How to travel without ruining your career

How to travel without ruining your career

Use our handy guide on how to travel without ruining your career

Our trip around the world was the best decision we ever made, but it didn't come without concerns. We both quit our jobs, Peter as a department head at a London school and Kia as a product manager at Penguin Random House.

We knew we wanted a slower pace of life, but also that we needed to find jobs when we returned to London. (Unfortunately, Peter's big plan to win the lottery has not yet come to fruition.)

how to travel without ruining your career

This fear of ruining a carefully built career has stopped many people from traveling. In some areas the fear is justified (e.g. most young doctors can't quit their job for a year), but for most of the rest of us, long-term travel is entirely possible, especially if we spend time on the road cultivating employability skills.

Here are six great ways to do just that.

Go somewhere else

There is nothing wrong with going to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia. In fact, Cambodia is one of our favorite countries ever – but going somewhere truly different will demonstrate a range of employable skills: problem-solving, confidence, courage, curiosity and originality.

If you visit Derweze in Turkmenistan or Bukhara Fortress in Uzbekistan, you're less likely to be seen as a work-shy backpacker setting off on a "formula trip." Being truly off the beaten path means having a genuine curiosity about the world – not just extended hilarity.

Take on freelance work

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If you have a specific skill that can be offered remotely (e.g. writing, video editing, web development), consider taking on some freelance contracts. Not only does this provide additional income, but it also shows that you can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work with people in a professional context.

There are several websites for finding freelance work. These are particularly useful for new entrants who don't mind working below industry prices. It can be more lucrative for medium-sized specialists to establish contacts and secure orders themselves.

Try making a real living as a freelance writer to get an idea of ​​how to get there. It was published a few years ago, but contains a wealth of transferable information to get you started.

Learn a language

Ah yes. This old chestnut. So many of us have “learning a language” on our bucket list, but few manage to check it off. When you combine traveling with language learning and practice, you demonstrate dedication and discipline - two highly employable skills.

It's unlikely you'll be fluent in a year, and most jobs won't really make use of your language skills, but it's not the language itself that's impressive; It's the time and effort you put into it, as well as your willingness to learn.

If you can take a break from a language school and complete a certified course, then even better.

Take on a physical challenge

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If you enjoy nature, be sure to take on an impressive physical challenge during your travels. This will demonstrate tenacity, determination and resourcefulness - all highly employable skills.

Perhaps on your trip through South America you will climb Aconcagua (the highest peak on the continent and one of the Seven Summits) or cycle on an even larger scale from Cape to Cairo. Accomplishing something significant will provide a solid reason for your trip and will be more likely to impress potential employers in the future.

Run a website

Yes, we know - it seems like every man and his dog has a travel blog now, but as we've learned over the last 18 months, starting and growing a blog can set you up for the demands of work.

A professional blog shows that you can think creatively and work diligently. It showcases your writing and photography skills (if you have them!) and shows that you have a wealth of exploitable skills: marketing, social media management, search engine optimization, business development, product management, and so on.

We recommend WordPress and Bluehost to get started. Check out How to Start a Travel Blog for step-by-step instructions on setting up your website.

Volunteers

“Voluntourism” has come under a lot of fire in recent years, particularly after this blunt article by former voluntourist Pippa Biddle. In it, she asks potential volunteers to consider whether they really have the skills necessary to make their trip successful.

If you can actually add real value to a local community, consider booking a project through an ethical volunteer organization. Experts in the field have cited GVI, Blue Ventures, Pod Volunteer and People and Places as good places to start.

Using your professional expertise to make a tangible positive impact allows you to highlight a wealth of employability skills: communication, teamwork, integrity and empathy.

Knowing how to travel without ruining your career by cultivating your professional skills will help ensure a smooth return to work and provide long-term benefits well beyond the end of your trip.

Mission statement: Dreamstime

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