I followed a very similar path, but to stave off boredom, I spent two years driving from Alaska to Argentina through 17 countries, then three years driving all the way around Africa through 35 countries.

They cost about the same per month as living in a city and going to work, so it's really not a big deal, financially.

I do some freelance writing for magazines, I've written a few books, I do speaking engagements. I have less money than when I was slinging code, and I'm about 9000 times happier and can hardly remember work stress as a thing.

I'm just about to set off on my next major expedition, and at age 39 I couldn't be happier I decided to quit the rate race when I did! I wouldn't go back for all the money in the world.