A sabbatical success story

I always enjoy getting letters and messages from Vagabonding readers who are making time for travel in their lives — and recently I got a great email from a San Francisco-area vagabonder named Julie Leibowitz. Julie is a veteran traveler who felt the itch to return to the road for a few months — and she found a way to do it while still keeping a job she enjoys.

In the interest of inspiring other people to follow in Julie’s footsteps in asking for sabbaticals and long-term leaves of absence from work, here’s her story in her words:

“A few years ago I went on a seven-month vagabonding trip that took me from Italy to Turkey to Thailand. After Thailand, I went home to San Francisco with the idea of making some money and going right back to Koh Tao — but I got sucked into a job at a Bay Area video game company, and now I’ve been working there for two years.

“I recently realized I needed to make a decision: Do I take another vagabonding trip (and quit a good job) at age 27? I have a serious boyfriend and he can’t go — so I would leave him for a long time. But we need to live out our life goals, right?

“So I came up with the idea to ask for a “leave of absence” from work. This is somewhat common in Europe, but not many companies allow such leaves in the United States. It was a three-month battle getting my company to allow one of their employees to do something no one has ever requested — ask for unpaid leave.

“Yesterday I was finally granted approval! I will be gone for 10-11 weeks, and am going to Australia and then back to SE Asia. It’s taken 2.5 years to get back, but it’s happening! Three weeks of this trip are paid, due to my company vacation time, and the other portion is unpaid.

“I just have to tell people about about this, because I have found a way to combine my goals to see the world and still keep on my career goals on track (the American in me is determined to become a Creative Director)! I did negotiate with myself and shortened my trip — I initially wanted to do the work abroad thing again, but oh well. Being able to do this, then come back to a job/compensation is so awesome.

“Anyhow, I just wanted to share the good news with someone who really appreciates the individuals who love to travel…I have told so many people and everyone is happy for me but no one can really relate like you and your readers!”

Posted by | Comments (8)  | November 11, 2004
Category: Vagabonding Advice


8 Responses to “A sabbatical success story”

  1. justin Says:

    Congrats! I too will be battling a similar situation in the near future, but it sounds like I am less attached to my jobs than you might be, which will make it easier for me. 🙂

    A question: when returning from an extended trip and interviewing for new jobs, what sort of reactions do you get out of the employers? Are most interested in the fact that you’ve been traveling for a long time?

    This had never crossed my mind, but a friend mentioned that some employers might think you’ve been spending the last 8 months doing something other than travel (like being in jail. you sure don’t want to tell an employer that, and “traveling the world” would be a great story!)

    Anyone think that this ever crosses an employers mind?

  2. Nicole Says:

    I have a friend who has big gaps in her resume from so much world travel. Her experience in job interviews has been that people seem unimpressed with (or even suspect of) her adventures through India alone or through Pakistan with pack mule because they are looking for someone “consistent” and “reliable” who wouldn’t fly the coop when the caged door opens to more exciting opportunities (which she, of course, will).

    So, in her most recent job search, she tried something new. “My [fictitious] husband’s work took us abroad” was met with sympathetic smiles and nods of approval. While many people admire, often with longing and romanticism, those of us who take to the road, “vagabonding” still holds a social stigma in our culture so attached to permanency and security.

    If travel is looked at merely as leisure, employers may regard one as lazy and unreliable. But many of the lessons we learn through cultural exchange can be translated into positive job skills. I would recommend emphasizing those if asked about the gaps. Or, if you find you’re not interested in the job anyway, make up a story (jail could be a good one!) and let us know their response.

  3. justin Says:

    Very good points, Nicole. It’s a shame that tales of world travel arent’ met with more appreciation. But can you blame them? The potential employer might think it’s incredible that one has done so much traveling — and might even be a bit jealous — but when they are presented with the choice of hiring someone who has ties to the “real world” (ie: kids, debts, etc.), or someone who is bold enough to realize they don’t need to rely on a solid job, and willing to travel the world, who do you think they’d chose?

    A great question! To tell, or not to tell.

  4. Katie Says:

    Wow, a lot of you seem to have the same problems I am having, and actually, I would love some advice.

    I acquired the “travel bug” about four years ago when I entered college, but recently, it’s getting “worse and worse.” I went backpacking through Europe by myself for a month this summer, and I did not want to come home. I met so many foreigners in Europe who were traveling for 5 months or 8 months or whenever their money ran out. “United Statesians” (as I call them), on the other hand, are amazed when they hear I went backpacking alone for a month.

    My point is that I would love to continue a traveling lifestyle, but I feel like it’s impossible in the U.S. No one understands and you can’t hold a job if you ask for a leave of absence. Is there a possible way to live out my dreams (i.e. travel the world/maintain a job)?

  5. justin Says:

    The main thing to remember, Katie, is that nothing is impossible. As cliche as it sounds, it’s very true.

    What kind of job do you see yourself doing to save money while shacked up in the US? Do you currently have one that you WANT to keep, but are afraid you won’t be able to come back to after a long trip?

    Do you have any skills that would allow you to do freelance work when you need money? For instance, I occasionally do web programming and graphic design jobs to fill the gaps with money while I’m saving for a trip.

    Also, I have two jobs that fill a 9-6 schedule, Monday through Friday. The way I figure it, I have two chances to come back to a job after my trip. If one doesn’t re-hire me, I have another chance. If they both re-hire me, great! That might be something to think about.

    Just remember: nothing’s impossible. Don’t skip the trip if you’re afraid you won’t have a job when you get back. You’ll find another one!

  6. Rolf Says:

    Thanks, Justin, for the comments — and Nicole, that’s quite a story your friend has!

    As for Katie, I don’t think your situation is as grim as you make it out to be. The employment situation is never as grim as you think it might be while you’re still in college. For more ideas and inspiration on making travel jibe with your career amibitions, check out the advice in Vagabonding, or read this recent post keeping one’s employment prospects while vagabonding.

    Also, I hope Julie L will drop in with her two cents (as well as Becca, my Canadian travel-friend who is an employment counselor in addition to being a prolific vagabonder).

    Anyone else with ideas on the employment v. vagabonding issue?

  7. Katie Says:

    Thanks for the info everybody! I know the travel/work situatin isn’t so grim…I guess I’m kind of at a transitioning point in life, so I tend to worry a bit. Already, I’ve found an opportunity as a writer to write about my travel experiences!

  8. Robert Says:

    In looking for an answer I’ve stumbled on this site.
    Reading and hopefully learning I am at a crossroad in my life. I’ve been selfemployeed since 79 other than a brief job with the county for 9 mths. A jack of many trades but master of only one, talking.
    Over the last 5 yrs I’ve been involved with a lady that is 12 hrs drive from where I am. That appears to have ended somewhat suddenly and since my divorce this has been the only solid relationship I’ve had. The last 2 yrs have for one reason or another put me in a position of needing to sell or loose everything I have left. I’ve traveled out of the US more in the last 5 yrs than ever before and have loved it.
    Enough backgroud haha. I need advice or opinions from others. In a month I may be unattached (mate wise) no job, no material possesions, only family that has their own life to live. How do I start without any money and a desire to leave. The only attachment I intent to keep is one with my God and my parents and daughter.