A year ago I left my job in software to travel around Europe with George and Bruce in our campervan. The financially sensible option would have been to have worked on the road but the adventurous spirit in me wasn’t having any of it. Reflecting back on that decision a year later, my goodness am I glad that side was in the drivers seat!

Having this time to pause, away from the rush and speed of working in software, has been a gift I will treasure forever. Slowing my brain down was hard initially and I constantly kept finding things I could do to distract myself. But once I’d pushed past this, the peace and serenity that I felt since has been incredible. I have found meditation a lot easier and I find myself pausing a lot more to appreciate the beautiful world we live in.

My friendships are stronger than ever and I don’t think me and George have laughed so much. Sure, there have been tough times, but we knew that was part of the vanlife package, and it makes you enjoy the good times even more.

Initially I found myself shying away from confidently saying I don’t work at the moment because (especially in the UK) work is often your identity. But I can now say I am fun-employed with a big smile on my face.

As for what’s next, I set a time frame to check back a year after taking a career break. Now this year is up, I guess it’s time for a big hike! But my goodness what a year. I am so incredibly grateful to all the people who I have met along the way, the deep chats with friends I now have the headspace for, and the feeling of pure freedom. So thank you past Beth for having difficult conversations around leaving work – I trusted a gut feeling and it took me to a place of freedom and happiness. What more could I ask for. 💖