Wake Up To Adventure (Adventuring And Keeping Your 9-5 Job)
You crave adventure but feel hampered by your 9-5. We know the feeling. Yet it’s possible to be both a responsible adult and a curious explorer. You only need to change your frame of mind.
It takes creativity, adjustments and dedication, but you can fit your passion into that busy schedule and live the wondrous life you've always wanted.
We often don't even let ourselves dream big enough. We see the thrills we want as something distant and impossible. We end up convincing ourselves that it can't happen, so we never even try. That’s why changing your attitude is the first step towards this exciting lifestyle. 
Here's the thing. You don't actually need to go far. Yes, there are those epic journeys we keep on our bucket lists, like hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu or trekking the Great Wall of China. But the reality is, you can often find wonders even in your backyard.
That is the whole point of adventuring while maintaining your day job - being able to seize the day and use every opportunity to do the things you love.
We often wonder: "How in the world does a person find the time?" Well, their priorities are simply different.
Most people dream of adventure but spend their time outside work sleeping in, going out with friends or binge watching TV. That's not a proactive attitude, but luckily, that frame of mind can easily be changed.
People who wake up to adventure do things a little differently. They get up early, they plan in advance, they sometimes sacrifice other aspects of their life because they have different priorities. They have time because they make it.
The first thing to do is organize your time differently. You may be working from 9 to 5, but that means you have plenty of time in the mornings and evenings to do whatever else you want. Getting up really early to go for a hike, or leaving the city in the evening and coming back the next morning is a perfectly reasonable scenario.
Don't get us wrong, this doesn't mean stretching yourself too thin, getting no rest or sleeping in your car. Coming back to the office after a sleepless night (or a few) is a nightmare and will do no good for your career.
Balancing the two sides of your personality is the key to this lifestyle. You can be a responsible adult who loves their job and pays their bills, and nurture the wild child in you during the off hours.
When it comes to the weekend, it's an ideal opportunity to spend even more time on your favourite pastime. Weekend trips need more planning - find the ideal place, coordinate your mini-vacation with the work calendar so you catch a long weekend without taking time off work, book the tickets and accommodation, and pack.
Instead of wasting a lot of time packing, get everything ready the morning before work, so you can hit the road as soon as you clock out. Make packing fast and practical by assembling a list of essentials. Read our blog post on packing to find out exactly what to pack on a weekend hiking trip, and what you can leave at home.
The 9-5 adventurers have a secret - they are close to adventure no matter where they live. That means they love exploring the city they live in and its vicinity. You would be surprised to discover how many gorgeous hiking trails there are around where you live, and how many fun events are hosted in your city.
Bring Adventure Closer To You
Adelaide - One of the most overlooked larger cities in Australia, Adelaide, offers a ton of options for 9-5 adventurers. Although it's not exactly a vibrant metropolis, its beaches stretch for kilometres making it a heaven for surfers. The city also has 29 gorgeous parks, and the nature outside the city is outstanding with dozens of walking and hiking trails.
Just a ferry-boat ride from Adelaide, lies Kangaroo Island - one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Australia. Let's just say that koalas, kangaroos and fur seals outnumber the cars. This kind of a day trip will make you forget all about the office until you get back.
Darwin - On the opposite side of the country, in the far North, Darwin inspires with an almost endless number of thrilling ideas. The city and its surroundings hide the very essence of Australia. Here you can learn all about the Aboriginal culture and get a closer look at the wonders of Australian beaches, rainforests and the outback.
Living in Darwin gives you immediate access to great versatility. This is one of the most laid-back cities in the country, but it's also home to some of the most dangerous Australian creatures. So, you can just as well spend your Saturday at the beach watching the spectacular sunset, and your Sunday on an exciting safari where you can come face to face with deadly crocodiles.
Apart from the glorious nature, Darwin is full of other excitements. The city hosts one of the most popular festivals in the country, Darwin Festival, with 150 events stretching over 18 days.
Don't worry even if you don't live in these cities. Other corners of the country are just as amazing for your new lifestyle. Read our blog on fun-filled day trips in Australia where we gathered some awesome ideas for quick getaways. But these destinations are even better if you have more than a day to spare, which also makes them excellent weekend trips.
Surrounding yourself with adventure doesn't have to be limited to a certain city, or even a certain country. Have you heard of digital nomads?
People who can't imagine working a regular 9-5 job in the traditional sense of the word opt for a life on the move. Digital nomads turn their whole life into an on-the-road experience, working remotely and moving from one place to another every few months.
What's In Your Pockets?
Those who wake up to adventure are always ready for one, no matter if they are headed to work or the airport. There are some essentials that everyone needs to have in their pockets and their backpacks. That’s why quality EDC (everyday carry) is essential to anyone who wants to adopt this lifestyle.
So, if you were to empty your pockets right now, what would you find?
Wallet - An elegant yet reliable wallet is the first thing we found. We always recommend a travel wallet simply because it easily fits and protects cash, cards and a passport; everything we need when we leave the office with a backpack and an adventurous spirit.
Phone case - Those who are on the go most of the time know better than anyone that phones are super fragile. A slim leather phone case is all you need to protect your phone no matter where you go.
Key holder - There's probably a couple of keys in your pockets as well. Keep them all in one place with a convenient key holder, and prevent them from scratching your phone and wallet. Add a pocket knife and a bottle opener, and your after-work camping trip in the great outdoors can start.
Other essentials can't fit our pockets, but should always be on us so we can hop in the car and head out to explore.
Backpack - A high-quality backpack is one of the best investments you can possibly make. Choose one that fits a daily commute just as well as a hike. It should have a padded laptop sleeve perfect for the office hours, and a waterproof finish that secures your carry once you get on the road.
Watch - A real adventure-designed timepiece is made to endure all weather conditions and always stay reliable. It should also be classic and elegant so it fits just as well into a meeting room, a bustling city street, and a rainforest.
Portable charger – To always be mobile, you need your source of power with you. A small and durable portable charger will easily fit inside your backpack and help your charge your devices even when you find yourself in the heart of the wilderness.
Patagonia Arbor Pack 26L Backpack
Tsovet SVT-FW44 Classic Mens Watch
Sparkstone Portable Device Charger
At the end of the day, balancing adventure and a day job is not easy. Getting up at 4 am to hike, squeezing vacations into weekends, and carrying your backpack to work is not the ideal situation. But that's what it takes to be a 9-5 adventurer.
Yes, there is a price to this lifestyle but we'd choose it again every time, just to be able to do the things we love. So, forget about the excuses. Make a decision, fill your schedule with plans, and start checking off that list whenever you can.