient ones. As long as the sun is out and we can put our solar panels in it, we’re doing just fine!
I still have to look up Mt. Dora, since a few people have recommended a visit. Our USA Lonely Planet book didn’t mention it, but then again, it doesn’t mention all that much as it covers the entire country!
I hope you’re right about the job – I’m still pretty bummed about it – and the settling thing, as we’re a bit at a loss right now. Something will work out, though, but it might need some help from us veering one way or the other.
February 24, 2020 at 14:26
You, Liesbet, ready to settle down? Interesting. I can understand the need to stay put, even if it is only for a little while. You may be considering continuity so you can finish important projects, like your memoir. So sorry the job didn’t work out for Mark. I believe you guys can do anything you put your minds to. More power to you!
February 26, 2020 at 11:45
That’s the thing, Victoria – I don’t know whether I’m ready to settle down. Hence the question mark. And, in any case, it would be temporarily as in for a year or two. We usually get itchy again after a couple of months being stationary. Yes, I am looking for some alone time in a convenient place to finally get that memoir (and ideally a few other projects) done. It’s been overwhelming and my mind can’t find peace. In turn, I’m not enjoying the benefits of this lifestyle as much as I should. Hope that makes sense.
Thanks for the belief in us making anything work. You might well be right about that, as it worked in the past. The problem these days is: what shall we put our mind to? 🙂
February 24, 2020 at 21:34
Oh, that IS an interesting question! I can imagine that it would be a whole lot easier to accomplish your usual workday from a “home base”. (But I’m biased – I’m a homebody through and through.) 😉
February 26, 2020 at 11:48
Yes, having a home base is what this girl (and any sane person attempting to write a book) desires! Not forever, but just to make life a tad easier until I’m at another stopping point. Of course, as you know (and as my husband sarcastically pointed out yesterday), a book is never completely done, especially if you’re a perfectionist! 🙂
February 27, 2020 at 15:36
That is SO true! 🙂
February 25, 2020 at 09:05
Ooh…interesting! Can’t wait to hear more about your thoughts on potentially settling down when we see you.
February 26, 2020 at 11:48
Don’t take that phrase “settling down” too seriously! We’ll fill you in on our experiences and ideas in about two weeks or so!!!
February 26, 2020 at 21:28
As I am reading your post, Liesbet, I am waiting for a “but.” It is as if you were rehearsing for the potential of another life plan. I am a huge believer on we work hard, set goals, make plans, yet life also happens organically. I read “Seat of the Soul” about 30 years ago. It helped me follow the trajectory of my life. Pros and cons in all decisions. Nothing is ever set in stone. You and Mark are in this together. You will know what and when feels right.🙂
February 27, 2020 at 13:36
Hi Erica! Wise words!
There is much more to the story than I shared here. Isn’t there often? 🙂 We are finding the entire process of finding jobs in general quite frustrating, because of human behavior. Maybe it’s because we’ve been “out of it” for such a long time, but things sure have changed. Exercising our flexible mindset has been very important lately. 🙂
March 4, 2020 at 14:27
Liesbet, it is hard trying to balance the trade offs of any particular location or lifestyle. Well-paying job opportunities are seldom available in the most lovely or congenial places (like your Kentucky experience). Beautiful places with great weather tend to be expensive and overrun with tourists, except in the off-season (which is why we tend to travel internationally in the off-season). Great, well-paying jobs often leave little time to do all the other things one would like to do. Time off for travel creates gaps in the resume.
On the other hand, many of the best aspects of a place, like becoming part of a community, can only be discovered after settling in a place for a while, warts and all. Although I found the constant rain in southwestern BC off putting when I first moved here in the 70s, I have come to love the rainy winters of a coastal rainforest, just as I came to love the windy chinooks and the beautiful coulees in southern Alberta when I lived there. I know your heart will let you know when it is time to make a new choice.
Jude
March 4, 2020 at 22:13
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Jude. I’m so glad that you made these locations work for you – grow on you. You are so right about liking and appreciating a place more when staying for a while, when being more than a tourist.
For the reasons you mention – the difficulty to find well-paying jobs in amazing locations with great weather – and other, more personal reasons, the St. Augustine job seemed perfect and fitting, meant to be. Hence, the disappointment…
In the past, we have been able to count on our hearts (and fate) to come up with a new plan or life path. I hope you’re right about that happening again at some point in the near future. Having some direction or purpose is necessary sometimes. 🙂
March 8, 2020 at 14:46
We drove through St Augustine on our way up to New Jersey last year, and I felt that I could quite happily live there. It sort of waved to me. 😃
March 9, 2020 at 10:20
Did you wave back? 🙂 Because our circumstances had us in St. Augustine for more than a couple of days, we feel like we got a good idea of the historic center and some of the surrounding neighborhoods. So much so that we know where we’d try and rent/buy a house if we’d ever lived there. 🙂
March 15, 2020 at 07:05
Great post! St. Augustine looks very attractive. Job didn’t work out? I think inspiration will come a bit later), maybe you just need to relax?
March 17, 2020 at 11:06
Hi Darina! Thanks for swinging by here and leaving a comment. Welcome to Roaming About! 🙂
We don’t seem to be successful with our job searches and applications these months. We keep trying and in the meantime, some relaxation sounds perfect…