Meet me at Meet, Plan, Go!

Learn how to take a career break to travel.

Hands up — who out there who has been reading along with my ’round the world journey has thought at some point “I wish I could do that?”

I know it may seem daunting or like an impossible dream, but, trust me, if I can do this anyone can.

I am shy and awkward and timid. I grew up with massive social anxiety. I’d always had very little confidence in myself and my abilities. I’d always been extremely dependent on other people. I’m scared to death of everything and have a tendency toward panic attacks.

Trust me, I’m not the kind of person who should be thrown out in the world to fend for herself.

But I’ve also always had big dreams. And I wanted something more to my life than the standard 9-5 job. I wanted to experience completely different cultures and beautiful new surroundings. I wanted to meet amazing people from all over the world. I wanted to try new foods and cuisines. And, OK, yes, I wanted to make out with a slew of guys with cute accents.

And so, last year, I said fuck it all and decided to quit my job and see the world.

When I was first planning my trip I had intended on only backpacking through Europe. That was what this shy little dependent girl thought she could handle. Asia seemed scary, South America impossible.

But then I attended an event in Chicago called Meet, Plan, Go! And I listed to others who had quit their jobs to travel talk about their experiences. And I started to think that maybe I was capable of more.

It’s now two years later and I’ve been in Asia for nearly eleven months. And in December I’m heading to Mexico.

I’ve also gone from someone who was scared of meeting new people to someone who hates being alone for too long. I have less panic attacks and am able to handle difficult situations with much more ease. I don’t cry nearly as much as I used to. I’m way less self-conscious. And I’m happier than I ever have been before.

Someone I was traveling with pointed out to me that it’s not that travel changes us, it enhances us. I’m not a different person. I was always capable, but I just didn’t know it before.

Trust me. If I can do this, anyone can do this.

Do you need more convincing? If you’re pondering a career break even just a little bit, I encourage you to buy a ticket to this year’s Meet, Plan, Go! event in October. You can hear from a whole lot of people who have done this before and get their tips and inspiration. Whether it’s money, confidence, or fears that are standing in your way, you’ll find that any obstacle can be overcome. Trust me, it’s worth it.

And a special bonus for all those in Chicagoland: I’ll be a panelist there. So come on out and get inspired — I would love to meet you!