Another weekend, another adventure. I had an epiphany this week, I finally understood how I find myself caught in a whirlwind of weekend plans, not just some weekends but almost every weekend—be it hopping on flights to explore European cities, packing up for spontaneous camping trips, and diving into city breaks on a whim, or looking at motorhomes I definitely can't afford. ADHD.
This week I was learning about waffle charts, so for fun I made a chart with a square for each weekend of the year, I then coloured all the past weekends where I’ve done something “fun, spontaneous, extravagant or costly” then marked the weekends for the rest of the year ahead where something similar is already planned.
This visualisation was shocking - now I know why I’m broke and knackered all the time.
Here’s the chart of my fun times, or as some call it my financial irresponsibility:
If you’re anything like me your ADHD urge to fill every free moment with dopamine fueled excitement can be both exhilarating and exhausting. While my packed schedule of adventures and sightseeing is amazing there’s a price to pay—both emotionally and financially.
The ADHD Hustle: Why I’m Always on the Go
For those of us with ADHD, the drive to seek constant stimulation can be relentless. Impulsivity isn’t just a quirky trait; it’s a core part of how my ADHD manifests. The thrill of a last-minute trip or the rush of planning an unexpected getaway often feels like the ultimate dopamine hit. I’m always chasing the next adventure, zipping off on a Friday after work or returning late on Sunday night, utterly worn out but buzzing from the experience.
The Social Butterfly Effect: Fun, But at What Cost?
While these adventures are incredible, they come with their downsides. The fun isn’t free—constantly being on the go can wreak havoc on my budget. Flights, hotels, eating out, and activities all add up quickly. And then there’s the emotional toll: feeling knackered and a bit down when the trip is over. The cycle of FOMO and the tendency to say “yes” to every trip often leaves me drained and wondering if it was all worth it.
The Budget Blowout: Counting the Cost
I often overlook the financial impact of these impulsive adventures until I’m staring at my bank statement, wondering where it all went. The costs stack up—flights, accommodation, meals, and those little extras that seem trivial at the time but quickly accumulate. When I’m caught up in the excitement of planning the next getaway, it’s easy to forget about the long-term strain on my wallet.
Conclusion
While it’s clear that my weekends are a whirlwind of expensive, impulsive adventures, I’ve come to accept that I can’t always control my tendency to overdo things or find balance.
Despite the exhaustion that follows, I don’t regret my spontaneous plans. The thrill of living in the moment, even if it leaves me knackered, is something I value deeply. Embracing the chaos and excitement of my weekends is part of who I am, and I’ll keep chasing those experiences, no matter the cost.