A break from the corporate ladder.

#CorporateDropout (it’s only a sabbatical)

With a couple of years in the corporate world under my belt, I felt the urge to step away from the routine and experience life beyond my cubicle. I’d followed all the expected steps—attend a top university, get into the business program, intern every summer (and during the school year), network like my life depended on it, and finally, land the “dream” job that would set me up for the rest of my career. I did my two years, as one does in the finance sector, but as I approached a quarter of a century under the sun, I realized that work would always be there, while my relatively responsibility-free self would not. And, to be honest, those extended-weekend trips just weren’t cutting it anymore—I found myself genuinely considering missing return flights.

So, I decided to hit pause on the expected path and take a leap into the ~unknown~: solo travel.

Lifelong passion for travel.

Growing up, I was lucky to have parents who prioritized experiences over material things—choosing travel over dining out and luxury cars. When I was born, they set a goal that by the time I turned one, I’d have taken my first train, plane, and boat ride. By five, I’d already traveled internationally across the Atlantic. And so it went; my passion for travel took root. Somewhere along the way, my love for the outdoors also blossomed, and thus the ultimate travel monster was created.

Once I started earning my own money, nearly all of my discretionary income went toward travel; to the point where, following graduation, most people didn’t even know I lived in Atlanta! Add in strong doses of hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures, and here I am today: unemployed, with most everything I own packed into a 10×15 metal box, and far too many flight reservations—if there even is such a thing.