The worst part of hiking

imported
#1

This is going to be a hard one. The time has come to tell the boss about my plans to hike the AT in March. I’ve read all the posts I can find on the topic, and the vast majority agree that jobs can come and go, and if hiking is your dream you should do it. Fine, I totally agree and I have made up my mind to go on my hike no matter what. It is infinitely more important to me than my job. However, I didn’t torture myself through grad school to just throw it all away for basically a 3 month vacation. I like my job, or rather I like my firm. I don’t LOVE it, though. But I work in a competitive field and a bad rep can ruin you. So, I had to convince myself that I am prepared for the worst case scenario - get fired or “let go”, and have to find another job while risking losing my house because I can’t pay the mortgage. So ideally, I would be granted a Leave of Absence. Question is, how do you approach your boss, what can you say, so that you can leave and come back? I guess I feel bad because to some extent I have loyalty to my firm, even though I know they could fire me on the spot without hesitation if they wanted to. There’s also the fact that I can’t just leave my house empty 3 months and pay my mortgage while on the trail, and I am certainly not going to sell my house. This seems like a common issue, and I just wonder how everyone has dealt with it.

seagrass

#2

you must be planning a section hike because the AT takes between five and six months, not being smart just realistic

fatback

#3

I’m sure that you’ll Work it out…but you should take longer than three months to hike the whole trail…wow,2174.6 miles is really a long way…my feet are still sore…It’s a once in a life time journey…Or is it?I think that I’m up for the PCT in a couple years…Oh yea…BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!!!:cheers

old school

#4

just go to your boss and tell him that this is your dream and that you love your job but this is just something that you feel you need to do. Tell him you would like for him to give you a leave of absence if he cant do that ask can you leave on good terms and possibly re apply when you return

fatback

#5

whoa, your plan’s going to be tough.

for one, I’d recommend talking to your HR director first just to be sure you could even take a leave of absense (use a different phone so they can’t trace the call back to you). Usually they’ve got to be approved, and only for special cases. An AT hike would be a tough sell.

as said above, unless you’re a monster athlete, it’s going to take you 5-6 months, beyond what a leave of absense would allow. At that point, most companies would rather just let you walk and would have hired someone else for your position.

From what you said, it sounds more like you’d have to quit your job to do it.

A thru-hike is an amazing journey, and very rewarding. I’ve also found that the business world respects someone who has accomplished it and it helps a resume more than it hurts. But obviously six months of no income is tough to overcome.

Be cautious before you say anything to your boss about it. He could very easily say no, but then he’d have it in the back of his head that you may quit come March and start thinking about replacing you ahead of time. It’s cynical, but that’s the nature of things.

0101

#6

I got a leave but I am also a needed member of my department so they couldn’t fire me. They hired a temp. They even paid my health insurance while I was gone.

As for for the house, we tried a sitter but it didn’t work out. My family was close so they watched it for us. The money part was handled by saving for it well before the trip and then using our home equity line to make payments on things, paying off everything when we finished. We gave power of attorney to a relative and he made payments for us.
I’ve seen other folks just use what cash they have saved and then use a credit card for the rest and make the minimum payment until you get back. If you at least don’t have the mortgage money for the trip you may have to wait.

You could rent out your house but that has its own problems.

BW

#7

You think it’s the worst part. I think it’s the best part.

No one ever gets ahead in this life by doing things the way others want them too. “Trust me” I work for myself and have been quite succesfull. However I to have the dream. I had to tell myself I would be quiting in march for a possible six months. Can you imagine what that arguement was like? LOL>> It was bad I actually had to fire myself. HA HA in fact I might even steal something from myself when I leave…

If you don’t have some cash saved take out a short term loan before you leave your job, “so you qualify”. Then use it to pay your mortagage during and after your hike. Also for living expenses untill you find a new job. Some people will say wait for a better time in your life to do this. They will say do it more responsible and they will quote there’s “retire’s on the trail”. Frankly I think its a bunch of bullsh*t when and in what point in anyones life can you pick up and leave for 4 to 6 months. Never!!! Unless you make a choice like we all are doing. I have a feeling after I get off the trail I will be looking at life in a whole new way… And so will you!! And when it’s time to start looking for that new job I think you’ll be happy to be doing so…

I’LL BE LEAVING ON OR SHORTLY AFTER MARCH 15 I HOPE TO SEE YOU AND WOULD LOVE TO HIKE WITH SOMONE ELSE WHO SAID F%*K IT ALL; I’M GOING TO HIKE THE ENTIRE AT.

STEVE.

Steve

#8

I gave my boss a 2-month notice before I hiked this past year letting him know that this was something I’ve dreamed of and needed to do. Even though he didn’t agree with what I was doing, he respected the fact that I told him early and that I was being honest. Nobody wants to slow anybody’s dreams and if they do, you shouldn’t be working for them in the first place. It’s just a job, and although you may be making a ton a money or working with the greatest people, there are other jobs and other good workers out there. Don’t stress over a job. Focus on what you want to do. This trip will change your life forever and when your done with it, you may even decide that you don’t want to go back.

During my trek, I stayed in contact with my boss as they pinned my steps on the map. When I was all done and over, my boss called me and asked if I would be interested in working for them again. After taking some time to think about, I took it. Things happen for strange reasons. Just like on the trail. Who knows what this decision may land you. But it can work out for the positive. You really have nothing to lose.

Grinds

#9

If you can, find a housesitter. If not, you may need to hire a lawn service to make the house look lived in. Someone needs to mow the lawn, rake the leaves, check on the sump pump, etc. If you’re in a townhouse or condo you just need to have a friend or relative run by every once in while to make sure that everything is all right. We ended up selling our house, since we didn’t want to have to deal with all of that, but we knew we didn’t want to live in this area after this latest hike.

There are a lot of details involved in getting away when you have a house, car, etc. The Thruhiking Papers have a partial list - and on this latest hike we had to add other items to the check list. By your possessions you are owned. However, I really believe it is absolutely worth the hassle involved in wrapping up your life before you leave.

Don’t tell your boss too soon, unless there is a major problem replacing you. Once you’ve said you’re leaving, you become redundant - and that can mean getting fired on the spot (before you’ve saved the money you need to hike) or they simply remove all responsibility so you are bored out of your mind for the last month or two. Either way - it is better to wait if you can do so responsibly.

Ginny

#10

Hello:

You act as though going on a six month adventure is akin to committing job suicide. Who are you? What defines yourself? Does your job define you? If hiking the AT is more important than your job you wouldn’t have this problem. The AT is not a three month vacation. It is a trip that usually lasts most people about five to six months… It can be done in three but you would be missing the best parts of the trail (the people, the people, not to mention actually enjoying yourself and the meditations in the woods with our dear Mother…). There are a lot of ups and downs on the trail… Most of my friends who have hiked it have completely changed for the far better. It will forever change your mind and your perception. Hopefully it will lead you away from the babylonian world of numbers and into a serene world of reality.

The third time I hiked the trail I left a position that had me positioned for big dollar Chef positions for the rest of my life (book deals, etc etc etc)… I received so many national and international accolades there. The look on my bosses face was priceless… He could not believe I was literally walking away from fame in the foodie world… I ended up staying for six weeks after I gave my notice. I can tell you I do not regret it one bit. But then I define myself by my character and my passions not my job.

My advice: give two week notice. That is what is correct in the numbered world. If you are so important to the firm they will work with you… otherwise there is a wonderful world out there and many more jobs… Everything in our lives happens for reasons… You may look back someday and see that this is the single event that defined your character… as far as your house… rent it out or sell it. Material possesions are over rated anyhow.

Good Luck on the AT…

Blessings from the Redwoods of Northern Cali

aswah

#11

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings. In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

Thoreau

aswah

#12

Johnny Paycheck knew how to break the news. “Take this job and shove it!”

Johnny

#13

I know this is blasphemy on this website, but you can hike the whole Appalachian Trail in sections. It is much easier to take a month or six weeks. You can even time your sections so you are doing it in the best weather for that section (lots of sections are best in Fall or late Spring). Good luck whatever you decide.
Turtle Walking (only 350 miles left and I will have done the whole trail - non-thru hiker)

Turtle Walking

#14

Thanks for the great advice. I can agree with everyone to some degree, and I love the quote from Thoreau. I guess the real issue I am dealing with is uncertainty of the future. I worked so hard to get to where I am and sacrificed so much that I feel like I am gambling with the “path” I laid out for myself. Funny thing is, I’m not even normally like that. I’ve always been a little bit reckless and spontaneous. It was sucked out of me somewhere along the way. The point is, I realized the trap I set for myself and I have to break out of it. So, I know that no matter what I’m going. I’m still going to worry about stuff, but I don’t think I can help that. All I need to do now is find the balls to tell my boss. It doesn’t matter if I get fired because I am already preparing for the worst, and I’m OK with it. And I guess I didn’t make this clear but there’s no way on earth I can hike the entire trail, much less in 3 months. I’m just trying to make it to 600 miles. I would love to do the whole trail, and someday I might but it’s just not in the cards for me right now. Thanks again. :smiley:

seagrass

#15

I’m confused over the whole fired thing. Usually a request like this goes, your boss will agree or disagree with your request for leave. If he disagrees, you then reqretfully quit with at least a 2 week notice(offer them more time if they seem like they would want it and you’ll leave on even better terms). Express your hope that if they have an opening in the fall, that they might consider hiring you.

Where does the your fired part come in? I’ve only known one guy who quit with a 2 week notice and his boss freaked and told him he was fired. This is very unusual and doesn’t happen in a professionally run company as people always come and go. And you normally would know if you worked for a jerk like that anyway and would be happy to be gone.

From your worries, it seems like you have never quit a job before. People do it all the time. In fact, during the earlier part of your career, most people rarely stay for more then 2 years at a particular job. The biggest key is to try to leave on the best of terms so you can get the best possible future references from your boss and co-workers. NEVER burn bridges behind you no matter how much you hate a job. Your boss may move to another company latter and surprise you when you interview with him or he could be hired and assigned over you. It does happen if you stay in the same local area and profession.

You should be able to do 600 miles in less then 2 months unless you really take your time or are completely physically unfit to start. That sort of time is much easier to request and get then a 6 month leave.

Miner

#16

It appears that you have reached a point in your life where you are ready to make a change. You are leaving your job, one way or another, to hike the trail for 5-6 months. No, you wont be making any money, but you will never regret hiking the trail. The trail is that incredible.

For your job, I would tell your employer 1 month before you plan to leave. You are a professional and you want to give your company enough time to replace you, but not so much time that you are walking dead. It takes time to find qualified people, so if you have any desire of returning there or getting a good reference in the future you need to leave on a good note. Ideally, try to find, hire and train your replacement. If you think about it, that’s how managers are made.

When you approach your boss, I would TELL him that you are hiking the trail. Don’t ask permission or be indecisive. That way he will realize your commitment and not expend energy trying to change your mind. He is going to ask you to explain your reasons to him, so that he can rationalize it in his mind. That can be a problem so simplify it for him: you are hiking because you really want to. Get him one of the brochures that folds out into a map. It’s a pretty good way to let management know that this isn’t just a vacation; going 2200 miles through 14 states is work.

As for your house, try to find someone you trust to move in. Leaving it unoccupied is the least favorable solution.

30-30

#17

seagrass, I hope you don’t mind how this sounds but you sound a bit inexperienced. Nobody gets a bad reputation for being honest with their employer, but of course you must give the X weeks notice you’re supposed to give. Tell the truth, tell the boss how much this trip means to you, tell him or her that you want everything to be in good shape when you leave, tell the boss when you’re going and when you’re coming back and that’s it. You’re aren’t “throwing it all away”, in fact you’re not throwing anything away. If you’re a good employee then people will want to accomodate you. Who’s been feeding you this nonsense? Now, if you do happen to get a bad reaction from the boss when you deliver the news then this person is an #$&&%&% to begin with, you don’t want to return there anyway.

Brian Osborne

#18

Now I can’t say that this is what’s going on with Seagrass, but…

If you experience the arbitrary misuse of power often enough, it will shape your view of the world.

Conan

Conan

#19

Seagrass, weighing the practical (a job, steadfy income) vs. the ideal (your hike) is almost a lose - lose situation unless you put it in perspective. Maybe it’s somewhat existential, but this one life is yours to live the best way, as you see it. I’ve been tied to this desk for years, because I enjoy the security of what the income provides. I lack your education, which enhances your employability factor once you re - enter the job market. But, as I’ve found out in a strange twist of fate, you’re not guaranteed tomorrow. You get today, and if circumstances dictate you may not even finish that out! One day, 16 years ago, I was hiking, just like you. Instantly, while on the PCT in the Warner Wilderness of CA, I slipped and fell - I’ve been in a chair ever since, which has probably been one of the best things that ever happened to me - talk about gaining perspective! I hike and climb mountains to this day, in my chair. Each trip provides me the affirmation that life is worth living on my own terms, not the expectations of others. My advice to you? Talk to your boss, you have no reason to feel guilt; then be on your way, find yourself beneath a quiet sunrise each morning…you’ll figure out what’s important by the time your journey ends.
-4wb

4wheelbob

#20

When I was inquiring about some of the leave of absence policies at my company, the HR person told me that in general the company only accepts personal leave of absences if there is also a benefit for the company. This also goes in line with a statement I read about interviews – when interviewing for a job, you’re not supposed to ask what the company can give you. You should instead tell them what you have to offer.

Having never done a long-distance hike myself, I’m not sure how the experience walking a trail could benefit an employer. On the other hand, if you’re a good employee, they won’t want to lose you to another company so by granting a leave (almost) guarantees that you’ll come back to them.

arrgghhh