I've spent the last few days wrapping up the 6-month leadership training I began back in May. I didn't know what I was getting into back then, however it turned out to be a great experience, and I'm going to miss those few days in Richmond each month.
I ate like there was no tomorrow – danced like no one was watching – and sang a surprise karaoke rendition of Billy Joel's “It's Still Rock ‘n Roll To Me.”
I have one week left in my Arlington apartment, and it feels like I have so much to do in the next 7 days:
- Continue giving away and selling stuff
- Draft and deliver my resignation (Monday)
- Reserve and buy my first few flights (via AirTreks.com – thus committing to a departure date)
- Apply for health insurance (leaning toward IMG Global – probably going to skip travel insurance)
- Finalize my MP3 player
- Complete final 3 physical therapy visits and get my new orthotics fitted
- Attend DC United playoff game #2 (Nov 1)
- Get packing supplies and pack (Nov 2), and move (Nov 3)
- Get my windshield replaced, car detailed and photographed, and start advertising it online
I think it'll all be downhill once I let the cat out of the bag at work Monday morning. Short of telling them I'm joining the Marines like my brother, I think the message that I'm quitting to travel around the world in 5 weeks is about as shocking a message as I could deliver. Especially coming from someone like me who presents a straight-laced personality in the office!
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Laura
Monday 29th of October 2007
I've been in this situation a few times -- giving notice. Generally, I feel the best part of any job is the last 2 weeks. (Except my last job where I gave 3 months notice and that was pure hell, but that's also a different story.) It sounds like you're the kind of person who is a good worker and I'm sure you'll be missed. And if you didn't know your worth before, you'll likely see it now while you ween yourself from your role.
Some advice, jic -- CYA. This message may come too late, but you never do know how your colleagues, and more specifically, your boss, will react. Good to go into your resigning meeting being prepared that today may be your last day on the job whether you like it or not. Get your emails and your personal data, etc. off the company's systems first. It has never happened to me, but I've seen people quit and then be quickly escorted out of the building!
But have fun with this moment! Relish in it. It is a unique time and keep us posted! Good luck!
Dave
Monday 29th of October 2007
Laura -
This is wonderful advice and commentary. My first post-college job ended with a mass layoff, so a voluntary termination in my professional career is still a new experience for me. I'm glad to say it went really well! They asked me to stay a few days longer than I had planned (I felt a bit confident they weren't going to show me the door immediately having seen some of my peers resign, though your advice is worth heeding I'm sure).
I think it'll be a lot easier for me to relish the experience now that I've put my chips on the table. Having read other's experiences in the same situation, I know I'll be getting quite a lot of attention once the word gets out about my plans. It's a lot more empowering than facing a layoff, that's for sure!
Laura
Monday 29th of October 2007
I've been in this situation a few times -- giving notice. Generally, I feel the best part of any job is the last 2 weeks. (Except my last job where I gave 3 months notice and that was pure hell, but that's also a different story.) It sounds like you're the kind of person who is a good worker and I'm sure you'll be missed. And if you didn't know your worth before, you'll likely see it now while you ween yourself from your role.
Some advice, jic -- CYA. This message may come too late, but you never do know how your colleagues, and more specifically, your boss, will react. Good to go into your resigning meeting being prepared that today may be your last day on the job whether you like it or not. Get your emails and your personal data, etc. off the company's systems first. It has never happened to me, but I've seen people quit and then be quickly escorted out of the building!
But have fun with this moment! Relish in it. It is a unique time and keep us posted! Good luck!
Dave
Tuesday 30th of October 2007
Laura -
This is wonderful advice and commentary. My first post-college job ended with a mass layoff, so a voluntary termination in my professional career is still a new experience for me. I'm glad to say it went really well! They asked me to stay a few days longer than I had planned (I felt a bit confident they weren't going to show me the door immediately having seen some of my peers resign, though your advice is worth heeding I'm sure).
I think it'll be a lot easier for me to relish the experience now that I've put my chips on the table. Having read other's experiences in the same situation, I know I'll be getting quite a lot of attention once the word gets out about my plans. It's a lot more empowering than facing a layoff, that's for sure!
Dan
Monday 29th of October 2007
I'm hanging out to hear their reaction, hopefully you get some funny ones.
Dan
Sunday 28th of October 2007
I'm hanging out to hear their reaction, hopefully you get some funny ones.
arnika
Sunday 28th of October 2007
stumbled upon this while procrastinating studying...you must be excited about leaving! What I can't figure out if you have been planning this for so long (which you def. have been, I looked at your budget! My advice after a year RTW is to stop planning past what continents you want to go to..but thats just me) and are so pumped (understandably), how does your work not know you are leaving?? Do you not talk to your work mates about anything? Maybe its just me but I wouldn't be able to shut up about it!...hmmm just wondering. hope you get everything sorted and I'll keep reading!
Dave
Sunday 28th of October 2007
Hi Arnika -
Glad you found me. I'm sure you have some great advice having just finished a RTW trip!
I actually haven't been planning at all for my trip beyond Asia. The reason I had to pick a route for Asia is because I wanted to ensure I had the chance to trek in Nepal during the March/April period before the monsoon begins. Otherwise, I've just picked a few must-see countries on each of the other continents.
The past few years I've kept my work and personal life increasingly separate. I don't think that's too uncommon. I've told everyone else though - family/friends/strangers and the DC metropolitan area when I was interviewed on TV last October (a few coworkers saw it). :) You can see the interview on my "About Me" page. :)
I know I'll be in for a lot of questions/attention once I break the news at work tomorrow. Wish me luck!