real stories

Real Career Break Travel Stories: Fabien & Emma

Written By: jeff

Posted On: November 5th, 2010



Fabien & Emma, “The Dynamic Breakers”, Ireland

Fabien and Emma show that a career break cannot only be good for the soul, but for your relationship.  In February 2007, they set off for a 23-month trip around the world.  They traveled through South America, Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Asia with their last stop in India where they got engaged at the Taj Mahal.  Over the course of the trip, they showed that a career break trip could be anything you want it to be.  They traveled for the sake of travel, they worked, and they volunteered.

The high point (besides the engagement) was their month in Vanuatu to visit some friends they had made while working in the orchards of New Zealand. Despite being the first Europeans to visit their friends’ village, they had an “amazing” connection to the people and fit right in.  The low point was when Fabien got Dengue Fever in Malaysia and was in the hospital for a couple of weeks.

Their advice to people thinking about a career break? “Just do it!  It’s not for everyone, but if you are really dreaming about, it’s worth it.  Just take the courage to go beyond your comfort zone.  You learn a lot and it pays back.  It gives you a better perspective on life.”

And for reintegrating back into the workforce in January 2009? Despite one of the worst economies in decades, they both found jobs in their fields within a month of returning to their home in Cork, Ireland.

Take a look at some of their moments on their career break travel adventures.

career break, career break travel, Cartegena, Colombia mud volcano

In a mud volcano outside of Cartagena, Colombia. Copyright Emma and Fabien Tronche

career break, career break travel, New Zealand

Kayaking in New Zealand. Copyright Emma and Fabien Tronche

career break, career break travel, Iguazu Falls, Argnetina

Emma at Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian-Argentine border. Copyright Emma and Fabien Tronche

career break, career break travel

Fabien with kids in Indonesia. Copyright Emma and Fabien Tronche

career break, career break travel

Riding camels in Egypt. Copyright Emma and Fabien Tronche

career break, career break travel, Cartagena, Colombia, mud volcano

If you like this post, sign up for our newsletter or subscribe to our RSS feed to keep up with Career Break Secrets’ career break and travel advice.


Tags: , , ,

Comments are closed.