Originally Posted by TomM
I've been offered the chance to take an extended leave of absence with my job guaranteed upon my return.
If I were you, I'd take that opportunity to try out a different lifestyle and see if it is for you.
Originally Posted by TomM
My question for everybody is how long did it take you pull trigger and actually make the change?
Here's my timetable:
August 2003 - I ride the PBP, and tour England and Wales with an English friend during my vacation time from work.
November 2003 - That friend and I were chatting on the phone when all of a sudden he asked me if I would be interested in dropping everything and touring the world for 5 years. I was speechless ... I'd never even entertained the idea before. But then I started thinking ....
January 2004 - My friend came to Canada for a few weeks, and we talked more about the idea of an extended tour. My biggest difficulty was how to support myself. But more seeds were planted in my mind.
February 2004 - I attended a few meetings regarding teaching English overseas, and then started researching the reality of something like that. I discovered that it is better if you've got a Bachelor's degree of some sort before heading to work in another country ... which I did not have.
March 2004 - My parent's offered me room and board if I wanted to come to Alberta and finish my Bachelor's degree. I turned them down. They offered 3 more times ... I turned them down. They offered a 5th time ... I accepted!
April 2004 - I started preparing for my new life!!!! .... checking into colleges, packing, booking my flight for Australia, buying touring gear, etc. etc.
September 2004 (early) - I handed in my resignation at work
September 2004 (late) - My new life began!!!
