Kick-Ass Host: Lisa Lubin
All of our local kick-ass Meet, Plan, Go! hosts have inspiring stories of their own career break travels. In the time leading up to our National Event in October we will introduce them to you so you can see why they are part of our team.
Meet our Kick-Ass Chicago Host: Lisa Lubin
It was nearly five years ago that I made the decision to quit my good job as a television producer at ABC, sell off much of my belongings, finally end a relationship that had been breaking down for some time (but was 'comfortable' even if it was a mostly 'unhappy comfort'), and to simply just go. I was thirty-three years old. I had worked professionally for 13 years. Why did I have to stay in the same job - even if I liked it and had a nice salary and a nice 401K? Was that what life would be all about? Why did I have to just wait for retirement to take more time off?
A small window of opportunity had opened for me. I was free.
I had always loved to travel, but never imagined I would do what I was about to do. No, I take that back. I dreamed that I could do it - but never dreamed that I actually would do it.
I read some books about some 'other' amazing and courageous people that 'took off' for a year. I thought oh, how I wished I could do that. But, wait. I could do that. And so I did.
After traveling solo for about 3 years, my life has changed forever. It was not an overnight change. At first things started to change in me. I had fewer responsibilities and relaxed more. With travel came the TIME to enjoy life. To actually and truly 'stop and smell the roses.' I savored sights, sounds, smells and definitely tastes everywhere I went. I met wonderful people in all corners of the globe who remain friends to this day. And I relaxed. I simply didn't worry or stress out about what was next. I learned to just 'be.' I didn't know if I could stay this way once I returned and I am so happy I have.
Recently I met with a man from Mexico City named Ricardo who has lived and worked in and around New York City for the past thirty years. He contacted me, inspired by my story. We sat and had coffee and I answered the many questions with which he peppered me; questions I've been asked so many times now. How did I do it? Was I scared? How did I find work around the world? How could I afford it?
As I answered his question even I was inspired all over again. I was excited to share all that I know. I saw the light in his eyes and it was the same as mine.
Soon Ricardo will be moving back to Mexico. But not long after that, he will be planning his trip around the world. He is not a twenty-something backpacker. He has his Ph.D. in neurobiology and is an accomplished biologist and medical researcher. And now he is ready to travel around the world. I am hoping that when he returns, he will host Meet, Plan, Go! Mexico City. What do you think?
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.