Meet, Plan, Go!

Who Takes a Career Break to Travel?
Thursday, November 20th, 2014

One of the goals of Meet, Plan, Go! is to show you that career break travel is a very real possibility – for everyone! There is no “typical” career breaker. You can be in your mid-twenties or early fifties. You can hit the road solo, as a couple or bring along your whole family. Want to use your career break to transition into a new career or start your own business? Great idea! Just want a break and then return to your old career? That’s fine, too!

Want to plan your<br />
own career break?
Want to plan your
own career break?

There is no right or wrong way to take a career break. Anyone can do it – it’s just a matter of setting your mind to it and making it work. 

Just ask these folks:

Teachers

It’s not just cubicle-dwellers in the corporate world who feel the call of travel. Boston Meet, Plan, Go host and panel members Lillie Marshall and Catherine Cannon Francis and Chicago’s Christine Benson all left teaching careers to travel,  while San Francisco’s Molly Last hit the road after being awarded a paid sabbatical from her school district. Marshall’s break re-energized her and inspired her to return to the profession with a new found passion.

Solo Women

No one to travel with? No worries! Just ask our hosts and panelists who traveled the world on their own, but rarely feeling alone. Traveling solo as a female doesn’t have to be daunting and women like Chicago’s Lisa Lubin and Val Bromann, Minneapolis’ Katie Aune and Jill Pearson, New York’s Jannell Howell, Toronto’s Kailey Lockhart, Ayngelina Brogan and Janice Waugh and San Francisco’s Kelly Wetherington prove it.

Accidental Career Breakers

Being laid off from your job may seem like a worst-case scenario, but why not make the most of it and hit the road? That’s exactly what San Francisco’s Spencer Spellman, Boston’s Brian E. Peters, Chicago’s Leora Krause and New York’s Sheryl Neutuch did after unexpectedly losing their jobs. For all, a seemingly bad situation ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Career changers

Many career breakers return to their old careers after a break with a new energy and sense of direction. Others use their career break to change careers altogether, often ditching the corporate world for new lives as entrepreneurs, consultants, writers or permanent travelers. This was the case for New York’s Sherry Ott and Lisa Brignoni, Austin’s Keith Hajovsky and Shelley Seale, South Florida’s Matthew Goudreau and San Diego’s Kristin Zibell.

kristin zibell

Later in Life Breakers

Career breaks aren’t just for twenty- and thirty-somethings. Seattle’s Rhonda and Jim Delamater hit the road in their forties, New York’s Larissa and Michael Milne turned 50 and decided to breakaway and travel for a year and Boston’s Ellen Martyn spent her career break bicycling across the country with a group of women all over age 50!

Families

Think having children means you can’t see the world? Think again! Our group of hosts and panelists have included a lot of traveling families – like Austin’s Tiffany and Bill Toomey, Boston’s John and Susan Battye, Chicago’s Nancy Sayre-Vogel and Minneapolis’ Dan Woychick and Jody Halsted.

All believe that travel can be the best education!

5 Reasons to Go to Meet, Plan, Go September 20
Monday, September 15th, 2014

Sean Keener, CEO and co-founder of the BootsnAll Travel Network, offers his top 5 reasons why you should consider attending Meet, Plan, Go’s annual event this Saturday in New York City.

10 Reasons Why Boomers (and Beyond) Should Attend NYC MPG: Big Boom Road Show
Wednesday, September 10th, 2014

1. You can make it happen soon.

Taking a career break takes time, right? Time to plan; time to be gone; time to wait until the timing is right. But Meet, Plan, Go’s NYC shindig on September 20, 2014 is right around the corner. All aboard!

Want planning help?
Want planning help?
Take our free planning e-course

2. You know you wanna go.

On a career break, I mean, but why not the MPG event too? Harboring dreams is nice, but letting dreams set sail is nicer. If you’ve been fantasizing about extended travel for years (decades?), you’ve got to be getting closer to takeoff. Put away that delay and focus on the desire.

3. You’ll reap from the investment of a whole $99.

$99? That’s pocket change these days—a few minutes with a doctor, a moderately-priced dinner out, or a couple cab fares to nowhere. That $99 even includes beverages, lunch, and drink tickets. Wisely part ways with that Ben Franklin and get closer to parting ways with ennui.

4. You’re not getting younger.

Hey, Boomer: know those sensations like aching joints, weight gain, and lingering lethargy? That’s called aging. It’s normal. A career break will kick your butt at times, true. But nonstop new sights and sounds will also boost your spirits and fill you with newfound vigor. 

5. You’ll face your fears.

At this MPG get-together, the nagging drones of worry will get out-shouted by empathetic cheerleaders who’ve mastered the game. You’ll leave with less fear, more faith, and the strength to put your fears where they belong: In the past. 

6. You’ll hear from some savvy, skilled role models.

Not to worry: The speakers and panel leaders are just folks—not lucky millionaires or trust-fund brats. But they’ve somehow managed to run away for months (or years!). Solo. With family. Or with new friends they’ve met along the way.

How? They’ll show you. 

7. You’ll meet other dreamers and schemers.

Tips and tales are essential, but you’ll also find ample inspiration by simply surrounding yourself with dozens of fellow trekkers. There’s power in numbers—and in sharing your vision with someone who will think you are not nuts, but brilliant.

8. You’ll get answers to YOUR questions.

Will Vietnam have Prilosec (or whatever)? What’s the best way to buy RTW airline tickets? What about bringing my kids or grandkids? Whither my cat? People who’ve been there and done that will talk to you 1-1. Heck, your cat may even find a habitat for his sabbatical.

9. You’ll have some laughs.

Hey, this isn’t brain surgery. And while running away for months is serious business, the goal is a joyful journey. You’ll need to pack your sense of humor to endure snafus. And you’ll definitely hear some hilarious stories about the pratfalls and epiphanies of long-term travel.

10. You’ll learn about re-entry.

All good things must come to an end, it’s the same with a fantasy trip. So you’ll get strategies for returning to work, routine, reality, or retirement. Yes, you can (and probably must) go home again. But that’s the perfect place to rest up and start scheming your next BreakAway.

Kirk Horsted blogs at MakeYourBreakAway.com and offers speeches and seminars too. Since 1990, he’s taken five sabbaticals ranging from 35 to 355 days, from Grandma’s farm (SD) to Waiheke (NZ). He’s embarked alone, with partner, and with his perfect children. When he must, he works as a writer, creative consultant, and college teacher.  

2014 Career Break Event News
Thursday, August 28th, 2014

Accommodation Discount!

Why not use the Meet Plan Go event as an excuse for a NYC weekend getaway! If you are considering traveling in from out of town for the event, then we have a discount for you! Hosteling International NY is offering a 15% discount on stays from the 18th thru 20th. HI has a really unique space in NYC that is a must see. It was created inside an old public school building and even has something that you rarely see in NYC – a big backyard green space to hang out and enjoy the fall weather! Hosteling International has hostel rooms as well as private rooms to choose from. They also have an abundance of resources for NYC day tours and activities.

Make a reservation here

Use Discount Code: MPG2014 when you make your reservation online.

Hosteling International NYC – the home of our career break event

What to Expect from the Day:

We aren’t about pomp and circumstance – we want this to be a casual, comfortable environment for you to interact and learn.  We will begin at 11AM and kick things off with some panel discussions on how people achieved their breaks and then go into specific planning and on the road topics.  In addition we’ll be covering modes of travel (solo, family, couple).  You won’t leave with unanswered questions!  Talks will wrap up around 5:30pm and then you are welcome to stay for socializing and drinks.

Find more event information here

Lunch/drink is provided.

Get your questions answered in person!

Speakers

In addition to our keynote speaker and author, Rolf Potts, we’ve put together a group of career break veterans who have expertise in all sorts of travel.

  • Lisa Lubin traveled solo on her career break and is always advocating how to find local experiences when you travel. She’ll share her knowledge on local, slow travel that takes you deeper into a destination.
  • Katie Aune also traveled solo and focused on a specific region for her career break travels. She has experience with how to find volunteering experiences, study languages, and tips on how to market your career break when you return and start job-hunting again.
  • Rainer Jenss is our family travel expert having traveled for 13 months with his family (boys 8 & 11). He will provide tips on how to travel with kids and as well as a significant other!
  • Jane Stanfield focused her break on volunteering around the world. She will help you sort out the confusing process of how to find a volunteer program that is right for you or simply put together an itinerary with purpose.
  • Tamara Lee just got off the plane and back into NYC after her 8 month career break. She’ll have recent tips about what it’s like to save and plan for taking the trip and how to adjust to life on the road.
  • Sherry Ott has been working on the road now for 7 years and will share tips on how you can craft a location independent lifestyle or slow down and consider expat life, or teach ESL.

Learn more about our speakers here

All of our speakers have completed their career breaks and have a wealth of information and advice to share on budgeting, the nitty gritty planning process, and itinerary building as you learn how they did it. Each story is a little different providing you a wealth of information and advice that you can take home with you to begin planning or put the finishing touches on your itinerary. The speakers as well as other career break veterans will be available throughout the day to get to know personally and ask questions of.

We Guarantee It!

This day of learning and inspiration is for those who are serious about exploring taking a break. We want the people who attend the event to GO! We believe so strongly in the value of long-term travel and Career Breaks in people’s lives. If you book, come to the event, and if you don’t not feel that it was worth it after the event is over, we will refund 100% of your ticket fee (Including the part that Eventbrite takes!)

Are you considering attending the event? What would you most like to hear about? Please share in the comments.

Join us on September 20th in NYC!

 

The Importance of Career Break Support
Thursday, July 24th, 2014

Digital Support is Good, But In-Person is Better

Often all we need to make change in our lives is a little push and encouragement. That’s why we created the Meet Plan Go Career Break Conference – for people with similar goals and travel dreams to meet face to face to get the support they need to take a career break leap. It’s like our website – but with REAL people who you can talk with face to face.  On September 20, 2014 you’ll make connections to past career breakers and future ones who you can bond with and ask questions!

Want to learn more – check out our video about the Importance of Support:

Getting people on the road to achieving their travel dreams is the best reward we can think of here at Meet Plan Go!  The weekly emails we get from people about how their career breaks have changed their lives is what convinced us to do another career break event for 2014.

See what past attendees have to say:

“My husband and I are 11 months into our trip around the world and we have a lot of thanks to send your way. We had been dreaming of traveling like this, but I didn’t think it was really possible until I read an article you were quoted in almost 3 years ago. Shortly after that, I attended the Meet, Plan, Go event in San Francisco where you spoke. Your story, and many others, really resonated with me and we made a commitment to make our dream a reality. And here we are.

Thank you for inspiring me and many others to take these leaps of faith. We’ve had an amazing trip including volunteering in Cambodia for three months. I can’t imagine not having taken this time to explore more of the world.” –Jill

“We leave in 16 days (exactly one year from the date of the 2012 national Meet, Plan, Go! meeting.”  –Kellie

“I wanted to reach out and thank you for inspiring me to travel. I attended the MPG nationwide event last October 16th 2012 in Minneapolis. After attending the event I obtained a lot of useful information which allowed me to research more. After researching I decided to take a leap of faith and put in my notice to quit my job early January 2013.” –Mitchell

“We ( my girlfriend at the time and now fiancé ) attended your seminar in may 2012 in NYC and took off April 2013 for 7 months. We have been home for a month now and had an incredible experience traveling and gained the extra confidence to go after attending your seminar. “ –Mike

Breaks are Necessary
Thursday, July 17th, 2014

The word “break” often has a negative connotation. A break up, break down, break in, break the law, break a leg. And the term ‘career break’ is no different – people of think of it as a bad thing.

However , a growing body of evidence shows that taking regular breaks from mental tasks improves productivity and creativity.

“Americans and their brains are preoccupied with work much of the time. Throughout history people have intuited that such puritanical devotion to perpetual busyness does not in fact translate to greater productivity and is not particularly healthy. What if the brain requires substantial downtime to remain industrious and generate its most innovative ideas? “Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets,” essayist Tim Kreider wrote in The New York Times. “The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections and waiting for the wild summer lightning strikes of inspiration—it is, paradoxically, necessary to getting any work done.” –via ScientificAmerican.com 

Taking a break from your typical routine, your career, or demands of life can be the best thing you can do for yourself. However, I didn’t need a scientific stufy to tell me this, I already knew. Taking a break from my work was the best thing for me.

No, I’m not talking about my career break I took in 2006 where I left my corporate IT career behind to travel around the world for a year. That break certainly was successful as it ultimately was the motivator for launching Meet Plan Go.

I’m talking about my break from career breaks in 2013.

Some of you may have noticed that the last big Meet Plan Go event we held was in 2012. It was a big success and contributed to putting many of you on the road to your own career break. However, after the event, I needed a break. I had been working so hard on getting others to take a break I had burned myself out. However, the year I took off from career break event planning was just what I needed. I used the time away to get out of my normal Meet Plan Go work routine and regroup. I focused on other projects on my personal travel website and as expected my creativeness and energy for Meet Plan Go returned.

I can finally say that I’m ready to get back to Meet Plan Go events!

We are changing up the format for 2014 in order to really focus on those who are serious about going and are looking for inspiration and advice on how to go about it. We are holding a full one-day conference in New York City so that attendees can have ample time to learn everything they’ll need to know and get all of their questions answered in person!

Get access to experts and connect to others on the same path.

This full day event will provide you with ample time to get your planning questions answered personally, and more importantly build relationships with others with your similar career break travel goals. There will be presentations and experts there to discuss:

• Getting over your fears
• Planning your break (budgeting, itinerary, volunteering, insurance, packing, working on the road, getting local, lodging, airfare, and more)
• How to market your travels into your job search when you return
Plus, in our break out groups you will be able to talk to travel experts and walk away with resources on specific areas of travel planning, travel modes, and travel options.

If you are tired of two weeks of vacation time and want to break away from the cube to explore the world, we will teach you how on September 20th.

Space is limited to 150 people. Reserve your spot now and spend a weekend in New York City!

A break might just be what the doctor ordered – I know it was for me.

Sherry Ott is the Co-Founder of Meet Plan Go and a career break evangelist.  She believes that every single person should have a career break on their resume!  Since her original Career Break in 2006 she has been traveling the world, living nomadically while running her own travel and lifestyle website Ottsworld.com.  @Ottsworld on Twitter

‘Try Before You Buy’ A Career Break
Wednesday, June 11th, 2014

Sherry & her motorbike in Vietnam

When I was preparing to run my first marathon in 1998, I started telling all of my family and friends about it; even though I had never run more than 10 miles at that point and really had no idea if I would be able to do the marathon or not. Yet I proudly told people that I would be running 26.2 miles in a little over 3 months.

When I started considering moving to Vietnam in 2008, I started to slowly mention to people that I would be moving to Saigon to teach for a year. I would hear and see their reactions and tuck them away in my brain. I wasn’t too confident yet that I would be moving – but I continued to spread the Vietnam-expat message in order to see how it felt to say me hear the words aloud.

Verbalizing Goals Is Powerful

Basically – I like to try big goals on for size; verbalize them, and then listen to what they sound like. Does it sound good? Does it roll off my tongue? How do I feel when I say it? What are people’s reactions?

Many goals dance around in our heads, but once you actually verbalize them it’s different – they move from your head into sounds. Sounds other people hear, digest, and remember.

It’s like seeing a great pair of jeans on the rack that look perfect – and then you go try them on and realize they make your ass look big and they go back on the rack. Sometimes you need to try your goals on for size. See what they look like and how they feel. Do they flatter you, or do they make you feel uncomfortable? What do others think about them?

This is what I recommend people do when it comes to their career break or travel goals. I know you dream of seeing the Pyramids, volunteering in India, or living in Bangkok, but have they been verbalized yet? Have you ‘tried them on’?

Try It On For Size – Say It Aloud

You can do it. Just let the words come out of your mouth in the privacy of your home…

“I’m going to take a career break and travel.”

How does it feel to allow the words to come out of your mouth? Liberating? Scary?

Now – go to your trusted friend and say it.

Next, go to a stranger at a Meet, Plan, Go! meetup and say it.

By stating your goal – you are more likely to do it.

This is one of the reasons we hold Meet, Plan, Go! events in your city; you can meet and talk to others about your travel goals – A supportive community who is more than happy to help you ‘try your goal on.’

Once you say it, it sounds good, it feels liberating; this is only the first step. Next start taking actions to plan that career break or sabbatical. What’s that? You don’t know where to start?

Hold On Before You Feel Defeated

Consider signing up for the Career Break 30 e-course – it’s free. It will lead you over the hurdles and through the entire process of planning and taking a meaningful career break or sabbatical; from the contemplation and preparation to on-the-road and re-entry. Plus, you’ll have support along the way from a group of people who all hold your same goals to travel.

And in the vain of trying before you buy – here’s a free checklist Go ahead. Download it. Try it on. See if you like it. If you do – then consider signing up for the Basic Training class and community to equip yourself with the tools to achieve your goal.

Try it on…verbalize it…and then move in the direction of your travel dreams.


Faith Vs. Fear: Boomers Speak Out at Meet-up
Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Monday night, about 40 travel lovers gathered at Ginger Hop in Minneapolis to swap stories and secrets. A panel of four experienced career breakers took on the topic of “Faith Vs. Fear: The Career Break Face-off.” And Yours Truly served as Mr. M.C. Moderator. A good time was had by all!

After a social-lubrication hour, we had all attendees introduce themselves, tell about their career-break experience (if any), and mention the primary fear standing in the way of their fantasy BreakAway. The fears were mostly familiar, yet the Boomer’s concerns were sometimes surprising. Here are a few, plus my comments…

“I’m afraid that prospective employers will think I’m coming out of retirement.”

This came up more than once, and honestly had never crossed my mind before. But it seems totally legit, right? Picture someone half your age named Ms. H.R. Authority perusing your resume and sniffing, “You turned 62, took a year off to live in Peru, and now you want to go back to work? Really!?!”

“I’m worried about stopping contributions into my retirement savings—and spending money I may need later.”

That’s a smart worry. And we Americans are big spenders (who often forget to save in our early decades). But as we age, most people gradually come to their savings senses. My 2-cent retort remains: Wouldn’t you love to take one year of your retirement now—even if it means working one year longer later?

“I’m concerned that I might have health problems.”

Again, so real. Fortunately, one panelist had recently returned from an ambitious one-year travel-athon—despite having diabetes and needing to carry refrigerated insulin and give himself shots four times a day. Full disclosure: He was in his 20s. Yet his story inspires regardless of your age. And other folks reflected stories of getting good—and often cheap!—care in almost every country.

“What if my family needs me or my parents get sick or die?”

That’s a tough one. And as Boomers are learning en masse, some serious things happen as you age: Responsibility. Caring. Illness. Death. But why not talk to your parents and kinfolk and ask their opinion? They might just insist you go. They may even visit! And remember: If something bad happens, you can go home again. 

“I’m just not sure I have the energy.”

Travel can be exhausting, no doubt. Yet there are as many ways to travel as there are people to get up and go—and the words “slow travel” came up often last night (including by young whippersnappers). A sleepy fishing village may be just the ticket; climb every mountain in your next life. On the other hand, maybe a Big Break would recharge those tired batteries and get you off your Boomer butt!

After all, is there anything more energizing than stepping out of your stale routine, landing in a cool new scene, and jump-starting the rest of your life?

Kirk Horsted blogs at MakeYourBreakAway.com and offers speeches and seminars, too. Since 1990, he’s taken five sabbaticals ranging from 35 to 355 days, from Grandma’s farm (SD) to Waiheke (NZ). He’s embarked alone, with partner, and with his perfect children. When he must, he works as a writer, creative consultant, and college teacher.

Meet Career Break Veterans, Plan, Go!
Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

Taking it in

“If you knew you wouldn’t make it to your next birthday, how would you change your life right now?”  Would a career break seem more of a priority?  Would it be easier to plan and take a career break?

This is the question Warren and Betsy Talbot asked themselves years ago.  It is what ultimately pushed them over the edge to take the career break leap of faith.  They then spent the next 25 months selling everything they owned, saving money, and revamping their lifestyle to make their dreams a reality.  But before they left, they helped us host the first Seattle Meet Plan Go event in 2010 – this is how I came to meet Warren and Betsy and from that point on I was a fan.  Their energy, enthusiasm, and business sense is tremendous.  In fact – I’m so enthralled by them – I have agreed to travel with them this fall in Turkey as the 3 of us tackle the Lycian Way – a 520 km hiking trail in southern Turkey.

They left in 2010 and have been on the move ever since – evolving their career break into a lifestyle change and new career.  After 3 years on the road they are experts (and authors) on many things such as how to prepare for a career break, downsizing, saving money for a career breakgetting over your fears, and housesitting.  That’s why we are extremely excited to have authors, veteran career breakers, travelers, and entrepreneurs Warren and Betsy Talbot of Married with Luggage join us for a (free) Meet Plan Go meet-up on Tuesday, June 25, 5:30-8:30PM (PST) at Dear Mom in San Francisco.

One of the biggest hurdles that prevents people from taking a career break is being overwhelmed by the process. “Where do I even start?” is a common question we hear.  If you are in San Francisco – then we’ll help you answer this question.  Come join Warren and Betsy Talbot on Tuesday, June 25 as they discuss starting a business on the road and share their story and the stories of all the people they have met along the way. We’ll also have an open Q&A where people can ask whatever they like about how Warren and Betsy made their travel dreams come true.

If you’re on that ledge but can’t seem to take the leap, maybe this can be the little nudge you need.

The event is free, but please register here as space is limited. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

And  if you aren’t near San Francisco – then check out our event with Warren, Betsy, and Jannell Howell in NYC on July 2nd!

See all of our local events in our Meet Plan Go! Event Calendar

 

Photo Friday: It’s Time to Meet, Plan, Go!
Friday, October 19th, 2012

A packed house in Chicago listens to a panel of career break veterans and travel experts share their stories and advice about taking a career break or sabbatical to travel.

The Chicago event, on Tuesday, October 16, was one of 10 events across North America designed to provide people with the inspiration, information and resources they need to make their travel dreams a reality.

Didn’t make it to a Meet, Plan, Go! event? No worries!

Jump start your planning with our online Career Break Basic Training course and community, and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest career break news and to find out about upcoming local meetups in a city near you!

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