While pressing pause in a career to travel is not exactly the conventional path our society promotes, after returning from our trip, I ironically found myself even more qualified for the roles I was seeking.
Think about it: when you're traveling to a new place — near or far — you must be flexible, as things can easily go off course. Whether you miss a train, an exhibit you wanted to see is closed, or your accommodations aren't exactly what you were expecting, you must learn to adapt and move on. You gain a greater level of patience and resiliency, not to mention you become a more resourceful person and a better communicator. These are all amazing qualities to possess not only in life but also when working with others in the professional world.
So if you are thinking about leaning into that feeling of wanderlust, I encourage you to go for it. Pack your bags, live out your adventures, and then utilize your travels to your advantage in job interviews as reasons for employers to value your experience!
Looking back, I truly cannot put into words how much this trip meant to me. But I can say I am a different person because of that journey. And, I hope, a better one.
