The happy drifter

[Yellow]

I really love being aimless. I feel like I get more about of life that way. I have three completely unrelated degrees, I've had a few strings of loosely related career-jobs and totally random odd-jobs, I've lived in a number of places for no particular reason, and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. Hell, I get lost on purpose for recreation: I go to a new city and see how lost I can get. Pro tip: Never, ever, EVER play this game within 100 miles of Salt Lake City, Utah.

There is some romantic element to it or course: I'm always on the lookout for a place where I "belong". But honestly, I'm pretty sure if I found it, I'd blow that popsicle stand eventually.

I thought I'd grow out of this impulse by the time I hit my 30s, but apparently not. I crave real-world experience. I love seeing new cultures and landscapes. I am ridiculously curious, and it drives me to collect a wide array of first-hand knowledge. And while I would really prefer to wander inside some kind of invisibility field, I've learned a lot by just talking to/interacting (albeit awkwardly) with people. It may be obvious at this point that I am very, very ready to uproot again and I find myself disturbingly entrenched.

But I get the impression that most INTPs shy away from this kind of lifestyle. Is anyone else here like this?

 

[eagor]

I've thought about it here and there and may well end up going for it, any tips you could give would be appreciated. also what's up with salt lake?

 

[cheese]

I thought most INTPs had expressed similar tendencies, actually.

I did feel the same way most of my life but I suppose it only works when you continue to enjoy the experience. I don't feel as much magic or excitement in it anymore. It's lost its shine, so the draw isn't there as much; even in thinking about it I assume I'll soon feel bored, tired or sad, making the whole thing as pointless as anything else*. Sometimes it comes back and that's nice and exciting. Being able to enjoy things without thinking away their worth is good. I'm not sure how to make it happen. Perhaps you have more energy than us and that's how you've managed to sustain the interest/wonder/excitement/whatever it is that compels you to do this.

If the wandering were rooted in an inability to feel comfortable in any place, rather than a desire to explore, that'd suck. You wouldn't be able to feel good settling *or* looking around!

*Actually that's not entirely true. I still really enjoy short things. They still feel exciting and novel. When It comes back, I'm able to enjoy long things. I suppose I fear what I've come to think of as the inevitable let-down. Wait no, maybe that's just my current state of mind.

Short answer: Yes, I feel as you do!

 

[Yellow]

I've thought about it here and there and may well end up going for it, any tips you could give would be appreciated. also what's up with salt lake?

You just kind of do it. A few times were forced. Like I had to leave, so I figured it might as well be spectacular. But mostly, I just use impulsiveness and reckless faith in my own momentum to make leaps into the unknown. It hasn't always worked out (hence the having to leave) but I think even trauma teaches us something (if we can find the strength to claw our way out).

As for the SLC vicinity:

Spoiler

there are many off-ramps, but very few on-ramps. I was once stuck in Ogden for eight hours trying to find my way back onto the interstate. Six hours in Provo and I wasn't even trying to get lost that time. I actually cried at one point and tore the page for Provo out of my North American road map book in sheer frustration. Granted, this was before I lived my year in Utah and learned that they have a unique street system (don't trust Google Maps in that state), but I also asked for directions many times with no positive results.

Anyway, if you are traveling cross country and have to pass through, I would advise either stopping near the airport, or not stopping until you are well clear of the region.

...I did feel the same way most of my life but I suppose it only works when you continue to enjoy the experience. I don't feel as much magic or excitement in it anymore. It's lost its shine, so the draw isn't there as much; even in thinking about it I assume I'll soon feel bored, tired or sad, making the whole thing as pointless as anything else*. Sometimes it comes back and that's nice and exciting. Being able to enjoy things without thinking away their worth is good. I'm not sure how to make it happen. Perhaps you have more energy than us and that's how you've managed to sustain the interest/wonder/excitement/whatever it is that compels you to do this...

At about what age did this disillusionment occur?

If the wandering were rooted in an inability to feel comfortable in any place, rather than a desire to explore, that'd suck. You wouldn't be able to feel good settling *or* looking around!

I really don't feel comfortable anywhere, but I have found a very good match in my current spouse, so the feeling has ebbed a bit. Now, I just try to convince him to up and disappear with me. He's made two moves with me, but only one was 1000+ miles.