<prompt> Human: HI all- all thoughts welcome. 26 years old, NYC. Good job as creative director in consumer mediaart industry, stable income, decent savings. But im... itching for change. 5 years of corporate life has ground me down. The kind of itch that wakes you up in the middle of REM sleep and doesnt go away with a few careless scratches. An itch worse than bedbugs, chickenpox, and an African safari of mosquito bites. An internal itch. A social-emotional itch. An itching of the soul. An itch with no known cure that compels one to make a dramatic decision: like leaving the extreme security of a good job - GREAT job - pack a bag, and hit the road for 6 months - 1 year, with no real plan, except to have fun. Questions:What am I giving up? Am I being ungrateful? How much will the opportunity cost of missing out on future savings impact me in a short time horizon? Would it be smarter to first buy real estate and then hit the road - or hit another financial milestone, before deviating from my current course? Am I in a good enough place already to afford this? Or would it be smarter to keep working? What will I value more in my mid 30s, late 30s - my decision to blow the money on this year of travel, or having continued working and saving?WHY travel? I have so much of the world to see, have recently grown into a newfound and joyous independence, and have never had any money before in my life to even consider travel this extensively. I couldnt be more excited. Financials for context:100 K income started with this company 40K in 2013 right out of college 60K brokerage account misc stocks, mutual funds35K 401K 30K liquid savings 15K crypto5.5k Roth IRA 0 debt Plan is to leave job 40K liquid savings, travel until I spend 30K, and move back to US or major city with 10K leftover - while not touching other investments. TL,DR: I really want to travel and leave my job, but am unsure if the missed opportunity cost of saving more now will bite me down the road. Thoughts?  <response>: What am I giving up?100k salary benefits Dont forget health insurance while you travel. This hiccup could also set you back in your career slightly. How much will the opportunity cost of missing out on future savings impact me in a short time horizon?Considering your earning potential and financial position, you probably wont feel much impact in your lifestyle. The numbers in your bank account just wont be as high. Would it be smarter to first buy real estate and then hit the roadReal estate is a liability, it will be much easier to travel without having to worry about it. hit another financial milestone, before deviating from my current course?Eliminating debt and saving money were the two major milestones you needed to hit and you already have. Am I in a good enough place already to afford this?Yes. Or would it be smarter to keep working?Youll have much more money in the future if you do, but what would you use it for? What will I value more in my mid 30s, late 30s - my decision to blow the money on this year of travel, or having continued working and saving?The reason to save money is ultimately spend it on the things you want. You currently want to travel, in your 30s you may have a family you want to take care of. Its up to you to balance which of those is more important to spend on, though most likely you can afford to do both. Also keep in mind that your youth, health, and independence are a diminishing asset, so use them wisely while you still can. 