Life after the trail

imported
#1

Hey everybody. I was just wondering what plans they had after they had finished the trail, if any. Do you go back to the same job? Seek out a new one? I know this seems very broad and vauge, but I was just courious to what people do after they have been “off the grid” for half a year. It seems that employers, of any kind of job, would be skeptical towards someone who just takes off to walk a 2000 mile trail. Don’t get me wrong, I understand to it shows that a person is ambitious, goal oreintated, takes inishitive (sp), and adaptable. It just seems to me that job opportunities after the trail would be limited. Some of your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanxs.

NN

#2

Hey NN,

I’m sure it’s different for everyone, but for me, the only thing keeping me from getting a job immediately after getting back home was that I didn’t want to. I went one whole year without working (6-1/2 months of that on the AT) before getting a job 2 weeks ago.

My employer before my hike would’ve taken me back and told me that before I left, but I was ready for a change, and promised myself I’d look for work that I’d enjoy before going back to my other job. At my new job, I make less money and have less benefits than before, but I am enjoying the work. That is what’s important to me right now. I’m fortunate that if I need more money, I can keep my “enjoyable” job and work part-time for my previous employer if I choose.

Hiking the AT was my excuse for quitting my previous job. :slight_smile: After hiking for 6+ months, I know I want to keep things simple and enjoy every day. I got rid of some payments (car payments and elective “fun stuff”) so that I don’t NEED to make as much. It seemed the more I made, the more I spent anyway.

I can’t really speak on how potential employers view someone who took a year off for a hike because I was told by my previous employer and my current employer before AND after my hike that they’d have a place for me on their payroll. They didn’t even ask if I’m planning another long hike, so I guess it didn’t bother them at all.

Don’t know if these ramblings helped you any…
:slight_smile:
Wench
AT03

Wench

#3

Ive had some kind of job since I was 16 years old and so when I got a 7 month leave of absence from my job It was a real life change to be unemployed for the first time in 34 years. I really enjoyed my time on the trail and It became my occupation for 6 months. During my walk to Maine I was happy as long as I was on the trail because I felt like I was bieng productive because I was walking for the childrens Miricle network and becuse I was fulfilling a life long dream of hiking the whole trail. When I took a zero day in town and needed the rest I was ok but if I spent any time more then I needed to rest and resupply then I felt I was not being productive and would want to get back on the ridge and headed north. When I completed the trail and took a week off I realized that I would have a real problem with not having something to do and I was ready to go back to work. Once back to work I had a job with less responsibility and less sress. This was fine with me and I feel that walking the trail has given me the break I needed to reasess how I want to finish out my working years. Ive heard of the thoughts of adventurers who wished they were out in the wilderness when they were at home and when they were out in the wilderness they wished they were at home. I know how they feel.

Crow

#4

I think this question has been asked before, and the short answer is that very few people return to their old job or even profession after doing a thru-hike

Reasons why? Well, for some, they were burnt out on the old job anyway. For others, 6 months away gives you a fresh perspective on things. And for many, we do a thru-hike when we are at a change of life anyway, be it just after college, mid life crisis, or retirement time.

Peaks

#5

I did some long distanc walking, last one for over a month in Europe. It changed my life, allthough I went back to my work I was a different person, more patient and more tolerant (people say I was like that before). More nature oreinted, open space, stress-less environments. That was why I decided to thru hike this year, it is so strong.
Some one said that I sort of levitated 1 inch above ground last time, I imagine I’ll float higher after this coming thru hike…oh yes, I leased my apartment, will work anywhere where I find a job, find a quiet place to live and maybe even a different personal life.

zammy

#6

this thread has happened before, but the fact is that no one i know had any trouble getting a job. i would go so far as to say that the at made it easier. for real.

milo