DS has quit his job to go travelling with a girl he just met

@BeensOnToost thats not the case in this country, maybe it is in Australia. Even engineering graduates are struggling to get graduate jobs

It's natural for you to worry but he should absolutely be doing this sort of thing now in his twenties. I hope he has fun,

He has a qualification that means he can get a job whenever he likes.

He isn't walking away from a job at 22 that he can't do at 25.

He has already made a decision.

There is no better time in his life.

😂 honestly this place is fucking funny a lot of the time. Would be more so if posters didn’t genuinely believe the absolute shit they come out with.

only on mumsnet could a joke about women having more luggage (we absolutely do IME!) be turned into ‘he’s being used as a drug mule’ and then discussed seriously by some for several pages. Brilliant

I hope he has a great time :)

Have you never watched banged up abroad?

A lot of people have, but early on there were quite a lot of comments, some outright weird, claiming this girl must be "love bombing" the OP's son, must have some ulterior, nefarious motive; that he's stupid to give up his job; that he's going to turn into a drug mule etc., etc. My post was in response those.

Come on OP, aside from being healthy, we just want our DC to be happy- right?

He’s had a hard time. You’ve just admitted yourself that moving continents dented his confidence big time.

He has met someone he likes, and she’s a go getter. This could be the making of him. He’ll have an amazing time, and come back a happy, confident man.

Help him pack, meet the girl, bung him a few dollars and tell him to embrace life to the full and have a great time.

This sounds a great thing for him to do, but using mostly group tours is an expensive way to do it. As they haven't known each other long, could you suggest that they don't book any tours too far ahead, so that they have the option to travel separately? It's now so easy to travel independently. Booking.com has penetrated even some of the most isolated rural areas!

I think you are right but nonetheless it a common sense tip, that he needs to consider as in reality, he hasn't known her for too long.

I can understand why it can be disconcerting when a big life change happens unexpectedly and as parents to try to get your kids in a good job to set them up so it maybe scary him giving that job up....BUT

It shows great personal growth, it will do his self esteem and independence no end of good and it will broaden his horizons. Doing it when he has money in the bank and no long term commitments is the best time.

Just make sure he takes some standard precautions-
That's exciting for your son! Here are some essential tips to help him stay safe while backpacking internationally:

1. Research and Plan: Encourage him to research his destination thoroughly, including local customs, laws, and potential risks. Planning ahead can help avoid unexpected issues.
2. Travel Insurance: Make sure he has comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft.
3. Stay Connected: He should keep in touch with family or friends regularly, sharing his itinerary and checking in frequently and make sure you know exactly who this girl is and who her emergency contacts are. Make sure he has a phone plan that works in all the countries he is going to so you always have a point of contact for his whereabouts.
4. Pack Essentials: He should pack a first-aid kit, necessary medications, and copies of important documents (passport, insurance, etc.).
5. Stay Aware: Being aware of his surroundings and avoiding risky areas, especially at night, is crucial.
6. Local Contacts: Have local emergency contacts and know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
7. Health Precautions: Ensure he is up-to-date with vaccinations and knows how to handle common travel-related illnesses.
8. Respect Local Culture: Encourage him to respect local customs and traditions to avoid offending locals and to stay safe.
9. Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for emergencies, including knowing how to reach local emergency services.

The more planning he does , the easier you will feel but let him learn from his new relationship and enjoy his travels.

Tbf I think that at 24 it's not his mother's job to be reminding him about that. He's not 16.

Go travelling around the world, having adventures with someone you fancy and get on with... or work?

Work will still be there. And so will mortgages and bills and health concerns and elderly parents etc. I 100% wish this is something I could've done in my 20s before I had responsibilities and ties.

It is only 6 months out of his life. Not long in the scheme of things, but oh, what a glorious adventure he will have!

Ps. Agree with other posters to tell him not to put anything that isn't his in his bags in case of smuggling! 💊💉🗡🥚🐢📽🫖☠️🔫🏹🏺🎁🪴

Same 🤣🤣

I got what he meant OP.

Ignore all these people desperate to read too much into it. Clearly he meant he'll be chivalrous and carry her stuff up steep hills, not that she's asking him to mule for him. Bloody hell, this site is full of weirdos

She was already mid gap year - so no suggestion of that in the OP

If he got one good job he'll get another, well done him for being brave enough to do it. I am insanely jealous!

He's so young and has no ties. Even better he has a CV already which isn't going anywhere while he takes a break to see the world and explore this new relationship.

This bit stood out: "this girl has brought out a whole new side to him, he seems much more confident and relaxed."

This sounds lovely! You say the decision is out of character, but if he was lost in his teens, maybe he's finding himself and with it his inner confidence. How wonderful for him - and for you.

Give him a big hug and wave him off happily. He'll have a brilliant time whatever happens with this girl. Travel is always a brilliant investment

I did this in my 20s randomly went off with new boyfriend - we split have way through the trip and we just continued on travelling separately - made loads of friends and had the best time

in wouldn't worry

Well that honestly sounds wonderful. They may or may not get along the whole way through so just be prepared to catch him if required.
that aside hope they both have a wonderful time. Also I am sure the girls parents are indeed thinking the same! Maybe get their number too if needed.

I'd agree on the drug mule front.

It'll be an adventure. I met my DH like this. Left my job, had some fun, we both found new jobs, we've now got 2 kids and a house.

Is her name Lucy?

I doubt she's asking him to store heroin.

It sounds like he went through massive upheaval age 11 when you immigrated and this was a lot tougher on him than maybe you realised? Thank goodness he has now meant someone who has given him a bit more zest for life and inspired him to do something exciting and have something to look forward to! Support him! If it doesn’t work out, he can always come back home …

Maybe they feel safer that way

I think it is marvellous! Your son is young, why worry? He'll be back, enriched, and can find another job. He is at the right age for adventures, a few years longer and he'll have responsibilities so won't be able to do it so easily.

drugs!!