[singlepic=1476,175,,,right]Dominique Doron took a 2-month career break in the beginning of 2009. She shares with us how she adapted to life in Ghana and how it became a reaffirming experience for her.

ADAPTING TO A NEW CULTURE
I was somewhat prepared for the cultural differences of an undeveloped country, but hadn’t thought about how it would affect the passing of time, being productive, and general organization. Getting places took forever, mail and packages often weren’t received, taking a child to a doctor’s appointment meant waiting in line all day, and various tribal languages made for difficult communication, even in an English-speaking country.

I was also surprised by how oppressively hot it was. I prefer warm, tropical climates, but I wasn’t prepared for the unusually high heat and humidity and how it would affect my energy and mood. The people were very friendly and welcoming, but I was surprised by how resistant they were to progressive or westernized ideas.

I was most surprised by how quickly and easily I adapted to a new culture. I expected the transition to bucket showers, no indoor plumbing, and rice three times a day to be frustrating. However, I quickly learned to embrace the differences, while being creative and resourceful.

For anyone contemplating a career break: If you want to do it, but think you can’t, think again. I felt so discouraged and had made excuses for myself for years. But as soon as you make it a priority, you will find a way to make it all come together.

[singlepic=1474,175,,,right] DEALING WITH DIFFICULTIES
A lot of people donated money to help me make my trip happen, and I owed it to them to enjoy myself, and absorb as much as I could. For me, it seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I really tried to stay focused on how fortunate I was to be there. I knew I was only there for a limited amount of time, and that I should enjoy it while I can, however difficult it might get. In addition to the support I had back home, I made great, lifelong friends along the way–both volunteers, and locals.

I feel the organization I went through could have better prepared me for the disorganization and lack of support I would receive once I was there. For the amount of money I paid them, I expected a certain level of service and support. I was surprised to find that once I got there, I felt very alone and isolated. Luckily, I made friends quickly and developed my own support network.

[singlepic=1481,200,,,left]REFLECTING
Two months in Ghana went by very quickly, during which I stayed in close contact with family and friends. I definitely would have liked to stay longer, but I also had a lot of exciting things to come home to. I didn’t experience a lot of culture shock in Ghana, or after coming home, which I interpreted as a testament to my adaptable personality.

I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to take a career break. I didn’t know what to expect from my trip, and I tried to go into it without any real expectations. In one word, it was reaffirming. Being away from my husband reaffirmed the strength of our relationship, and our ability to support each other, and make sacrifices for one another.

[singlepic=1475,175,,,right]My trip also reaffirmed who I was. I was curious to see who I would be away from home, on my own, and away from my familiar surroundings. Turns out, I was the same person in Ghana that I am at home. I am independent, adventurous, curious, compassionate, strong, adaptable, social, and motivated.

My African volunteer project reassured me, above anything else, that I love to travel and embrace other cultures. I hope to have another opportunity to visit a country for an extended period of time, and maybe this next time it will be great to share it with my husband and/or family.

For anyone contemplating a career break: If you want to do it, but think you can’t, think again. I felt so discouraged and had made excuses for myself for years. But as soon as you make it a priority, you will find a way to make it all come together.

CIRCUMSTANCES: Dominique Doron – Finding a Way to Make It Happen