In this week’s ¨Who’s Out There Now¨ feature, we bring to you Angie, who blogs on her travel site, SabbaticalScapes.  This native of Houston left her job in the IT world during one of the worst economic downturns the US has seen in decades.  She traveled through Central and South America, the Middle East and Europe.  After traveling, she decided to continue her break by pursuing a doctorate in education.

1. So, where in the world are you answering these questions?

Just back from New England and Quebec, Canada, I am at home in Houston. Itching for another travel adventure!!!

2. Let me start with the obvious question. Why oh why did you leave your job during the downturn?

If not then, when?  The time will never be “just right” for anything.  I wanted to make a change and do something different.  As an avid traveler, I had a nagging feeling that if I didn’t take the opportunity, I would regret it. So, I stepped out in faith, quit, and haven’t looked back.

3. What was the main thing you wanted to get out of your career break?

With beautiful landscapes and architecture, I really wanted to see the world and just have time to do things I always wanted to do. I also wanted to know what life felt like without the hustle and bustle of a daily commute. In essence, I wanted freedom and flexibility. Life is just too short to not do what you want to do.

4. You are very open about your faith on your blog. How did reconnecting with your spiritual side factor into your decision to take a break?

That is a great question!  I believe God gave me the idea of a sabbatical.  The very word “sabbatical” is not something you even hear very often. It seemed like the very thought of taking a sabbatical kept coming up in my mind and thoughts. While praying and reading the bible, it became clear that I needed to step out and do something. One verse that resonated with me was “with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27).  So as I continued to pray, I planned and prepared as well.  About 4 months later, I quit.

5. Career break, nomadic adventure, backpacking, how do you characterize your trip?

Actually, none of the above!  At this point in my life, I definitely like a bit of luxury and comfort as I travel. It adds to the experience for me. So I characterize this time in my life as a sabbatical – a rest from the ordinary and an escape to the extraordinary.  With the travel, activities, and resting at home, it is a lifestyle – a “sabbatical lifestyle”.  All geared towards taking the time to do things that matter to me and living life to the fullest.

6. What are some of the secrets to travel that you’ve discovered that you think more people who aren’t traveling should know?

It does not have to cost a bundle. I love cruises and they often go on sale! Plus, travel gives you an experience that opens your heart and mind to a better understanding of the world and other cultures. There are just so many amazing sites and people out there!  It is worth a step out of your comfort zone to experience the beauty of God’s creation. You will be changed forever and for the greater good.

 

7. You stayed pretty active during your travels with all the golfing, hiking, diving, etc. Did you ever just chill and rest?

Oh yes!! My trips have never been more than 16 days.  So this gave me the opportunity to enjoy being at home as well. One thing for sure, everyone laughs at me because they know that I sleep late and don’t answer the phone before 10 am LOL!! They call it “pulling an Angie”. LOL!!

8. What was your first ¨I’m not in Kansas anymore¨ moment?

Five days after I quit, I was on a plane going to one of my favorite places, Italy! Little did I know that I would be going on a trip every month or so since then.  My sabbatical had officially started!

9. What´s been your most ¨local¨ experience so far?

Generally, my rule is to eat at places that are local to the area. But in New York City, we ate at McDonald’s. Yes, McDonalds’s. We needed something quick to eat in an effort to see everything and get the day moving.

10. What has been your most embarrassing moment?

I put on a t-shirt over my wet swimsuit to pose for a photo in Roatan. Well, we got a photo alright…there were 2 strategically placed wet spots on the front of the shirt. I quickly erased that photo and put on another cover up –no wonder guys were staring at me.

11. What’s your secret for getting the most out of your journey?

Sometimes things just happen and you just have to go with the flow. It is all in the experience. Be safe, be aware, and have fun.

12. What drove your decision to get your doctorate in education rather than heading back into the IT world?

Although I am planning to go back to work – soon, going back to school came up in a similar way the sabbatical came up – in prayer. I love to inspire others to do what may seem impossible.  When I look at the younger generation, I want them to see that education can open doors for them and that they can achieve their highest level of excellence, whatever that may be for them.

 

13. Finally, our lightening round.

Best dish you’ve found so far – Eggs, bacon, and toast in Nicaragua. I don’t know what they did, but it was the best breakfast ever!  Also, I had a dessert called Apple Blossom on one of my cruises.  Okay, I had four!!  I love desserts!!!

• Most exotic food eaten – Escargot; I don’t venture out too much on food.
• Most breathtaking moment – While having dinner at a busy restaurant on the boardwalk in Positano, we noticed a group of guys kept passing by our table. They finally approached the table for small talk. Then all of a sudden, one of the guys pulled out a HUGE bouquet of flowers and presented them to me. They matched my outfit and everything. At that point, I knew he got them especially for me. Even though I could barely understand a word he was saying, that was an amazing moment!! My friends and everyone in the restaurant were in awe, including me.
• Biggest disappointment – Sabbatical has to end
• Most memorable place – Beautiful beaches and scenery in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
• Most memorable person – While cave diving in Punta Cana, a sweet little girl helped me put my helmet and seatbelt on. She then asked the time. I was so impressed with her hospitality and kindness, that I gave her my watch.
• Best thing to have on a long bus ride – Water and snacks
• Worst thing to have on a long bus ride – A screaming child
• Best thing you packed – My pashmina and camera
• Dumbest thing you packed – Learned a long time ago to pack light.
• Funniest travel habit you have – I gotta have snacks!! So, I keep them in a ziplock bag.
• Place you wish you could’ve stayed longer – Nicaragua and Colombia

You can follow Angela online at SabbaticalScapes.  You can also find her on Twitter @angelwings1723

Every week, Career Break Secrets profiles a different traveler or traveling couple who are embracing the ¨Because Life Is Out There ^TM¨ travel spirit.  These are people who have taken the plunge to embark on a career break and are currently traveling the world.

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Tags: career break advice, career break travel, travel advice, Who´s Out There Now

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010 at 6:00 am and is filed under Home Page Show Updates, Jeff's blog, Who's out there now?. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.