The worst part of hiking

imported
#21

I didn’t think I would be given a Leave of Absense from my job so I sat down with my manger and explained why I was leaving. I also added a few words of gratitude for the job i was leaving, etc…and before I knew it he offered me a LOA.

For me, the fact that I was willing to quit to follow this dream was a big deal. I had been there eover 10 years and after awhile in one place you start to settle in and become very adverse to risk and change. Have confidence in yourself. If your a good worker chances are you’ll land on your feet. Sometimes though, you have to make choices in life. Ask yourself whats really more important and be honest.

Jalan Jalan

#22

It takes courage to embark on a long hike and it can take courage to be openly honest with your boss, colleagues, spouse, etc. A courageous person will gain the respect of others and will build self esteem. I’ve hired a lot of people over the years and I have always admired those who have taken on big challenges. A significant journey will generally serve to enhance your professional and personal image. My view is to be honest, respectful and reasonably flexible. If you really only need three months couldn’t you start in May, June or July? Maybe that would help the employment outcome. The burning bridges comment is right on - the employment world is surprisingly small. Good luck and live the dream.

Bonjour

#23

I’m either really transparent or hikers are some really insightful people. Either way, I’m sure my inexperience shines like a beacon but I can admit its true. I have never quit or been fired from a job before. Well, not a real job anyways. The firm I work for is very big, very corporate and has people coming and going all the time. It’s my first time working for such a company and I just don’t know how some things really work, and don’t want to mess up. My firm will and has fired people on the spot. But after having my yearly review, I know that my boss is happy with my performance which I think only makes the guilt just a wee bit worse. Still gonna do it. I don’t plan on burning any bridges at all. In fact, I know that when I get back I will be a much happier healthier person and that much more productive and would like to give a part of that to my company. I like my boss, he’s a good guy. I like my firm, I’ve learned alot working there. Most people get a LOA for maternity - I don’t know of anyone getting one for something else. Still gonna do it. As for the bad rep - I guess I don’t really have to worry because I’m not doing anything scandalous. I have the ammo I need to break it to the boss. Sometimes you just need a pep talk.

Know anyone who wants to rent a house?

:tongue

seagrass

#24

Do you still have your life-sized blow up doll of Britney Spears?

If so, I hope you doll wears underwear and has a lot more discretion than the real Britney.

Bob J

#25

Hey Seagrass, sounds like you work for an A&E firm. I could be wrong, but it just sounds all too familiar to me. I’m quitting my job for a thru-hike in March and am ecstatic. I may be in a very different place as far as that goes, but I can still relate. I was nervous as I could be the first time I quit a job, but it was a surprisingly painless experience. They even went as far to say that if I ever wanted to come back and work for them they would be willing to talk. And I wasn’t leaving for the trail, but rather leaving them for another company. You should definately avoid burning bridges, but I’ve found that most employers don’t care to burn bridges either. It will be difficult, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome (its never as bad as you imagine). And in my experience, once its over with it will feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. Good luck.

As for me, screw it, I’m done with the corporate bulls*%t. NOBO in March '07.

Andy

#26

Go for it…if this is truly a dream for you, you’ll regret it more if you don’t do it than you will if you do. Work to live, don’t live to work. You’ll learn so much along the way that wouldn’t be possible sitting in an office worrying about billables…and if you feel that you still have the same vigor and love for your field, then apply as a lateral and you’ll have no problem doing so. And take your time…

wildcat '05

#27

what’s all this “vacation” stuff!..hikin’ the AT was the hardest work we ever did! (and we still did it twice!)… it has been one of the greatest blessings of our life …MANY people understand the benefits of this type of endeavor…we actually stayed with some folks in VA this year who thoght it was important enough that they took their 8 and 11 year olds with them to hike the entire trail (the children’s school must’ve also thought it was important education-wise because they enabled these students to leave before the school term was up!)…so it’s not like you’re askin’ for some special favors while you go “play”!..you hafta know it’s TOUGH and not everybody who wants to do it completes a thru-hike…but if its your dream, it’s at least worth lookin’ at ALL aspects of that dream (like “WHY” that YOU think it’s important) and then do "whatever"it takes to get there…might i suggest one very important “whatever”?..PRAYER!..if you’re on “speaking terms” with your Creator, ask Him what He wants for your life and to open or close the necessary “doors” for you (like with your job)…He wants only whats best for us so you can’t go wrong!..perhaps a letter accompanying a "face to face"with your boss would be helpful…something explaining your plans and desires that you can leave with him to review?..maw-ee

deb tucker (maw-ee)