Is it time to hit pause and press play on adventure? In this honest and uplifting blog, Gillian shares why she chose to step away from a job she loved and into a mid-career break filled with travel, growth, and the occasional hiccup. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s your turn to chase the open road, her story might just be the nudge you need.
Mid-career break – should I do it?
Well, should I do it?
Should I leave a role and colleagues I love, to take time to travel and explore, have an adventure?
Why not?
I couldn’t think of one good reason not to do it. Last year I travelled with a family member who wasn’t as fleet of foot as she would like to be. It drove home the backwards nature of the trajectory I was on, waiting for retirement years to travel.
The way I like to travel is to walk, cycle, paddle and explore, to take my time and spend time “living” in regions rather than simply passing through. Waiting made less and less sense when I considered that I’ve no idea what shape my health and wellbeing might take in the years to come.
Watching my children take trips and explore the planet was wearing thin – the envy was real.
It was my turn!
Anyone could list the ‘why nots’ but none of these were indomitable enough to put me off.
Would I miss my work? Will my finances hold out? Could my family cope without me?
There are always challenges to overcome when considering anything worth doing. I made a list, I worked my way through it, and I went!
Were there hiccups? Yup.
Did the world end?
Nope.
Would I be able to pick up quickly again in a career that I absolutely value? I think so, but the personal growth opportunity of taking time for oneself felt too priceless to ignore.
Undertaking the life admin of this was not a painful experience for me. I like to live cleanly and simply so divesting myself of some excess baggage in the form of “stuff” was cathartic and welcome.
It was simple to rent out my house, I could lean on beloved friends for the care of my cherished four-legged friend, all that was left was to make plans. I had enough savings to tide me over. Renting my house fully furnished for a few months was an easy decision to top up on funds while on the road.
I was asked a few times if being on my own was daunting and the answer is very simply, absolutely not.
Where the danger lies
The danger lies in enjoying my own company far too much and leaning toward being a hermit!
Travelling is not for everyone. I don’t subscribe to the notion that we have to travel to know the world, however, immersive travel does change your point of view. Walking a mile with others or just sitting in their village and watching the day roll by, provides a perspective on what it is to be human in that place.
I’ve always been a book worm, and travelled far and wide through books, knowing that the time would one day come for me to adventure. I like change and I like new experiences and places. I relish the feeling of carrying everything I need on my person. Now that my family are well and truly independent, it turns out that everything I need, is not much at all. The backpack was light and settled easily comfortably on my shoulders, and off I went.
Post script
I’ve now been back from my adventures long enough to reflect.
Would I do it again?
For sure. And I will!
The opportunity to gain new perspectives, acquire new skills and recharge and re fresh my energy and enthusiasm was absolutely worth the moments of anxiety.
At what feels like the “middle years” I’ve really valued the opportunity to check in with myself and make a few realignments to ensure I’m truly on track to make the most of my allocated trips around the sun.
Is it your turn for a mid-career break adventure?