Local Meetups
Local Meetups
Out of all the feedback we received after our national event, the comment that stood out the most was that you wanted to meet more often. We heard you loud and clear so we are going to be hosting more casual meetups in 2012.
No matter what stage you are in your career break - from just dreaming to having already returned - you will find great support and camaraderie with this like-minded community.
We have also designed the meetup discussions around your many career break concerns and interests like finances (saving/budgeting), career-related (quitting/finding a job), and what to do (volunteering/working on the road).
Click on the highlighted dates in the calendar to the right to see what events are currently scheduled. Or visit a full listing of all our local meetups.
Why Are Meetups Important?
– They create excitement around the idea of career breaks and extended travel.
– They provide an outlet for people to talk about their travel dreams and plans, as well as ask questions.
– You are more likely to achieve your career break travel goals by meeting regularly with people who have similar interests and goals.
– For returned career breakers, they offer you an outlet to share your experiences & expertise, which also helps with the re-entry process.
– It’s always more fun to connect in person!
Apply to Be Host
Are you interested in hosting a local Meet, Plan, Go! meetup in your city?
We currently have hosts in Boston, Chicago, NYC, Northern Jersey, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle and would love to expand our network to your city. Whether you are an experienced career breaker or in the planning stages, we’d love to have you help build our community.
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.