BootsnAll Travel Community

Haven't seen much on this topic so I thought I would throw it out there.

I'm planning a 9-12 month trip with my girlfriend to Mexico, Central, and South America. We both currently have decent paying full time jobs that we intend to quit for the trip. I was wondering if anybody had any advice or words of wisdom on the subject of transitioning back to "normal" life after extended periods of travel.

We currently live in Chicago and we do not know where we want to live when we return to the States (which may not happen if McCain wins the election, but that's another discussion...). We are considering Seattle and Arizona, as we have friends and family in those areas. We plan to have a few thousand put aside for money upon our return.

What have people experienced? How hard was it to find a job and get back into a routine? Where did you live and how did you afford it? Did you start job hunting while on the road? What did it feel like to make that transition back to "regular" life?

I know it's a general question but I wanted to leave it open and see what people have to say. Thanks a lot!

-Rich

Two events stand out for me.

Once, after a year backpacking in mostly rural Africa, I had to fly to Rome to pick up a visa. When I arrived, I was absolutely dysfunctional. I couldn't cross the street - I waited for several lights before daring to dash across with a group of people. Heavy traffic and lights were so far out of my daily life that I was in absolute shock.

I also recall coming back to Europe after three years on the road. After the obligatory rude awakening by traffic, I found I'd lost none of the old job hunting instincts - in face, I was ensconced in a job a couple of weeks after my return. And no, I didn't give it a moment's thought while I was on the road.

It depends a bit - and obviously Europe and the USA are a bit different when it comes to the job markets.

When I came home from the first time, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. However, when my former employer offered me a job (UBS, committing several years, offering further specialization and career programs), I turned it down without even considering. Instead I found a job as Junior Controller and did that for a while. Just for the money. No heart or soul in the job.
After the second long trip, I actually started working before I even really wanted to (I actually wanted a month or so acclimatization period, but they wanted me to start on Monday...after arriving Thursday). So I did for a few months, then quit to go back to school and start part time in a new profession.

Your education, experience and flexibility play a major part in if and when you can find a job. Obviously your network is essential as well. And the impression you leave when working. All my references are impeccable and from reputable employers. Makes it easier to find jobs.

Frankly, and I might stir up some people around here with this statement, with the way the economy is heading (I think, a global recession is unavoidable at this point), young people with little work experience (less then three years), will have a hard time finding jobs after returning from a year away in a tight job market.
The other option is of course to leave for 3 or 4 years and bypassing the recession.

in terms of reverse culture shock, it WILL hit you, but it will also fade. you've lived in this culture too long for it not to pop right back up when you get back into the swing of things, even if you are away for a good year or so.

what may be harder to deal with is your change in values and how that relates to going back to the 9-5 and all that goes along with that.

Readjusting to the pace and focus of the "real" (first) world took several months for me and I was only gone a month, the hardest adjustment was with friends and (some) family. My priorities, values and attitudes changed and it has been hard maintaining those past relationships.

The first time I came back from an extended period overseas (my study abroad) the main shock to me was how everything was the same- you somehow assume that because your life has changed so much everything else should have as well, but it didn't. Funny how that works... and this time when I head out I will (hopefully) be accepted to graduate school while on the road, so I'm hoping that transitioning to another (albeit different) adventure will help.

I think having some money stashed away for your return is very smart. As mentioned, there will be a certain amount of culture shock when you return and having a $ cushion will at least give you more choice about how to handle your future.

As for the type of culture shock, or the extent - that will be highly personal. My husband and I; same trip, same experiences, reacted very differently upon our return. I was completely blown away by my experience, wanted to get back out on the road and found it very hard to deal with life back home. I was on such a high when I returned, wanting to share our experiences and life lessons with everyone and found that noone really cared or had changed like I had (I call it my "I found Jesus" stage, because I imagine that is what anyone who has a deep spiritual experience comes up against). So then I became sad...and very slowly made my readjustment to life as is, only I made different lifestyle choices along the way. During the readjustment phase, I was offered several jobs from past employers in my industry but declined them all. I left life in a cubicle somewhere back in Asia...

My husband on the other hand, had a very different reaction. He was ready to come home and pick up where he left off. We were out of work for a few weeks, and while I was still in a state of elation, he was depressed. He was offered his old job back and he readjusted nicely. In the end, we did ok and were able to support each other in our return. While we are now once again fully "imbedded" back into our old world, we both live our lives very differently than we would have had we not traveled.

I think the biggest liability in doing a trip like this is the fact that it wont be enough. I am always planning and plotting our next big trip, with kids next time

Thanks for the great responses. Any other practical advice? I am less concerned about culture shock than I am about finding a job, having enough money put aside, etc...

I am likely going to be facing this issue in a month or two. My situation is somewhat similar in that I quit my job and plan on relocating elsewhere when I return. Anyway, I think some of this tends to be a bit individual. In my case, I'll have about $15,000 when I return. But I sold my car and my furniture before I left so some of that $15,000 will go towards "stuff". And I have no idea what I want to do for work (or what I'm even qualified for at this point) so I'm a bit concerned about finding work when I return.

I'm being a bit long-winded here....the amount of money you need is going to depend on how frugally you can/want to live when you return. And the amount of time it takes to find a job will depend on what sort of work you do and how in demand those skills are.

OK, don't take this as 'advice', but as my personal opinion and experience.

I just recently wrote about the 'liberation from ownership' that traveling offers. Your (editorial 'you') materialistic concerns is what keeps you from realizing what and who you are. I have never worried about 'after'. The first time I returned, I owed a friend 6k. The second time I was literally down to zero again. When I traveled to Australia, I knew that after a year's traveling, I would be running out of money in Australia. That didn't keep me from doing it. It didn't keep me 'home' longer to save more money.

To me, it really is very simple: security is an illusion. Absolute security is a delusion. You could always try to cover yet one more risk. Until you die (because you can't cover death) and haven't lived. Yes, quitting your job and going away is a risk. You might never find a job again. But then. Your employer might fire you today and you might never find a job again.
On the other hand, you might run into somebody abroad who needs your skills and end up living in paradise. Happened to a friend of mine.

Nicely put elAdi.

So much can happen in those 9-12 months. If you are really a worry worth then keep a stash aside to help you through the re-entry period. Its a practical thing to do if you are that kind of person. Know what kind of person are you.

I have decided to stay back in India! on this trip of mine which I started in May. Jan onwards I will be looking for a apartment to stay in Bangalore and start life here as a expat after living in SF/Bayarea for 16 years. Its a HUGE change for me..even though I'm Indian born and bred. I decided this in a split second! happened without knowing. I have no clue yet what life will be like here and what I will do but I know it will be fine.

Will have to adjust to left side driving, learn how to navigate the INdian burecracy etc, find a job legally, work on all the paperwork needed to live here now as a US citizen.

I was going to go to Asia in Jan but now all that plan is put aside. So unpredictable changes can happen in a 9-12 month trip.

For me the adjustment would be a mental one..harder I think that just putting money aside for when you come back. Don't discount the social reentry.

I will have to update this next year to share how I have done.

Good luck.

quote:

I have decided to stay back in India!

Sweet, prepare to accommodate two sweaty cyclists in 2010.

No, seriously Madhu: very cool and welcome in the expat family. Good luck!

My experience is very much a combination of all that has being said.

My husband and I returned from our 13 month RTW w/$200 in our bank account $20K debt, no car, no place to live, my job being somewhat secured, but it paid probably around $13/hour and my second job was waitressing. We got some $$ from relatives as we got married on the way and we had a "second ceremony" in PA.

Back to reality was definatelly viewed as oh @#@#@# now we have to make $$ and pay off the debt before the interest kicks in ridiciously.
I was ready to be back and work and have "structure" in my life. My husband was rather not but with no money there's no travelling. So for the past two and a half years we both had two jobs, and my husband started to study to change careers. We long ago paid off our debt. Actually it took us 11 months but now we do have another RTW trip in mind.

But we are also keeping in mind that the economy's not doing great thus we have to work on getting work experience plus as much as we'd love to go again I refuse to come back to an empty bank account. don't take me wrong - go do it and i never regret working so hard to pay everything off but be aware of the global situation too.

But above all and I think most of us agree - if you go and travel be ready that it'll probably stay with you for the rest of your life and 9-5 and great carreers won't probably look so hot after that anymore

I am in a "same-same but different" situation right now

I have to be at my old job in Jan. (I am secretly hoping that there are layoffs in Feb, so i get a severance package and some cash for more travels. I am terrified of going back and being miserable, now that i have a ticket in hand on the other hand, I am glad to have the "security" a job offers, given the current economic situation but my heart yearns for more..

I don't have a game plan but I know, after having traveled a bit, I am going to value what I have more than I did before. In the land of the plenty, we have a tendency to take things for granted. Its only when you come across people who can't even imagine what a playground is, forget seeing one, you realize how good you have had it.

I plan to crash with friends for a week or so and then find a place to sublet for a few months. its cheaper than a leased apt, and there is no long-term commitment.

my plan initially (when I was sure the Leave of Absence won't be approved) was to work part-time after i come back while I look for that perfect job. So, I made sure that my resume was up to date and acquired some new, more marketable skills months before I left, before I even told my manager.

I will be bookmarking this discussion to ease back into "normal" life once I get back and perhaps work up that strength to pack my bags again.

good luck, madhu! it will be a huge change, no doubt, but you will be fine, of course! I would love to know how you do, so please share your experiences with us!

My partner and I recently arrived home, back to the USA from living in London and traveling Europe for a year. I have been home for about 6 weeks now and was at the beginning surprised by how properly depressed I was. The only thing that made me happy was planning another trip in 6 months to go away for even longer this time. I was surprised as someone mentioned how everything was all the same. The people and places, all identical to leaving them. It is bothersome that I felt like I was doing something really big in my life and when I got back everyone was great, but no one actually had any real questions for me about my experiences. Maybe it's because my friends and family haven't done that much traveling, I don't know.

My partner on the other hand is happy to be back and adjusted much better than I did. She is ready to put down her backpack for awhile and is happy to have a routine again while I am laying in bed, depressed and miserable.

I have slowly gotten over it because I guess you adjust to any surroundings after awhile.

In terms of practicality, I recently graduated from university and just got the same old waitressing job to pull me through as I had before and am stuck living back with my mom for now since I had only a little money left. My partner is 1200 usd in debt and owes me 600 dollars as well. She is a little worried about that but nothing major.

I guess travelers trade the luxuries of having a new tv, a new car or even in my situation, my own apartment just so I can fund my next move to Australia.

Having money and options will make it easier because money makes so much easier but as for a job, you can find any part-time work to pull you through until your get a job in your field.

I've read alot of stories here about starting from scratch when they get back, does that "hurt" when you compare yourself to the "successfull" carreer type of people?
I've been raised in a society where the best thing you can do is get a carreer and earn as much money as you can, it's all I've ever known. I know there is alot more to life than this (hell, for me the carreer life doesn't feel much like living) but it is so hard to take the step into the unknown. I'm kind of just wondering.. are you guys happy? Obviously the travel is probably the best experience in your life, but I don't want to lead an unhappy life just clinging on to the memory of the greatest experience in my life.

I've been traveling through the UK (WHV) as the recession started and spent several points being unemployed so I heartily recommend having a little nest egg to support you for the first month you get back. I tend to stay with friends OS and my parents when I'm home but I try to contribute a little money towards my board as I really am over relying on people to provide me with housing just because I've been traveling and don't have the money. I like to stand on my own two feet!

It may be hard to find a job when you get back. But you'll find something, even if it isn't what you want exactly you'll get that money flowing through again and you can keep looking for what you really want. That's the way life works. The only other advice I can suggest is that I found I was really tired for the first couple of weeks after starting FT work again. Cos I usually need to jump into employment shortly after arriving I find the change in pace of lifestyle really drains me initially so keep that in mind and don't take too much on!

Supertramp - I gave up on the idea of a career before I left on my trip as all the jobs I'd taken that were 'career orientated' ended up burning be and leaving me feeling like crap going no where. So that makes it easier for me to let go of that idea and try to find a path that suits me. Sure, occassionally I get annoyed at the boring tasks I do in my temporary jobs at the moment but I'm earning money to keep my head above water (and pay for the next trip!) and I am activly working to build up opportunities to get the kind of work I DO want in the future. Since travelling I find it easier to see everything as part of the continuum of where I want to be, rather than getting frustrated in the bog that I may be right at this moment